The 1A schools retuned to the campus of Eastern Washington University for the 2009 edition of the WIAA State Track & Field Championships.  They were joined by the 1B and 2B schools.  Despite the heat (in the high 80's) we were delighted to return to Cheney after two years in Tacoma.

Andrew Van Ness got the scoring started for BCS with his 7th place finish in the 1600m, (and this after finishing in 7th at the Tri-District meet, earning a trip to State by meeting the automatic qualifying standard).  Michelle Teng followed this up for the ladies with 7th place in the javelin. These team points were just a hint of the great Viking performances to come on Saturday.

Other Friday highlights included both Oldham sisters winning their heats in the 300m hurdles (with Bree besting Terra!), and Mackenzie Altig winning her qualifying heat in the 100m hurdles. 

All five relay teams advanced to their  event finals, including the boys 4x400m team that nearly missed qualifying at Tri-Districts, but which won its qualifying heat here!  And Kyle Fremd set up his Saturday races, guaranteeing himself four State medals in the process.

Sometime during the first day of competition, the second verse of "Take My Life and Let It Be" came to mind . . .

Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love; Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee. Swift and beautiful for Thee.