When Owen Frasier began coaching the Fort Vancouver girls cross country team in 2010, it had one runner.
When Emily Phelps joined the program as a freshman, the team sometimes didn’t have the five runners necessary to score in the team standings of a race.
Now a senior, Phelps hopes to finish in the top 10 at the state meet in November.
Perhaps more importantly, Phelps has helped grow a program that Frasier says could have up to 25 girls this season.
In recent years, Phelps and fellow senior Anna Harrison have dashed between local middle schools to inspire future Trappers.
For the middle-schoolers who enjoy running, Phelps and Harrison drum up enthusiasm for the Fort program. Those who aren’t runners hear the benefits of enjoying a healthy activity, being part of a team and having fun.
“When we go there, we’re looking for runners that are motivated and have a positive attitude,” Phelps said. “Being fast isn’t everything.”
Junior Dhamar Campos and freshman Shelby Willett both said Phelps and Harrison were big factors in their decision to join Fort’s cross country program.
“For me as a freshman, they inspired me to come,” said Campos. “They were always together and seemed happy. They said ‘you should really join our team. It’s fun.’ ”
Once a runner shows up for practice, Phelps and Harrison make them feel part of something good that outweighs the sweat and soreness of a workout.
“During practice we really try to encourage everybody,” Harrison said. “We make sure everyone crosses that finish line no matter how fast or slow they are.”
Phelps finished second at both the district and bi-district meets last year. At state, she ran a 5,000-meter personal-best of 18 minutes, 38.2 seconds to place 19th, her highest finish in three trips to state.
Fort finished second to Kelso at last year’s district meet. Prairie, led by district champ Meri Dunford, will also be tough to beat.
But district title or not, Phelps and Harrison have helped build a cross country program, one they hope remains vibrant long after they join collegiate programs.
“We’re trying to create a solid program for when we leave,” Phelps said. “We don’t want the legacy of Fort cross country to just stop, because it’s been going so well.”
Camas Always Contends: After winning four state titles in five years, the Papermakers have finished second two years in a row. Emma Jenkins, a four-time top-seven placer, has graduated, but the Papermakers are still stacked. Sophomore Camryn Mock (22nd in state) and junior Halle Jenkins (24th) lead the way.
Pullen Hunts a Prize: Washougal’s Amelia Pullen is hoping for big things from her senior year. She finished third in the 2A state meet last year, shaving more than a minute off the time she ran there as a sophomore.
Winning Wildcats: La Center finished second at the 1A state meet last year by just three points. Only one member of that team was a senior. Juniors Natasha Lewis (11th place) and Roselynn Martin (17th) hope to lead La Center to a state title.
Sept. 7 Run-a-Ree: The season’s unofficial kickoff race, the 58th annual Steve Maas Run-a-Ree takes place at Hudson’s Bay.
Sept. 19 Nike Portland XC: Many locals will compete at Portland Meadows. The Danner Championships elite race includes some of the nation’s top prep stars.
Oct. 18 District Meet: 4A runners compete at Lewisville Park near Battle Ground.
Oct. 25 1A-2A Districts: Small-school runners gather at Woodland with state berths on line.
Oct. 27 Westside Classic: Top 3A-4A from state’s western half gather at University Place.
Nov. 3 State Meet: Champs for all classifications will be crowned at WIAA state meet in Pasco.
