Lincoln's Relay Triumphs Again; Ferguson Dominates 4A Sprints

The highly anticipated local rivalry unfolded at Mount Tahoma as Lincoln and Silas faced off in the 3A Boys 4x100M Relay during the WIAA State Track & Field championships. The crowd witnessed a thrilling finish between the two Tacoma teams, with Lincoln ultimately defending their title in a race that showcased their competitive spirit. "Tacoma’s gonna represent, regardless," stated senior Kasey Williams, reflecting on the fierce competition they've faced throughout the season.

Lincoln's team, consisting of Immanuel Jordan, Eddie Bruner Jr., Kasey Williams, and anchor Ramon Jones, completed the relay in 41.86 seconds, narrowly defeating Silas by just five-hundredths of a second. After the race, both teams exchanged congratulations, highlighting the camaraderie despite their fierce rivalry. Williams emphasized the bond shared among teammates, saying, "It’s a brotherhood. It’s more than just racing."

Meanwhile, Izear Ferguson of Sumner made a memorable impact on the 4A stage, securing victories in both the 100M and 200M sprints. Ferguson had promised his club coach a dozen bundt cakes in exchange for two state titles, and he delivered with a time of 10.58 seconds in the 100M, edging out Juanita's Isaac Seraile. He later topped the 200M with a season-best 21.51 seconds. "It's all about staying mentally focused and making sure I come home with it," Ferguson remarked on his performance.

The successes of Ferguson and the Sumner athletic programs have been notable this year, as the school's football team recently secured back-to-back 4A championships, and the baseball team won their first 4A state title. "It’s a community," Ferguson stated, highlighting the collective support from local residents for the athletes.

In another thrilling event, Caden Durocher from Olympia and Amin Fidaar of Rogers engaged in a nail-biting finish in the 4A Boys 800M run, both clocking in at 1:49.74. Durocher ultimately claimed victory by the slimmest of margins, just six-thousandths of a second. "Caden is an awesome guy. He deserves a state title," Fidaar graciously acknowledged after the race.

With additional standout performances, including Gig Harbor's 3A Girls 4x100M Relay team securing repeat titles, the state championship has showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship across the board. The event continues to be a highlight for high school athletes throughout Washington.