Runners get real cross country

With two creek-crossings, a mighty hill, and plenty of dust to eat, the Outlaws' cross-country runners got a real taste of the sport in the first official competition of the season at the Jere Breese Memorial Ranch Stampede held near Prineville on Saturday, September 8.

Just over 250 athletes took part in the second annual race, which also included teams from Redmond, Ridgeview, Mountain View, Bend, and of course the host Cowboys.

Dakota Thornton of Mountain View won the individual title in 17:06 to lead his team to first place as well.

Brandon Pollard topped the Outlaws' pack, finishing sixth. A tight grouping of teammates followed as Devon Calvin (12th), Izaak Kanzig (13th), Ian Baldessari (16th), Shea Krevi (23rd), Dyut Fetrow (25th) and Gabe Rice (32nd) all crossed the line within 44 seconds of one another, as the team finished third behind Mountain View and Bend.

"The course was a lot of fun," said Brandon Pollard. "I really liked it."

Complete results were not available following the meet due to a timing malfunction.

Zoe Falk ran a very controlled race to place fifth among 128 finishers. She was followed by Aria Blumm (12th), Macadia Calavan (18th), Bethany Bachmeier (22nd), Mary Stewart (24th), Natalie Marshall (25th), Emily Ford (26th), and Betsy Ausman (38th) as the top seven.

Sage Hassel of Mountain View won the race.

Like the boys, the girls placed third behind Mountain View and Bend.

"At the first meet, I just wanted to be a little conservative," said Falk, who placed ninth at last year's 4A state meet.

"The kids ran very well, especially considering that about half of them were competing for the first time in their lives," said Coach Rima Givot.

The Outlaws have a lot of questions to answer about the makeup of the varsity teams as both the boys and girls squads seek to defend Sky-Em District titles this season.

"Our team is so young that it's very difficult to tell who will emerge as varsity-level runners," said Coach Charlie Kanzig. "I have a feeling the boys team will include at least one and possibly three freshmen, which is quite

unusual."

The Outlaws race next at the Molalla Invitational Saturday, September 15, at the Highland Tree Farm in Beavercreek.