Camas senior Emma Jenkins, the girls all-region cross country runner of the year, never finished worse than seventh at the WIAA state cross country championships in four years. (Ariane Kunze/The Columbian)Photo Gallery
Maybe it was coach Laurie Porter’s lasagna.
Emma Jenkins’ high school cross country career has been remarkable in both quality and consistency.
In each of her four years, the Camas senior has finished among the state’s best. On Nov. 4, she placed fourth at the state meet for the second time along with a fifth- and seventh-place finish. Her time of 17 minutes, 59 seconds was her fastest on the 5,000 meter Pasco course.
She’s also a three-time champion of the Westside Classic bi-district race and a two-time district champ. For her accomplishments, she is The Columbian’s All-Region girls cross country runner of the year.
Behind those medals are miles of toil. But the team spaghetti dinners, where Porter’s lasagna was Jenkins’ favorite dish, spiced up the season.
“During practice we all work very hard and focus, but it’s also very fun,” Jenkins said. “It’s a mix between obviously working hard, but also having fun with it.”
This season saw Jenkins take charge of a program that since 2011 has won four state titles and finished second three times, including this year.
One doesn’t need to be loud to be a leader. Porter said Jenkins inspired her teammates with her positivity and work ethic — a true leader by example.
“If I’m not working my hardest, why would they work their hardest,” Jenkins said. “Just working hard and being respectful to everybody is a good way to lead the team.”
In her typical fashion, Jenkins deflected credit to her teammates.
“I’m not a super outgoing person, so it was hard for me to take that role and be a louder leader on the team,” she said. “But I definitely think they made it a lot easier for me because I’m very close to them. It’s easy for me to lead them because they’re very teachable and leadable.”
Jenkins has signed to run at Washington State. She is eager to see how a college-level training plan will affect her racing.
“I’ve just never really done a lot of mileage,” she said. “This summer, I went up to 50 once. That was the highest I’ve ever done. I just think that during workouts, they need to be quality workouts.”
Whatever awaits, Jenkins is ready to put in the work. Over four years at Camas, she has seen four years of effort become four years worth remembering.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t understand how much work running takes,” Jenkins said. “It was just fun to see all the hard work we do during practice pay off during races.”
The Rest of the All-Region team
Ellen Burbank, Skyview
Senior finished 13th in state, third at bi-district and second at districts. Personal best of 18:24. Led team to fourth place in state.
Meri Dunford, Prairie
Sophomore was 3A district champ, third at bi-district and 14th at state with personal-best time of 18:34.
Krystal Kaufman, Skyview
Senior finished 16th in state and third at districts. Personal best of 18:34. Went under 19 minutes six times this season after breaking 20 minutes once as a junior.
Natasha Lewis, La Center
Sophomore led Wildcats to second in 1A state by placing 11th. Trico League champ, district runner-up.
Emily Phelps, Fort Vancouver
Junior was runner-up at district and bi-district. Finished 19th in state with a personal best of 18:38.
Amelia Pullen, Washougal
Junior placed third in 2A at state meet. District champion. Finished no worse than third in any race this season. Personal best of 18:28.
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