Sports

Thurston's Crutcher Named Athlete of the Week, Track and Field Stars Shine

A dynamic week in high school sports saw Thurston's Carlin Crutcher recognized as the Active Chiropractic High School Boys Athlete of the Week, a testament to his outstanding contributions on the baseball field. Concurrently, several talented track and field athletes from various regional schools delivered remarkable performances, setting personal bests and achieving high state rankings across multiple events. Their dedication and athletic prowess were on full display, highlighting the competitive spirit and promising talent within the local high school sports scene.

Baseball Phenom Crutcher Leads the Way as Track Stars Dominate Marist Classic

In a recent display of athletic excellence, Thurston High School's sophomore sensation, Carlin Crutcher, was crowned the Active Chiropractic High School Boys Athlete of the Week. His stellar performance on the baseball diamond was a key factor in the Colts' dominant victories. On May 5, 2026, Crutcher delivered a powerful offensive showcase, going 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs, propelling his team to a resounding 24-2 win against Springfield. Just three days later, on May 8, 2026, he continued his impressive form, smashing a home run and driving in five runs during a 17-0 shutout against the Millers. Crutcher secured the top honor with 48.49% of the reader poll votes, narrowly edging out Creswell baseball player Kayden Roberts, who received 43.47%.

Beyond the baseball diamond, the Marist Track Classic on May 2, 2026, held at Marist Catholic High School in Eugene, Oregon, witnessed a series of record-breaking achievements. Triangle Lake junior Tristen Adams excelled in the 300-meter hurdles, clocking a personal best of 38.87 seconds, which stands as the fourth-fastest in state history for a Class 1A hurdler and the sixth-fastest overall in Oregon this season. Cottage Grove sophomore Jacob Dugas achieved a personal best in the triple jump, reaching an impressive 42 feet, 6 3/4 inches, placing him ninth among Class 4A boys statewide. Elmira sophomore Trayvn Dumont also set a personal record in the 400 meters at The Cinco De Mayo Meet on May 5, 2026, with a time of 52.04 seconds, ranking him ninth among Class 3A boys in the state. Marist Catholic's junior Drew Granade, a prominent figure at the classic, recorded a personal best of 49.60 seconds in the 400 meters, securing second place and ranking as the third-fastest in Class 4A statewide. He also finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 11.47 seconds. His teammate, Aidan Miller, a junior, posted the fastest 300-meter hurdles time in Class 4A statewide this season, finishing third at the classic with a personal best of 40.39 seconds. Marist Catholic's junior Coen Rushton also shone, winning the 200 meters with a personal best of 22.59 seconds, the ninth-best in Class 4A this season, and placing second in the 400 meters with a season-best 49.62 seconds, ranking fourth in Class 4A. Junior Corbin Sage, another Marist Catholic athlete, secured third place in the 3,000 meters with a personal best of 8:51.09, making it the second-fastest time in Class 4A this season. Finally, Sheldon senior Malachi Schoenherr ran a personal best of 3:50.79 in the 1,500 meters at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite, achieving the ninth-fastest time among high school boys in the U.S. and the second-fastest in Oregon.

This week's athletic events underscore the depth of talent and the competitive spirit thriving within high school sports. The remarkable achievements of Carlin Crutcher and the various track and field athletes serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the rewards of dedication, rigorous training, and a passion for their respective disciplines. These young athletes not only push their personal boundaries but also elevate the standard of sportsmanship and performance for their peers. Their success highlights the importance of local support for high school athletics, fostering an environment where future stars can emerge and thrive.