Picture Perfect Visualization Technique Helps Lc Boys Earn State Berth

After finishing fifth in the Greater Spokane League, a return trip to state by Lewis and Clark boys wasn’t assured.

But the veteran Tigers, using the same visualization technique that got them third place in state last year, came through to finish fourth during Saturday’s 4A regional race.

“Nobody knew for sure who the fourth place team was going to be,” said coach Chris Morlan, “nobody could guess.”

The Tigers charted the regional race, like they had last year, and projected themselves fifth. So they jockeyed name cards around to see where they needed to improve to get to state.

It came down to the first and five spots manned by state returnees Colin Quinn-Hurst and Joel Constable.

“We figured Colin for the top 20 and he finished 11th which was incredible,” said Morlan. “Joel didn’t feel like he ran a good race because he was farther back than normal, but he ran as fast as he has in his life.”

Theirs were among five personal-best times, including those by state returnees Marshall Greene and Paul Swenson.

Is another state trophy possible?

“Our goal is to find one second per lap on the track for three miles,” said Morlan. “One snap of the finger per lap and we can run with the second and third teams in state.”

Joining them are Ferris junior Andrew Ice, last year’s 15th place finisher who was fifth at regional this year, and Tiger girls teammate Alana Hagney, who was 57th in state as a sophomore.

Long Cheney wait over

It had been five years since Cheney qualified as a team for state cross country. And prospects didn’t look particularly good against Mid-Valley opponents this year.

But the Blackhawks combined hard running and good fortune for a berth in this weekend’s meet. Placing five runners among the 3A regional top 25 Saturday at Hangman Valley, Cheney finished second behind meetfavorite Eastmont.

“I can’t believe it, I tell you,” said longtime coach Jay Martin after the race.

Cheney had three seniors, Kevin Mahoney, Jordan Tait and Andy Davis, among the region’s top 10 returnees who were good bets to reach state.

But Martin was particularly pleased about the efforts of junior Konrad Van Deest and sophomore Chad Portwood, who placed 17th and 25th respectively.

“I’m so proud of them, they just did awesome,” said Martin. “All season long they got pressure to be in there.”

Those efforts and a sub-par day by Selah’s injured Jeff Teeples opened the door for the Blackhawks.

They also finished in front of Frontier favorite Colville, a team that had beaten them three times, to earn the berth.

“We felt we could beat them, but Colville kicking our butt last week was humbling,” said Martin. “We’re feeling good.”

Cardinal rules

Just a sophomore, Robby Miller of Medical Lake is headed to Pasco after winning the District 7 2A cross country championship.

“I’m going there to learn more about state,” said Miller of his first-time experience.

That doesn’t mean he’ll be intimidated by the competition. Miller would like to duplicate his effort this weekend in Pasco.

“I think I can stay up with the lead pack,” he said. “I’ll see how it goes.”

This sidebar appeared with the story: CROSS COUNTRY State qualifiers

Class 4A

Lewis and Clark boys: Colin Quinn-Hurst, Marshall Greene, Paul Swenson, Mike Connelly, Joel Constable, Ben Verble and Matt Kulisch.

Gonzaga Prep girls: Carly Barnes, Adrienne Isgrigg, Robin Bell, Beth Leonetti, Candace Olmsted, Mary Beth Kries and Casey Barratt.

Individuals: Andrew Ice, Ferris, Alana Hagney, Lewis and Clark.

Class 3A

Cheney boys: Kevin Mahoney, Andy Davis, Jordan Tait, Konrad Van Deest, Chad Portwood, Josh Alent and Larry Witte.

Class 2A

Individuals: Robby Miller, Medical Lake.

Class A/B

St. George’s boys and girls: Pat Thomas, Cooper Golden, Drew Moser, Jed Fix, Ben Bailey-Buhner, Mark Charyk, Wes Ivers. Samantha Clarke, Bailley Robinson, Rachel Kutteruf, Abbey Blume, Hannah Beren, Kelly Crimmins and Mari Bingham.

Northwest Christian boys and girls: Brian Vandenburg, Sam Harris, Scott Glover, Greg Miller, Michael Huffman, Russell Hyslop, Levi Mulkey, Ashley Hadway, Rebekah Hansen, Laura Tinklenberg, Jenell Jennings, Heather Sullivan, Jacqueline Whelham and Talia Rickel.