Willamina junior Hallee Hughes makes a statement on the big stage, winning the discus title at the prestigious Jesuit Twilight Relays

“I just really wanted to come out here and prove what I could do.”

René Ferrán | May 2, 2022

Willamina junior Hallee Hughes makes a statement on the big stage, winning the discus title at the prestigious Jesuit Twilight Relays /

By René Ferrán

One of the beauties of big track meets like the Jesuit Twilight Relays is that it doesn’t matter the size of the school that an athlete attends.

If they’re good enough, they’ll receive an invitation. Then, it’s up to the athlete to perform.

Such was the case for Willamina junior Hallee Hughes on Friday in the girls discus. While she didn’t throw a personal best, she was best in a field that included state leader Kyeese Hollands of Central Catholic, throwing 135 feet, 2 inches, to beat Hollands by more than 2 feet.

“It feels pretty good,” Hughes said. “I participated in the Oregon Relays last week and didn’t throw so well (114-8 to finish eighth), and I just really wanted to come out here and prove what I could do.”

Now, Hughes has her sights set on breaking 140 feet, which would move her to the top five on the all-time Class 3A list, and defending the 3A title she won at the culminating meet a year ago.

“I really wanted to throw 140 today, but I’ve still got more meets to go,” she said.