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Register-Guard 6A Boys state meet outlook

Register-Guard 6A Girls state meet outlook

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Sheldon distance runner Jackson Mestler is a just a few months away from taking his talents across the Willamette River to Oregon.

Before embarking on a career with the Ducks, however, he’ll have one last chance to leave a lasting impression on his soon-to-be home track while wearing a Sheldon uniform.

Mestler will attempt to defend his Class 6A titles in the 1,500 and 3,000 meters this week during the state championship track and field meet at Hayward Field.

The senior will contest the 3,000 Friday morning and then return for the 1,500 Saturday afternoon.

“I’m in shape, I’m prepared and I’m confident,” Mestler, 18, said Wednesday afternoon. “So yeah, it’s all good.”

Last season he won a pair of tightly contested championship races, beating longtime rival and 2014 state champion Reilly Bloomer of South Eugene, now at Georgetown, in the 3,000, and kicking past Cleveland senior Roba Sultessa down the homestretch during the 1,500.

Mestler ran the 3,000 in 8 minutes, 34.80 seconds to 8:35.38 for Bloomer. He won the 1,500 in a personal-record time of 3:55.67 to 3:55.85 for Sultessa.

It won’t be any easier this week.

“It’s a loaded field,” Sheldon distance coach Brayce Forsha said. “It’s going to be a lot harder this year for him than last year, but he’s a lot better runner this year too. There’s four, five, six kids that can win. It’s just gonna be who’s on that day and I fully expect him to be on.”

Mestler ranks third in the state in both events coming into the meet, behind West Linn senior twin brothers Roman and Grayson Ollar.

In the 3,000, Mestler established his personal record of 8:29.04 at the Oregon Relays on April 16. A week later at the Centennial Invitational, Roman Ollar ran 8:25.63 and Grayson Ollar ran 8:25.83.

Mestler’s season-best time in the 1,500 is 3:55.71 from the Nike/Jesuit Twilight Relays on April 29. Roman Ollar leads the state at 3:54.19 and Grayson Ollar is second at 3:55.15. Both were recorded at the Three Rivers League championship meet on May 13.

“It’s gonna be fast, I have no doubt,” said Forsha, who also included West Salem junior Ahmed Muhumed among the contenders in the 1,500.

“It’s gonna be a lot faster race than last year. It’s gotta be, because every one of those guys can run 1:53-1:55 (800). I don’t think any of them wants to leave it to a kick. They’re going to find out who’s got it and who doesn’t. It’s gonna be hard all the way to the end.”

That’s fine with Mestler, who said he’s up for the challenge.

“No one likes running slow,” he said. “Everyone’s putting their best foot forward at the state meet, giving their best effort.”