Branstetter competes in Junior Olympics

REARDAN – High school senior Gabe Branstetter competed in two events at the USA Track & Field National Junior Olympic Championships July 22-28 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. He finished 13th in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:56, and his team Spokane Speed Academy finished sixth in the 4x800 meter relay with a time of 8:05.98.

Branstetter started competing in cross-country and track for Reardan High School when he was a freshman. Since his sophomore year, he has competed in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state championships in both sports.

As a sophomore, Branstetter placed fourth in the 800-meter run at the state meet. Last year he placed second in the 800, sixth in the 400, and his Screaming Eagles' relay team finished third in the 4x400 relay.

"I love competition, and I love pushing myself," Branstetter said. "One of my strengths is my mental game which helps me to compete."

Branstetter attributes his competitive streak to his father John, who was an all-around athlete at Colville High School and his mother Vanessa, who ran in the state track meet all four years at Northport High School.

He credits Reardan cross country coach Tyler Smedley for helping him improve as a runner.

"Coach Smedley has been very helpful. He's helped me with my running strategy and is a real encourager."

Branstetter trains year round and is excited about his senior year.

"My goal is to place in the top three at the state cross country meet and to win state in the 800 in track," he said.

After high school, Branstetter plans to compete in college while earning a degree in nursing.