Ava Lucero, singing the nation anthem at a football game, competed with the cross country squad Saturday. (Jacob Lujan photo)
Are you really a cross country runner if you weren’t lined up to compete Saturday in Pierce County?
Probably not, as 102 high school teams, plus a bunch of middle school and club squads, jammed into University Place for the 30th annual John Payne XC Invite.
One of those teams was Coupeville, with Wolf coach Elizabeth Bitting sending 18 runners out across the 5,000-meter course in multiple heats as the day went from cloudy to sunny.
With the day’s first race set for 8:45 AM and the last one for 4:00 PM, it made for a big-time commitment for all involved.
“It was an amazing LONG day!” Bitting said. “I am so proud of all the runners!
“They supported one another and cheered for one another. It was awesome!”
Coupeville’s varsity boys, led by freshman Henry Purdue, claimed 10th in their race, while the top Wolf girls finished 19th as fellow frosh Anna Powers set the pace.
Overall, 4A Issaquah and 3A Mount Spokane claimed the team titles in the girls and boys battles, respectively.
Coupeville returns to action with two meets next weekend, though neither will have 100+ teams on site.
The Wolves travel to Friday Harbor on Wednesday for a Northwest 2B/1B League meet, then head to Granite Falls Saturday for the sixth edition of the Mountain Loop Invitational.
Mikayla Wagner basks in the sun. (Elizabeth Bitting photo)
Saturday results:
GIRLS:
Varsity:
Anna Powers (35th) 21:54.1
Ivy Rudat (82nd) 23:25.4
Claire Lachnit (140th) 24:55.6
Allie Powers (141st) 24:55.6
Laken Simpson (171st) 25:42.3
Devon Wyman (198th) 27:31.5
JV:
Mikayla Wagner (11th) 24:49.2
Emma Green (47th) 26:59.1
Ava Lucero (149th) 29:57.0
Henry Purdue hit a top time under grey skies. (Elizabeth Bitting photo)
BOYS:
Varsity:
Henry Purdue (14th) 17:56.4
Kenneth Jacobsen (62nd) 18:51.6
Beckett Green (64th) 18:54.7
Archer Schwarz (66th) 18:55.4
Isaiah Allen (139th) 20:14.4
JV-Silver:
Hunter Atteberry (75th) 20:54.6
Johnathan Jacobsen (90th) 21:10.4
JV-Bronze:
Nolan Hunt (91st) 26:24.1
Zach Blitch (148th) 33:05.9
