WIRC sends 6 to Oregon meet

Six members of the Whidbey Island Running Club participated in the Middle School Mile at Oregon's Twilight Meet Friday, May 6.

The meet at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field (home of the Olympic trials) in Eugene featured professional and NCAA champion athletes and included several exhibition races for future track "stars."

One of the exhibition races was the Middle School Mile and was limited to 40 qualifiers. Sixth through eighth graders competed in the same race.

The WIRC members were competing in their first track meet of the year and the girls were led by Laura Rodeheffer (sixth grade) in 13th place (5:45.3). She was followed by Kaitlyn Chelberg (sixth grade, 6:02.69) in 21st and Carolynn Wicker (sixth grade, 6:13.16) in 24th.

Sara Tsai of Oregon won the race in record time, 5:00.34.

Eighth-grader John Rodeheffer of the WIRC finished fourth (4:54.34) in the boys race. Dakota Powers (eighth grade, 5:05) and Logan Clark (seventh grade, 5:19.11) ran personal bests to place 15th and 21st.

The Whidbey Island Running Club, part of the North Whidbey Park and Recreation District, is open to runners ages 5 to 18.

Members can participate in sprints, distance events and field events.

Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4:15 p.m. at North Whidbey Middle School.

Middle school and high school athletes are welcome to join after the completion of their school seasons.

Contact Catie Rodeheffer at 360-279-2196 or catie@rodeheffer.net for more information.

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