Beck earns return trip to state

Byline

Rachel Beck earned her third trip to the state cross country meet after her second place finish at the district meet held at Salem's Bush Park on Friday, October 29.

Beck toured the 5,000- meter course in 20:20, second only to Jeane Goff of Cascade who is one of the favorites to win the state title. Goff was clocked in 19:02.

Things didn't start out well for Beck who was overcome with nausea as the competitors lined up for the start.

"For a moment I didn't know if I would even be able to run, but once the gun went off, I felt a lot better," said Beck.

Beck battled throughout the race with Erin Gerhardt of North Marion, and Katie Kroszka of Cascade, but pulled away in the final 300 meters to claim the runner-up spot.

"Anything short of second place would have been surprising for me," said Coach Charlie Kanzig. "Her experience, drive, and ability gave her a real advantage."

Beck hopes to improve her performance at state after a slight injury hampered her performance last year when she finished 39th.

The girls' varsity team finished third for the third consecutive year.

Cascade captured its first district title with 34 points, followed by Molalla with 46. The top two teams go on to the state meet.

Danusha Sawiel placed 15th to capture All-Conference Honorable Mention status. Jamie Cundiff, Mauri Matsuda, Amy Cretsinger and Leah Berrey all ran their best times ever to help the girls' cause.

"I told the girls we had a shot at third place if they put it together, and they all ran great," said Kanzig.

On the boys' side, Jordan Beck led the Outlaws with his 25th place finish. Another freshman, Koby McCorkle, was next in 26th and Noah Harpham was 27th. The inexperienced team finished in eighth place, but has its sights on a positive future thanks to a crew of talented freshmen and sophomores.

The boys' junior varsity race was a barnburner as Molalla, Cascade and Sisters battled for top honors. Sisters placed three runners in the top 10 and four in the top 11, but still ended up third with 44 points.

Cascade finished first (35) and Molalla second (41). Logan Godsiff placed third, Zach Newton seventh, Gray Bushnell eighth, Kalin Emrich 11th and Andrew Hyde 16th.

Lorraine Boro lead a trio of Sisters runners in the junior varsity girls' race. Boro cruised to her best time to finish 10th in 25:46. Amber Ginther and Shannon Esterman finished 17th and 18th respectively.

The State cross country meet is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. Saturday at Lane Community College. The 3A girls' race, which Beck will run, starts at 2:15 p.m.