Lions place 3rd in state finals, best finish in 46 years
June 2 - In a stunning display of athleticism, the CG Track and Field & Cross-Country boys program finished in third place at the OSAA 4A State Championships last weekend May 26-27. This is the first trophy and top four finish at state for the boy’s track and field team since 1977, a remarkable achievement.
Sentiments expressed on a Facebook post of a podium picture with the winning boys’ team after the event conveyed gratitude to the dedication of years of students, staff, and challenges that made the moment possible.
“Many CG athletes that came before this group helped to pave the way and establish a culture of success in our program. We can’t see them in this picture, but they are there.”
The team's triumphant return to Hayward Field last year after the pandemic and the heartbreak of losing a trophy by a single point energized the athletes to work harder this year, “There were times where patience was tested with repetition, injuries, discomfort, illness, or frustrating performances.” the post read. “Learning how to deal with and overcome the pressure and stress of high expectations. Accepting that sometimes your best isn’t going to give you the end result that you hoped for and learning to be ok with that.”
“Through all the challenges there was one thing that remained constant, the support that these athletes had from each other and from others. The magic of track and field happens when individuals have the opportunity to be part of a team, and it’s not possible to achieve this alone.”
Athletes who were not competing and spent hours in the stands supporting their teammates were recognized for their support, as were parents, friends, family members, former coaches, former athletes, administrators, and community members showed up to cheer. “There is nothing like the sound of people expressing pure excitement for someone else's success, sometimes for someone they don’t even know.”
And in a separate post, appreciation is given to Coach Tucker for all that he does for the program. When he wasn’t coaching at the state meet, he was running around taking pictures, or on his computer designing graphics for state placers. No program has better near real time media than Cottage Grove, who routinely update their page with statistics and images.
It should also be noted that CG athletes are excelling in the classroom as both programs ranked top three in the state among other 4A track and field teams.
Academic All State Girls Track & Field Teams
1. Philomath 3.84
2. Cottage Grove 3.80
3. Pendleton 3.77
Academic All State Girls Track & Field Teams
1. Philomath 3.81
2. Molalla 3.70
3. Cottage Grove 3.52
2023 OSAA 4A State Championships Men & Women’s Results
PR: Personal Record
200 Meters 4A - Finals
- 12 Brennen Murphy 22.18a (-1.9)
400 Meters 4A - Finals
- 12 Brennen Murphy 49.89aPR
800 Meters 4A - Finals
8. 12 Wyatt Pepiot 2:04.61a
1500 Meters 4A - Finals
- 12 Jaden Owens 4:15.36a
3000 Meters 4A - Finals
- 10 Carter Bengtson 8:53.50aPR
3000 Meters 4A - Finals - 10 Maddison France 11:32.10aPR
110m Hurdles 4A - Finals - 12 Tyler Russell 15.83a (1.5)
- 10 Hayes Valley 15.89a (1.5)
300m Hurdles 4A - Finals - 11 Brycen Cameron 42.29a
Shot Put 4A - Finals - 11 Elijah Williams 14.81mPR
Discus 4A - Finals
- 11 Elijah Williams 41.10m
Discus 4A - Finals
- 10 Tayler Bentley 29.15m
High Jump 4A - Finals
- 10 Hayes Valley 1.78mPR
Triple Jump 4A - Finals
- 12 Brennen Murphy 12.75m (0.9)