Local runners second in Portland-to-Coast

The Outlaws Cross Country team took to the roads over the weekend as 26 team members participated in the Portland-to-Coast Relay, held August 23-24.

The race is held in conjunction with the Hood-to-Coast Relay and the Portland-to-Coast Walk.

Like last year, Sisters entered two 12-member co-ed teams. This year, the Outlaws moved up in the overall rankings.

The Outlaws' first team "Afraid of the Dark" finished second among co-ed teams and an impressive ninth overall, covering the 127 mile course in 15 hours and 56 minutes.

"Afraid of the Dark" team members included Amy Cretsinger, Anna Morton, Resa Hodson, Melissa Little, Lindsay Chick, Rikki Glick, Koby McCorkle, Jordan Beck, Alex Templar, David King, Nathan Church and Wes Hodson.

A total of 41 high school teams finished the event.

The second team, "The Outlaw Hitchikers" ended up in 13th place among coed teams and 30th overall in a time of 18 hours and 37 minutes.

The "Hitchhikers" included Kelly Cundiff, Iris Powell, Angela Chick, Teresse MacKenzie, Crystal Metcalf, Marigrace Marshall, Ben Boro, Byron Womack, Sam Davis, Josh Simone, Justin Thomas, and Casey Glick.

Gretchen Addison and Brittany Burdick helped as running escorts for the team.

"My goal of having the teams do Portland-to-Coast is about establishing teamwork," said coach Charlie Kanzig. "The kids were great this year about encouraging one another, so everyone had a great time."

One example of "going the extra mile" was Jordan Beck running his two legs, then running along with Anna Morton for 4.75 miles and continuing on to run an additional 7.4 miles with Melissa Little.

"With that sort of dedication to one another, this team is already successful in my eyes," said Kanzig.

Not everyone would undertake an overnight adventure with so many teenagers, but Kanzig looks forward to it each year.

"I got incredible help from my assistants Rima Givot and Casey Glick, along with the drivers, Gary Cundiff, Brian Hodson, Denise Chick, and Rachel Beck, so I could enjoy the event along with the kids," he said.

"I have to admit, it would have been nice to have gotten a little sleep."