Naselle freshman Mylee Dunagan flies through the air over the long jump pit en route to a six-place medal in the WIAA 1B State Track Championships in Yakima Thursday. She set a personal best of 15.2.

Naselle earns medal; disappointment for Ilwaco

YAKIMA — Two talented freshmen athletes’ fortunes were at opposite ends of the spectrum at the WIAA State Track meet which began Thursday.

Naselle’s Mylee Dunagan lined up for the first 1B field event — the long jump — and leaped a personal best of 15.2.

It was good enough for a sixth-place medal and a trip to the podium for smiling photos and generous applause. “I was surprised, because I jumped off with my wrong foot!” she laughed.

The event was won by Tamia Cates of Mary Walker School with a jump of 16.8.25.

Dunagan has three more events, high jump and triple jump, and a 4x200m relay with her sister Bella, a senior.

In contrast, Ilwaco freshman Nora Soule’s face was etched with disappointment as she concluded her first of two distance races.

She appeared to start the 2B 1600 meters smoothly, but a cluster of runners raced ahead in the early stages then stretched the trailing pack.

She finished 10th in 6.26.79.

The race was won by Josie McLaughlin of St. George’s in 5.19.34.

Soule has a second chance to excel. She runs the 3200m later in the meet.

Two 800m runners from Ilwaco, junior Jacob Mathison and sophomore Mya Cunningham were on deck for their race heats Friday.

Naselle brought a squad of athletes to Yakima who qualified for state in running, throwing, jumping and pole vaulting. They will compete Friday and Saturday.

• Look for full coverage in Wednesday’s edition of the Chinook Observer