Two Sides of the Same Coin: Olympia's Boys and Girls Enter 2026 Time Trials on Opposite Ends of the Spotlight
Two sides of the same coin - one side is slotted as the top girls team in the state and the other is a strong boys squad is who is being completely overlooked.
Olympia High School’s XC team will host its annual time trials on Tuesday, Sept 2 to see how the incoming freshman and returning athletes stack up.
The Boys: Overlooked and Loaded
Olympia's varsity boys before the gun at the HOKA John Payne XC Invitational.
The running community in Olympia is like none other. It's small, it's tight-knit, yet sprawling. In a city surrounded by thousands of miles of trails, sandwiched between neighborhood streets, hundreds of runners are out on any given day. A quick trip to Capitol Lake will illustrate what I'm talking about on a micro level.
It only takes a quick 5k drive over to Olympia High School on any given weeknight to see athletes of all ages lining up to race or simply get in some miles.
In 2022 I was sitting up high in the bleachers at Ingersoll Stadium (Olympia High School), there with my family to watch my 7th grader take his first steps in competitive running at a middle school meet between Washington and Reeves Middle Schools.
The stands were packed with middle schoolers grouped together awaiting their races, coaches loudly calling out where they needed to be for their heats. At the very bottom of the stands was this loud-mouthed kid — shaved head, pumping his hands into the air to fire up the crowd. My wife and I had a chuckle, and I couldn't help but think, "Who is this kid, and why is he so confident?" That memory has stuck with me ever since.
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Jack Mc Durmon's Senior Turn
Jack Mc Durmon competes at during track season.
A couple of years later, that same kid would join my son as a freshman at Olympia High School. Jack McDurmon — once I got to know Jack and understand who he was, I grew to really enjoy his presence. He's kind, he's supportive, and most of all, he has incredible talent. Look at his stat sheet and you'll quickly realize he's a premier athlete.
Jack's story is still forming, and I believe his senior season will be a defining moment in Olympia High School's running history. Mc Durmon doesn't have to be the fastest on the team or responsible for the team's success — he's surrounded by top talent. That takes the pressure off, and it'll work in his favor as he lines up for his senior campaign.
Quenton Lanese: The Undisputed King
Quenton Lanese lines up for the start of a race at the 2026 district championships in Kent, WA.
The WIAA State Championships runner-up, Quenton Lanese, enters his sophomore campaign. If his improvement between his freshman XC season and track season is any indication of what his sophomore year has in store — look out. Quenton enters the season as the undisputed king; the only thing standing in his way are records he hasn't broken yet. He's the top returning athlete in the 1600m and 3200m — I provide that context because it's apples to apples, not variable like XC courses.
The Senior Gauntlet
Wesley Stevick sprints on the track at the 2026 district championships in Kent, WA.
Wesley Stevick, the coach's kid, has proven himself time and again — most recently making it to districts in the 800m and running the DMR at the Oregon Relays on the team that won it.
Theodore Ruder competes at Mt Tahoma Track Festival 2026.
Theodore Ruder has made incredible strides at Olympia High School. His personal best in 2023 was a solid 19:36.0, and each season he's dramatically improved on it: 18:58.9 (2024), then 17:59.4 (2025).
Tai Taylor and the Depth Behind Him
Tai Taylor taking his first steps as an Olympia High School Bear during the 2025 Time Trials - Tai would go on to secure a varsity slot.
Tai Taylor will look to cement himself on the varsity team this season after seeing the light early on during the 2025 XC season. Tai is a 4:40 miler with distance in his blood - look out for him to make some massive strides in his sophomore year.
Ayman Ehrlander running his leg of a relay for Olympia High School.
Ephraim Moore cresting the final hill at Fort Steilacoom.
Olympia’s senior class is stacked with great athletes and leaders that include Ayman Ehrlander, Ephraim Moore, Brady Steffen, Elijah Cruz, and Sean Stone who will all be looking to find a spot on the varsity squad before closing out their high school careers. In front of them is a massive roster of runners fighting for the same positions.
Sebastian Olson, a transplant from North Thurston, is a new name in the Bears' rotation — expect to learn more about what he brings once Time Trials data is in. Olson has a personal best in the 5000m of 16:24.9.
Sebastian Olson competes at the 2026 District Championships in Kent, WA.
Elijah Cruz finishes the 2025 Olympia Time Trials.
Bryce Byers outkicks two Pope John Paul II athletes at the 2026 Mt Tahoma Track Festival.
Liam Doyle passes a River Ridge competitor during a race at Mt Tahoma Track Festival.
If the boys’ team shows up in true form after summer training they will be one of the top 4A teams in the state and no one is looking.
James Levitt competes on the track for Olympia High School.
Prospected Varsity Rotation
Prospected Varsity Rotation
- Quenton Lanese
- Jack McDurmon
- Wesley Stevick
- Tai Taylor
- Ayman Ehrlander
- Theodore Ruder
- Ephraim Moore PROFILE
- Bryce Byers
- Sebastian OlsonNorth Thurston transplant
- James Levitt
- Liam Doyle
- Quin Zola
- Judah Beck
Quin Zola finishes the varsity race during the 2025 SPSL 4A League Championships at Fort Steilacoom.
Judah Beck finishes the varsity race during the 2025 SPSL 4A League Championships at Fort Steilacoom.
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Active Roster Top Marks
Active Roster Top Marks (2026–2027 Season)
| Active | All-Time | Athlete | Mark (5K) | Details | Status ('26–'27) | Meet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #2 | Quenton Lanese | 15:05.4 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 2025 WIAA State XC Championships |
| 2 | #36 | Jack McDurmon | 16:44.0 | Age 16, Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 3 | #72 | Quin Zola | 17:19.2 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 4 | #73 | Judah Beck | 17:19.6 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 5 | #87 | Tai Taylor | 17:29.2 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 6 | #88 | Elliott Greer | 17:29.4 | Gr 10 (2024) | Senior (Gr 12) | SPSL 4A League Championship Meet |
| 7 | #99 | James Levitt | 17:44.3 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 8 | #100 | Liam Doyle | 17:44.5 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 9 | #101 | Wesley Stevick | 17:47.5 | Age 17, Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | Track 5k |
| 10 | #107 | Dylan Shaughnessy | 17:51.2 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 11 | #113 | Theodore Ruder | 17:59.4 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | Track 5k |
| 12 | #125 | Bryce Byers | 18:09.6 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 13 | #136 | Logan Durocher | 18:19.0 | Age 15, Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 14 | #138 | Ayman Ehrlander | 18:24.7 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | SPSL 4A League Championship Meet |
| 15 | #142 | Taylor Fabritius | 18:29.5 | Gr 10 (2024) | Senior (Gr 12) | Olympia, South Kitsap @ Yelm |
| 16 | #150 | Brady Steffen | 18:38.4 | Gr 10 (2024) | Senior (Gr 12) | Olympia, South Kitsap @ Yelm |
| 17 | #186 | James Rufing | 19:20.3 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | Track 5k |
| 18 | #188 | Jacob Shores | 19:22.6 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 19 | #192 (tie) | Elijah Cruz | 19:28.6 | Gr 9 (2023) | Senior (Gr 12) | 27th John Payne XC Invitational |
| 20 | #192 (tie) | Sean Stone | 19:28.6 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
The Girls: #1 in the State
The Olympia girls pose for a photo after finishing their race at 2025 NXR NW in Spokane, WA.
The Olympia girls come into the 2026 season ranked as the #1 4A team in the state by many sources — a well-deserved position considering how they performed last season with a team made up of mostly freshmen.
More Than Second Place
The bond that built a state contender — read the story behind this year's squad before Time Trials.
Leah Hennen's Resolve
Leah Hennen enters as the top Bear after a historic freshman season in XC and track. Hennen placed 4th at the state championship, then an incredible 42nd out of 201 — 5th among freshmen, and #1 among Washington freshmen — the following weekend at NXR Northwest.
What sticks out to me about Hennen is her resolve. After a disappointing 15th-place finish at the state championship in the 1600m, she bounced back two days later, finishing 5th in the 3200m. I still remember sitting beyond the finish line as she crossed — gathering herself, hands on knees, looking around and smiling ear to ear. Quite the contrast from Friday's finish, where she'd appeared defeated before the race was even over.
Leah Hennen after finishing the 3200m race during the 2026 WIAA State Championships.
Runners have bad days, and the stats don't lie — this was a low point for the freshman. But she quickly got over it, sharing space with runners like Battle Ground's Sophia Rogers and Skyline's talented Lucy Fraser. In the end, the 3200m finish is a defining moment in the youngster's career and should give her confidence heading into the season.
Carolina Schilter's Track Breakthrough
Carolina Schilter finishing the 1600m race at the 2025 district championships in Kent, WA.
Sitting at #2 is Carolina Schilter, who will enter 2026 as the top senior. Schilter had a great junior year, but the real story is how she improved over the track season, making a real case heading into XC. Schilter's 1600m time dropped from a 5:22.89 (3/21/26) season opener to a stellar 5:04.13 at districts — a jump that put her squarely in the fight for a state bid. Narrowly missing the state championship is sure to have sent a wave of motivation through the senior.
Schilter will have plenty of rock-solid talent behind her, allowing her to concentrate on her own performance while providing the leadership this young squad needs.
Gemma Stevick and Eliza Johnson: The Middle of the Order
Gemma Stevick competes in the 2025 NXR NW Championships.
Sitting in the #3 slot is Gemma Stevick, the coach's kid, who I think has much more in her than she's proven so far. Stevick enters the season with a 5000m personal best of 18:50.8. She finished 38th at the state championships last year and is a 5:28.68 miler (6/18/26). Top-end speed combined with long-distance endurance is the recipe.
Eliza Johnson rounds a corner at the 2025 WIAA XC State Championships in Pasco, WA.
The energy of the team is Eliza Johnson, sitting in the fourth slot. She provides the team with a strong push in the middle that will keep them in the front group all season long. Johnson's 19:03.8 5000m best and 5:22.8 mile give her plenty to be confident about as the sophomore looks to improve on the road to Pasco.
Azalea Barksdale and Caitlin Lanese
Azalea Barksdale competes at the 2025 NXR NW Championships in Spokane, WA.
Another senior to watch out for is Azalea Barksdale. Azalea has hung around the varsity squad since her freshman season. She is a runner who's always in the mix and has had some incredible moments during her career. She won the girls' JV race at the 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational — proving she can handle what it takes to be in the front. I suspect she's going to be a defining member of this year's state-bound team.
Caitlin Lanese competes at the 2025 Bear Relays at Ingersoll Stadium, Olympia High School.
The one athlete who was mostly quiet during the 2025–26 season is Caitlin Lanese. Caitlin had an up-and-down freshman season and will look to return her sophomore year ready to give the Bears a lightning rod that makes them an unstoppable force. She has a 5:14.21 1600m and 11:25.47 3200m best from a track season that was touch-and-go. If she arrives ready to compete, she's going to be one of the top girls in the district.
On the Bubble
Sitting just on the bubble are Gretchen Hillier, Sofia Dunlap, Ellen Cummings, and Nina Robb. Gretchen was a solid addition to the Bears last season, rotating on and off varsity throughout. Dunlap is a runner to keep your eye on — a distance runner at heart, but with middle-distance speed. After a tough sophomore season, look for this junior to come in ready to fight for a spot on the state-bound Bears' varsity squad.
The Olympia girls fell to a strong Issaquah team at the state championship, losing by only 5 points. Look for them to dial in their strategy all season, improve the 4–7 spots, and challenge for the top spot on the podium. The bigger question: where is the ceiling for this group of young runners?
Sofia Dunlap competes at the Mt Tahoma Track Festival.
Prospected Varsity Rotation
Prospected Varsity Rotation
- Leah Hennen
- Carolina Schilter
- Gemma Stevick
- Eliza Johnson
- Azalea Barksdale
- Caitlin Lanese
- Gretchen Hillier
- Sofia Dunlap
- Ellen Cummings
- Nina Robb
Active Roster Top Marks
Active Roster Top Marks (2026–2027 Season)
| Active | All-Time | Athlete | Mark (5K) | Details | Status ('26–'27) | Meet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #4 | Leah Hennen | 18:11.5 | Age 15, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | NXR Northwest Regional Championships |
| 2 | #8 | Carolina Schilter | 18:48.6 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 3 | #9 | Gemma Stevick | 18:50.8 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | NXR Northwest Regional Championships |
| 4 | #13 | Eliza Johnson | 19:03.8 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | NXR Northwest Regional Championships |
| 5 | #24 | Azalea Barksdale | 19:49.4 | Age 16, Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | NXR Northwest Regional Championships |
| 6 | #27 | Caitlin Lanese | 20:04.1 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 7 | #45 | Gretchen Hillier | 20:47.8 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 8 | #63 | Sofia Dunlap | 21:13.1 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 9 | #78 | Ellen Cummings | 21:42.2 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | SPSL 4A - League Championship Meet |
| 10 | #87 | Nina Robb | 21:58.8 | Age 14, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 11 | #90 | Evelyn Dubois | 22:02.3 | Gr 9 (2024) | Junior (Gr 11) | HOKA 28th John Payne XC Invitational |
| 12 | #112 | Avery Morgan | 22:39.6 | Gr 10 (2024) | Senior (Gr 12) | Fort Steilacoom Invitational |
| 13 | #135 | Anneliese Jones | 23:08.1 | Age 15, Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | SPSL 4A - League Championship Meet |
| 14 | #143 | Flora Wallace-Berry | 23:21.3 | Gr 10 (2024) | Senior (Gr 12) | 3rd Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 15 | #144 | Olivia Wheeler | 23:22.5 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | SPSL 4A - League Championship Meet |
| 16 | #177 | Leah Buchanan | 24:06.4 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 17 | #183 | Amelia Lehman | 24:12.9 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 18 | #184 | Arlee Gallentine | 24:13.6 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 19 | #188 | Ruby Eichler | 24:17.6 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 20 | #192 | Arianna Hall | 24:22.0 | Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
| 21 | #194 | Claire Fetherston | 24:22.9 | Gr 11 (2025) | Senior (Gr 12) | Track 5k |
| 22 | #199 | Becca Perlot | 24:31.8 | Gr 10 (2025) | Junior (Gr 11) | SPSL 4A - League Championship Meet |
| 23 | #200 | Rhea Mackey | 24:32.5 | Age 15, Gr 9 (2025) | Sophomore (Gr 10) | 4th Annual Fall Classic Invitational |
