Issac Hawkins Ferris Year: Junior Sport: Cross Country

Isaac Hawkins has learned a lesson about watching people pass him.

Surely, one thinks, Hawkins would be satisfied after finishing second at last Saturday’s high-powered SunFair Invitational in Yakima. He was the top Washington finisher, with champion Billy Herman of Boise’s Centennial High 10 seconds ahead.

Yet as Hawkins discovered from last year’s District 8-AAA meet, bad things come to pass when one is passed. At that event, Ferris teammate Cameron Copher caught Hawkins for fifth place, the final individual qualifying spot for state.

Hawkins accepted sixth because he assumed (incorrectly) that Ferris had clinched the lone team berth, which instead went to Mead.

So being runner-up at SunFair, after leading for 1 mile, didn’t soothe Hawkins’ spirits.

“It’s good to do well in your own state,” Hawkins said. “But, ultimately, there are goals like Foot Locker (in California), and guys like (Herman) are going to be there.”

“He has some pretty lofty goals set,” said coach Mike Hadway of second-ranked Ferris. “I think everyone is gunning for him.”

Running is top dog in the Hawkins’ household. Sister Emily runs for the second-ranked Ferris girls.

“I always try to find time to cheer her on because she cheers me on during my races,” said big brother.

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