WP X-C Runners Take Ribbons in D9 League Meet

RICHLAND - The WP Cross-country team traveled to Richland for a D9 League meet at Johnson Park on Wed. Sept. 24 then to the Inland Empire Klassic meet at Lewiston Orchards on Sat., Sept. 27.

Both WP female runners walked away with ribbons at the 5,000 meter Richland meet. Sophomore Emily Adams took first in the women's race, crossing the finish at 21:14.53, a full minute ahead of second place St. John-Endicott runner Shania Bailey at 22:29.28. New WP racer, freshman Perla Xolio ran her first race ever, placing 5th among the 15 women racers with a time of 25:12.

"Perla had her first race, felt very good about it and even came away with a 5th place ribbon," said coach Dan Nechedom. "Emily was a bit disappointed with her time, but when you win by a minute and 15 seconds, there is no one around to push you. It's easier to run fast when you're either hunting or being hunted."

First-year runner, sophomore Landon Callas brought home a fourth place ribbon with a time of 19:40.3 in the men's race. Skylar Wood (21:39.38) placed 15th and Robert Walsh (22:39.28), Tom House (22:40.08) and Joe Leamy (22:42.5) placed 23rd, 24th and 25th respectively, out of the 34 men runners. House and Leamy both set personal records on the course.

"Each of the guys exceeded their time goals, which had been set faster than their previous races. They looked strong," said Nechedom.

Nechedom said he instructed the team not to worry about time but just run by feel, enjoy themselves and finish well at Saturday's Inland Klassic. Callas, Wood and Walsh all set personal records on the 5,000 meter Men's course. Callas placed 56th out of 104 runners with a time of 19:10 followed by Wood who placed 75th at 20:07 and Walsh in 92nd place with 22 minutes even. Emily Adams placed 11th among the 92 women runners with a time of 20:47.