On fast track: Nelson signs college letter of intent

Ancient history is helping write the next chapter in the life of a La Conner High senior.

Brady Nelson, a 5’-11” three-sport standout for the Braves, signed a National Letter of Intent with Everett Community College to compete in the javelin and high jump for the Trojans next year.

The versatile Nelson might also train as a decathlete.

All are events based on military skills considered essential in ancient Troy.

Which seems an ideal fit for the battle-tested — at least in athletic terms — Nelson, who played vital roles in La Conner’s football and basketball playoff runs earlier this year and is now an integral part of the school’s spring track program.

He placed fourth just this past week in the javelin at the elite Bedlington Twilight Invitational at Lynden, easily the best finish among small school entrants in that event.

Nelson is coming off what La Conner High head football and track coach Peter Voorhees calls a breakout campaign in 2016.

“He set a personal record of 167’-1” in the javelin, the fourth best all-time at La Conner,” Voorhees said. “Brady also high-jumped 6’-0”. As an athlete in all sports — football, basketball, and track — he has a way to get the job done even when it seems like it shouldn’t be possible.”

Nelson was a first team All-League football selection on both offense and defense for the Braves last fall. He followed up with honorable mention All-NW2B recognition in basketball, scoring a team-high 10 points in La Conner’s season finale, a playoff elimination loss to conference rival Friday Harbor.

“Brady,” Voorhees stressed, “is embracing what it takes to develop as an athlete and prepare himself for collegiate sports in terms of worth ethic and attention to detail.”

In fact,Voorhees credits much of Nelson’s success to his tireless preparation.

It’s something Voorhees sees on a daily basis as Nelson and his La Conner teammates ready themselves for meets featuring wide ranges of both competition and weather.

“Brady’s biggest strength,” said Voorhees, “is he has an eye for detail and has good body control. With both the high jump and javelin, you’re putting yourself in awkward positions that take time to master.”

Nelson’s level of commitment hasn’t just caught the attention of Everett Community College coaches.

His La Conner teammates are equally aware, according to Voorhees.

“Others are taking notice,” said Voorhees, “and are following his lead so far this spring.”

In related notes:

• Nelson threw the javelin 146’-10” at Lynden on Friday, placing behind just three competitors — all from large schools — in the 24-contestant field.

• Budda Luna, boys’ high jump; Emma Lee, girls’ 100 meters; and Matty Lagerwey, girls’ long jump, were solo victors for La Conner at the Bedlington. Luna went just over 20 feet. Lee was clocked at :13.22. Lagerwey recorded a 17’-3/4” effort. Lagerwey added a silver in the triple jump, finishing just behind Ferndale’s Rylee Weg.

• The La Conner girls’ sprint relay entry was also a gold medalist at the Lynden trials.

• Lagerwey and Sage Burg-meier went 1-2 in the girls’ javelin at a league meet in Concrete on Thursday. Justine Benson and Addison Reinstra were runners-up in the high jump and long jump, respectively.

• La Conner’s Sofie Thulen won the girls’ 100 hurdles at Concrete, posting a :16.53 finish. Michael Page of La Conner captured the shot put title on the boys’ side.

• Jeffrey Johnson,Trey Casey, and Arjuna Adams medaled at Concrete as well. Johnson and Casey placed second and third in the high jump, while Adams finished third in the 300 meter hurdles.