Central Valley takes stab at two state berths

It’s been more than two decades since Central Valley could dream about the possibility of sending both boys and girls cross country teams to state in the same year.

Certainly the girls teams have had moments of state glory – a team title in 1982 and a couple of other appearances (1993 and 2002).

But the boys? This was the first winning season in CV’s Greater Spokane League history.

“We’ve only had four (individuals) to a state meet at all,” said fourth-year CV coach John Preston.

That dates to 1966, when Pete Whitford won and the Bears competed in the AA race of what was then an invitational state meet.

This year the anticipation for Saturday’s regional 4A meet at Deer Park Golf Course is palpable, and the possibility of a state trip for both teams is real.

“It is very exciting,” said girls coach Dennis McGuire, in his 22nd year with CV’s programs.

His team tied for second in the GSL with a standout senior, sophomore and four freshmen in the lineup. There’s no clear-cut regional favorite, although McGuire figures Mt. Spokane and Eisenhower are locks.

Anna Layman was 12th in state as a freshman but missed the last two years with injuries. She’s back and healthy, the league’s second-fastest runner behind race favorite Megan O’Reilly of Mt. Spokane.

“I don’t see anyone from the Big Nine beating Anna,” said McGuire. “Not the way she’s been running.”

The freshmen, Breanna Barsten, Tris Kline, Ari Rios and Eden Lake, were revelations.

“I knew one, Breanna, was special because she ran a 2:26 800 in middle school,” said McGuire. “I didn’t know Tris was going to turn out and she didn’t either until turnout time. That was a big, big deal.”

Sophomore Melinda Miller is the only returnee from last year’s team to remain on varsity. Several seniors, said McGuire, have unselfishly accepted their supporting role as mentors for the youngsters.

His team should be squarely in the multiteam hunt for one of two other state spots.

CV’s boys have been a success story, going 9-4 this year, the fourth-best effort among 4A GSL teams. For Preston, there have been successes and setbacks in his journey to league cross country respectability.

This weekend is a case in point. The Bears are a legitimate state hopeful as one of the GSL’s top four teams. But a couple of losses from illnesses will affect his team. For the first time in a decade, only three teams qualify for state.

“There have been trying times and again there are a series of unfortunate events,” said Preston. “Our first chance for state and only three berths – it’s amazing.”

Mead and Ferris are expected to grab two of those. Mt. Spokane and CV, separated by three points during their dual race, are chasing the third.

The Bears have one of the league’s top runners in Sean Coyle. The loss of Alex Blackburn and Brandon Close, who had mononucleosis, has meant that several sophomores needed to step in and keep the Bears solid.

“What we’re missing is a low 16-minute guy like Alex was last year to be great,” Preston said. “But I guess I don’t consider it a long shot. I think it’s going to be close.”

Sending two teams to state from one school has been previously reserved for a handful of GSL programs. The Bears are hoping to join them on Saturday.