TRACK Gulls make their mark in tough conference By Gary Henley Seaside Signal They’ve got the depth, the athletes and the talent to compete. Now it’s just time for the Seaside track team to turn it all loose on the Cowapa League. Head coach Jeff Kilday’s team is loaded with athletes and will be looking to im- prove on their finish in last year’s district meet — a tall task in the Class 4A’s “Con- ference of Champions.” The Seaside boys are coming off a 10th place fin- ish in the 2017 state meet, even after taking third in their own league. Meanwhile, the Lady Gulls (and everybody else) will be chasing the Astoria girls’ track dynasty, as the Fishermen look to win their fourth straight state cham- pionship. The big point-scorer for the Seaside girls — this year and next — will be junior thrower Gretchen Hoekstre. Hoekstre dominated the shot put and discus events in the Cowapa League, winning both district titles on her way to second- and third place finishes, respec- tively, in the same events at the state meet as only a sophomore. Hoekstre is the top re- turner, state-wide, in both events. Also on the girls’ side, junior Katie Zagata is back as one of the top distance runners in the Cowapa. The Seaside boys took a big hit in the gradua- tion department. Gone are district champions Will Garvin (300-meter hur- dles), Jackson Januik (800 meters, two-time champi- on) and Phoenix Johnson (high jump and triple jump, second in the long jump). Talented distance runner Bradley Rzewnicki also graduated. Seniors Colton Carter (hurdles, jumps) and Rafi Sibony (distance events) are the returning mainstays, while the Gulls will pin their hopes on some young talent. Freshman Henry Garvin and Dodger Holmstedt took first and second, respective- ly, in the 400 meters in Sea- side’s first meet this season. Sophomore thrower Derrick Bennett could be a big point-scorer in the shot put and discus. Kilday is assisted by Jo Ellingson, Jarom Bowles and Margie Leary. GARY HENLEY/FOR THE SEASIDE SIGNAL GARY HENLEY/EO MEDIA GROUP Rafi Siboney Colton Carter is back for his senior year to compete in the jumps and hurdles for the Gulls. Seaside Signal/Cannon Beach Gazette • 7