Ferris edges Mead in clash of titans
It was “Game On!” in the rain at Audubon Park where three Greater Spokane League unbeaten boys cross country teams put on a show on Wednesday.
Ferris (5-0) survived a spirited effort by short-handed Mead, winning 27-29 in the race between schools of national repute.
Although host North Central (2-2) lost to both, 15-46 and 19-38, the team of four sophomores and three juniors didn’t back down against the two.
“I knew we were up against a tough task,” said NC coach Jon Knight. “But it was pretty clear to me (my runners) weren’t just letting them go.”
The NC youngsters hung in despite running their first mile 30 seconds faster than the week before thanks to the torrid pace set by Ferris’ Saxons and Mead’s Panthers.
Mead runners worked their way through the field. Entering the final course loop, Dylan Hatcher, Kelvin Daratha and Kelly Lynch were second through fourth places, with four Saxons in hot pursuit behind runaway winning Saxon David Hickerson.
That was how they finished, Hickerson timing 15 minutes, 12 seconds, the next eight runners, four from each team, separated by just 30 seconds and the teams just two points apart.
“Our first three ran awesome,” said Panthers coach Steve Kiesel. “That was a great sign, to bounce back from Saturday.”
Ferris’ four-pack of Cameron Quackenbush, Nick Laplante, Pat Maloney and Steve Olsen was separated by 12 seconds in securing the nail-biting triumph.
“What did I tell you?” said Ferris coach Mike Hadway. “Go head to head and it’s a different story. My guys were a little nervous. The target’s on our back now.”
In other boys races, Central Valley (3-1) had the first four finishers, led by Jayson Taylor, to beat host East Valley (1-3) 16-47. … Lewis and Clark (3-1) topped Gonzaga Prep (3-2) and Shadle Park (0-5), although Shadle’s Peter Miller was a 12-second individual winner at Finch Arboretum. … Mt. Spokane (2-2) beat University (2-3) and Rogers (0-5). Rogers’ Steven McConnell was individual winner in 16:34 at Seven Mile.
GSL girls: In a match between GSL unbeatens, Mt. Spokane (4-0) topped University (4-1) 26-30. Both teams beat Rogers. Jessica Klier and Courtney Zalud finished 1-2 and Amy Pomante was fourth to lead Mt. Spokane. … First-place Mead (5-0) swept North Central (1-3) and Ferris (0-5). NC’s Mary Graesser got away from Nikki Codd in the final sprint, 19:09 to 19:17, but Mead had four scorers between third and eighth for the 24-31 win. … CV (3-1) had a 22-33 win at EV. EV’s Lauren Bergam was individual winner in 19:57. … LC (3-1) beat Shadle Park and Gonzaga Prep (both 2-3). Shadle freshman Andrea Nelson won in 19:32.