Latham West leads the pack at the 2024 SPSL 4A League Championship

Why This Race is So Important

The SPSL 4A Championship is the final stop before the Westside Classic, the qualifying meet for the state championship in Pasco. For many teams, this is the last chance to build confidence and fine-tune their racing strategy. For teams on the bubble, a strong performance here could be the momentum boost they need to extend their season.

Boys' Race Preview

The Favorite

On the boys’ side, Curtis High School enters the SPSL 4A Championship as the clear favorite. Led by Owen Mangrum, one of the state’s top runners, and Asher Pepin, the Vikings boast a formidable 1-2 punch that will be tough for any team to overcome.

The Contenders

Behind Curtis, a tough three-way battle is brewing between Puyallup, Yelm, and Olympia for the remaining state berths.

Puyallup High School will look to disrupt Curtis's success. While they may lack a top-end runner like Mangrum, they make up for it with impressive pack development. With a tight 1-minute, 9.5-second spread for their top five runners, the Vikings are hoping for a strong showing.
Yelm High School is coming off a strong summer of training, camps, and team development. Coached by Alex McIntire, the Tornados have shown they are a contender in every race they've entered. They hope to follow McIntire’s leadership and build more confidence ahead of the Westside Classic.
Olympia High School is my dark horse pick to make it to the State Championship. The Bears came into the season with many questions that were immediately answered when a pack of freshmen showed up and set the course on fire. Caden Durocher and Jack Mc Durmon are the lone upperclassmen in the top group, with the sensational freshman Quenton Lanese leading the pack. If Quin Zola and Judah Beck can close the gap on their top three, Olympia will be tough to stop.

Team Spotlight: Yelm's Heart and Determination

One team that appears ready for that pressure is the Yelm Tornados. Yelm High School is coming off a strong summer of training, camps, and team development. Coached by Alex McIntire, the Tornados have shown they are a contender in every race they've entered. They hope to follow McIntire’s leadership and build more confidence ahead of the postseason gauntlet.

When asked how his team will respond when the championship pressure is on, McIntire expressed a deep-seated confidence in his runners' resilience.

"Yelm boys have historically thrived under pressure," McIntire said. "They tend to peak at the right time, and love to compete. Our league can offer that competition that they love so much."

While the battle for the championship is wide open between contenders like Curtis, Puyallup, and Olympia, McIntire believes the title will come down to desire, not just talent. "I am confident that the winning team of the League championship will be the team that wants it most," he stated.

Ultimately, his focus remains squarely on his own squad's effort and character.

"I can only speak to what Yelm plans to do, but the Yelm boys are hungry to show what consistency and commitment to a team can lead to... I don't know if Yelm will win the league championship, but I know that they are going to run to the best of their ability. They will run with heart and the determination of a team who has worked hard for each other every single day for several years."

On the Bubble

South Kitsap is a team that could shake up the rankings. Led by frontrunner Isaac Benjamin, their three through seven runners—Tye Schmutz, Nathan Hiatt, Lucas Van Wyhe, Nolan Butle, and Robert Wells—head into this race with only a 7-second spread. While Benjamin and their number two, Benson Bouck, will secure low scores, the Wolves' success will depend on their supporting cast pushing one another. Can their frontrunner inspire the rest of the team?

Top Boys' Times

Owen Mangrum, Curtis - 14:51.9
Isaac Benjamin, South Kitsap - 14:54.5
Quenton Lanese, Olympia - 15:09.4
Asher Pepin, Curtis - 15:32.6
Caden Durocher, Olympia - 15:33.2
Adam Bird, Curtis - 15:34.6
Samuel Van Valkenburg, Curtis - 15:44.8
Amin Fidaar, Rogers - 15:45.2
Brody Anderson, Puyallup - 15:46.7
Trevor Odom, Curtis - 15:47.8

ISAAC BENJAMIN SOUTH KITSAP HIGH SCHOOL.jpg

SAMUEL VAN VALKENBURG CURTIS HIGH SCHOOL.jpg

Girls' Race Preview

The Favorite

On the girls’ side, Olympia looks poised to walk away with the championship. They have fielded a consistent group of runners this season and have improved with every race. Their one-two punch is made up of senior Sydney Kosa and freshman Leah Hennen, who have raced closely all season. Behind them, they maintain tight pack times. If their number five, Eliza Johnson, can shave a few more seconds off her time, the Bears will be nearly unstoppable.

The Contenders

The Curtis girls are a very strong number two team, led by sophomore Charlotte White, who holds the second-fastest time in the SPSL this season behind Bonney Lake’s Latham West. The battle among their top five will be one to watch as the Vikings hope to improve their 2-minute, 6.2-second spread heading into the Westside Classic, where they will likely earn a spot at the state championship.
Puyallup and Rogers both have strong teams that run with a strong pack mentality. Their biggest obstacle will be simply improving their individual times. Maurin Monaghan (Jr.) of Puyallup is the fastest on her team by 59 seconds and will need to inspire the remaining Vikings. Rogers is led by Emma Marris, and the four runners behind her share strikingly close times with less than a minute separating them.

Runner Spotlight: Latham West's Quest for a Three-Peat

Latham West exiting the trees around mile 1 at the 2024 edition of the SPSL Championship

All eyes will be on Bonney Lake senior Latham West, who enters the race as the two-time defending SPSL (4A and 3A) champion. Currently ranked #1 in the league and #2 in the state, West isn't just looking to win; she's chasing history with a potential three-peat.

When asked about her approach, West made it clear she's focused on performance over pressure.

"This meet I’m just focusing on running strong and pushing my limits," West said. "I want to strive for a PR although it’s an extremely challenging course because of the hills and terrain. If I can’t PR a sub 17:45 time would be optimal."

For West, the league championship is a critical stepping stone in her larger season goals. It serves as both a benchmark and a launchpad for the races ahead.

"This meet plays a big role in my building up toward District and State since it will reflect my hopeful continual decrease in times," she explained. "I have big goals for state, wanting to finally get the state champion title after years of hard work. I am determined to reach this goal, and leagues and districts will hopefully show the results of my training before state."