Tasty treats make Landon Roberts run fast. (Sherry Bonacci photo)
The big payback!
Garnering a measure of revenge, the Coupeville High School boys’ cross country team chased down Mount Vernon Christian Thursday at Tri-Districts.
The Hurricanes edged the Wolves by one point at the Northwest 2B/1B League championships a week ago.
Jump ahead seven days, move to Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, and Coupeville came out ahead 76-79 this time around.
That earned the Wolves 2nd place in a 16-team meet featuring schools from Districts 1, 2, and 3, and sends Coupeville’s boys to the state tournament as a complete unit Nov. 4 in Pasco.
The CHS girls claimed 5th place, so their team won’t advance, but sophomore Noelle Western made the cut as an individual runner by cracking the top 14 finishers.
Thursday’s meet drew 130 competitors to the 5,000-meter course.
Junior Isaac Betz of Mount Vernon Christian and freshman Ruby Henry of Pope John Paul II claimed individual titles, with PJP2 sweeping the team titles.
Run like it’s the 1970’s. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Bitting)
For the Coupeville boys, this will be their first trip to the biggest run of the year as a team since the Wolves claimed 5th place at state back-to-back in 1976 and 1977.
Fun fact about ’76.
Future school board director Don Sherman ran the trails for Coupeville that year, while his future wife, then known as Debbie Dire, competed at the same state meet for Cascade of Everett.
While the parents of Brad, Tony, and Bryan didn’t officially meet until later, apparently it was fated the farmer and teacher would unite and build a prairie empire.
In more recent times, individual male runners such as 2010 state champ Tyler King and recent star Danny Conlisk have made it to state, while the Wolf girls went as a team last season.
Thursday, it was time to go to the past for Coupeville’s lads, powered by big leg kicks down the stretch.
“The boys had tough competition in their race,” CHS coach Elizabeth Bitting said.
“Pope John Paul II is a powerhouse and ran an amazing race. It was a total battle royale for 2nd through 4th, just six points between us all — it’s a testament to the competition these boys brought to the race.”
Afterwards Bitting was approached by a rival who passed on words of congratulations.
“It was a major compliment to have a fellow coach approach me after the race and comment, Coupeville wasn’t even on my radar, but at mile one I took notice.
“You guys came out of nowhere. Congratulations! See you at Pasco.”
The first six Wolf boys to hit the line did so in sub-19 minutes, all landing in the top 27.
For Bitting, who has been the primary driving force behind the rebirth of cross country in Cow Town, it was a sublime moment.
“I cannot even describe the excitement we had when we saw they finished 2nd! OH MY GOODNESS!!!! So many high fives, so many hugs!!!”
A ferocious five-pack. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Bitting)
Bitting also praised the MVC boys for their “awesome sportsmanship,” Coupeville Middle School running guru Amber Wyman for her support, and the Wolf girls for their grit.
“They persevered, pushed themselves and all ran a beautiful race,” Bitting said.
“Each and every girl dug deep and entered the final stretch with a kick through the finish line. I was so very impressed of them all!
“Super big shout out to Coach Wyman for always being there, supporting, cheering the team on and helping to navigate the craziness and fun-ness of it all!!! I LOVE HER!!!!!!
Thursday results:
GIRLS:
Noelle Western (14th) 22:44.8
Aleksia Jump (23rd) 24:13.5
Ari Armstrong (38th) 26:34.1
Erica McGrath (42nd) 28:24.4
Reagan Callahan (43rd) 28:30.3
BOYS:
Carson Field (7th) 18:13.9
Landon Roberts (13th) 18:26.4
Ezekiel Allen (16th) 18:36.1
George Spear (20th) 18:46.2
Thomas Strelow (26th) 18:57.8
Kenneth Jacobsen (27th) 18:57.8
Axel Marshall (56th) 21:45.0
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