MCC cross country runners hit district trail Thursday
The Mid-Columbia Conference Class 4A and 3A cross country teams will hold their district meets Thursday at Leslie Groves Park in Richland.
The Kamiakin boys are out to defend their 3A crown, and senior Phillip Fishburn is leading the way.
In an agreement with the Greater Spokane League, each team will advance seven runners to the regional meet next weekend at Wandermere Golf Course in Spokane.
Fishburn, who was fourth last year behind a trio of senior teammates, has won both conference meets this season and set a personal record at 5,000 meters with a time of 15 minutes, 23.62 seconds at the Sundodger Invitational.
Fishburn will be joined by teammates Travis Crumpler, Jonah Franco, Ryan Child, Traven Bills and Kyler Lee, who dominated the conference all season.
Hanford’s Porter McMichael and Jared Wright could push for top 5 finishes.
In the boys 4A division, Richland freshman Riley Moore has been on Fishburn’s heels all season but will have a chance to win an individual district title.
“Riley has worked really hard,” Bombers coach Jay Bartlett said. “He is incredibly talented and that really helps.”
Walla Walla, led by junior Alex Iben, will battle the Bombers for the team title.
Walla Walla won the district title last fall, while the Bombers beat the Blue Devils by one point in 2013.
“It’s a fun competition for everyone involved,” Bartlett said.
In the 4A girls division, Erika Leinweber of Walla Walla and Richland’s Katie Andrus will be in the mix for the title after three-time champion Lindsey Bradley of Richland graduated. The Bombers will be without Izzy Silva, who is out of town for a family matter. Silva still will be available for regionals, as teams can list nine runners and advance seven to regionals.
The Kamiakin girls are poised to defend their 3A title behind senior Lindsey Lowe, but Hanford may throw a wrench in the mix with last year’s champ Amber Skouson and Hailey Cleavenger.
This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 8:17 PM with the headline "MCC cross country runners hit district trail Thursday."