Sisters runners race in Portland

A sunny autumn day and a fast course produced quick race times for the Sisters Outlaws boys and girls cross country teams Saturday at the Adidas Classic at Fernhill Park, in Portland.

Running for the second weekend in a row against the best 6A, 5A, and 4A teams in Oregon, as well as Alaska's top team, the Outlaws finished respectably in the middle of the team race in both the boys and girls contests.

Benton Urquhart got wrapped up in the excitement of the race and led for most of the first mile before settling into a pace that ultimately carried him to a time of 16:39, for 33rd place among 167 finishers.

"Benton learned a lesson and promised his teammates he wouldn't lead like that again in an important meet like State," said coach Charlie Kanzig. "He's a competitor and ready to race but understands that he would finish much higher with a slightly more conservative first mile."

Parker Bennett became the fourth Sisters boy to break 17 minutes this season, finishing 53rd in 16:53, while Jared Henderson (17:08), Lucas Glick (17:17), Mike Calavan (17:40) and Seth Schneider (17:42) kept the Outlaw pack tight through six runners.

"Our consistency in running within a minute or less of one another is the key to our success," said Kanzig. "These boys were tired going into the race and still remained very competitive."

Among the 25 teams Sisters finished 13th, with 320 points, which was just 23 points out of ninth place. The only other 4A team invited to the elite race, La Salle, finished 24th.

Emi Conrads lead a very tight pack of Outlaw girls as Sisters placed 14th among 24 teams in the girls elite team race.

Conrads made her way through the crowd to 53rd place in 20:21, followed by Kirsten Clarke (20:43), Jena Rickards (20:45), Claire Kanzig (21:00), Ryanne Conrads (21:22), Tia Berg (21:35) and Lani Ulmer (22:15).

"Like the boys the girls team strength lies in their ability to bunch together toward the top third of the pack," said Kanzig. "We need Emi to stretch even more toward the front of the pack as a team leader, and I think that the rest will continue to follow.

"This Adidas meet is really a showcase race for the 6A and 5A schools, so we were glad to be invited," said Kanzig. "Had we stayed at the invitational level, both the boys and girls would have won handily, but I felt it was important to face the best of the best as we prepare for district and state."

The Outlaws are scheduled to run Wednesday, October 17, at Elmira before the state-qualifying district meet set for Thursday, October 25, at Lane Community College.