La Pine, Summit HS Take State Track Titles

Over the Memorial Day weekend, there were some very memorable sports records for High Desert high school track and field teams. Central Oregon had three state track and field champions.

Not only did the Summit girls win their sixth straight state title, but the Summit boys won the 5A title for the second year in a row.

And it was the first time in Oregon history that the same team won back-to-back state championships from the same school.

But there was also another first: The La Pine boys won their first state title.

The La Pine High track boys team stands with their first place state 4A trophy in track and field.

“It’s great to see that team effort that we talk about all the time coming together as a team,” said Gary Slater, La Pine coach. “They did a great job coming together at the district meet, the league meet, and they did the same thing the next week and were able to bring home that blue trophy.”

The athletes are proud as well.

“I’m very proud,” said Kole Kimmel, La Pine anchor leg for the 4×1. “It’s been a long journey. I remember back we were talking about taking district, and we actually took the state meet like we were supposed to. It’s a great feeling — it’s amazing, with the great coaches we’ve had and just everything.”

But they weren’t the only Central Oregon team to win over at the OSAA Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene.

Not one but two Summit teams won the state 5A boys and girls championships.

“I’m extremely proud of all the hard work they put in, and to have this this season, it’s just so good for those kids to feel,” said Summit Coach Dave Turnbull.

The Summit girls had a substantal lead going into the finals — all they had to do was protect the lead and stay focused.

“I was screaming so loud my voice broke several times,” said Annie Sider of Summit, who placed second in pole vault. “I was screaming so loud, as I was just trying to support in my own way.”

The Summit Boys championship was a little closer, though. It wasn’t until after the high jump was over that they took a strong lead

“It was our goal this year,” said Summit high jumper Bradley Laubaucher. “It was a little bit tougher than it has been in the past, but we worked very hard, and we got it done,”

Both coaches are proud of what these wins mean for our region.

“It just says great things about track and field in the Central Oregon region,” Turnbull said. “We’re obviously doing good things over here, and kids are rising up.”

“We haven’t had a lot of those state titles like some schools or places in the state,” Slater said. “As a team and for our athletic programs in general, it’s a really big deal.”

When NewsChannel 21 asked the coach what’s next for the La Pine track team next season, his response: “I can see us having a really good year next year. If the kids come out and work hard again, who knows what will happen?”

The La Pine athletes on the other hand, were quick in their response: they’re going for two in a row.