The Evergreen Statement
by David "Hawaiian Five-Oh" Taylor
| I: A Spokane Legacy | II: Spokane History 101 | III: A Kenyon Style | IV: A Washington Bias |
Editorial comment: In "Washington Bias" there was confusion regarding mentioning a Spokane program and a western Washington runner (Moskowitz), the point of the story was not about Spokane, but WASHINGTON as a whole. As such, we have reason to maintain a bias to our runners and programs, whether they come from Central Kitsap or Mead High Schools. There is a lot below the surface that brings something special to the tradition of Washington running. Additionally, slight errors occur in every story due to human error, I deeply apologize for errors incurred as I continue to try and capture the spirit of the sport in this state. For any corrections or comments please email dtaylor@milesplit.us.
WHO ARE WE?
Washington is over seventy one thousand square miles of the most pristine areas in the country. Throughout the past thirty years it has set the standard of excellence for prep distance running. It has achieved national stardom and produced memorable individual and team performances. It has born legends and the light of Providence has shined down on it's youth in the sport of Cross Country.
Its athletes have set standards of excellence few have met and few have broken. In essence Washington has been the national standard many times over. Remarkably, it is the home of monumental national mile, two-mile, and 5000 meter records, established over 4 decades ago, broken by few. It is also the home of the greatest cross country teams in US history and the greatest coaches in US History. Coaches who come from a legacy of greatness that has spanned through generations. This is a place of fostered excellence.
THE GREATEST: OUR LEGENDS OF CROSS COUNTRY
Over the past twenty years Washington has placed over 40 teams in the top 25 nationally. From east to west this state has been united with one common theme, that it is one of America's epicenters for this sport and even has its own Rift Valley for prep cross country in Spokane, a statement backed up in a great article by writer Dave Devine a few years back. Spokane has had great success because their athletes have become their coaches and carried on a long tradition.
It has been said that in 1993 Washington produced the greatest prep cross country team in US history. In 2008 at the national championships, Washington again claimed the coveted crown and perhaps set a new standard of excellence. In that race, Washington defeated the best team York, IL has ever produced and even though North Central ran 6.4 seconds slower in the total team time, they won. In that race, it could be said that North Central was the best of all-time.
NXN 2009: SENDING THE BEST
This year Washington has produced new hopes and dreams. There are two teams, possibly three that will carry the banner of excellence into the National Championships.
From West to East Washington has teams like Henry M. Jackson, Joel E. Ferris, Glacier Peak, and Shadle Park who have tremendous potential to sweep the Northwest entries into the NXN Championship meet.
A LEGACY OF GREATNESS
Washington's legacy of greatness lies with its history and tradition and this foundation prepares them to face the most formidable foe's to come forth nationally in over two decades. This year has produced most likely the best teams from the South, the Northeast, and the Midwest in almost a decade and as the decade comes to a close, the impact of NXN is producing miracles throughout the country as many have claimed to be the best ever and are backing it up with historic performances. Many have come, many have gone, but Washington has remained a force, and here is its clear claim:. Washington is the home of champions, it is the evergreen state and the bottom line is that the national championship runs through it.