High school spring sports season started across Washington state on March 2, with Kamiakin High School's track and field teams attracting over 200 athletes for their first practice. The boys team aims to defend last year's state championship amid challenges from graduating seniors. Athletes expressed excitement and set ambitious goals for the season.
The spring sports season officially launched in Washington state on March 2, encompassing baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, and golf, alongside track and field. At Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, more than 200 athletes joined the boys and girls track and field teams for their inaugural practice of the year.
The boys team enters the season as defending state champions from a record-breaking previous campaign but faces a rebuilding phase following the graduation of key seniors. Junior Gunner Smith reflected on the transition, stating, "It's definitely different without all of the seniors last year and all the good friends we made. But I think this year is going to be a rebuilding year after last year, because last year was such a great year with so many great lessons and so many great friendships made along the way."
On the girls side, senior Riley Schonewill, who competes in the long jump and 200m, shared her enthusiasm: "I've been so excited these past couple of weeks leading up to it, just to see everyone here come back, get to see all my friends again who I don't normally see at school. Just come back to the sport I've grown to love so much, so it's been really nice."
Some athletes are adjusting from fall cross country to the shorter track events. Senior Kayden Thornock noted, "It's a shorter race, so you've got to be a little more exact with how you're planning your races and all your splits. So it takes a lot of practice to figure out where that median is between all of it."
Senior Eliza Moody outlined her goals, saying, "I really want to go to state, for long jump especially. Last year we were really close with the relay, so going for that would be awesome. But just anything I can do to go to state and bring my team up, that would be awesome."
Coaches have several weeks of practice ahead before meets begin in late March, allowing time to assess talent and refine strategies across all spring sports programs.
