James Sukovaty (1963) - Track

Jim was born and raised in Longview the youngest of three children. In high school Jim played his three favorite sports, football, basketball and track. He was on the varsity football team1960, ’61 and ’62. In 10th grade he was a standout on the JV squad as a quarterback but played with the varsity the whole season. He played as a starting fullback on varsity in his junior and senior years and he was captain of the varsity football team his senior year. He played basketball two seasons, 1960 and ’61, he really excelled at track and participated on the team 1961, ’62 and ’63. His accomplishment for the discus in 1962 were 1st in the Davis High Invitational, 1st place in sub-district, 1st place Shelton Invitational, 1st place in the tri-meet of RAL, MM and Kelso, he also placed 1st in the Kelso Invitational. In 1963 he took 1st place in the Shelton Invitational, 1st place in sub district and 4th place in the 2A state meet. Jim set a school record in 1963 for the shot put and was 1st in the district at 54 feet 2 inches. He also set a school record for the discus throw at 163 feet 1 inch in 1963, this record held for 47 years until it was broken in 2010. In Jim’s senior year he was listed in “Who’s Who in High School for 1963” After high school Jim attended Western Washington University on a track scholarship and placed 1st in the discus in April 1964, placed 1st in the discus in May 1964 and 2nd in the shot put in May 1964, shortly after that an injury ended his track career. Jim spent about four years in the mid to late ‘70’s helping coach track at Coweeman Junior High. He currently has a granddaughter attending R.A. Long who plays volleyball and softball.