By Darrell Kirk

Sounder contributor

Despite high winds and late afternoon rain, athletes from Orcas Island High School made their first league track and field meet of the season yesterday at a multischool meet hosted by La Conner High School.

The event marked another milestone for Orcas Island High School, which fielded its track and field team in several events including sprints, distance races, javelin and shot put. Orcas athletes competed in the high jump also for the first time this season, made possible by a generous donation of equipment by supporters of the track team earlier in the year.

“These kids have shown incredible dedication,” said coach Frank Rohm.”They’re not just handling the normal pressures of competition, but also the logistical challenges of being an island-based team.”

The Orcas Island competitors demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly as high winds swept across the field throughout much of the meet, followed by heavy rain during the final 30 minutes of competition. A 70-minute ferry delay allowed the OIHS athletes to compete into the night in a driving rain and finish all events.

Unlike their mainland counterparts, the Orcas athletes commit to a significant travel burden, taking ferry trips for every away meet. “Unlike mainland schools, Orcas students must travel by ferry for the majority of their athletic careers,” said Orcas High School’s athletic director Paul Steimel. “The travel time does provide teams the opportunity to bond and develop a positive culture.” This culture of positivity extended beyond the Orcas team to include athletes from other schools. Jon Hane, the assistant coach of sprint, jumps and javelin, commented, “It’s great to see the camaraderie between our students and the other team’s athletes. Track is a pretty unique sport in that regard.”

Rohm praised the island team’s efforts. “What these athletes are doing is extraordinary. The extra hours of travel and makeup schoolwork make their accomplishments on the track even more impressive.”

Despite the challenging conditions, Orcas Island competitors recorded several notable performances, suggesting a bright future for the team now in its third season.