Many Cougs come close but only three move on

Similar story for Oly, KSS.

TACOMA — Lucky No. 7.

Well, that’s not exactly the case. At least that’s the way Central Kitsap track and field coach Mark Ward felt after a few of his athletes and relay teams finished seventh Friday and Saturday at the Class 4A West Central District meet at Mount Tahoma High School.

The top six individuals and relay teams qualified for Star Track, which begins Friday at Edgar Brown Stadium in Pasco.

“We’ve had more sevens than just about anyone,” Ward said. “It’s tough.”

Three Cougars qualified for state in individual events. Sophomore Shane Moskowitz advanced in the 1,600-meter and 3,200 run, while senior Robbin Harris qualified in the high jump and junior Allie Rue made it in the 400 as the only individual CK female.

Moskowitz finished sixth in the 1,600 at 4 minutes, 27.53 seconds and fifth in the 3,200 at 9:29.79. Gig Harbor’s Stanford University-bound Miles Unterreiner won both events at 4:19.08 and 9:14.35, respectively.

“We’re obviously pleased that he made it through and qualified,” Ward said. “I don’t think he was overly pleased with his time, but unless you’re going for a team championship here, the top six is all that really matters.”

Harris placed fourth at 6 feet 4 inches in the high jump won by Kentwood’s Cody Fishel (6-5).

“I think … the combination of heat and waiting around took its toll on him,” Ward said. “But it’s probably going to be worse next week.”

Ward thinks Rue, a junior, benefited from competing against senior teammate Sam Sudy in the 400 at practice throughout the spring. Sudy placed seventh in the event at 59.84, while Rue was third (57.65). Bellarmine Prep’s Kelly Jacka won the event in 57.37. Rue set a personal-best time in the event by a half-second and will make her first trip to state.

“Right around the curve, the last straightaway, I was next to Kelly Jacka,” she said. “I surprised myself a bit. “

She will be joined by her teammates in the 1,600 relay. Sudy, sophomore Shannon Moskowitz and senior Kate Berni ran the first three legs while Rue served as the anchor. The team finished at 4:01.69 behind Gig Harbor (3:59.09) and Emerald Ridge (4:01.15).

“Some of the other teams were so strong,” Rue said. “I can’t believe them -- they’re amazing.”

The Cougars placed 12th among 22 4A teams in the girls team standings. The CK boys had 17 points to tie with Puyallup for 18th among 26 teams. Bellarmine Prep was the top girls team with 132 points, while Todd Beamer led the boys with 65.5 points.

Olympic

The Trojans saw three advance to this weekend’s state meet in Pasco, with distance runners leading the way.

In the 3,200, both Nic Porter and John Wojtech advanced after taking fourth and seventh respectively. Samantha Brewer was the only Lady Trojan to advance, finishing seventh in the long jump. The top seven advanced for 3A as well.

Klahowya

The Eagles raced Saturday in Belfair, advancing just one individual and one relay to the 2A state tournament.

For the boys, Randy Schmittler will get a shot at state in the discus, hurling it 138-feet flat for second place. For the girls, it’ll be the 1,600 relay and Jes Cantu, Sharon Cox, Sierra Cook and Rebecca Lindgren representing the Eagles.

Lindgren just missed in the 400, taking third, as did Sharon Cox in the triple jump and Noah Caffrey in the 1,600. Schmittler nearly qualified in the 300 hurdles as well.

Aaron Managhan contributed to this report.

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