Eastmont, Wenatchee and Cashmere’s track teams just finished up competition at the Ray Cockrum Invitational on Saturday, which was great. But in the days leading up to the event, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Who is Ray Cockrum?’During lulls in the action at Wenatchee High School’s grand old track at the foot of Saddle Rock, I asked assistant track coach and resident Wenatchee High School athletics historian Don Whipple about Ray Cockrum. Whipp was stumped, which was a first. Normally, he’ll talk my ear off for 20 minutes before asking me what I wanted to ask him about. He directed me to meet official Dale Skalisky, who coached Wenatchee track for a quarter-century (1965-1990).It turns out that Ray Cockrum was a dedicated track parent whose daughter Coreen ran for the Panthers from 1982-1986. Coreen was also the 1986 Apple Blossom Queen.After Coreen graduated in 1986, the invitational heretofore known as the Wenatchee Invitational was renamed the Ray Cockrum Relays in celebration and appreciation of all the time Cockrum had put into the program as a fan and tournament official.Mystery solved.