Coupeville Sports

Claire Lachnit rolls to victory. (Kelly Powers photos)

The weather was flawless and the running was inspired.

Taking advantage of a sunny, but not too hot, mid-September day, the Coupeville High School cross country squad hosted the first-ever Salish Sea Jamboree Wednesday at Fort Casey State Park.

The Wolves were joined by East Jefferson and Friday Harbor in zipping across a two-mile course with water views.

Coupeville had 18 runners hit the finish line, with freshman Claire Lachnit winning the girls JV race.

CHS also collected second place finishes in each of the days four races, with Anna Powers, Laken Simpson, Cyrus Sparacio, and Archer Schwarz all notching solid performances.

Elizabeth Bitting imparts wisdom to her runners.

With the day finished, Coupeville coach Elizabeth Bitting had time to sit back and marinate in the moment.

“First running of the Salish Sea Jamboree was a success! Good comments from all,” she said. “Mother Nature cooperated and gave us a beautiful, warm and sunny day.

“A big thanks to all our volunteers, we couldn’t do any of this without them!”

The Coupeville harriers get right back at it Saturday, trekking down the island to take part in the 47th annual Carl Westling Invite hosted by South Whidbey High School.

Zach Blitch runs under sunny skies.

Wednesday results:

GIRLS:

Varsity:

Anna Powers (2nd) 13:59.96
Ivy Rudat (5th) 15:26.59
Mikayla Wagner (6th) 15:46.94
Allie Powers (7th) 16:00.90

JV:

Claire Lachnit (1st) 16:06.07
Laken Simpson (2nd) 16:42.02
Emma Green (3rd) 17:27.38
Ava Lucero (5th) 19:04.73

Anna Powers is out in front.

BOYS:

Varsity:

Cyrus Sparacio (2nd) 11:04.63
Henry Purdue (3rd) 11:29.97
Beckett Green (9th) 12:15.04
Kenneth Jacobsen (10th) 12:19.93

JV:

Archer Schwarz (2nd) 12:17.44
Leo Davis (8th) 13:08.75
Johnathan Jacobsen (11th) 14:06.41
Hunter Atteberry (12th) 14:22.76
Isaiah Allen (13th) 14:24.63
Zach Blitch (19th) 19:57.63

Kenneth Jacobsen leads a pack of runners to daylight.