Elgin pole vaulter Stephen Howes almost clears 12 feet Thursday, only to have his shorts knock the crossbar down. (BRAD MOSHER/The Observer)

by BRAD MOSHER / The Observer 

ELGIN — Stephen Howes had a wardrobe malfunction Thursday.

It didn’t cost him a victory in the ICUE track meet — just a new personal best. 

Enterprise’s Marta Stangel and Emma Bowers lean at the finish of the 100 meters. (BRAD MOSHER/The Observer)

by BRAD MOSHER / The Observer 

ELGIN — For Katriel O’Reilly, it was speed work designed to improve her chances to repeat as a state champion.

But, for Elgin’s Aria Higgins, having O’Reilly in the ICUE 400 meters with her Thursday was even more important. 

Parker Robinson (right) finished second in the 90-pound 10-and-under division at the Reno Worlds Tournament recently. Cole Rohan (left) took third place in the 98-pound 15-and-under division.

by CASEY KELLAS / The Observer 

RENO, Nev. — Parker Robinson is quickly making a name for himself in the world of wrestling. 

Robinson, a member of the La Grande Mat Club, took second place in the 90-pound 10-and-under division of the Reno Worlds Tournament held in Reno, Nev., April 11-14.

Robinson took third place a year ago at the open invite tournament that is the largest collegiate-style tournament in the world. 

Imbler’s Angela Stafford was running with the leaders early in Saturday’s 3,000-meter race. (BRAD MOSHER/The Observer)

by BRAD MOSHER / The Observer 

ELGIN — Angela Stafford will have a chance to run with a different crowd Thursday evening on the Elgin High School track.

It could mean a faster time with more competition than she has seen all season.  

The Observer staff

HERMISTON — Golfers from Cove, Enterprise and Wallowa competed at the Hermiston Bulldog Invitational over the weekend.

The Enterprise duo of Cody Hopkins and Jarrod Snook led the Outlaws by each shooting an 88 on the par 70 course.

La Grande shortstop Tyson Wicklander tries turning a double play as Baker’s Dan Stinson slides into second base during the Tigers’ 3-2 victory in Game 2 Monday at Optimist Field. (CASEY KELLAS/The Observer)

La Grande rallies for Game 1 victory, holds off late Baker charge in second game 

by CASEY KELLAS / The Observer 

The La Grande baseball team picked up a “huge” sweep over Baker Monday at Optimist Field, winning by 7-3 and 3-2 margins.

The win improves the Tigers to 9-7 overall in the Greater Oregon League and moves them to 4-2 and sole possession of second place behind Ontario.

La Grande’s Emily Lawrence got the Game 1 victory over Baker Friday, coming in in the fourth inning to relieve Kali Avila. (Observer file photo)

The Observer staff

BAKER CITY — The La Grande softball team split with rival Baker Friday in a Greater Oregon League doubleheader.

The Lady Tigers took Game 1, 8-6, but lost the second game, 6-5, on a seventh-inning walk-off homer.

Elgin’s Aria Higgins wins the 400 meters at the Elgin Invitational Saturday. (Brad Mosher/The Observer)

by Brad Mosher/The Observer

ELGIN — There was a wave of purple Saturday that flooded the girls’ events at the annual Elgin Invite track meet.

It carried the host team to a one-sided victory.

Elgin’s Ty Bowen (above) crosses the finish line as he wins a 100-meter heat at the Elgin Invitational Saturday. (Brad Mosher/The Observer)

by Brad Mosher/The Observer

ELGIN — Ty Bowen may have found a new event.

At least that’s what Elgin track coach Kevin Lambert is hoping.

The Observer staff

The La Grande boys golf team battled wet conditions Friday at its home invite at La Grande Country Club.

The Tigers played through a constant downpour and finished in fourth place at the five-team 
tournament.