Near Olympian

Forgotten in the annals of time is the story about a farm kid from Ritzville that nearly made the Olympic track team. Walter “Spike” Arlt was an outstanding athlete at Ritzville High School and as a track hurdler he set a state record for the 120 yard high hurdles in 1956 his senior year. That mark still stands as an all-time Bronco track record since the 120 yard high hurdles is now the 110 Meter hurdles.

Spike would go onto run track at WSU and in 1960 was selected as the WSU athlete of the year. After the season ended he was invited to try out for the USA Olympic team. The tryouts were held...