Cascade Cross Country is finally off and running

A smoky summer certainly impacted the Cascade Cross Country team. But finally, the team competed in their first meet on Sept. 16, the Whidbey Island Invitational. 

Cascade Head Coach Dayle Massey said on the boys’ side, freshman Landon Davies is looking to be a real competitor. 

“He placed 18th at Whidbey with a time of 18:15, which is the best freshman time we’ve ever had at this meet. He is a talented runner and works hard, and I’m excited to see how he progresses through the rest of the season,” Massey said. 

Gabe Wulfman, Caleb Payne, David Bryant, and Will Cassayre round out the top varsity runners. 

“The Whidbey course is slow on a good day, and the heat, sun, and smoke we faced on Saturday did not lead to fast times,” Massey said. 

For the girls, Sarah Paulson, the number three runner last year, is leading the team. 

“Freshman Zoe McDevitt, who looks to be our number one girl this year, was unfortunately not feeling well and so didn’t compete. Sarah was followed by sophomore Anlyn Flake, a talented addition to our team this year, and then senior Magali Ramos, sophomore Carina Hernandez, and senior Carmen Hernandez, all newcomers to the team this year,” Massey said.  

This was their first race of the year, and the first race ever for four of five of their top finishing girls. “We should see a lot of improvement throughout the season,” he said. 

At Whidbey, Liberty Bell won both the boys and girls races. Cascade competed in the Okanogan Invite on Sept. 19. Results were not available before press time. On Saturday, the team competes in the Wenatchee Invite. 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.