A Perfect Storm in Olympia: Can a Resilient Senior and a Fearless Freshman Lead the Bears to State?
As the crowds dispersed and the final runners crossed the finish line at the WIAA State Championship meet last season, a familiar sense of uncertainty hung in the air. For many athletes, this was their final high school race. As I scanned the crowd for the navy blue uniforms with an “O” on the front, I couldn’t help but notice junior Caden Durocher, sidelined all season with an injury but still present on the course.
Caden proudly hoisting the Olympia flag at the 3rd Annual Fall Classic last season
Caden is the guy who will be there first and leave last, even when he isn’t competing. He supports every runner—from his team and others—and does it all while remaining happy just to be there. I knew how badly he wanted to be on that course fighting for position, but instead, he was cheering on his teammates. As the Bears looked towards the 2025 season, one question lingered: would Caden be back? And if so, how would he perform? He is a fierce competitor, consistent in his practice, and a natural leader.
A spark of the answer came during the WIAA State Championship Track & Field Meet at Mt. Tahoma High School. Durocher didn’t just compete; he made a statement. In a competitive 4A 800-meter final, he secured 8th place with a time of 2:00.32, providing definitive proof that he was well on the road to recovery. The question then shifted: How well would he perform after a summer of training, stepping back onto the grass where he had previously dominated?
Caden embraces South Kitsap’s Jefferson Smith after a tough and hot 800-meter final at the state championship
Heading into Durocher’s senior season, more questions emerged. He knew he had a solid foundation with fellow upperclassmen Jack Mc Durmon and Wesley Stevick, son of Head Coach Jesse Stevick. But who would fill the gaps? Who would push the team and give them hope? Fielding a full team at the state championship was probably the last thing on anyone’s mind. No one could have predicted that the foundation of this team was about to be shaken up and solidified by a talented roster of freshmen.
The Twin Engines: A Senior Leader and a Freshman Star
Caden Durocher, the boys varsity leader preparing for the start of the Varsity Gold race at the HOKA John Payne Invitational
The dynamic between the senior leader and the freshman star has become the key to the team's success. Quenton Lanese has emerged as the Bears' frontrunner, inspiring the team to personal bests and competitive results, while Caden Durocher, as the obvious team leader, provides the experience to keep the youngster level-headed.
Right out of the gate at The Ultimook Race in Oregon, Quenton made a statement, finishing in 3rd place with a time of 15:31.40, ahead of his teammate Durocher, who finished a strong 7th. Lanese was the top freshman in that race by over two minutes, a stunning debut that immediately put him on the map.
The freshman, Lanese makes his high school debut in Tillamook, OR securing 3rd place at The Ultimook Race
Quenton has made every effort to stay out front and finish ahead of the competition. The undeniable talent of the freshman has set a new standard for the Bears. Yet, Lanese and Durocher are more than just a 1-2 punch; their relationship is symbiotic. Being the senior leader that he is, Caden likely shields the youngster from pressure and provides a calm, motivational presence for the team, leaving the speedster to be fearless and lean into every challenge he faces.
The Showdown: Gauging Talent Against the Nation's Best
Kellen Williams of Jesuit High School (OR) leads the pack as the Olympia Freshman can be seen just over his shoulder (image left)
In my initial thoughts, I noted with excitement the possibility of Quenton outpacing Kellen Williams of Jesuit High School. This is the kind of matchup that fires the imagination of any cross-country fan—a rising star taking on an established national talent. That hypothetical showdown became a reality at the HOKA John Payne Invitational.
Lining up shoulder to shoulder, the two runners provided the kind of gauge fans and coaches crave. In a superb performance that demonstrated he belongs among the elite, Lanese held his own, finishing 8th with a time of 15:26.2, just ahead of Williams, who finished 10th in 15:30.1.6 This result was more than just a victory; it was a validation of the freshman's incredible potential and a clear signal of the Olympia program's rising ambitions.
Quenton Lanese (fr) edges out Summit High Schools Clayton Jero to secure 8th place at the HOKA John Payne Invitational
The Path to Pasco
As the season progresses and the team develops, the focus sharpens. For the Olympia Bears, the goal is clear: a trip to Pasco for the WIAA State Championship. The “dark horse” narrative is in full effect, with the Bears operating outside of the spotlight, unbothered by expectations but possessing all the key ingredients for a surprise run.
Left to Right Judah Beck, Quenton Lanese, Liam Doyle, Tai Taylor, Jack Mc Durmon, Quin Zola, James Levitt, and Caden Durocher
My belief that the boys’ squad will be in Pasco might sound bold, but their underdog status is what drives them. While Lanese and Durocher will likely qualify for Pasco as individuals, their goal is to get all the striped shorts on the start line together. Their collective effort moving forward will be the defining factor in whether they achieve that goal.
The development of their pack is still in progress, but there is plenty of talent with junior Jack Mc Durmon, sophomore Liam Doyle and freshmen Tai Taylor, Quin Zola, and James Levitt. Shrinking the time gap between their front runner’s and their scoring pack is squarely the goal. Olympia's journey is different than that of most teams who are expected to be at state, simply because they were not. Now, under the guidance of Coach Stevick, the mission is to execute when it counts and turn this season of surprising potential into a championship reality. Having their whole team in Pasco would make the season and the day that much more special.
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