Kodiak runners turn is solid performances at state

The Cascade Kodiaks sent three runners to state last Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, freshmen Landon Davies and Zoe McDevitt and senior Caleb Payne. 

“They did extremely well. They all had successful runs. We set goals for everyone. They all succeeded their goals. Everyone raced really strong,” said Dayle Massey, Cascade Cross Country head coach. 

The course was in good shape, Massey said. It was supposed to rain, but it didn’t. Although, it was cold. Davies turned in an excellent performance, finishing 20th. His time beat the Cascade school record on this course set by Daniel Olmstead. 

He was also the fastest freshman, finishing in 16:35.  

“That was the goal. He was the fastest freshman by 35 seconds. He beat Evan Gambill from Cashmere for the first time,” Massey said. “He had a good run. Went out fast and held on. Really successful run. Ran the first mile in 5:04.” 

Kenneth Rooks of College Place won the race at 15:18. Medical Lake was the boys’ team champion with 78 points. Cashmere finished eighth with 214 points. 

McDevitt had a really good run, Massey said. 

“Her previous best 5k was at the districts. Her goal was to beat that. She did by 40 seconds. She’s been improving by every race. At districts, she was sixth place. Only three league girls beat her at state,” Massey said. 

McDevitt finished in 35th. Massey said her time of 20:09 made her the fifth fastest Cascade girl at state. Pretty good for a freshman. 

Alyce Arlan of Nooksack Valley won the race in a time of 18:06. Colville was the girls’ team competition. Cashmere was ninth. 

Payne finished in 17:40. 

“His goal was to beat 18 minutes, which he’s never done. He was really happy about that. It would’ve helped if the season was longer because they’ve been getting better and better,” Massey said. 

The future is bright for the cross country team, Massey believes. 

“We have some really fast eighth graders coming up. The boys team is looking really good. We should be extremely competitive. For the girls, Zoe is back. We have a good group, but we need them to run all summer. Then, we can have a really strong team,” Massey said. 

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