TDHS Track and Field Athletes Recognized by City Council
Pictured (Left to right): Garth Miller, Juan Diego Contreras, Amyrah Hill, Zoe Dunn, and The Dalles Mayor Rich Mays Photo Credit: Claire Miller
By Jill Pearson
On Monday, Mayor Rich Mays and The Dalles City Council honored six of the Riverhawk Track squad, in recognition of their high achievement at the State meet and their season- or two- of hard work.
“It’s great to celebrate the accomplishments of these young people,” commented coach Garth Miller. “They haven’t had as many kudos.” The recognition is well deserved- it’s difficult to make it to the state meet, and even more difficult to make it to the podium, and Miller’s remarks stressed the hard work and encouragement that this group of athletes demonstrate. Reminiscing about the “covid state meet” last year in Wilsonville, he also thanked the track and field coaching staff for their dedication this year and last: “it’s definitely a team effort.”
First up was Zoe Dunn, in recognition of her second place finishes in the long (17’4”) and triple jump (36’5.75”) at State, as well as her legs on the 4x100m (4th) and 4x400m (2nd) relay, which featured a 62 second split. Currently, she is training with the Resolute Track Club in Portland a couple days a week, and will be competing in a few meets this summer.
Next were the sophomores of the relay teams- Madelyn Harrison, Amyrah Hill, and Lily Adams. They are continuing to stay in shape over the summer through sports practices and club games, and look forward to strong showings next year as well.
After placing 4th at state in the 3000 (8:35.39)- breaking the record set in 1976- and 6th in the 1500m, Juan Diego Contreras has continued running this summer. Last weekend, at the Portland Track Festival High Performance meet, he ran a mile PR of 4:12.54, 6th overall in a tight pack where the top 10 finished within less than five seconds of each other.
Last but definitely not least was Taylor Morehouse, whose 15’ pole vault at state placed him in first, and within 8 inches of the school record. After winning state in Wilsonville last year, Morehouse set a personal goal for going undefeated all season, which he accomplished handily. The only Riverhawk senior at State, he will continue jumping and studying at Lane Community College, according to Miller.
These six athletes “achieved something significant on a state basis,” remarked mayor Mays, and they deserved some long awaited kudos. “They’re a fun group to work with,” agreed Miller. “They definitely made our job easy!
