Outlaws run Portland to Coast

Sisters High School runners trekked from Portland to the Coast.

The Sisters High School cross country team got a jump start on the upcoming season as 24 members of the squad participated in the 126 mile Portland to Coast High School Challenge relay held August 24 and 25.

The race is held in conjunction to the popular Hood to Coast Relay.

Sisters' two co-ed teams joined 42 other high school groups from Oregon and Washington near downtown Portland for the 6 p.m. start.

Over the next 14 to 20 hours the teams leap-frogged their way to Seaside via Highway 30 and back roads through the Coast Range.

Sisters' first team finished seventh among co-ed teams in 16 hours and 25 minutes, while the second team wound up 17th in 18 hours 19 minutes.

"Both teams held up great, overall," said head coach Charlie Kanzig, who along with assistant Rima Givot, Gary Cundiff, and Rachel Beck, drove vans for the event. "My goal in doing the relay is for the kids to get to know one another, do problem solving together, and have a fun time."

Problem solving came into play when the van Kanzig was driving broke down with a bad fuel pump, forcing his group of six runners to hitch-hike their way over the last six legs to get to Seaside.

"The kids weren't stressed and that allowed me to figure out a plan of action," said Kanzig. "Hitchhiking gave us the chance to meet some great people who were more than eager to help out."

Since the race continues throughout the night, each runner completes one leg in total darkness.

Kanzig, Givot, and driver Rachel Beck served as escorts for runners during the night to keep runners company in the dark.

"Sometimes flashlights burn out or the course is confusing, so it's nice to have someone along with you," said Kanzig.

One of the vans ended up including three pairs of siblings. Rachel Beck drove her brother Jordan along with Wes and Resa Hodson, and Rikki and Casey Glick.

"The whole thing was amazing," said Resa. "It was great team-bonding experience and fun to be with my brother."

Team number one, "The Fight or Flight Project," included Amy Cretsinger, Chris Mintiens, Angela Chick, Melissa Little, David King, Tiffany Stevens, Koby McCorkle, Rikki Glick, Casey Glick, Resa Hodson, Wes Hodson, and Jordan Beck.

Team two, "Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes," was comprised of Logan Godsiff, Jason Siegel, Jamie Cundiff, Mauri Matsuda, Brandon Overstreet, Andrew Hyde, Iris Powell, Nathan Church, Mike Merrell, Lindsay Chick, Ben Boro and Amber Randall.

"These kids and their families make my job of coaching a real joy," said Kanzig.