Coupeville Sports

Noelle Western was Coupeville’s fastest girl Saturday at the Westling Invitational. (Elizabeth Bitting photo)

“They did awesome! We may be small in numbers but we’re large in heart!!!”

A new season of Coupeville Middle School cross country dawned Saturday, and brought all the joy back to Wolf coach Elizabeth Bitting’s heart.

A day after rain and wind (mostly wind) buffeted Whidbey Island, the weather cooperated, and 10 CMS runners got their first chance to step to the line at a real competition.

The event was the Carl Westling Invitational in Langley, the 42nd edition of Whidbey’s premier gathering of harriers.

“What a beautiful day for the first race of the Coupeville Middle School cross country season!,” Bitting said. “No rain, no wind, and we had power!

“There were nerves, anxious feet, lots of questions, and loads of PR’s!!!”

The Wolf girls were up first, and her runners immediately made Bitting proud.

“Once that starting gun went off all nerves, doubts and fears faded, and all we saw were some determined runners!,” she said.

“I am so proud of what each of these runners accomplished at this, their first race,” Bitting added. “I cannot wait to see what the season brings! GO WOLVES!!!”

Complete CMS results (3,000 meters):

GIRLS:

Noelle Western (10th) 15:00.10
Mikayla Wagner (11th) 15:04.80
Aleksia Jump (20th) 17:22.70
Marin Winger (21st) 17:43.50
Laken Simpson (22nd) 17:45.90
Emma McFadden (27th) 21:04.90
Mary Western (31st) 22:45.80

BOYS:

Easton Green (9th) 13:48.20
Beckett Green (11th) 14:06.00
Wyatt Fitch-Marron (17th) 15:22.40