Murdock captures state gold in hurdles

La Conner High School sophomore Tommy Murdock won the boys’ state 2B 300-meter hurdles title in storybook fashion at Cheney May 26-28.

Murdock, who had bolted to an early lead, clipped the final hurdle before tumbling across the finish line.

Despite the late fall, it was Murdock who moments later climbed atop the winner’s podium to collect the gold medal in his signature event.

“He won pretty decisively,” La Conner head track coach Peter Voorhees said. Murdock clocked a 0:40.76 in the final, just a fraction off his personal best.

“Tommy was flying over the first 150 meters,” said Voorhees, “and then held on for the win.”

What made Murdock’s triumph more impressive was his ability to put behind him an earlier false start disqualification in the 110-meter hurdles, a race he might also have won.

“He was disappointed with what happened,” said Voorhees, “but he was able to stay focused enough to come back and win the 300. He ran with purpose.”

On the girls’ side, the Lady Braves 4x200 meter relay quartet of Kaliana Bill, Mari Waltner, Morgan Huizenga and Ellie Marble placed third with a 1:50.95 finish.

Bill, Marble and Huizenga also advanced to the finals in solo events. Bill placed eighth in the long jump. Huizenga and Marble finished seventh in the high jump and 300-meter hurdles, respectively.

“Overall, it was a great trip,” Voorhees said of the three-day trials on the Eastern Washington University campus. “We took over a great group.”