Fall sports are here, and that means (no, not football season…) Cross Country has finally arrived!

As a no cut sport, cross country offers many perks that other sports do not. Team bonding is among the many benefits. Sure, no one really enjoys running long distances. But cross country gets its participants in better shape than any other sport. And nothing is more rewarding than the runner’s high after a punishing yet exhilarating 5 km race.

That’s not to say that cross country is all fun and games. There definitely is a competitive aspect to the sport, too. Many runners, seniors especially, have been training years for this upcoming season. And this year, competition in the state of Washington should be fierce as usual. Read my Boys 4A Cross Country Preview after the break.

Once again, an Eastern Washington school is a favorite to take 4A. No surprise here, as Ferris returns all seven of their varsity runners on a team that finished a close third last year at state. I don’t expect any upsets here.

On the individual side, the two top finishers last year return in what promises to be a showdown of epic proportions. Both Mack Young and Shane Moskowitz are back as seniors for a rematch. Other top competitors include Conner Peloquin and Kenny Krotzer.

Coaches State Poll Rankings:

1. Ferris (Spokane)

2. Jackson (Mill Creek)

3. Kamiakin (Kennewick)

4. Gig Harbor

5. Redmond

6. Auburn Riverside

7. Skyline (Sammamish)

8. Southridge (Kennewick)

9. Curtis (University Place)

10. University (Spokane)

Top Individual Returnees from last year’s State:

1. Mack Young, Redmond (15:18)

2. Shane Moskowitz, Central Kitsamp (15:21)

3. Adam Thorne, Ferris (15:45)

4. Bryan Simison, Eisenhower (15:48)

5. Conner Peloquin, Gig Harbor (15:55)

6. Kenny Krotzer, Auburn Riverside (15:55)

7. Evan Fiske, Kamiakin (15:56)

8. Kyle Branch, Skyline (15:58)

9. Mitchell Briggs, Henry Jackson (16:02)

10. Tyler King, Oak Harbor (16:05)

Others to watch: Nate Gesell, Auburn Riverside; Casey Cambell, Tahoma; Aaron Nelson, Walla Wall; Timothy Cummings, Eisenhower; Chris Schroll; and Brent Felnagle, Bellermine Prep.

Coming up next: Boys 3A Cross Country Preview!

Photo Source: Seattle Times