Sundodger Invitational
Any review for running in the region must begin with the Sundodger Invitational at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. Although there was a great deal of noteworthy action around the region the top three girls’ individual times and at least the top two boys’ times warrant national attention. Kendra Weitz & Maddie Meyers got the action going by blazing through the first mile in 5:33 or so and raced home with Kendra victorious in a time of 17:21. Maddie ran a stunning 17:27, impressive in its own right, yet was still not all that far ahead of Kaitlin Kaluzny of A C Davis. It must be remembered too that those marks were recorded in a season that is still young and bodes well for the future. Any thoughts, that after a race the caliber of the girls, the boys’ race might be anti-climactic were quickly put to rest, when Nathan Weitz and Jacob Smith blitzed the mile in 4:33. As in the earlier race the pair ran shoulder to shoulder & were committed to a race and not just going through the motions. The two mile went quickly by in 9:47 and the final marks were as high a quality, as the girls’ marks. Nathan won in a time of 14:33, while Jacob followed in 14:41. Nicholas Boersma also chipped in with a 15:06, which is an excellent time, and normally that time would be the winning mark. Although the course appears to actually be 4,920 meters and not 5000, the times are still exemplary. Henry Jackson won the team title for the boys’, which jumped in the rankings to second in State 5A division. Snohomish claimed the girls’ title and now is ranked fourth in the state.
https://wa.milesplit.com/articles/72926-sundodger-invitational
New Balance Meet of Champions (Oregon)
Due to construction on the course, which for the past few years has been held at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, the meet returned to its point of origin at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City. That course has always produced to some eye-popping times and Kamiakin’s Anthony Armstrong rung up a doozy, when he sped home in 15:00.4. The course record, no matter what the inaccurate records say, has been owned by Dan Browne, a 2004 Olympian at both the 10K & the marathon, but Anthony left no doubt by obliterating his mark, We would note that current Canby assistant Mark Webber had a time just off of Browne’s mark. Anthony commented yesterday, that he would have run much faster, if he had any competition but that is the inherent problem once one gets to Anthony’s level. Summit’s Travis Neuman ran a fine race to take second but his time of 15:30 left him a startling half minute behind the Washington invader. Connor Johnson of Sehome placed third in 15:35 and Eric Alldritt of Summit placed fourth in 15:38.
I noted before the season started that the Summit girls would be at or next to the top in the Northwest even topping Glacier Peak’s vaunted harriers and they forcibly gave credence to that argument, when the dominated all the flights in the meet. They did that in fact without the services of two-time 5A State champion Megan Fristoe, who is nursing a sore knee but will return to action in a couple of weeks. In her absence Ashley Maton claimed the victory with a time of 18:11, as she bested Stephanie Rexus of Kamiakin (18:23) & freshman Emily Pettis (18:31) of Sehome. Claire DeVoe of Lincoln, who is already a two time invitational winner, took fourth in 18:34. The addition of freshman Piper McDonald strengthened an already formidable group and Piper teamed with Kira Kelly, so Summit went 1 – 2 in the Flight for third & fourth runners. Their times were 18:20 & 18:53 respectively. Sarah Fahmy of Sunset earned third with 19:17. In the next race for runners 5 & 6 it was once again Summit taking the top two places. This time it was Sarah Fristoe (19:10) & Tess Nelson (19:38), who took the honors. Summit ’s strength was displayed even more powerfully in the race, which featured seventh runners and others, when the Storm took the top three places and then added fifth & sixth as well. Keelin Moehl (19:58), Jessica Cornett (20:22) & Hadley Schoderber (20:25), while Ellie Larson of Sehome (20:31) stopped a Summit sweep of the top five.
In other boys’ divisions Austin Richards of Kamiakin made it three runners under sixteen minutes, when he ran 15:54. Keegan McCormick was the other given his ninth place finish in the top race & time of 15:58. Forest Grove’s Geremia Lizier-Zmudzinski placed second with 16:07. Kamiakin runners went 1 -2 in the guys’ 5 – 6 flight, when Garret Kraal & Phil Snyder took the first two spots with times of 16:24 & 16:35 respectively. Kamiakin was Summit-like in the last division and claimed the top three places with Christian Rodriguez (16:34, Taylor Kraal (16:34.6) & Kevin Paulson (16:56). They also added 5th, 7th & 8th in that flight.
South Whidbey (Washington)
Last year Amy-Eloise Neale had an off day at this race but that was hardly the case on Saturday, when she rewrote the record books and stormed home in a dazzling 17:48. The course has a formidable hill, which can not be taken lightly, so her time is to be highly regarded. Her team mate Katie Bianchini ran 18:22 to come home alone in second, while Brittany Gappa of Squalicum took third with 18:38. Elise Tello of Eisenhower placed fourth in 19:03 five seconds ahead of Sally Larson of Cedar park Christian. Mayra Chavez of Ike (19:23) claimed sixth & Megan Davis of Glacier Peak followed in seventh with 19:31. Eisenhower is the second ranked team in the state 4A division but Glacier Peak handled them with ease, as the triumphed with a low total of 32 points to Eisenhower’s 55. Lewis & Clark had 68 points for third.
Eisenhower is the top ranked team in the 4A division for guys and their race on Saturday certainly did nothing to hurt that position, as they romped to victory with a low of 33 points. Squalicum and Bellingham were left in the proverbial dust with totals of 92 & 107. Santos Vargas of Eisenhower led the boys with his time of 15:35 and he was followed by Squalicum’s Patrick Gibson ‘s fine 15:49. Jaziel Rodriguez of Eisenhower placed third in 15:57, while Dillon Quintana of Mt. Baker finished fourth in 16:11.
Fort Steilacoom (Washington)
That race, which had been very tempting to attend, offered some great racing as well but Jordan McPhee even outshined Korey Krotzer, who won the boys’ race, and that is not easy to do. Jordan breezed home in a stellar time of 17:46 and was followed by Sarah Reiter of Lindbergh, who ran 18:36. Rachel Atwood of Auburn Riverside garnered third with 18:50. Korey claimed the boys’ honors with his 15:38 clocking. Taking second was Izaic Yorks of Lakes, who ran a strong 15:44. Curtis King of Peninsula followed him two seconds later to take third and Marcus Dickson of White River ran 15:51, which was good for fourth. Kody Gould, also from White River, earned fifth with 15:54. Puyallup, ranked 8th in 4A, won the boys’ team honors with 146 points. Peninsula, which is ranked fourth in 3A, won the girls’ race with 121 points, while Liberty with 146 was second.
Salt Creek Invitational (Washington)
John Fowler won the race with a mark of 14:59 and led Bellevue to the team title with a low of 63 points. Kingston’s Marina Roberts added another great time for the day, when she rolled home in 17:27 for the three mile course. Also securing solid times were Summer Hanson of Interlake (17:42) & Reagan Colyer of North Kitsap (17:45).
South Salem Invitational (Oregon)
The South Salem Invitational, also known as the Saxon, is one of Oregon’s venerable races with a list of winners like Olympian Dan Browne and Foot Locker qualifiers like Stuart Eagon & Andrew Hunt. Female winners include Marie Davis, who is yet another Foot Locker qualifier, so the meet has a tradition like few others, if any, in the state. This year’s edition saw Dan Oekerman of Beaverton race across the finish line in first with a time of 15:43. Second went to Jesuit’s Hunter McGuirk, who ran 15:45 and edged Zacariah Roth of West Albany, who was credited with another version of that time. Sean Eustis of Washougal placed fourth in 15:59 & Hussein Mohammed of Beaverton took fifth in 16:01. Emily Weber was victorious in the girls’ race with a time of 19:08. Erin Gregoire, whose sister Hayley won the race last year, came in second in 19:17 and Hayan Wolfenden of Mountain View earned third. South Salem’s Kellen Friedrich of South Salem took fourth with 19:20. Mary Kate McGuire of Dallas placed fifth in 19:21. Megan Mullaney garnered sixth (19:30), as she led the Crusaders to the team title with 49 points, which easily topped South Salem’s total of 84. Jesuit also won the boys’ total with 50 points, which was 47 points better than that of Mountain View.
Pre-SWC Meet (Springfield, Or.)
Erin Clark’s entry into the cross country season after claiming her first individual State championship last spring was yet another event evoking anticipation. That wait came to an end in this meet and Erin delivered the proverbial goods by running away with the title and racing to a strong time of 18:15. Her time was accomplished by essentially running on her own. His South Eugene team mate Paige Kouba placed second in 19:30 and Lauren Morgan of South Medford placed third in 19:46. South Eugene topped Sheldon 44 to 68 in the girls’ team race. In the boys’ race Jack Wilson of the Axemen won with a time of 16:22. His team mate Brian Einstad finished second in 16:26. South Eugene claimed the guys’ team title over South Medford 19 to 93.
Pre-Skyline Meet (Grants Pass, Oregon)
Defending 4A State championAlisha Luna of Klamath Union ran 18:24 to win the crown over Hidden Valley ‘s Sierra Brown, who ran 18:59. Zorg Loustalet, also a returning State champion, claimed another victory this season with his mark of 15:41. Paul Adams of Mazama placed second in 15:53.
Apple Ridge Challenge (Wash)
Best times of the day in this race near Yakima were recorded by Chase Mears (16:09) of West Valley & Rachel Dahl (19:13) of Southridge – Kennewick.
Hood River Invitational (Oregon)
Highlights of the race, which we attended on Friday saw Jackson Baker win his third race of the season. The Franklin star ran 16:00 to best Christopher Hinkle of Cleveland by fourteen seconds. Although Franklin closed the gap with Hermiston, they lost again. Maggie Coleman (20:10) and Katie Markwick went 1 – 2 for Hermiston and the team was victorious over Cleveland by a margin of 42 to 51.
https://or.milesplit.com/articles/72814-hood-river-invitational
Blue Lake Cross-Over (Oregon)
The Mt. Hood & Three Rivers Leagues competed with each other and Paige Rice won the girls’ race with an excellent time of 18:12, as she defeated Kelly O’Neill of Lakeridge, who ran 19:28. In Kelly’s defense, she had run in the muscle-sapping Trask race the previous Saturday. Kyle Thompson of Central Catholic went out fast & continued on alone to earn a facile victory in a fine 15:44 clocking Jackson Haselnus of Barlow came home in 16:01 to take second.
https://or.milesplit.com/articles/72736-blue-lake-mt-hood-3-rivers-cross-over
Silver Falls Invitational (Oregon)
Zachary Holloway of Central Linn did what few runners have managed to accomplish, when he ran the course with its noted “Monster” hill in a time under twenty minutes. His time of 19:58 saw him defeat Mark Stephens of Crescent Valley by 26 seconds. Morgan Anderson of Silverton won the race for the second straight year – this time with a time of 23:58. Hers also was one of the better times on the course. Eliza Smith of Blanchet placed second in 24:52.
https://or.milesplit.com/articles/72707-silver-falls-invitational
NWOC Preview (Oregon)
Shannon Susbauer and her Milwaukie team mate Sasha Gonzalez took the first two places with times of 19:29 & 20:00.Taryn Rawlings of Wilsonville place third with 20:17. Ryan Byrd won the boys’ race with 16:14, as he defeated Akiharu Kitagawa of Wilsonville, who ran 16:15.
Southern Idaho Invitational
Erik Harris lost some training with problems but in his second race of the season he showed that he is regaining form with a victory in a 16:29 clocking. His time saw him finish almost fifty seconds in front of Parley Picket, who placed second. Mikesell Clegg of Jerome won the girls’ race in 20:34 to top Alyssa Brann of Twin Falls, who ran 21:48. Twin Falls won the girls’ team race, while Jerome claimed the guys’ race.
Molalla Invitational (Oregon)
Siuslaw may not be a large school but they can cast a long shadow over the meets, which they enter. Mitchell Butler, their lead runner, dominated at the front and won with a time of sixteen flat. Matt Campbell, his team mate finished second in 16:25 and the rout was on that Saturday. Siuslaw runners also earned 6th- 7th & 13th to easily out-distance any challengers. Katie Potter of Siuslaw won the girls’ race with 20:03 but was followed by Westview ’s Sarah Medved, who ran 20:06.
Clash in the Valley (Burley, Id.)
Samantha Mckinnon of Mountain View topped her team mate Jordan Mathes 19:15 to 19:27. Jake Meeker garnered the boys’ race in a time of 16:29. Dylan Rafaey of Meridian placed second in 16:46.
Farragut Invitational (Idaho)
Cody Curtis of Coeur d’Alene won with 16:57 & Mike Dunton, his team mate, placed second in 17:06. Victory in the girls’ race went to Josie Brown of CDA, who ran 19:50. Sanne Holland ran second to her in the A race with 20:02 & Jess Mildes claimed the B race in 19:55.
Century Challenge (Idaho)
Ryden Crowder of Preston led the guys with 16:59 and Taylor Weatherby of Idaho Falls scored in the girls’ race with 20:34.
Rigby Invitational (Idaho)
Alice Keller led the way with 18L44 for Salmon, while Ben Stout of Wood River scored for the guys with 16:13.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Meet (Homer, Alaska)
Allie Ostrander remained undefeated and unchallenged, as she prepared for this weekend’s Regional meet. Her time of 19:03 saw her easily outdistance Bailey Beeson, also of Kenai, as Bree Mucha of Soldotna finished third (20:41). Micah Hilbish of Skyview topped the guys with a time of 18:14.
Jim Cavanaugh Invitational (Alaska)
Andrey Ionashku of Delta Junction ran 16:43 to top Ryer Kornkven of Lathrop, who led a parade of Lathrop runners, who placed second through eighth. Megan Edic of Lathrop led her team mates Brooke Lizotte (20:06) & Megan Kubichek (20:48) in the girls’ race. Edic was clocked in 19:41.
National Notes
My condolences to the fans in Ohio, who will lose their fine facility at Scioto Downs, because the governor has authorized slot machines at the race track. Scioto has been home to the State meet since 1985 and it offered a wonderful venue with a great course with numerous hills. Over 12,000 fans showed up last year making it the best attended high school or college XC event in the nation. Once again it’s all about money with the athletes & fans not even an after-thought. That course was the site of Bob Kennedy’s brilliant race against John Sence, which remains the finest prep duel I have ever witnessed. Kennedy & Sence followed that race with a 1 – 2 at Foot Locker in 1987.
McDonough Invitational (Cleveland)
This meet, which formerly was known as the St. Joseph’s Invitational and has a rich history. It also has a brutally steep – almost vicious hill, that is so challenging that it reduces girls, who are Foot Locker finalists to nineteen minute runners. Nathan Sutton of Holland, which appears to have a very strong team, won the boys’ race with 16:56 and was followed by Evan Bialosky of Padua (17:13) & Ryan Sullivan (17:15) f Holland. Morgan Buckley, a Holland freshman, won the main girls’ race with 19:58. She was followed by Maddie Britton (20:03) of Bay Village & Rachel Slingluff of Beaumont, who ran 20:24. Holland won the boys’ race with 37 to University School, which had 69. Bay took the girls’ crown with 38 to best Chagrin Falls (79).
Boardman Invitational (Youngstown, Ohio)
The Spartan Invitational is another venerable invitational & it draws teams from both Ohio & Pennsylvania. Dan Jackson of Grove City won this year’s edition with 15:43. Zack McBride of Painesville Riverside ran 15:53 for second & was followed by Tyler Kowalek of Chardon (15:57). Carissa Jenkins of Austintown-Fitch led the top girls’ division with her time of 18:40 & Selena Pasadyn of Brunswick was the only other girl to break nineteen minutes with her 18:51.
Galion Invitational
This meet is normally under the radar but the times this year for girls make it of interest. Kayla Scott of Canal won with 18:04 & Paige Szabal of Wadsworth ran 18:07. Both were well ahead of the pack. Tsehaye Hiluf of Reynoldsburg sped home in 15:05. Tony Hawkins of Cuyahoga Falls (15:19) & Willy Wink (15:20) of Maumee were the only runners, who were able to stay with him for awhile.
Woodbridge (California)
Cami Chapus flew over the three mile course in an amazing 16:19. Madi McLellan followed in 16:28 & Hagen Reedy was a second back in third. C J Albertson sped home in 14:13, while Bryan Giujarro garnered second in 16:17.
The Crater Comets traveled to Woodbridge & represented Oregon on Saturday. The boys finished 12th overall with 335 points, as powerful Arcadia dominated the race with a low of 72 points. The girls finished 14th with 323 behind Great Oak, which had 89 points. The Crater runner placement:
33 Jon Obeso 14:59 28 Gracie Tostenson 17:27
37 Neil Seibert 15:02 29 Sarah Hastings 17:27
84 Dan Stober 15:32 102 Britney Wimberly 18:39
87 Piers Rasmussen 15:34 103 Megan Hastings 18:39
137 John Martinez 16:18 116 Jasmyn Anderson 18:53
147 Jason Braxton 16:35 144 Shelby Owen 20:19
154 Brently Strum 16:53 147 Jerilyn Armstrong 20:37
Mt. Carmel Invitational (California)
Emma Abrahamson ran 15:01 on the 2.75 mile course & Alicia Williams followed in 15:33. In another division Erika Reddish won with 15:11, while Kelly Lawson won another in 15:14. Darren Fahy, another Foot Locker finalist, stormed home in 14:44.
Adidas Challenge (NC)
Foot Locker finalist Wesley Frazier made her mark this weekend with her time of 17:42, while running in a race that mostly had collegians. She, along with Samantha George, ran unattached. Samantha ran 17:45.
Chieftan Invitational (Cal)
Vanessa Estrada won with 18:12 for three miles, while Helen Schlachtenhaufe won the other division in 18:15. The boys’ divisions were claimed by Ruben Collins (15:44) & David Timlin (15:01).
Flashrock (in)
Futsum Zeinasellassie improved his best for the year by bounding at the meet to the tune of 14:36 on the course, which measures 5K. Jason Christ ran well yet was a distant second in 15:26. Helen Willman topped the girls with 18:14.
Verona (NY)
Lizzie Predmore won the battle in a divisional race with 19:01 but Fayetteville-Manlius, led by Jillian Fanning ‘s 18:05, won the main team war & overwhelmed their competition. Laura Leff won her division & ha the third best time 18:09. Top times from various divisions for the guys include: Ryan Manahan – 16:11, Nick Ryan – 16:10, Mike Libruk – 16:10, Dan Lannon – 16:07, Nate Kozyra – 16:12.
Monroe Parker (Va.)
Sophie Chase scored with 17:33 for 5K & Ahmed Bile zipped home in 15:04.
Harry Groves (Pa)
Long known simply as the Spiked Shoe it has been renamed for “The Gator”, who coached at Penn State & William & Mary. Foot Locker finalist Angel Piccirillo scored with 17:36. Adam LaFemina ran 15:57.
Murray (Utah)
Jacob Burcham & Brock Baker went 1 – 2 with 15:03 & 15:07.
Kenosha Angel
Molly Seidel scored again – this time with a time of 13:36 for 4K.
Villa Bears (Bronx, NY)
Mary Cain ran the 2.5 mile VanCortlandt course in 14:16.
Mitchell Invitational (Fl)
Argishti Gazari backed up his victory at Ridgewood with a triumph at Mitchell in 15:33 & Brian Sharp followed in 15:35. Kari Grippo ran mostly alone yet still ran 17:24. Katelyn Greenleaf ran an impressive 17:59 but was forced to do it all alone in second.
Maine
Action in Maine has been light and two-time Foot Locker national finalist Abbey Leonardi has raced only in dual meets, which have not been posted. Emily Durgin, a Foot Locker qualifier, who has dealt with injuries, is back & like Leonardi has been limited to dual meets. She did, however, run at Noble last Friday and won with a time of 19:49. Fiona Hendry, her Cheverus team mate, followed her in 20:38. The Cheverus team is ranked number one in the state.
Michigan State Invitational
Erin Finn, yet another Foot Locker finalist (2010) ran 17:16 for 5K and Hannah Meier followed in 17:38. Behind them were Julia Bos (17:46) & Taylor Maneff (17:56). Sadly running in the gold division was Kenzie Weiler, who ran 17:41 essentially by herself. Although Waterford Mott ran Shannon Osika did not. Evan Chiplock led the guys with 15:23.
Briarwood Invitational (Pa)
Megan Lacy, who intends to get back to San Diego, as well, ran 18:04 to top Tori Gerlach by 14 seconds. Dustin Wilson topped the guys with his 15:39 clocking.
East Syracuse Minoa Invite (NY)
Ryan Manahan of Marcellus easily laid claim to the title in this race with his time of 16:23. Alec Peinkofer of Baldwinsville earned second with 16:29. Victoria Campanian of South Lewis won the girls’ race edging Rachel Garn of Marcellus 20:08.4 to 20:09.1.
South Jersey Shootout (NJ-Pa)
Christin Bettis of Hammonton ran 3.1 miles in 18:47. Shawn Wilson of Cherokee led the guys with his clocking of 16:06.
Moses Lake (wa.)
Left out earlier but not to be overlooked is this race, which Dayde Collins of Deer Park triumph in a time of 15:55. Jake Hombel of University took second with 16:03. Sierra Speiker of Oroville scored in the girls’ race with 18:55. University claimed the boys team title 32 to 78 over Deer park, while Ephrata took the girls’ team championship with 59 points, as Moses Lake had 75.