Coach praises the 'Fierce Five'

As the dust settles on Naselle's WIAA state track accomplishments, coaches are already looking ahead.

Some middle school-age athletes contributed to high school successes, including points that helped the Comet team become District track champions.

Two advanced to the 1B state meet, where June Miller earned three medals and Halle Miller placed well in two events. June set a school record of 26.61 seconds placing third in the 200 meters final.

But earlier in their own middle school competitions, they also won their league.

Coach Marie Green calls them the "Fierce Five" - the Miller twins, plus Emma Kragerud, Klara Davis and her daughter, Karsen Green.

"I have loved being with them every step of the way," said the coach.

The entire eighth-grade class consisted of high achievers. The girls' squads from Naselle were undefeated in middle school fall volleyball and winter basketball.

While some classmates split off, preferring to play softball in the spring, the five formed the core of the track squad. They have shown interest in competing since the sixth grade.

"They each know what they are good at and work hard at it," Green noted. "Next year they will officially be Comets. I can't wait to see where the next four years brings them."