Spring Sports Wrap-Up: Five Central Oregon teams win state championships
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The spring sports season is nearing its end, and only two Central Oregon teams —Ridgeview softball and Summit baseball — remain in contention for state titles. But before the final pitches are thrown, let’s look back at an incredible championship spring for Central Oregon athletes.
Track and Field: A Weekend of Dominance at Hayward Field
Championships were decided at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, and Central Oregon was well-represented across all classifications.
Class 4A
The Crook County boys repeated as state champions, scoring 78 points.
Leading the charge was Eli Oelkers, who accounted for 32 points on his own by taking gold in the long jump and earning three additional medals.
Gabe Love added to the Cowboys’ dominance, winning the javelin title and contributing 22 points.
On the girls’ side, Crook County placed 4th overall, highlighted by Natalia Crass, who brought home gold in the 800 meters.
Madras senior Emily Picard was a standout in the distance events, winning the 1,500-meter run.
Class 5A
The Caldera Wolfpack made history, sweeping both the boys’ and girls’ state titles—the first in program history.
The girls’ team, led by a gold medal in the 4x400 relay and a triple jump title by James Heinly, finished with 70 points, 14 points ahead of second place.
The boys’ team tallied 80 points, 11 ahead of their closest competitor.
Waylon Clarke led the way for the Caldera boys, finishing second in the 100 meters, with eight other athletes placing in the top five in their respective events.
Summit’s Trace Chenoweth grabbed gold in the 110-meter hurdles, helping the Storm to a 4th-place team finish.
Redmond’s Carter Wachs defended his title as the fastest man in 5A, winning gold in the 100 meters.
Class 3A and 2A
Sisters’ Mae Roth soared to a state title in pole vault, tying the 3A state record in the process.
In 2A, Culver’s Kaydon Haro took home gold in the 200 meters.
Tennis: Summit and Caldera Shine on the Courts
It was another big weekend for Summit and Caldera—this time on the tennis courts.
The Summit girls claimed the team state title, with sophomore Kate Bonetto capturing the 5A girls singles championship.
The Summit boys finished runner-up, but Alex Lindsay and Nolan Rife brought home the 5A doubles title.
Caldera’s Aiden Cruz placed 3rd in singles, and the doubles team of Ali Heinly and Reese Bradbury also placed 3rd in the girls’ bracket.
Boys Volleyball: Back-to-Back for Summit
The Summit Storm boys volleyball team made it two in a row, sweeping Parkrose in straight sets to claim their second consecutive state title.
In 4A, Crook County finished as state runner-up, capping an impressive season of their own.
What’s Left: Baseball and Softball
Just two Central Oregon teams remain as the spring season wraps up:
- Ridgeview softball takes on Thurston in the state championship, Saturday at 6:00 P.M.
- Summit baseball faces Canby in the state championship Saturday at 7:30 P.M.
To all of the state champions, state placers, and record-setters, congratulations on an amazing spring season. Central Oregon sports continue to shine across the state.
