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All-Region Boys Cross Country: Not Crazy, Just Good

Camas senior Said Guermali is The Columbian's All-Region boys cross country runner of the year.

By Micah Rice, Columbian Sports Editor
Published: December 10, 2014, 12:00am

Sometimes little steps come before a giant leap.

Said Guermali doesn’t credit any radical change for his breakthrough 2014 cross country season.

Eating right. Sleeping more. Lifting weights. Training on more hills. There’s nothing too crazy about those basic keys to better running.

But put together, they helped Guermali go from one of Clark County’s better high school runners to the best.

In winning the 4A GSHL district title, the Camas senior knocked 49 seconds off his time from the previous year when he finished fourth.

Though he didn’t feel his best at the state meet, Guermali finished 10th to cap the most consistently strong season of any local high school runner.

For that, Guermali is The Columbian’s All-Region boys cross country athlete of the year.

“I really just decided to apply myself a little more,” Guermali said. “It wasn’t anything too crazy.”

The biggest change for Guermali was switching teams. After running for Union last season, Guermali joined Camas because of what he called a family decision.

“It was hard leaving Union with all the bonds I had made,” Guermali said. “At Camas, I was a little shy at first. But the team welcomed me right from the start. It didn’t take long to start feeling comfortable.”

Camas coach Laurie Porter places an emphasis on weight training and developing strength in the core muscles.

As the season went on, she noticed Guermali’s running form wasn’t deteriorating during a race’s final mile.

“I was capable of running good times, but I didn’t have that gear switch I needed to put away races,” Guermali said.

Guermali entered the season hoping to accomplish big things.

But he didn’t start believing he could until after his first race of the season Sept. 20. Guermali placed third at the Sundodger Invitational in Seattle against some of the best runners in state.

Guermali’s season extended into December when he competed in the Foot Locker Cross Country West Regional last Saturday near Los Angeles.

Beyond that race, Guermali plans to run in college. He said he has visited Stanford, Boise State and is planning to visit Oklahoma State.

Porter said this season is the beginning of a successful future for Guermali in competitive running.

“I’m very excited about his future,” Porter said. “This season is going to be a great watershed for him. My only regret is that I don’t get to work with him longer.”

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The rest of the All-Region team

o Austin Blankenship, sr., Columbia River

o Chanse Gilbert, so., Skyview

o Silas Griffith, so., Ridgefield

o Kaden Harbertson, sr., Skyview

o Jordan Moore, sr., Union

o Mason Scheidel, sr., Skyview

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