4A/3A/2A State Track and Field: Union's Leilani Mays seizes moment late in race to capture 4A 100 hurdles title

May 29-TACOMA - The high hurdles can be one of track and field's most unforgiving events. One clipped bar or a mistimed step can quickly change the outcome of the race.

That reality played out for Union's Leilani Mays at the ninth hurdle of Friday's Class 4A girls 100-meter hurdle final at the second day of the 4A, 3A, 2A state track and field championships Friday at Mount Tahoma High School.

And it played out in her favor.

The junior stayed clean throughout the race as Curtis' Frankie Skipper clipped the ninth hurdle and briefly stumbled into the 10th and final hurdle, opening the door for Mays to sprint through the finish line and capture her first state title in 14.66 seconds.

Mays, running in lane 4, trailed Skipper in lane 5 by a half-step as the pair approached the ninth hurdle.

"When she hit the hurdle next to me," Mays said, "I was like, 'No matter what happens with her, just keep running.'"

And running, Mays did - to her first state title.

Friday morning's conditions - temperatures in the upper 50s, a steady breeze and overcast skies - were a stark contrast to Thursday's nearly 80-degree weather, when Mays qualified for the final in 14.42 seconds.

While she admitted Friday's final wasn't ideal conditions nor a perfect race by her standards, her state title caps a standout junior campaign. Two weeks ago, she ran a personal-best time of 14.14 seconds, third-best across Washington this spring.

"I was happy, but I wish I could've ran better - and not just actually won, but went at my best."

Skyview's Shaylie Haij finished fourth (15.27).

Mark Morris' Elsie Herold's race was dramatic in her own way on her way to winning the 2A girls 100-meter hurdle race minutes prior to Mays.

Despite a rough start out of the blocks, Herold trusted her confidence late in the race. She took over the lead in the final 20 meters to win in 15.18.

"I just realized halfway through that I still have time to keep trying to get the win," she said. "I came into this race knowing that that's what I want - I want to get a state championship."

Later Friday, Herold ran a 44.82 in the 300 hurdles preliminaries, the day's third-best prelim time.

CAMAS' GARDEN, WOODLAND'S THOMAS WIN POLE VAULT TITLES

One senior ended her high school career with a state title, and another began his career with his first.

Although they were separated by three years of high school experience, pole vault specialists Mason Thomas of Woodland and Camas' Sierra Garden shared the same state championship experience.

Thomas, a freshman and the youngest athlete in the 2A boys pole vault field, cleared 14 feet.

The victory was almost hard for Thomas to comprehend.

"It's crazy to believe - I don't think it's hit me that I'm a state champ."

Thomas comes from a family with a strong track and field background, and said his confidence grew after clearing 14 feet on his first attempt Friday - shortly after needing all three attempts to clear 13-6.

Now, Thomas already is looking ahead to loftier goals.

"To be honest, by my senior year, I want to be the best in the country for seniors," he said. "I want to hit 17-6 to 18 feet, which would be remarkable."

While Thomas celebrated the beginning of his high school career, Garden of Camas put the finishing touches on hers. The Camas senior won the 4A girls pole vault by clearing 12 feet to complete a remarkable one-year turnaround after placing 21st at state a season ago when teammate Karina Cooper won the event.

"I wasn't disappointed in myself," Garden said of last season, "but I definitely know I can do better. Last year at this meet, I really committed myself to winning this year. It was my goal."

Garden entered Friday's competition at 11 feet and needed just six attempts to secure the title. She cleared 11-0, 11-6 and 12-0 on her first attempts. She credited a year of indoor training and indoor meets to helping refine her technique in preparation for the spring season.

"That's been a really big factor in helping me achieve this goal," she said.

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