Father had mad hops, but this Noji has plenty of speed to burn

Nathan Hale senior Kela Noji, daughter of Washington high jump record-holder and UW All-American Rick Noji, has blazed her own trail in track and field in the sprints

Nathan Hale’s Kela Noji, the daughter of Washington high jumping legend Rick Noji, has the state’s top time this spring in the 100-meter dash. (Todd Milles / VarsityWA)

SHORELINE, Wash. — If the state’s fastest high school girl had a different last name, one that didn’t trigger memories of WIAA track and field royalty, perhaps she could run her race and then go about her life in a hush.

Nathan Hale High School sprinter Kela Noji cannot do that.