Jacob Pakenen cleared 12 feet in the pole vault last year and his coach has hopes that he will eclipse that feat this season.

NASELLE — Scott Smith, the Naselle head track coach, has a three-word answer when asked about 2024 goals: “Happy, healthy and fast!”

While Naselle boys didn’t replicate its 2022 second-place trophy, its squad had significant successes last year. They tallied enough points to place ninth at the WIAA 1B state meet at Eisenhower High School in Yakima.

In the 400 meters, Derek Suomela placed third in 2022 and second in 2023. In fact, he missed the gold medal last year by 0.02 seconds in a dipped-head finish at Yakima, the closest race of the entire meet. He also tied for fourth in high jump. As his senior year began, he took part in the newly re-formed Naselle cross country program last fall and was the highest NHS placer at the state championship run in Pasco in November.

“I think the returning athletes are going to have great seasons,” said the coach. “Derek is going to be strong after that cross country season. He will be contending for medals in four events.”

Jacob Pakenen, whose strength and 6-foot-4 height were an asset during basketball season, was third in the pole vault last year, clearing 12 feet. “He should become our first 13-foot pole vaulter in many years,” Smith predicted.

Mylee Dunagan went to state in high jump as an eighth grader and finished ninth, just off the podium. Last year, she had a stellar freshman season, qualified for state, and on consecutive days placed fourth in high jump, fifth in triple jump and sixth in long jump. The three-medal athlete was actually disappointed — a reaction that drew a wry smile from her coach.

“Mylee is just another raw talent,” Smith said. “I expect she’ll have a break-out season.”

The girls’ squad will be without Mylee’s sister, Bella, who graduated last year, and classmate Bella Colombo, who has been earning significant kudos for her volleyball skills at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, Calif. Both had sat out track in their junior years, so their senior successes pleased the coach. Talented throwers on the boys’ squad have graduated, too.

“It was a great group of kids to be around,” Smith said. “They made my job easy.”

Assistant coach Jack Osadchey, known to all as “Jack O,” is returning and will focus on the throwing events. “He is a strong communicator and loves the discus and shot,” Smith said.

Scott predicts that Naselle’s biggest challenges will come from Willapa Valley, South Bend, Ocosta and Ilwaco. “The ‘league’ in track is ambiguous. All those schools have good athletes in various events,” he said. “We are going to work hard and improve all year and compete to the best of our ability at meets.”

He is optimistic, especially with youth refreshing his squad.

“We have lots of young athletes,” added Smith. “The ninth-grade boys from last year are bigger and strong. There is a lot of raw talent in the lower grades that should contribute to the high school team.”

Naselle’s middle school squad will be coached by Marie Green and Tawnya Steenerson.

The high school season begins with a March 14 visit to Raymond, March 21 at Ilwaco and a March 28 home meet. The WIAA moved the state meet from the campus of Eastern Washington University in Cheney to Yakima in 2023 for a two-year experiment. It is scheduled for May 23-25.

If You Go

If You Go

If You Go

Naselle track

March 14 Raymond

March 21 Ilwaco

March 28 Home meet

April 6 Tri-District meet (TBA)

April 13 St. Helens

April 16 1B/2B/1A League meet Mossyrock

April 19 Kalama Twilight Invite

April 25 Ocosta

May 2 Ilwaco

May 3 Spudder Classic, Ridgefield

May 8 Home meet (Districts)

May 23-May 25 WIAA State Meet, Eisenhower High School, Yakima

Most meets begin 3:30 p.m. field, 4 p.m. races.