Outlaws run against the best

The Adidas Classic lived up to its billing, attracting some of the most elite high school runners in the west.

Being pushed by elite competition helped the Sisters Outlaws cross country team to achieve some season-best times at the race.

The meet brought together most of the top-ranked teams from Oregon's 6A, 5A and 4A ranks, along with top-notch teams from California, Washington and Alaska.

The boys' elite race featured the Alaskan State Champion, Trevor Dunbar, who shot from the start and was never threatened, streaking to an unbelievable time of 14 minutes and 47 seconds for the 5,000-meter course around Fernhill Park in northeast Portland. Dunbar's time was the fastest that Charlie Kanzig has seen in person by a high school runner in 25 years of coaching.

Benton Urquhart paced his way to his best time of the season, finishing 45th to lead the Outlaws in a time of 16:42. While other Outlaws ran their best of the year, Hidden Valley, the top-ranked 4A team ahead of Sisters, put on quite a show in finishing third overall as a team, completely overwhelming the Outlaws in the process.

"Before the meet, I thought we would move closer to Hidden Valley because I know we are continuing to improve," said Coach Kanzig, "but they are running at a level far beyond any other school in the 4A division, including us."

Four Mustangs placed ahead of Urquhart, and the fifth and final scorer for the team was just six seconds behind him.

"That's mighty impressive," said Kanzig.

Parker Bennett continued his solid performances, finishing 61st in 16:58, while the trio of Drew Harrison (17:15), Seth Schneider (17:19) and Jared Henderson (17:19) finished in a tight pack to complete the scoring for the Outlaws. Taylor Steele (17:39) and Dylan Hicks (19:30) both ran personal bests for the Outlaws as well.

Jesuit, of Portland, dominated the team race, totaling just 60 points. The top-ranked 5A boys team from Crater took second with 120, and Hidden Valley was third with 145. Sisters did place highest among Central Oregon teams, edging 5A Summit, of Bend, and was the only other 4A team in the Elite Field.

"It was good to go against the best of the best, even if it is a bit humbling," said Kanzig.

The girls team may have felt like a minnow among sharks in the Elite Girls race, but were able to run strong races despite being at the back of the pack.

"Even though we are still among the best 4A teams, we belonged in the Invitational race rather than the Elite, but the race director had to fill the Elite field, so we agreed to go ahead with that," said Kanzig. "Like the boys, the girls got to run among some of the finest athletes around."

Emi Conrads ended up 63rd in 20:45 as the lead runner for the Outlaws. Hayley Palmer (22:18), Jordan Richerson (22:34) and Claire Kanzig (22:41) packed well together, while Kirsten Clarke (23:20) and Courtney Johnson (23:29) rounded out the Sisters squad.

Jesuit, the top-ranked 6A school, beat Summit, the top-ranked 5A team for the title. Sisters finished 17th among 18 schools and was the only 4A team in the race.

Sisters concludes the regular season at Elmira October 15, which will be followed by the Sky-Em District Meet on Thursday, October 23 at Lane Community College.