Goldendale Boy’s XC Team Wins the EWAC League Title for 3rd consecutive year
by Tegan Shermikas
Photographs by John J Longfellow (http://www.Facebook.com/longfellowsphotography)
This past Thursday, Oct. 19, the Goldendale Cross Country Team competed for the Eastern Washington Athletic (EWAC) Conference league title during their home meet at the Goldendale Golf Course.
The spectators were buzzing with excitement as the runners made their way through their warmup routines.
All the athletes were getting ready for what would prove to be some fierce competition. As the anticipation of the first race slowly began to build, the unusually warm fall weather started to impact some of the competitors. A warm spell had settled within the area and brought in plenty of sunshine and due to this the grit and determination of the Timberwolf nation was on full display during this crucial race.
First up, were the ladies, freshman, Emma Meagher and senior, Bailey Holycross. As the race gun was fired the cascade of runners started their way through the 5k course. How did these two fair? Well, Emma finished 1st overall for the girls with a time of 22:39 and Bailey ran a solid race and came in 12th(30:49).
Next up, was the race that many were there to witness, the boys 5k. This race would determine the EWAC League champions and the Goldendale boys’ were the reigning victors, and with no guarantee that they would be able to hold the title.
The boys lined up; and as they did, a nervous energy began to slowly dissipate through the crowd. The race gun sounded, and just as quickly as the runners had descended on the start-line, they were gone.
Leading the pack for the Goldendale Boy’s was junior, Sean Henrikson and although his season has been plagued with injury and illness, he was ready to lead this team to hopefully a third league title.
Sean finished 2nd with a time of 18:11. This race was far from over and as the runners were still trying to inch their way past their peers, senior, Raymond Holycross finished 8th with his time of 19:38.
Next to cross the finish line for the Timberwolves was, Simon Grindling, who finished 12th (20:08). Anthony Hauck finished 14th with his time of 20:29. Freshman, Brody Hatfield wasn’t too far behind and finished this tough course with a time of 20:51. Aaron Shelton (21:35) and Graham Grindling (21:41) were the next runners to finish for Goldendale. Rowan Richelderfer rounded out the boys’ runners with his time of 24:08.
The last race of the day was the Middle School (MS) mile and a half. There is only one MS runner for the Timberwolves. Jennasae Smith finished 1st with her time of 11:09.
Throughout these races, coaches and spectators alike were trying to determine where their teams sat for the overall title.
At the end of the day, the Goldendale Timberwolves barely held on to the coveted spot.
Goldendale won with 53 points, Cle Elum/Roslyn took second with 57 points and Tri-Cities Prep brought home 3rd with 72 points.
On Thursday, Oct 26th, the Timberwolves are going to defend their District Championship title from last year. This race will determine which teams and runners will compete at the 2B State Championship on Nov 4th.
As we all hold our breath and send thoughts of strength and endurance to these young runners. They continue to show just what it means to be part of a Cross Country Team. They show fortitude that only other competitors in this sport truly understand. Run as a pack and put all that hard work into practice!
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