Blocker Triumphs, Captures State Championship Crown

Eatonville’s Brooke Blocker has left an indelible mark on her high school career, showcasing exceptional talent across multiple sports. With her remarkable skills, she earned recognition on the All-League teams for basketball and fastpitch, and even secured a spot on the All-State team in fastpitch. In the realm of track and field, she asserted her dominance by capturing the titles of Evergreen League and District 4 Javelin Champion. Adding to her impressive list of achievements, Blocker now proudly holds the title of the 2023 WIAA 1A Javelin State Champion.

Eatonville's Brooke Blocker poses in front of the distance sign showing her state championship winning distance. Photo: Erik Swartout

Blocker faced formidable competition, pitting her skills against 15 other talented athletes in the Javelin event. The climax of the competition arrived at her final throw, which turned out to be the greatest of her career. Launching the javelin an astounding distance of 121 feet 11 inches, she solidified her claim to the State Championship.

Overwhelmed with exhilaration upon being announced the victor, Blocker attempted to put her feelings into words. "This moment is so surreal and something I've dreamed about since middle school," she expressed. "Winning the Javelin State Championship after such a long break from the sport is an indescribable feeling of excitement and triumph. The rush of adrenaline that surged through my body as I heard my name being called out as the winner is unmatched."

Erik Swartout, Blocker's throwing coach, expressed both awe and expectation at her exceptional performance. "This was one of the most clutch things I've ever seen from an athlete. To PR three times at the state meet and then on your last attempt to win it is something I'll remember forever," he praised, reflecting on the extraordinary feat. Swartout reminisced about the decisive moment when he became certain of Blocker's victory. "I've always known Brooke is a fierce competitor, and that's what I admire so much about her as an athlete. Before the finals and sitting in second, I distinctly remember her saying 'I'm going to win this thing, there is no other option.' Once I heard that and saw the look in her eyes, I knew she was going to do it."

Acknowledging the significance of a robust support system on her journey to becoming a state champion, Blocker made sure to express her gratitude to those who helped her reach this pinnacle. "A few people I truly looked up to during this process would be the Swartout family, Erik, Machaela, and Sammie," she acknowledged, highlighting their instrumental roles in her development. Blocker specifically admired Sammie, who selflessly coached other youngsters while recovering from her own injury. Erik and Machaela, being collegiate javelin throwers themselves, served as constant sources of inspiration. Blocker's trust in their guidance and belief in Erik's ability to push her beyond her limits made him the perfect mentor. Recognizing their profound impact, she attributed her State Championship victory to their coaching prowess. "I am extremely blessed to have been coached by these three people and would not have won a State Championship without them."

While Blocker has committed to playing softball at Central Washington University in the upcoming fall, she remains resolute in her ambition to continue her javelin career. Despite the challenges posed by her commitment to softball, she plans to participate in college meets as an unattached athlete alongside Machaela Swartout, ensuring she can pursue her passion for throwing the javelin beyond the confines of high school.