What began as a potentially generational season for Lake Oswego's girls track team took a dispiriting turn.
Many of the Lakers' big dreams were dashed by a season-long hamstring injury to senior star sprinter Mia Brahe-Pedersen, the state record-holder in the 100 and 200 meters and a key cog on elite relay teams.
“It's disappointing for everybody, but for Mia the most,” Lake Oswego coach John Parks said. “We're all just kind of heartbroken for her. It was going to be a special season.”
But as the two-time reigning state champion Lakers prepare for the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 6A championships on Friday and Saturday at Hayward Field, they believe they can finish the season on a high note. Even without the USC-bound Brahe-Pedersen, Lake Oswego has the pieces to contend for a third consecutive title.
“It's inspired us to keep working hard and stay focused,” senior Josie Donelson said. “We can't let it completely get us down and have it define our season in a negative way. We've really tried to just stick with it and persevere, and be supportive of her, and also keep our minds toward our goals, which is to hopefully leave with another state title.”
Said Parks: “We're the favorites if we do what we can.”
The Lakers' title bid starts with the Vanderbilt-bound Donelson, who set state records this season in the 300 hurdles (41.70 seconds) and 400 (53.17). She is going for a third state title in the 400 and a repeat in the 300 hurdles.
She has taken .77 seconds off her 400 time from last season, clocking the 53.17 at the Arcadia Invitational despite a slow first 200. Parks said Donelson's training indicates that she can run in the low- to mid-52s at state and possibly go sub-52 by June.
“Since I ran the 53.17, I know I've definitely done the work to improve,” Donelson said. “I'd love to see that work potentially show with a PR at state.”
Donelson shattered the state record in the 300 hurdles in the Three Rivers League district meet, running 41.70 to beat the old mark of 42.23, set by Oregon City's Harley Daniel in 2022. She did it despite stuttering on three hurdles, indicating much room for improvement.
“I was definitely hoping to break 42, so to get it at districts was something I was pretty happy about,” Donelson said.
Donelson also was part of two relays that recorded the best times in the state this season at district. She teamed with seniors Riley Ha and Cenaiya Billups and junior Marina Turpen to run the 4x100 in 47.99, matching Roosevelt atop the state-best list. And she ran with Ha, Turpen and freshman Calla Cross to go 3:56.19 in the 4x400.
“To run 47.99 without Mia is such a huge accomplishment for these girls,” Parks said. “We should be able to go even faster at state. The handoffs were not as smooth as we would've liked.”
With Brahe-Pedersen in the lineup, Lake Oswego won both relays in the state meet the last three years. The Lakers own the 4x400 state record (3:48.49 in 2023) and are No. 2 in the 4x100 (46.58 in 2022).
“Our goal is to try to get the state record in the 4x400 without Mia,” Parks said. “It's just a challenge, what we can do without Mia.”
The Lakers' success in Brahe-Pedersen's absence speaks to the strength of their program, according to Donelson.
“It's easy to look at individual events, but when it comes to relays, seeing how everyone is able to hold their own, and fight hard, it kind of highlights the practice that we put in behind the scenes,” Donelson said.
The Lakers refuse to undercut by Brahe-Pedersen's injury.
“We definitely think it would be a shame to just completely throw in the towel just because of this setback,” she said. “We want to come back strong for her, for us, for our team, especially with this being a lot of our senior years.”
The Lakers should rack up big points with Donelson and the relays. They also should get points from junior Ana Peters in the 800 and 1,500, Billups and Turpen in the 300 hurdles and junior Berit Bellew in the pole vault.
Billups, the daughter of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, is a track newcomer. Entering state, she has the No. 3 time in the 300 hurdles. She has blossomed despite dealing with sore calves.
“If she had a full spring, she would've been state champ in the 100 hurdles and would've been right on Josie's heels in the 300 hurdles,” Parks said.
Brahe-Pedersen suffered a hamstring injury during the winter indoor season. She was close to returning, but tweaked the hamstring during a workout in late March in Florida, where the Lakers competed in the Florida Relays.
“She tried to accelerate in practice because she felt so good the day before,” Parks said. “She suffered a new injury due to compensation for the other injury, which was 98 percent healthy.
“In some ways, she could probably run right now, and could probably run 12.2 and could easily do it and be safe. But if she damaged it worse, it could be career-ending. We can't take that chance.”
Brahe-Pedersen, who will forgo the Olympic Trials this summer, is likely to report to USC in late July. Her home state will miss getting a chance to see her compete for Lake Oswego one last time.
“This girl can be one of the greatest of all-time,” Parks said.
LO sweep?
As Lake Oswego's girls pursue a three-peat, the Laker boys are in position to win their first state title. Their highest finish ever was runner-up in 1967.
Lake Oswego senior James Bauman, the 5A champion in the 100 for Putnam last year, has the state's top times in the 100 and 200 this season. His 100 time of 10.46 is No. 3 in state history. He also is part of a 4x100 relay that has run a state-leading 41.62, which ranks No. 6 all-time in the state.
To win, the Lakers need points from the 4x400 relay, junior Baron Kurland (400), senior Leo Cook (1,500, 3,000) and two fast-improving pole vaulters in sophomore Grant Smith and senior Otis Linkfield.
Record watch
Aside from Donelson improving on her marks, there are other state records that could be in jeopardy at the state championships.
Sophomore Addison Kleinke, who competes for 5A Churchill, set the state record in the girls pole vault last year by clearing 13 feet, 7 ½ inches. She leads the state this season, going over 13-5 ¼ in the Oregon Relays at Hayward Field on April 20.
McDaniel senior Maleigha Canaday-Elliott triple-jumped 40-6 ¾ last year, narrowly taking down the girls state record (40-7 ¼, Sara Callier, Benson, 2005). Canaday-Elliott's best this season is 39-4, ranking her second behind Westview sophomore Saskia Dorf (39-7 ¾), who will challenge her in the 6A meet.
Junior Josiah Tostenson of 5A Crater is pushing 20-year-old boys records that Central Catholic's Galen Rupp set in the 1,500 (3:43.5) and 3,000 (8:03.67). Tostenson currently ranks third all-time in the 1,500 (3:46.34) and fourth in the 3,000 (8:09.28).
Senior Asher Danielson of 6A Wells also could challenge Rupp's mark in the 1,500. Danielson is No. 8 all-time at 3:47.43.
***
The 6A, 5A and 4A girls and boys meets are Friday and Saturday at Hayward Field. The 3A, 2A and 1A meets are Thursday and Friday at Hayward Field.
An overview of the top athletes:
Girls
6A
Returning champions
Josie Donelson, Lake Oswego, sr. (400*, 300 hurdles); Avery Coker, Wells, jr. (100 hurdles); Amber Walker, Tigard, sr. (high jump); Maleigha Canaday-Elliott, McDaniel, sr. (triple jump); Marissa Johnson, Tigard, soph. (shot)
6A season bests in multiple events
Donelson (400, 300 hurdles); Johnson (shot, discus); Chloe Huyler, Lakeridge, jr. (1,500, 3,000)
2023 team scores
Lake Oswego 77, Tualatin 77, Tigard 58, Jesuit 57
5A
Returning champions
Pharalynn Dickson, South Albany, soph. (100, 200, 400); Emily Wisniewski, Crescent Valley, jr. (3,000*); Sara Rivas, Bend, sr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Addison Kleinke, Churchill, soph. (pole vault); Caroline de la Motte, Wilsonville, sr. (long jump); Olivia Boyd, Silverton, sr. (2A high jump*, Gervais); Yazmeen Brown, Milwaukie, jr. (discus); Zowie Nunes, Ridgeview, jr. (javelin*)
5A season bests in multiple events
Dickson (100, 200); Kenzie Bigej, Canby, jr. (800, 1,500)
2023 team scores
Summit 99, Wilsonville 55.5, Thurston 55, Crescent Valley 41
4A
Returning champions
Alice Davidson, Scappoose, sr. (100, 200); Natalie Dunn, Philomath, jr. (400); Haley Butenschoen, Stayton, jr. (800); Brooke Perry, La Grande, soph. (1,500, 3,000); Sydney Baker, Mazama, soph. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Peyton Craven, Molalla, jr. (2A 100 hurdles, Colton); Andi Harmon, Klamath Union, jr. (high jump); Elaina Deming, Junction City, sr. (pole vault); Aja LaPan, Hidden Valley, sr. (triple jump); Lily Meadows, Astoria, sr. (shot); Daphne Scriven, Marshfield, sr. (discus*); Drew Hood, North Bend, jr. (javelin)
4A season bests in multiple events
Baker (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles)
2023 team scores
Philomath 90, La Grande 63, Scappoose 47, Henley 38
3A
Returning champions
Gracie Vohs, Sisters, sr. (400); Sophie Schoolmeester, Banks, soph. (800); Lauren Tittel, Oregon Episcopal, jr. (1,500); Morgan Matthews, Oregon Episcopal, sr. (3,000); Caroline Mauro, Catlin Gabel, jr. (high jump*); Reagan Krantz, Coquille, sr. (pole vault); Caitlyn Horrell, Burns, jr. (shot); Holli Vigue, Coquille, jr. (discus); Callie Millet, Coquille, sr. (javelin)
3A season bests in multiple events
Schoolmeester (800, 1,500); Mauro (high jump, long jump); Ella Bulkley, Catlin Gabel, soph. (100, 200)
2023 team scores
Coquille 66, Cascade Christian 59, Oregon Episcopal 51, Nyssa 47
2A
Returning champions
Hallee Hisler, Heppner, jr. (200); Owyhee Harguess, Enterprise/Wallowa, soph. (400); Averie Peterson, Santiam, jr. (800); Daisy Lalonde, East Linn Christian (1,500, 3,000); Marley Petrey, Bandon, soph. (300 hurdles); Makayla Webber, Nestucca, sr. (pole vault); Emma Brewer, Salem Academy, soph. (triple jump)
2A season bests in multiple events
Petrey (300 hurdles, long jump, triple jump); Lalonde (1,500, 3,000)
2023 team scores
Bandon 61, Heppner 58, Enterprise/Wallowa 51, Blanchet Catholic 44.5
1A
Returning champions
Addy Martin, Adrian, jr. (100*, 200*, 400); Presley Speelmon, Adrian, sr. (800, 1,500); Macy Marshall, St. Stephen's, jr. (3,000); Samara Baker, Triangle Lake, soph. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Kortney Doman, Crane, sr. (high jump*); Annie Rose Miller, Joseph, soph. (pole vault); Ava Barnett, New Hope Christian, jr. (long jump); Ella Randall, Pine Eagle, jr. (shot*); Sophie Hulke, Sherman, sr. (discus*)
1A season bests in multiple events
Martin (100, 400); Speelmon (800, 1,500); Lindsay Talbot, Harper, fr. (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, triple jump)
2023 team scores
Damascus Christian 67, Adrian 64, Crane 64, Powder Valley 50
Boys
6A
Returning champions
James Bauman, Lake Oswego, sr. (5A 100 in 2023); Demari Thompson, North Salem, sr. (6A 100 in 2023) (5A 100, 200 in 2022); Mihaly Akpamgbo, West Salem, sr. (200)
6A season bests in multiple events
Bauman (100, 200); Jayden Jessee, Grants Pass, sr. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Ethan Aman, Franklin, sr. (shot, discus)
2023 team scores
Lincoln 55, Sheldon 51, West Salem 49, Barlow 35
5A
Returning champions
Treyden Lucas, Bend, sr. (400); Tyas Selby, Ridgeview, sr. (pole vault); Noah Goodrich, Summit, sr. (triple jump); Gabriel Haines, Central, jr. (discus)
5A season bests in multiple events
Josiah Tostenson, Crater, jr. (800, 1,500, 3,000)
2023 team scores
Summit 118.5, Crater 71, Central 55, Wilsonville 45
4A
Returning champions
Jason Padgett, North Bend, sr. (100, 200); Bodey Lutes, Marshfield, jr. (400); Rasean Jones, Baker, soph. (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Kyler McCleary, Seaside, sr. (high jump); Jonathon Parks, Marshfield, sr. (pole vault*); Nolan Mead, Pendleton, sr. (triple jump)
4A season bests in multiple events
Lutes (200, 400); Jones (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Austin Uhl, La Grande, sr. (800, 1,500); Gabe Love, Crook County, jr. (100, javelin)
2023 team scores
Marshfield 70.5, Pendleton 64, Cottage Grove 59, North Bend 46
3A
Returning champions
Morgan Amano, Valley Catholic, sr. (1,500); Joshua Widdows, Catlin Gabel, sr. (110 hurdles*)
3A season bests in multiple events
Widdows (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); John Coiner, Santiam Christian, sr. (100, 200); Kiyan Vrell, Amity, jr. (javelin, long jump); Andrew Klopcic, Valley Catholic, jr. (400, triple jump)
2023 team scores
Siuslaw 90, Santiam Christian 73.5, Catlin Gabel 64, Valley Catholic 50
2A
Returning champions
Lucas Curry, Delphian, sr. (300 hurdles); Nelson Wilstead, Gold Beach, sr. (javelin)
2A season bests in multiple events
Curry (400, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles); Clayton Wilson, Reedsport, jr. (800, 1,500, 3,000)
2023 team scores
East Linn Christian 53, Weston-McEwen 47, Delphian 44, Blanchet Catholic 43.5
1A
Returning champions
Grady Greenwood, Condon, sr. (1,500); Jett Leavitt, Joseph, jr. (3,000); Trevor Treat, Imbler, sr. (110 hurdles); Stuart Lau, Southwest Christian, jr. (300 hurdles); Jayden Churchwell, Yoncalla, soph. (high jump); Sawyer Dean, Trout Lake, jr. (pole vault*); Mason Detzler, Myrtle Point, sr. (shot)
1A season bests in multiple events
Leavitt (1,500, 3,000); Detzler (shot, discus)
2023 team scores
Adrian 57, Imbler 47, Union 39, St. Paul 38.75
* two-time champion
jerryu@osaa.org
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