Outlaws tune up for Districts at Country Fair meet

Coming off a big meet four days earlier and with district competition looming, the Outlaws' cross-country teams used the Country Fair Classic on Wednesday, October 17, as a tune-up that turned into a very strong performance. The girls team narrowly missed winning and the boys ended up fifth among 27 teams.

The Outlaws girls used season-best times by Macadia Calavan (20:33), Maddi Boettner (20:34), Katie Stewart (20:44) and Natalie Marshall (21:19) to back up leader Zoe Falk (19:33) to finish behind 5A Marist by just one point.

"I think the girls were actually so relaxed about this meet it helped them to run fast on a very fast course," said Coach Charlie Kanzig. "Katie and Maddi, especially were having fun out on the course, which was good to see as we go into the district and state meets."

The Outlaws were very strong even without sophomore Aria Blumm, who ran through the first half of the race before stepping out to protect a sore ankle.

"Aria is typically our second runner, so to be doing so well without her scoring makes me feel very confident about the strength of this team," said Kanzig. "Mary Stewart, Bethany Bachmeier, and Betsy Ausman also ran with the varsity team and showed how strong our freshman class is this year."

Calavan is also a freshman, noted Kanzig.

The boys team also showed that it is gelling going into the championship meets as Brandon Pollard put down the hammer from the gun and led through the first mile, ending up a very strong fifth in his best time ever, at 16:09. His teammates grouped together tightly, helping the Outlaws to a strong team finish.

Devon Calvin (17:13), Izaak Kanzig (17:14), Dyut Fetrow (17:20) and Ian Baldessari (17:39) all ran season-bests as the Outlaws finished behind 6A Sheldon, third-ranked Hidden Valley, 6A Roseburg, and Philomath. Shea Krevi (18:02) and Gabe Rice (18:22) also ran season-bests as the team's sixth and seventh finishers.

"These boys are really finding their stride at the right time and are looking like a team that can be competitive at the state meet," said Kanzig.

The Outlaws boys and girls are heavy favorites to win at the Sky-Em District meet set for Thursday, October 25, at Lane Community College in Eugene, which means both will represent Sisters at the OSAA State Championships on Saturday, November 3.