Olympia High Dominates Under Clear Skies at Mt Tahoma Track Festival

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Amelia Wray of North Creek High School wins the 1600m race in direct sunlight to achieve a personal best during Thurston County athletics coverage. The athlete is photographed wearing a purple uniform mid-stride for professional Olympia track and field photography. Commercial sports and editorial photography engineered by Russell Moore Photography in Olympia, WA.

After a string of overcast days, the sun finally emerged for the 2026 Mt Tahoma Track Festival at Mt Tahoma High School in Tacoma, WA. As the first major invitational of the season, the meet provided a crucial first look at the competitive landscape, offering a glimpse of the potential postseason matchups as new faces began to challenge established veterans.

The distance events were highlighted by standout performances from Olympia High School. Quenton Lanese maintained his reputation for excellence, dominating his heat with a signature performance. The Elite 3200M proved to be a highlight of the day, where Olympia freshman Leah Hennen delivered a masterclass in tactical racing. Despite a strong challenge from Pope John Paul II junior Ruby Henry, Hennen showcased superior late-race speed to pull away down the stretch. Olympia’s Gemma Stevick rounded out the top three; the freshman continues to show rapid improvement as she adjusts to the high school level, securing a new personal best in the process.

As the track season gains momentum, the circuit moves to Oregon. I will be covering the Nike Jesuit Twilight Relays at Jesuit High School in Portland this Friday. If you are attending the meet, please stop by and say hello!

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The Infield: Photo Essay Full Event Gallery

Girls 1600M Elite Results

Place	Athlete	School	Time	Notes	Year
1	Amelia Wray	North Creek	5:04.29a	SB	11
2	Haley Schweppe	Montesano	5:11.24a	SB	11
3	Lillian Haas	Enumclaw	5:11.71a	PB	12

Boys 1600M Elite Results

Place	Athlete	School	Time	Notes	Year
1	Caden Durocher	Olympia	4:20.66a	-	12
2	Patrick Walsh	Yelm	4:25.49a	SB	12
3	Marcos Andujar	Yelm	4:26.32a	PB	11

Boys 3200M Elite Results

Place	Athlete	School	Time	Notes	Year
1	Quenton Lanese	Olympia	9:28.71a	-	9
2	Roman Pavone	Kennedy Catholic	9:38.85a	-	12
3	Kai Aizawa	Bush	9:49.84a	-	12

Girls 3200M Elite Results

Place	Athlete	School	Time	Notes	Year
1	Leah Hennen	Olympia	11:26.43a	PB	9
2	Ruby Henry	Pope John Paul II	11:33.71a	SB	11
3	Gemma Stevick	Olympia	11:38.75a	PB	9