TRACK: Kentridge’s Carpenters come up big at district meet

By ERICK WALKER

ewalker@kentreporter.com

Talk about having a family feel.

That’s the way things turned out for the Kentridge High track and field team this past weekend at the Class 4A West Central District meet at Mount Tahoma High.

Not only did senior Luke Carpenter qualify for state in the pole vault, but younger sister Amelia Carpenter, a sophomore, earned a berth in the same event as well. Luke, who took 10th at state in the pole vault last spring, brought home a strong second-place finish from the district meet, uncorking a 13-feet-6 inch performance. Amelia, in her first year of the pole vault, tied for third by going an even 10 feet.

The top six finishers in each event punched state tickets. The state meet will wrap up today at Mount Tahoma High in Tacoma. The first final of the day is slated for 10 a.m.

“It was really surprising (to earn a state berth),” said the 16-year-old Amelia, who just began competing in the pole vault this season. “When I started, I didn’t think I would get to state. My coach told me I possibly could get to nine feet this year and I got to 10.”

Part of Amelia’s success stems from her background in gymnastics and diving. The two sports draw strong similarities to the body twisting and contorting that is required to be successful in the pole vault.

“She showed potential pretty early and made regular improvements throughout the season,” said Kentridge coach Lisa Robin. “It was fun to be there and watch her clear those last couple of heights.”

And while Amelia’s state berth was a bit of a surprise, Luke’s performance was not. Already proven at the state level, Luke’s 13-6 performance matched a personal best, one he has reached on several occasions this spring.

“I’m hoping to go top-eight at state right now,” said Luke, who also competed at state in diving this year. “Going 14 feet would be the ultimate goal. I would like to set a personal record this year, for once. Hopefully go higher.”

Earning a state berth was nice, Luke admits, but being able to compete at the event at the same time as Amelia is a bonus.

“It’s pretty cool,” Luke said.

Luke will be the lone male competitor for Kentridge at state this weekend.

Amelia, however, will be joined by a host of female Chargers.

Also punching state tickets from Kentridge were: Katie Lake (200, long jump, 4 x 400 relay); Molly Shiroishi (800, 4 x 400 relay); Laura Tesch (high jump); Jaclyn Onosko (4 x 400 relay) and Haley Bertelsen (4 x 400 relay).

Kentridge’s 4 x 400 relay contingent — Lake, Shiroishi, Onosko and Bertelsen — were particularly impressive at the district meet, taking fourth with a time of 4:01.89. The fourth-place finish also established a new school record.

“We’re really happy about that,” Robin said.