Fast Times and Fierce Competition Kick Off the Season at the Olympia XC Classic
On Saturday, Olympia High School hosted its annual Olympia XC Classic, an early-season test on a notoriously fast 2-mile course that always promises intense competition. It was a great day for racing, and here’s a look at how the action unfolded.
Freshman Races: The Future is Bright for the Bears 🏆
Olympia XC Classic Freshman Boys Start
I had my eye on the freshman boys' race, and the Olympia squad did not disappoint. Quenton Lanese led the charge, finishing in a swift 10:05.6. The Bears showcased incredible depth, packing the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 5 runners in the top 11 to easily secure the team victory.
Olympia XC Classic Freshman Girls Start
The freshman girls were just as dominant. Gemma Stevick of Olympia crossed the line in 12:27.0, with three of her teammates also finishing in the top 10. The sweep was complete, with the Olympia freshman squads on both the boys' and girls' sides decisively winning their heats.
Gemma Stevick of Olympia High School
Sophomore Races: New Faces Make Their Mark
Victoria Blakley of White River High School approaches the finish line
The sophomore heats featured a ton of talent from across the region. Hanford High School claimed the girls' team title, while Jackson High School took home the boys' team trophy.
Girls Top 3:
1st: Victoria Blakley (12:44.8) - White River
2nd: Ella Savage (12:48.5) - Gig Harbor
3rd: Komaire Robles (13:17.0) - Rainier
Boys Top 3:
1st: Tavin Timperley (10:26.8) - Prairie
2nd: Cecil Gumaelius (10:32.1) - Aberdeen
3rd: Wyatt Harding (10:36.6) - Peninsula
Tavin Timperley (10:26.8) of Prairie approaches the finish line
Junior Races: Gig Harbor and Olympia Showcase Their Power
Paeton Poelman (12:14.1) of White River High School securing the top spot in her race
The upperclassman races kicked the intensity up another notch. In the junior girls' race, Olympia claimed the team title, led by a strong performance from Carolina Schilter.
Girls Top 3:
1st: Paeton Poelman (12:14.1) - White River
2nd: Ailyn Haggard (12:33.6) - Aberdeen
3rd: Carolina Schilter (12:44.9) - Olympia
On the boys' side, Gig Harbor proved they are going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. They showcased their talented junior class by running away with the team title.
Max Dower (10:35.6) Gig Harbor High School closing out a blistering fast final stretch
Senior Races: Stars Shine in the Main Event 🌟
The Olympia High School girls striking a post moments before claiming the top spot for the senior girl teams
The final races of the day featured some of the area's best runners. The girls' race was a tight battle to the finish.
Girls Top 3:
1st: Lejla Carlsson (11:51.4) - Gig Harbor
2nd: Sydney Kosa (11:54.2) - Olympia
3rd: Abigail Collier (12:00.9) - Federal Way
Gig Harbor’s Senior Girls moments before the start (center) Lejla Carlsson (11:51.4) finished in 1st.
Gavin McKeegan finishing up Senior Boys race in 10:19.1
The senior boys' race featured a compelling storyline. Gavin Mckeegan of Gig Harbor High School took first place, but Olympia's Caden Durocher and Yelm's Patrick Walsh were not far behind.
Gavin is someone I look forward to watching all season. During the pre-season, I had Caden circled as a guy that I thought would have a break-out season. He sat out last year due to injury and is just getting back into full swing. I believe this second-place finish will do wonders for his confidence. Down the final stretch, I saw a hunger in his eyes that I haven't seen before.
Final Thoughts
Saturday’s meet gave many freshmen their first real taste of high school cross country, and for the veterans, it was a perfect way to gauge their fitness as they prepare for league competition. For me, it was my first chance of the season to see some familiar coaches, talk to parents, and meet the next wave of talented young athletes. 🏃♂️
