Outlaws runners invade Breese Ranch

The high school cross-country competitive season got officially underway Saturday, September 7, at the Breese Ranch Invitational east of Prineville on a rugged course. The meet was hosted by Crook County High School.

The Cowboys felt the home-course advantage as they slipped in ahead of the Outlaws in the boys team standings as the top 4A team, despite strong efforts by the top three runners from Sisters.

Summit and Mountain View claimed the top two team spots.

Brandon Pollard placed sixth overall, while Devon Calvin (17th) and Dyut Fetrow (23rd) navigated the rugged course close behind.

"For our first race our top three looked very strong and we'll be working to get our other scorers bunched closer to that lead group," said Head Coach Josh Nordell.

Ian Baldessari (37th), Shea Krevi (43rd), Gabe Rice (47th), and Caleb Johnson (48th) comprised the remainder of the Outlaws' top seven.

Zoe Falk ran with the leaders through much of the course, but took a fall and ended up 10th to lead the Outlaw girls. Natalie Marshall showed that her summer training paid off as she ran second for the team to finish 25th. Maddi Boettnerj (30th), Macadia Calavan (31st), Betsy Ausman (34th), Mary Stewart (36th), and freshman McKenzie Banks (50th) rounded out the top seven for Sisters among 160 finishers.

Aria Blumm, normally the Outlaws' number-two runner, missed the meet due to illness.

Complete team results were not available following the meet, but the girls finished fourth behind Summit, Mountain View, and Bend.

"It was a good showing for the girls on a tough course," said Nordell. "They ran close to each other and in the top third of the pack, which is always a good sign."

The course featured creek crossings, a killer hill, and even some cow carcasses, making it a real challenge according to Coach Rima Givot.

"It's definitely a unique cross-country experience," she said.

The team faces a faster, tamer course this Saturday at the Molalla Invitational, which traditionally attracts some fine competition, not the least of which are the host Indians who figure to be among the top 4A girls teams this season, along with the Outlaws.

"The Highland Tree Farm course is always one of the kids' favorites," said Givot. "The junior-varsity kids get to run a short course, which is perfect for them and the varsity runners take on some strong 4A teams."