The Inglemoor High School girls cross country team won the Division II Varsity Championship this weekend at the Nike Portland Invitational.
“I was really proud of how the girls took control of the race and competed,” said head coach Kelly Richards.
They were led by individual winner Rebecca Ledsham running a personal best of 18-minutes, 56-seconds over the 5,000-meter course. She was in second place for most of the race and took the lead with 400 meters to go. All seven girls on the team ran either season or personal bests.
“Rebecca is coming into her own showing she will be a contender in our very tough KINGCO league this year,” Richards said. “This is her first high school victory in a cross country race. Bailey showed a ton of leadership by placing in the top 10. I was super impressed with our younger athletes Ellee London, Jennifer Huffman and Caitlynn Parpart. This was a big invitational and they showed a ton of maturity to go out and compete.”
Boys place 13th overall
The Inglemoor boys competed in the elite division race placing 13th overall as a team. The race was highly competitive with several nationally ranked individuals and teams running.
Nick Laccinole was seventh overall in a personal best of 15:25. He was the second Washington state athlete overall and was one second off the school record. He was joined in the top 50 by Gavin Parpart finishing in a time of 15:56 and Ethan Karlinsey finishing in 16:10.
“It was a huge step for our boys to compete in the Jim Danner Championship race at this Invitational,” Richards said. “Nick got out in the front pack immediately and established himself as one of the leaders in our state. Gavin and Ethan had huge kicks to the finish line to run season bests and get into the top 50, which is a notable accomplishment at this level.”
The boys beat other rival 4A teams of Gig Harbor, Camas and Skyview.
“I was really impressed with our entire team with they way they competed,” Richards said. “This was a learning experience for everyone and sets a great foundation for the rest of the season.”
The Vikings have a one week break from competition before they compete at the Twilight Invitational next Saturday in Marysville.
