More records fall for Outlaws

Sophomore Ella Thorsett rewrote the Sisters High School record book for 3,000 meters at the Wally Ciochetti Twilight Invitational hosted by Cottage Grove High School last Friday evening

Facing her rival Anika Thompson of Junction City, who bested Thorsett at last month’s state cross-country meet, Thorsett used the opportunity to shatter the former record by eight seconds with a time of 10:11.42.

Kate Bowen held the previous record of 10:19.88, set in 2018. Thompson set her own personal best, winning the race in 9:53.34.

Ella’s brother, Will Thorsett, also had a banner day with a fine double in the 1,500 and 800 meters. After placing second in the 1,500 with a personal record of 4:12.49, Thorsett came back to place fourth in a fast 800 with a time of 2:02.97.

Sam May obliterated his personal best in the 1,500, where he placed fourth, with a time of 4:15.97.

On the same day, Sisters hosted a five-way meet with Ridgeview, Madras, North Lake, and Cascades Academy and despite cool, windy conditions a number of Outlaws produced hot performances.

Hayden Sharp established a new personal best in the high jump, clearing six feet for the first time, giving him the win. Sharp also won the 400 (53.29) and placed fourth in the long jump (19 feet 7 inches.)

Kaleb Briggs pulled away over the last lap to win the 1,500 meters in 4:46.64 and Taine Martin won the pole vault at 10 feet even.

For the girls, Lexie Miller continued her improvement in the shot put with a toss of 30 feet 8.5 inches to win. She also took top honors in the discus (79 feet 5 inches) and second in the javelin (79 feet 4 inches).

Hollie Lewis won the high jump (5 feet) and the long jump (15 feet 11 inches), while her teammate, Anya Shockley, placed second in both (5 feet and 15 feet 4 inches).

Shelby Larson won the pole vault (8 feet) and the team of Lewis, Ila Reid, Lilly Sundstrom, and Gracie Vohs won the 4x400-meter relay in 4:22.33.

The Outlaws will travel to Stayton High School for the two-day Oregon West District Meet on May 14-15, where athletes will vie for qualification for the 4A State Championships, which will be held at Siuslaw High School in Florence the following week.

The Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) has opted to not sponsor team championships due to the pandemic, but 4A coaches rallied to make the track and field championships happen regardless.

The top two finishers, along with athletes who meet qualifying standards, will qualify for the state meet. Some “wildcard” entries for other top performers will also qualify. Sisters has quite a number of athletes in a position to advance, according to head coach Jeff Larson.

“We are grateful for the opportunity and I know our kids will make the most of it,” he said.