Cross-country teams perform well at state championships

One team came home with a trophy from the Oregon 4A Cross Country Championships and another left hungry for the future, as the Sisters Outlaws completed a strong season Saturday, November 4 at Lane Community College.

The Sisters girls team, led by Anna Bartlett's 11th-place finish and a big personal record by number-two runner Ella Cole, placed fourth for the second consecutive year. Tillamook repeated as the team champions, followed by Scappoose, La Grande, and Sisters.

The Cheesemakers dominated the competition with just 37 points. Scappoose squeaked by La Grande 108 to 111, while Sisters was next with a total of 148 points, just four ahead of Siuslaw. Fourteen 4A teams, two from each of Oregon's seven districts, competed in the race.

Bartlett clocked 19:58, 11 seconds faster, but one place behind her performance last year. Cole turned in a career-best performance on her way to 22nd place in 20:30.

Amy Hills came through in 21:28 for 41st place, while Tate Ricker (22:00) and Engracia Diez (22:02) placed 53rd and 58th respectively in a field of 109 runners.

Brooke Robillard was timed in 23:02, and Iris Diez in 24:47.

"This group of girls pulled it off today, which is a statement to their character," said Head Coach Josh Nordell. "Everyone had to do her part today to have a shot at another trophy."

Solace Bergeron of Tillamook won the individual crown with a time of 18:44, 20 seconds ahead of the second runner.

In the boys race, senior Jordan Pollard capped a remarkable season with a second-place finish, equaling the highest state placement by an Outlaw runner.

John Kavulich of Scappoose streaked to an early lead that Pollard was unable to overcome.

"Jordan ran a very smart, tough race, especially considering the way things played out," said Nordell. "Jordan really put the hammer down over the last mile to separate himself from the rest of the lead pack and actually closed the gap on Kavulich by the end."

Kavulich was timed in 16:23, while Pollard was 11 seconds back in 16:34.

With five talented freshmen among the seven varsity runners, the Outlaws entered the meet as a dark horse to snag a trophy. It was not meant to be, as the team finished sixth with 149 points.

"It was a great competition," said Nordell. "Third through sixth places were separated by just 30 points."

Crook County placed five scorers in the top 26 to win with 80 points. Stayton High School won its first trophy in school history in second place (96), while Newport edged Tillamook by two points 119-121 for the final two trophies.

Last year's champion Valley Catholic finished fifth (127) and Sisters sixth (149) among the 14 teams.

Ethan Hosang (17:28), John Peckham (17:46), Josh Liddell (17:59), and Will Thorsett (17:59) completed the scoring for the Outlaws. Hosang, Peckham and Thorsett are all freshmen, while Liddell is a sophomore, giving good reason for Coach Nordell to envision a bright future. The sixth and seventh runners, Vicente Rebolledo (19:00) and Sam May (19:45), are also freshmen.

"What these young guys accomplished this year is nothing short of amazing," he said. "They are a tough, courageous, cohesive group."

It won't be a cakewalk next year by any means, as Sisters joins the Oregon West Conference, which includes trophy teams Stayton and Newport, as well as perennial power Philomath.

"We look forward to another great season next year, and these guys now know what it takes to reach their goals," said Nordell.