Goldendale runners hunt down second straight District Title, headed to state on Nov. 5
Photo by Tegan Shermikas
By Tegan Shermikas
The Goldendale Timberwolves Cross Country Boys competed for the Eastern Washington Athletic Conference (EWAC) district championship last Thursday, Oct. 27.
This was their 3rd time running the three-mile course at Apple Ridge near Yakima, and the team needed to place first in order to advance to the state meet this Saturday, Nov. 5.
The power of purple was on display at the district meet near Yakama on Oct. 27. Photo by Melissa McKinney
Up to this point, the Goldendale Boys had been undefeated within the EWAC. Regardless, each one knew they were going to need to push themselves in order to secure the coveted first-place team trophy and with it a chance to represent Goldendale in TriCities for the state meet.
The weather for the meet could not have been more perfect after almost all the races were run in 75+ degrees; the temperature dipped, giving these runners a little reprieve from the heat of the 2022 season.
The Goldendale team started the race strong with Sophomore Sean Henrikson leading the runners just behind champion Ciaran Hilaire from Tri-Cities Prep. But Sean was not the lone Timberwolf, these boys run as a pack, and Raymond Holycross, Isaac Call, Elliot Grindling, Hayden Connell, Simon Grindling and Damian Simonds all were vying to secure the championship.
Photo by Chris Henrikson
Their hard work and dedication paid off as Sean Henrikson finished second with a personal record or PR time of 17:05; right behind him placing 3rd with a PR of 17:43 was Junior Raymond Holycross, and just under three seconds behind and securing the 4th place spot was Junior Isaac Call with a PR time of 17:46.
Senior Elliot Grindling rounded out the top ten with his time of 18:43. Chasing his teammate Junior Hayden Connell finished 11th with his PR time of 18:49. Sophomore Simon Grindling finished in 15th place with a PR of 19:18. And in 18th place and finishing at 19:54 Junior Damian Simonds was able to solidify the Timberwolves all finishing in the top 20!
The Timberwolves brought home their second consecutive District EWAC Championship Title!
These boys are headed to state!
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Let’s hear it for these incredible young men, who push themselves through discomfort and epitomize the definition of hard work and commitment. A huge thank you to the Cross-Country Coaches, Coach Rising & Coach Jones; without your tough love, support and never wavering commitment this team would not be what it is today."
