The Mead boys delivered a commanding performance at the Greater Spokane League track and field championships Tuesday afternoon, living up to expectations with a dominant team effort. The Panthers amassed 184.5 points, nearly 100 more than second-place Gonzaga Prep (89), showcasing their depth and determination on a perfect sunny day at Cheney High School's Oswald Field.
On the girls' side, Mt. Spokane pulled off a thrilling victory, edging out Mead 124 to 122.5—despite losing standout sprinter Laine Gardner for the season. The Wildcats' resilience proved key in a tight race that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first-ever GSL league finale was a resounding success, with running events running smoothly and field events adding drama through multiple flights. Cheney High School earned high praise for hosting the event, which could become a permanent replacement for the traditional dual meet format to determine league titles.
For the Mead boys, individual brilliance combined with overwhelming depth. Simon Rosselli doubled in the shot put (62 feet, 10 inches) and discus (211-7), while Andersen Williams won the 800 meters in 1 minute, 56.95 seconds. Trezdon Howell took the pole vault (14-0), and Lee Colomb claimed the long jump (22-9 ¾). The Panthers also swept relay victories, with Trevelle Jones, Adrian Garcia-Isabelli, Carter Williams, and Colomb winning the 4x100 (41.93), and Jones, Williams, Jonah Wiser, and Aaron Pooler taking the 4x400 (3:21.88).
"Our guys just love to compete," Mead coach James Lehr said. "They work extremely hard and it showed today. I'm so proud of them and the way they compete for each other. Now the goal is to carry this momentum into the postseason."
The standout boys athlete of the day had to be Gonzaga Prep senior Nikko Alexander, who is making an inspiring comeback. A state champion in the 400 meters as a sophomore, Alexander was slowed by illness and injury last year, battling walking pneumonia and a patella tendon issue that affected his confidence. "The injury just messed with my mind," Alexander admitted. "I struggled to get back because I thought it was something worse."
Tuesday, Alexander silenced any doubts by winning the 100 meters (11.21), 200 meters (22.33), and 400 meters (48.84), while also helping the 4x100 relay finish second. His 400-meter time was a personal best by just 0.05 seconds, and he ran half the race into a headwind. "I came around the last corner and the wind smacked me in the face," Alexander said. "I was like, 'I got to keep pushing through.'"
Now fully healthy, Alexander has qualified for state in four events—the 200, 400, 4x100 relay, and 4x400 relay—and hopes to make his mark in the postseason. For the Mead boys and Mt. Spokane girls, the momentum from this championship win sets the stage for an exciting run ahead.