SILVERDALE — Once again, several great individual performances by members of the NKHS track team were overshadowed by another team’s depth.
The strong Central Kitsap Cougars, one of the top two teams in the league, beat the North Kitsap girls 104-40, and the boys 95-47.
“They’re one of the top two teams in the league, along with Gig Harbor,” said Vikings co-head coach Helen Smith.
But the Cougars couldn’t prevent several stellar performances by the Vikings, who reached a number of personal bests and managed to impress in several events.
For the girls’ team, Amber Markwick won the javelin with a throw of 98’8” and Tara Smyth won the shot put with a heave of 31’9”.
Junior Rachel Walters, a first-year track athlete, cleared 7’6” in the pole vault, tying a school record held by Smyth.
Shannon Smalley won the long jump (13’9.75”).
Among the sprinters, Meghan Clark, who had previously qualified for the league meet in the 100-meter-dash, cemented her appearance with a qualification in the 200, an event she finished third in with a 27.32 time.
“Those qualifying marks are pretty hard,” Smith said. “You have to be number one or two on your team to make them.”
Another athlete who met those high standards was Robyn Embrey, a sophomore who placed second in the 300-meter hurdles and qualified for league with her time of 51.59.
On the boys’ side, Kolby Hoover continued to impress in the 400-meter run, where he reached a personal time of 50.4 and won the event — “I think he’ll be on his way to state, as long as he continues to run well,” said Smith.
The Vikings did well at longer distances as well. They swept the 800-meter run, as Michael Chuol took first with a time of 2:03, Jim Robson took second (2:07), and sophomore Steve Bode finished close behind (2:09) for third place.
Robson also won the mile by more than a half-minute (4:41.97).
In field events, junior Jason Mumford won the discus with a throw of 130’5”. Teammate Mike Mitchusson placed second (126’9”).
Mark Sargeant again reached 12 feet in the pole vault, placing him among the league leaders.
Smith said the Vikings, who have a home meet coming up April 24 against Olympic, are doing well.
“Many really are improving,” she said. “I’m happy with the individuals as long as they improve, because that’s what it’s all about.”
