Track: Cruisers out of the blocks quickly

The Eatonville Cruiser track & field team started off its season with a resounding display of athleticism, seizing first place overall in both boys and girls categories at their league meet on Thursday.

Eatonville's prowess was on full display as they clinched first-place honors in an impressive tally of eight events. Among the standout performances for the boys, Ky Nation claimed the top spot in the 100m race, while Keith Smart secured victory in the 200m sprint. The dynamic quartet of Logan Taylor, Riley Hill, Jacob Simons, and Keith Smart powered to 1st place in the 4x100m relay.

Not to be outdone, the girls demonstrated their mettle with stellar performances across multiple events. Hannah Hanson sprinted her way to victory in the 100m dash, while Hannah Bieker showcased her endurance with a triumph in the 3200m run. Additionally, the relay teams exhibited impeccable teamwork, with the 4x100m team of Kennedy Noble, Nikia King, Jenae Roulst, and Hannah Hanson, along with the 4x200m team of Nikia King, Kennedy Noble, Jenae Roulst, and Kelani Monserrate, and the 4x400m team of Lily Lightfoot, Caelyn Schneider, Hadley Noble, and Abigail Lay all clinching first-place.

Buoyed by their initial success, the Cruisers continued their winning streak at the annual Rainier Icebreaker Invitational on Saturday at Rainier High School. They secured first place honors in four events, further solidifying their dominance.

Ky Nation showcased his sprinting prowess once again, clinching 1st place in the 100m event for the second consecutive meet. The formidable quartet of Riley Hill, Ky Nation, Keith Smart, and Jacob Simons continued their winning streak in the 4x100m relay. Additionally, Ethan Carter soared to victory in the pole vault event.

For the girls, the 4x100m relay team of Kennedy Noble, Nikia King, Jenae Roulst, and Hannah Hanson replicated their success from the previous meet, securing another 1st place finish.

Head Coach Geoff Olson expressed satisfaction with the team's strong start.

"Both teams have been working really hard early this year," said Olson. "We have a bunch of really promising newcomers to the team as well as returners that are picking up right where they left off last season."

Looking ahead, the Cruisers aim to maintain their winning momentum as they gear up for their second 1A Evergreen League meet on Thursday at Rainier High School.