As identical twins, Dai’lyn and Jai’lyn Merriweather are used to doing things in pairs.
This weekend, the Union juniors hope to double up on state track and field titles in Tacoma.
Dai’lyn will defend her 4A state title in the 200 meters while Jai’lyn hopes to repeat as 400 meter state champion.
The Merriweathers are among three Clark County girls looking to repeat as state champions Thursday through Saturday at Mount Tahoma High School. Camas senior Caleigh Lofstead is the defending 4A pole vault champion.
Being reigning state champions can bring pressure. But the Merriweathers aren’t feeling it.
“It’s not like pressure,” Dai’lyn said. “We just keep doing what we’re doing and working hard every day. We don’t cheat ourselves and that should carry us through.”
“It’s definitely going to be different,” Jai’lyn added. “Everyone will be saying, ‘I’m going after her.’ I use that to push me.”
Jai’lyn’s season-best 400 meter time of 55.43 seconds ranks second among 4A athletes. Dai’lyn’s season-best 200 meter time of 24.87 ranks fourth-best.
Both ran those times in early April at the Arcadia Invitational, which draws elite prep athletes to Southern California.
“During the season I wasn’t really running the 400, just to save my body for when I need it most for state and regionals,” Jai’lyn said. “But it was really cool to compete with girls who are just as fast as me early on in the season.”
This summer, the Merriweathers will sprint into the college recruiting process. Wherever they go, they plan to go together.
“We’re a package deal,” Dai’lyn said.
Local girls to watch at state track and field meet
Class 4A
Rachel Blair, Camas – The district 3,200 meter champion ran the sixth-fastest 1,600 among 4A athletes in placing second at the bi-district meet.
Savanna Craig, Mountain View – The bi-district 1,600 meter champion has the third-fastest time in 4A this season. She also has the seventh-fastest time in the 800.
Emma Jenkins, Camas – Ran a season-best 3,200 meters to finish second at the bi-district meet. Her time of 11:03.64 is seventh-fastest 4A time this season.
Krystal Kaufman, Skyview – The sophomore won the 800 meters at the bi-district meet in 2:15.12, the fifth-fastest time this year among 4A runners.
Caleigh Lofstead, Camas – The defending 4A state champion in the pole vault. Her season-best of 13 feet, 3 inches is best among 4A athletes.
Class 3A
Yaiydenn Lopez-Perez, Columbia River – Won the bi-district discus title. Her season-best of 116-10 ranks eighth in 3A.
Tiarra Ringold, Columbia River – Won the bi-district triple jump with a personal best of 36-8.25, which is seventh-best in 3A.
Kaylin Sperley, Prairie – The bi-district 100-meter champ, her winning time of 12.20 is third best among 3A athletes statewide.
Ellie Walker, Columbia River – Her season-best 100 hurdles time of 15.17 is sixth-fastest among 3A athletes.
Class 2A
Alyssa Chapin, Hockinson – Owns the fourth-fastest times in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles among 2A athletes.
Chloe Lindbo, Ridgefield – District champion in the high jump and 800 meters. One of five 2A girls to have cleared 5-3 this season.
Julia Stepper, Woodland – Among 2A athletes, she owns the second-best marks in the 100 meters (12.25), 200 meters (25.06) and long jump (18-0.5). Only Wurrie Njadoe of Shorecrest ranks better in each event.
Erykah Weems, Hudson’s Bay – Her season-best 300 hurdles time of 43.93 is the best among 2A athletes by a full second. Also clocked the third-fastest 100 hurdles in 2A at the district meet.
Class 1A
Jenna Melanson, La Center – Will enter the 1A state meet in Spokane with the second-fastest 3,200 time in the field (11:03.78).
