Crook County looks to make final splash in 4A at the track and field championships
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crook County is sprinting into the final stretch of the track and field season with one goal: finishing on top. With a dominant showing at districts and momentum at their backs, the Cowboys are ready to make a statement at the 4A state championships before they move up to the 5A classification next year.
Sophomore and district javelin champion Paige Wood says it’s been the relentless work ethic that’s fueled their rise.
“Even on the hard days, you're still grinding because you see everyone else putting in the effort,” Wood said. “It sets a standard.”
That standard is paying off, especially for senior Gabe Love, who helped lead Crook County to another league title with three district championships of his own.
“It's meant a lot to me. It’s been very sad knowing it’s my last year, but I’m so happy to be with this team and break as many records as possible,” Love said.
Love isn’t alone at the top. His teammate Eli Oelkers, another multi-event star, also enters the state meet with top rankings across several events.
“We’ve all grown up together,” Oelkers said. “We talked about our senior year since we were like five years old. For it to finally be here — and to be excelling at what we love—it’s just a great feeling.”
Oelkers won two events at the league championships and hopes to add more hardware at state.
“I don’t think Crook County has ever had a better team,” he said. “We set the state record for most points at state last year, and this year is going to be even better.”
The energy is undeniable across the entire program. Senior Adam Radabaugh says the Cowboys’ success is driven by a tight-knit culture. “It's awesome. We’re like a family. We love to see each other succeed, and we all feed off that energy,” he said.
That same intensity is fueling the girls' team as well. Natalia Crass, one of Crook County’s standouts, recently broke a 42-year-old school record in the 400 meters. She also ranks among the state’s best in both the 400 and 800.
“I’ve learned to embrace the stress and anxiety,” Crass said. “The race is going to come, no matter what, and you just have to get through it.”
With top talent across the board, Crook County is poised for a big finish to its 4A era.
“I think we have a lot of workhorses here,” said Love. “Everybody wants to be their best, and our league competition really pushes everyone to get better.”
As the Cowboys prepare for their final meet in 4A, the message is clear: they’re not just aiming to win—they’re aiming to leave a legacy.
By week’s end, Crook County hopes to go out on top — and there’s no doubt 4A rivals will be glad to see them go.
