The most memorable Eugene-area high school spring sports moments in 2023

There were a lot of jaw dropping moments during the 2023 spring high school sports season in track and field, softball, baseball, golf and tennis.

Here is a look back at some of the highlights.

Churchill's Addison Kleinke a pole vaulter extraordinaire

Churchill freshman Addison Kleinke entered the season with an impressive pole-vault resume. During the spring campaign, Kleinke became the second Oregon girl to break 13 feet, setting a new state record in the process. But she had jumped 13-6 as an eighth-grader.

Kleinke set the bar even higher at her first Class 5A state championship meet when she broke her own state record with a mark of 13-4.5.

Sheldon's Terek Logan jumps for state title

Sheldon junior Terek Logan saw more success in his high school career while competing at the Class 6A state meet.

Logan captured the high jump title, clearing a personal-best 6-5 to defeat state leader Houston Klug of North Medford. He also finished tied for second in pole vault and was third in long jump.

North Eugene's Francesca Tomp repeats as state champion

North Eugene's Francesca Tomp continues to be one to watch.

After winning the Class 5A girls golf individual championship as a freshman, she completed the feat a second time this year.

The North Eugene sophomore carded a 75 the first day while Summit's Zoe Garcia was ahead with 74. Coming into day two, Tomp hit 4-over par as Garcia was 7-over. Tomp claimed the title with 7-over 151.

Garcia finished 9-over 153 and Evie Dunn of Wilsonville was 15-over 159.

Marist boys tennis doubles duo wins title

Marist boys tennis doubles pair Jack Kiefer and Peyton Tyner were ranked No. 1 for a reason.

The Spartans duo defeated No. 4 Ben Rosenfeld and Lucas Holliday of Catlin Gabel 6-2, 6-1 in the 4A/3A/2A/1A title match.

This was Marist's fourth doubles title in school history and the Spartans first since 2015.

Thurston baseball claims state title in walk-off fashion

Sometimes those little unexpected moments make all the difference in sports.

An inside-the-park home run in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Thurston baseball team to a 2-1 win over West Albany in the Class 5A state championship game at PK Park.

At the plate during that explosive play was none other than freshman Grady Saunders.

Thurston (28-3) claimed its second state championship in program history and played in its first title game since 2012.

Connor Molony allowed four hits and four walks while striking out three in all eight frames for the Colts. Maddox Molony led Thurston with two hits and one RBI. Kyle Miller had two hits.

Drew Rice allowed eight hits and two walks while striking out five in seven innings for the Bulldogs.

Sheldon softball earns state title

The Sheldon softball team claimed the Class 6A state title without recording a hit, defeating Oregon City 1-0 at Jane Sanders Stadium.

But that wasn't the most shocking part.

The last play went as followed: Meara Sain was called safe at first base on a throwing error from third. Meanwhile, Brooke Peterson headed for second, then third but was called out on the throw at home. Sain was also called out at second, sending the game into extra innings.

However, the Irish burst into celebrations as if they had just won.

Umpires deliberated briefly before they made the final call. Peterson was called safe at home due to obstruction by Oregon City's pitcher Lily Riley at third base.

As Peterson made the turn toward home, she made contact with Riley who stood on the front corner of the bag.

Sheldon (30-1) won its second state title in school history, the first coming in 2019.

Payton Burnham struck out a whopping 17 in seven scoreless frames for the Irish.

Riley, who threw the first no-hitter in an OSAA softball championship game, recorded nine strikeouts.

Edith Noriega is a sports reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at ENoriega@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @Noriega_Edith.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Top Eugene-area high school spring sports moments in the 2023 season