WIRC tunes up for Jr. Olympic Association meet

The Whidbey Island Running Club posted strong performances at Sammamish High School Saturday, June 12, as the team prepares for the Junior Olympic Association Championships.

John Rodeheffer led the way with firsts in the 1,500 and 3,000.

Michael Fisken set a new team record while finishing second by only two inches in the turbo javelin (71-07) in the bantam boys division; he also placed second in the shot put 18-0.5).

Coach Catie Rodeheffer said, "He is new to these disciplines, so he is just learning the technique and will show huge improvements yet."

Laura Rodeheffer made a triumphant debut in the 3,000 by setting a new team record (11:18).

Miguel Guzman finished second in 800 (2:44), clipping 17 seconds off his previous personal best.

Christina Wicker won the 1,500 (5:29) and was second in the 800 (2:29), missing a PR by just three seconds.

Another highlight according to coach Rodeheffer was newcomer Carly Crowther’s 3:19 split in the midget girls 4x800 relay.

WIRC will join athletes from all over Western Washington at the Junior Olympic Association meet in Seattle June 26 and 27. The top eight in each event will qualify for the regional meet July 10 and 11 in Seattle.

The regional will include athletes from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii. The top three finishers will earn berths at the national meet in Sacramento July 27 through Aug. 1.

The WIRC will also take part in area meets through August. Coach Rodeheffer said, "There is still plenty of time for kids to join and get involved." She can be reached at 279-2196.

Other Whidbey Island Running Club results at Sammamish:

Sub-bantam girls: Catherine Wicker, 400, sixth, 1:36; 200, third, 41.82.

Sub-bantam boys: Riley Williamson, long jump, sixth, 5-08; 100, 20.54; 400, 1:43; Jack Kagey, 100, 18.49; 400, 1:36; 800, 3:17

Bantam boys: Fisken, 800, 3:18; Zayne Lamoureux, turbo javelin, fifth, 41- 01; 400, 1:29.99.

Midget girls: 4x800 relay, first, 12:06.26 (Crowther, Carolynn Wicker, Kaitlyn Chelberg, Laura Rodeheffer), new team record; Crowther, 400, 1:32; 200, 35.97; Wicker, 400, sixth, 1:15.67; 800, third, 2:49.31; Chelberg, 1,500, fourth, 5:41; 200, 31.81; Rodeheffer, 1,500m, third, 5:35.

Midget Boys: Guzman, 800, second, 2:44.6; 400, 1:14.2; shot put, fifth, 22-0.5; Logan Clark, 1,500, fifth, 5:42; 400, 1:13.18; 200, 33.78.

Youth girls: Hannah Kagey, 800, fourth, 2:41.3; 400, 1:09.3; Jonalynn Horn, 1,500, third, 6:16.

Intermediate girls: Christina Wicker, 400, 1:04.5; 1,500, first, 5:29.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.