Good runners aren’t known for resting. That includes resting on their laurels.
Like leaves changing in early November, the Camas girls cross country team has been close to a sure thing at the WIAA state cross country championships.
The Papermakers will go for their third straight Class 4A state title Saturday in Pasco. It would also be their fifth title in the past six years.
But coach Laurie Porter is the first to say that past results do not ensure future success.
“We can’t rest on what we did last year,” she said. “There are people who want it just as bad as us.”
Last year, Camas dominated at Sun Willows Golf Course. The Papermakers placed three runners in the top 13 en route to a 70-point victory.
But this season has seen the team rely as much on its depth as anything else. Emily Wilson, who was 13th in state, won’t run in the state meet. She ran one race this season after suffering three fractured toes in a preseason training accident.
Yet Camas dominated the Westside Classic regional meet last weekend by placing its five scoring runners in the top 22. Ellie Postma, freshman Hallie Jenkins and Kaylee Merritt have all stepped into prominent roles this season.
“I know they really want it,” Porter said. “They really want to bring home another title to make their school and classmates proud. Their determination sets them apart.”
No Papermaker is running with more determination than Emma Jenkins. Seventh at state last year, the junior won the Westside Classic by 24 seconds one week after claiming the 4A Greater St. Helens League district title by 26 seconds.
“Emma is very confident right now,” Porter said. “I love to see that in her. Her confidence has really rubbed off on everyone else on the team.”
Other state cross country storylines
CAMAS BOYS IN THE RUNNING — The Camas boys team also has its eye on a high finish at the state meet.
Yacine Guermali has put together one of the strongest individual seasons in the state. The senior has won four consecutive invitational or postseason races, including a 26-second victory at the Westside Classic regional meet last weekend.
This season also saw Guermali finish sixth in the prestigious Nike Portland XC Danner Championships, which gathered elite teams from across the West. His time of 15 minutes, 12 seconds was a personal best for 5,000 meters.
“When he races, I never see him look down,” Porter said. “He’s taking everything in. He’s very alert. Someone who races like that is someone who’s extremely focused.”
Sophomore Daniel Maton has also come on strong, finishing second to Guermali at the district and regional meets.
GRIFFITH A CONTENDER IN 2A RACE — Ridgefield senior Silas Griffith is a top contender for the 2A boys individual title.
Griffith, who placed fifth last year, has the fastest seeding time in the 2A field. He clocked times faster than 15:40 twice this season.
Griffith avoided disaster in the 2A district meet, where he took a wrong turn while leading by a large margin. He retraced his steps, rejoined the course in 16th place and recovered to place second in the meet last Saturday at Lewis River Golf Course.
CRAIG EYES 3A MEDAL — Last weekend, Mountain View’s Savanna Craig won the 3A race at the Westside Classic by nearly a minute.
Now the senior is looking to place high at the state meet, where she finished eighth in the 4A race last year.
The 3A race is likely to be won by returning champ Jordan Oakes of Holy Names Academy. But Craig has the third-fastest seeding time in the field.
WHO WILL BREAK INTO TOP 10? — A handful of local runners could snag a top 10 finish with a good race. They include Fort Vancouver’s Emily Phelps, Mountain View’s Samuel Johnson, Skyview’s Chanse Gilbert, Hockinson’s Kyle Peterson, Skyview’s Ellen Burbank and La Center’s Nathasha Lewis.
Follow Columbian Sports Editor Micah Rice on Twitter (@col_mrice) for live updates from the state cross country meet in Pasco this Saturday.
