In 2022, Whatcom County athletes tallied 24 state titles during the spring season alone. Last season they earned 25. Could 26 be on the horizon in 2024? Spring sports mark the return to the outdoors — often with frequent weather-related hiccups in the early season. Snow flurries, torrential downpours and gray, windy days make “spring” sports challenging. But that’s part of the ride.
[ Whatcom County spring athletes have big shoes to fill in 2024 ]
In today’s story, learn about Lummi Nation High School junior Graciela Lopez and senior Quincy Tom.
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GRACIELA LOPEZ
Junior, Girls Track and Field, Sprints/Hurdles/Pole Vault
What first interested you in track in field? What continued to pull you into the sport?
I like staying active and I like competition.
What’s the most difficult part of your events?
Staying consistent and not giving up.
At a smaller school, what’s the team atmosphere like in an individual sport?
I love our team. We’re all a family. We all know each other, we all love each other and cheer each other on.
QUINCY TOM
Senior, Boys Track and Field, Sprinter
What do you enjoy most about your events?
Just the feeling. I get up to the line, I’m nervous and scared of the results. And then as soon as the gun or whatever goes off, it all goes away and I just feel alive.
How do you stay motivated in a largely individual sport?
In track, I imagine me running with speed and increasing my stamina and everything else overall. It’s silly because I think about if something bad happens in the world, I’ll have more energy than others.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like to draw … just, like, anime and stuff like that.
Visit CDN’s prep sports previews page every Tuesday and Friday until April 19 to learn about more Whatcom County athletes.
