Falls Church HS Jaguars Progress to State Track & Field

Falls Church High School had a red carpet send-off for two of their students. Sandy Kendall, a junior, and Thomas Olson, a sophomore, each had standout seasons at both the Conference and Region levels. As a result, each student qualified for States and were given a congratulatory red carpet send-off by the staff and students at Falls Church High School—a tradition that has become more and more commonplace as the Jaguars continue to have outstanding athletes.

Sandy Kendall has been a standout cross country runner for Falls Church HS during the fall season. In the winter, she has been on the Swim team and part of record-breaking teams. However, this year is Sandy’s first season on the Track and Field team in the spring. In the past, Sandy had been part of the Varsity Girls Soccer program, but this season decided to run track instead. Sandy placed 3rd in the 3200 meter run at Conference Championships and then placed 3rd in 5A North Regional in the same race. At regionals she went from 6th to 3rd in the last 100 meters and ran a time of 11 minutes and 58 seconds. Sandy is currently ranked 16th/18 runners in the 5A state championship but only 13 seconds from the #8 place seed as the field is very tight.

Sophomore student Thomas Olson has been a member of the Track and Field team as well as the Cross Country teams for the past two years. This year Thomas was interested in trying pole vault. His progress was astounding. Under the coaching of NCAA Division I All-American Coach Marshall, Thomas went from 9 feet to 10 feet in the conference championships and earned a spot to regionals. At regionals Thomas vaulted 10 feet again to place 6th and qualify for the State Championship. Thomas did quite remarkable considering he is only a sophomore and this was the first year he even attempted pole vault.

Head Coach Bobby Krause (also the Assistant Director of Student Activities at Falls Church High School) is very proud of both students and their work ethic that has helped them continue to grow.

PHOTO: Sandy Kendall and Thoma Olson; photo courtesy of Falls Church High School