WOODLAND — The mud that coated the legs of cross country runners at the Class 2A District Championships washed away quickly.
But something else worn by the Fort Vancouver girls team isn’t going away anytime soon — The pride of making school history.
Fort Vancouver won the school’s first district cross country title on a rainy Thursday at Lewis River Golf Course.
Led by Dani Buttrell’s fifth-place finish, the Trappers placed all five of their scoring runners in the top 18.
That let Fort Vancouver (60 points) outpace second-place Washougal (77 points) and 10 other district rivals.
“We get to hang a banner,” Buttrell said. “This goes down in history.”
Buttrell was among a handful of runners who stretched away from the race’s pack. Not far behind her, fellow Trappers Sarah Gardner, Pamela Melchor-Burgos, Shelby Willett and Molly Malone ran in a tight group.
That foursome stayed within a few seconds of each other until the final half-mile. Gardner placed eighth, Melchor-Burgos 14th, Willett 15th and Malone 18th.
Buttrell said the team’s confidence was high after winning the 2A Greater St. Helens League title last week. The team has also learned help each other keep up when fatigue arrives in a race.
“We’re a great family,” Buttrell said. “That’s one of the main reasons. It comes with great talent and just a passion for running.”
Shelton senior Alauna Carstens pulled away for the individual title, finishing in 18 minutes, 32 seconds. Washougal sophomore Elle Thomas was second, 12 seconds behind. Sydnee Boothby, also from Washougal, placed third.
Daniel Barna didn’t mind not leading for most of the 2A boys race. But the Columbia River senior was ahead when it counted.
Barna used a blistering final mile to pull away for the victory, finishing in 15:50. Washougal’s Samuel Grice placed second, 18 second behind.
Barna, Grice, John Hoffer of Tumwater and Joran Lamoreaux of Woodland were in a lead pack for most of the race.
“I knew if I led the whole way that it was going to be a very difficult race,” Barna said. “I tried being in a pack for as long as possible.”
With one mile left, Hoffer made a surge and took the lead.
“I said ‘this is his move. I have to counter it,’” Barna said.
And counter he did. With 800 meters to go, Barna had pulled well ahead.
Barna will be among the contenders for the 2A title at the WIAA State Championships Nov. 6 in Pasco. After a year without state championships due to COVID, Barna is eager to end his high school career at a showcase event.
“It’s just amazing to be able to do this again,” Barna said. “I’m really excited. There are going to be multiple guys there who will be really hard to beat. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to race them.”
Joseph Blanshan was well ahead, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have someone to compete with.
“When you have no one to run with, you compete with yourself,” Blanshan said. “It’s very hard, but it’s good for you.”
Blanshan, of La Center, took an early lead en route to a dominant win in the Class 1A boys race. His winning time of 16:14 was nearly 50 seconds faster than runner-up Aric Jacklin of Montesano.
Blanshan left behind him runners from seven other schools and a track of mud up the back of his uniform. The wet conditions were no bother for Blanshan, who defended his district title won last spring.
“I enjoy the dry, fast courses, but I also like these because it makes you feel more like a cross country runner,” Blanshan said.
Led by freshman Sam Soto in third place, Seton Catholic won the team title with 55 points. La Center placed second, 10 points behind.
The 1A girls did not run at Lewis River and will instead compete in a four-district meet on Saturday on Whidbey Island.
