By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

MOUNT ANGEL, Ore.– Athletes try to find a way to get it done and perhaps, surprises even themselves in the process.  And Jefferson’s Eli Stelly did just that.  

His senior year.  His first and only year participating in Track, the Lions football and basketball player brought it in his only 2A Special District 2 District Meet.  Taking the sport by storm as he won the Long Jump District Title with a PR jump of 20-feet-2.75-inch jump.  

It was a PR that surprised Stelly as he also qualified for state in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.61, also a PR.

“It was honestly crazy because I didn’t I’ll ever be here at all at Track.  Long jump, I was jumping like 18(feet) and then we I get to Districts, get a big gap and hit 20’s and get first place.  It’s honestly crazy.  It’s pretty fun,” Stelly said.

Now Stelly will be getting the opportunity to live the dream and compete at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon this upcoming Thursday.  Excited, yeah as he goes into one last week of preparation for the Big Meet.

“I’m really excited.  I need to work hard this next week and perform,” Stelly said.  

Stelly is joined by Osbaldo Vasuez, who qualified with his District Runner-Up performance in the 3,000-meter race.  Vasuqez was also third in the 1,500-meter run.  Simon Oien was fourth in the 800-meters and Jayden Harrison was fifth in the javelin. Baylie Campau was fifth in the 100-meter dash, sixth in the 200-meter dash, third in the High Jump.  Lilly Tegner was fourth in the High Jump as well.  Holly Gay tied for third in Pole Vault.