Sehome Invite: 9/12/2026

 Sehome Invite – 9/12/2026

 

Course Length – 2 miles

 

General Notes – This is a course where part of the race is flat (grass and track) and the other is rolling hills on a gravel path. Despite the large field and lots of spectators, the back section is fairly quiet and secluded. The weather during the races was in the high 60s to low 70s, with the sun coming out from time to time and heating things up. There were lots of schools at the meet, especially from the West side. Everyone ran really well in our first meet of the season!

  

In the JV Boys 2 Race, there were 102 competitors. 

In the 9th Grade Girls Race, there were 147 competitors.

In the 9th Grade Boys Race, there were 119 competitors.

In the 10th Grade Girls Race, there were 152 competitors. 

In the 11th Grade Girls Race, there were 175 competitors. LBHS was 7th out of 12 scoring teams.

In the 11th Grade Boys Race, there were 130 competitors. LBHS was 5th out of 12 scoring teams.

In the 12th Grade Girls Race, there were 116 competitors.

In the 12th Grade Boys Race, there were 130 competitors.

Sehome uses the McDowell scoring system, wherein a team's score is calculated by adding the top finisher in each class race plus the next two best finishers in any class race. Our girls team had someone in each class race. Our boys team did not have a runner in every class race, so they do not have a score for this format.

Girls Team: 181 points, 13th out of 28

Sehome also included the merged scores, which assumes everyone from a team ran in the same race, then uses conventional scoring methods. Those scores are as follows:

Girls Team: 419 points, 12th out of 38 

Boys Team: 519 points, 18th out of 37 

Ingrid – One mile: 6:54. Finish: 14:11, 41st place. Average: 7:06.

Woo Ingrid! First race of your senior year! You ARE fit, and you are a strong runner! One race does not dictate the rest of your season, so brush this one off and keep moving forward. We asked a lot of you during the day — warming up with the younger runners, making sure everyone was where they needed to be, and helping lead the team — and you did a great job with all of it! You are a great leader on this team, and that is such an important part of being a senior. Keep your head up, trust your fitness, and remember that there are so many more races ahead of you. I'm excited to see what you will accomplish this season! 

Silas – One mile: 6:44. Finish: 13:18, 23rd place. Average: 6:39.

Congratulations on finishing your first high school XC race Silas! And what a way to come out of the gate! In a very big race, you went out in 6:44 for your first mile, then got even faster in the second mile! In fact, your average pace was faster than the time trial last week! You did a great job working up those little hills and going over the top. A big part of running is learning what your race pace is, and it takes time to learn that lesson. However, you're well on your way, absolutely nailing your race goal! Great start!

Thorsen – One mile: 6:01. Finish: 12:04, 45th place. Average: 6:02.

Great first high school XC race Thorsen! This was a big race, and even though you got pinched in the beginning, you didn't let that throw you off. You went out at your goal pace for the first mile and then held on, basically even-splitting the race! That is hard to do in your first race and shows a lot of maturity. You did an awesome job pushing up those little hills and working your way up through the field. Learning how to stay patient and keep moving forward in a race takes time, and you did a great job of that today. You are clearly very fit from all your ski training, and it will be great to see how that fitness transitions into the rest of the XC season. Great start! 

Liam – One mile: 6:05. Finish: 12:28, 64th place. Average: 6:14.

Congratulations on your first high school XC race Liam! The time trial last week was a distance you're familiar with, but the 2-mile distance is totally new. Nevertheless, you did great! You got out a bit fast, which is totally normal at a big meet like this, especially since you were right behind Thorsen in the early part of the race. Still, you battled hard in the second mile, and you actually had a faster average pace at Sehome than in our time trial! All that meant you hit your race goal! As you get through your first few 5ks, you'll start to learn what your pace is, and when you can turn it on. Keep it up!

Orlo – One mile: 6:01. Finish: 11:56, 83rd place. Average: 5:58.

Way to go Orlo! You came into the race with a very clear race plan - go out at 6:00, then see what you can finish in. Guess what? You nailed it! Plus, you were 14 seconds faster than last year, which means you're in a really good place this early in the season. I think a lot of that has to do with how much you understand about racing, and how much you trust yourself to push through. Also, you really let it go on those down hills, using your stride to pick up speed and places. I could've sworn I saw the Terminator out there…I think it's going to be a great year!

Karen – One mile: 5:53. Finish: 11:59, 3rd place. Average: 6:00.

Wow Karen! What a first high school XC race! This was a big race — way bigger than our league middle school races — and you handled it with so much poise and maturity. Great job! You went out fast, just behind the lead group, and then reeled them in on the first downhill. You raced at the front of the field until it broke up over the last 1/2 mile. I loved hearing how excited you were to race and how much you learned from the experience. That excitement and willingness to learn will take you a long way! Next week you’ll get to race with some teammates, so the start line won’t feel quite so lonely. Let’s keep having fun! 

Nina – One mile: 7:20. Finish: 14:32, 59th place. Average: 7:13.

Zoie – One mile: 7:15. Finish: 14:28, 47th place. Average: 7:14.

Luke – One mile: 6:19. Finish: 13:03, 111th place. Average: 6:32.

Elsa – One mile: 7:33. Finish: 15:54, 112th place. Average: 7:57.

Madie – One mile: 7:21. Finish: 14:32, 64th place. Average: 7:16.

Holden – One mile: 5:09. Finish: 10:13, 10th place. Average: 5:07.

Bhavana – One mile: 8:35. Finish: 17:31, 140th place. Average: 8:46.

Soren – One mile: 5:27. Finish: 10:58, 24th place. Average: 5:29.

River – One mile: 5:32. Finish: 11:13, 34th place. Average: 5:37.

Tova – One mile: 7:15. Finish: 14:26, 46th place. Average: 7:13.

Kylie – One mile: 9:15. Finish: 18:41, 150th place. Average: 9:21.

Cassius – One mile: 6:58. Finish: 13:36, 35th place. Average: 6:48.

Maren – One mile: 6:30. Finish: 13:22, 33rd place. Average: 6:41.

Lena – One mile: 6:18. Finish: 12:41, 11th place. Average: 6:21.

Crispin – One mile: 5:47. Finish: 11:50, 61st place. Average: 5:55.

2026 Team Campout at Blackpine Lake

 

What a great weekend! The team returned to Blackpine Lake on Friday for the second annual campout. Despite the cooler temperature, there was plenty of lake time (both dry and not so dry), including swimming, games on the dock, and some awesome pizza. 

Did it rain all morning as we were packing up and eating? Yes. Did that slow us down? Only slightly. A quick pivot to running together out the West Fork Buttermilk Road led to some nice conversations and, most importantly, no dust.

Through it all, the team got to know each other, talked about their goals, and had a lot of fun! This team is ready for anything and everything the season can throw at them!

LBHS XC Team Retreat '26

 It was a great few days for LBHS XC on Whidbey Island! 

Monday's drive was sunny and warm, with a quick stop at Diablo Lake and a brief detour to a corn field before lunch. After arriving at Deception Pass State Park, and getting an impromptu tour, the team headed out to Hoypus Point for a shake-out run. Great views of Mt. Baker and some trail running through the trees led into a relaxed evening of games and wildlife spotting.

Tuesday was a full day. We loaded up and drove to Fort Ebey State Park for a run along the bluffs on the West side of the island. The Olympic peninsula was prominent, especially while stretching on the beach. After our run, we popped into Coupeville for some lunch and to check out the shops. We bought some ice cream (and caught up on the World Cup score), perused the boutiques, and the coaches plotted how to build more connections to the area. Following a lovely stroll by some blackberry bushes and a quick stint at the beach, we moved on to Oak Harbor, where we were greeted by a giant carved acorn. From there, the team went back to Deception Pass for some more beach time. The water was cold. I heard someone describe it as "an ice bath and an epsom bath". After that it was time for dinner, before a team game and bed.

Wednesday was short and sweet. On our way out of town, we stopped at Pass Lake for an adventurous trail run along the lake and up and down the hills. There was an absolutely giant root ball (photo below). With the run over, we hopped in the cars to get lunch and then keep going. A stop at New Halem led to some bell-ringing on the train (an XC tradition), then with one more trip up and over Washington Pass, the team made its way back to the Methow.

Thanks to everyone - coaches, athletes, and families - who made this happen! The first LBHS XC team retreat was a success, and we all came back excited for the season and the great group of people who make the team so much fun!

State Championships - 11/8/2025

Course Length – 5k

General Notes – The course at Sun Willows Golf Course is constantly rolling up and down, with some long gradual inclines/declines, a number of short rises and falls, one notable hill at the start, and another right before the 2-mile and the finish. The footing is almost entirely golf course grass, with some short pavement crossings. The weather during the races was in the low to high 40's with sun coming through the entire day. There was very little wind.

  

The Boys Varsity was 3rd with 112 points. Freeman won with 61, Chewelah was 2nd with 77, and Cle Elum-Roslyn was 4th with 129 points. There were 143 athletes and 16 teams.

The Girls Varsity won with 94 points. Chewelah was 2nd with 106 points. There were 143 athletes and 16 teams.

As is tradition, I also wanted to spend some time reflecting on the season and looking ahead to next year. In a season full of disruptions, both teams did a great job staying calm and focused, adapting to changing circumstances and making the best of every day! Both teams built on strong showings last year, with the boys replacing three seniors on the varsity squad and the girls returning everyone from last year's varsity squad. It was great to see so much momentum over the summer, and another summer of training will set you all up for another great season!

Looking ahead, the top teams on the girls side will not see a whole lot of turnover. Expect to see perennial teams vying for the podium again, as strong teams continue to improve year over year. There should be some fun racing, and running a smart race may be the key difference that sets you apart. That being said, coming into the season ready for a solid training block will also help you get an edge in a tight field!

On the boys side, there also won't be too many graduations, and we can expect to see a number of strong teams again next year, including in our district. Get used to lots of close races in the postseason, and finding ways to control your pace, only to turn things on later in the race, can really help. There is also a lot of excitement in the younger grades, and more people can help to fill out the roster! That being said, if you know anyone in the class of 2029 that wants to run, make sure to reach out!

Soren - One mile: 5:20. Two mile: 11:03. Finish: 17:15, 10th place. Average: 5:34.

Way to go Soren! That was an awesome race, and you showed what experience on the course can bring. You got out quick, and even though your second mile was a bit slower, you still picked up 8 spots (which is hard to do in the front of the field). Then, you kept moving, picking up another 6 before the finish, getting yourself on the podium, and setting a new 5k PR on a tough course! Oh, and you were 47 seconds faster than last year, in case you didn't hear! The crew of Sophomores is in for some big seasons to come!

Holden - One mile: 5:10. Two mile: 10:44. Finish: 17:28, 17th place. Average: 5:38.

Wowzers Holden, what a race! You ran a truly gutsy race, leaving it all out there. You ran brave and tough, and I know you might still be a little hungry. That is ok - it’s always good to learn from racing. You didn’t go out with the top group for that first mile, but then moved up to put yourself into the mix, right up there and then just competed, which was great. The season might have been a little bumpy with injury, so to go out with an exciting, competitive race like this one, is awesome. 

Aidan - One mile: 5:18. Two mile: 11:07. Finish: 17:31, 20th place. Average: 5:39.

Congrats Aidan! You're so used to big races that I'm sure this felt very familiar to you, and even though you got out quick, you stayed calm in the first mile. Once you found your race, you battled with the pack all the way to the finish, pulling River along with you and chasing Soren and Holden down the whole time. That's a great way to run a race! We're so glad you decided to run this year, and while biathlon is your jam, you did a great job coming in and rallying the team as our lone senior! Good job Gramps!

Alice - One mile: 6:26. Two mile: 13:01. Finish: 20:01, 12th place. Average: 6:27.

Fantastic Alice! You raced phenomenally. You stayed with Ingrid for that first mile, not going out too fast - and then moved up, pulling your teammates with you through groups. You raced right where you needed to be, and didn’t lose focus but instead stayed competitive, continuing to pass people through miles 2 and 3! Even with the instructions of “no pace” - you still stayed super consistent - with your average and your first mile time about the same. It’s been exciting to see you compete and find your XC flow! Congrats on your first state XC meet!

Nina - One mile: 7:03. Two mile: 14:15. Finish: 22:24, 59th place. Average: 7:14.

Great job Nina! Even though that wasn't exactly the race you wanted, you kept pushing the entire way through the line. Along the way you picked up 17 whole places, which is a big accomplishment! Plus you ran a pretty consistent race, and you still hit your time from last year! In cross country, the 4th through 6th runners often decide a race, and running behind Maren and Sisu meant that all three of you made up some serious ground in the middle mile. You have lots of experience now, and we know you have some serious speed, so go have a great track season and then we'll see you over the summer!

Crispin - One mile: 6:07. Two mile: 12:29. Finish: 19:27, 98th place. Average: 6:16.

Congrats on your first state meet race Crispin! You raced really well, staying calm and not getting pulled out too fast in that first hectic mile. That is super impressive in a big race like this. It shows you can race tough in races by yourself and in a large crowd. Plus you moved up the whole time, staying engaged and competitive, passing 25 people! Fantastic! This season you’ve had incredible improvement. Excellent job stepping up for the big dance at the end of the season and really bringing it!

Liam - One mile: 6:06. Two mile: 12:21. Finish: 19:13, 90th place. Average: 6:12.

Congrats Liam! It's always nerve-wracking being on the starting line at state, and even more so for the first time. Nevertheless, you did a great job staying calm and not getting pulled out too fast at the start, using the second half mile to move up, then really building on that at the mile mark. In fact, you picked up 24 places in the middle mile, and another 5 by the finish! Running with Crispin at first, then helping pull him along later, you were strong and consistent, staying at your pace on the hills. You did a great job this year as a captain getting the team ready for a podium finish. I can't wait for next season!

Orlo - One mile: 5:53. Two mile: 12:00. Finish: 18:26, 50th place. Average: 5:57.

Nice racing Orlo! You did an excellent job staying calm in the first mile, and an even better job of keeping your pace in the second mile, just like you planned! Then, as always, you dug deep and made some moves, picking up 25 places by the finish (plus another 13 in the middle) to help the team earn a spot on the podium! Even though the time wasn't what you wanted, you battled for your spot, and it really paid off! Another summer of training, and another year of experience, and you'll be ready for a big senior season!

Maren - One mile: 7:00. Two mile: 14:07. Finish: 21:56, 44th place. Average: 7:05.

Way to work Maren! We have a saying that, in the championship race, time doesn't matter. You proved why that's true! You stayed calm in the first mile, pulling your little row of ducklings along, then you started to move, and I mean really move! You picked up 20 places by the second mile, and another 5 by the finish, hanging on as Sisu made her big push. Plus you were still faster than last year! This is a very tough course, and the fact that you didn't have your ideal race and the team still won just shows how strong of a group you all are. I can't wait to see what you do next year!

Ingrid - One mile: 6:26. Two mile: 13:04. Finish: 20:24, 17th place. Average: 6:35.

Congratulations Ingrid! You did everything exactly right in that race, and it showed! Let's start with some numbers - your second mile was only 12 seconds off your first, you moved from 27th to 19th to 17th, you ran almost a minute and a half faster than last year, and you set a new PR on a tough course! It was so great to see you stay calm in the first mile, run with Alice for the first two miles, then run with Lena for the finish. When Alice picked it up, you moved too. When Lena started to move, you dug in and went with her. As has always been the case, you never gave up, and you led the team to a first place finish!

Alida - One mile: 7:02. Two mile: 14:34. Finish: 23:06, 76th place. Average: 7:27.

Way to go Alida! That was a tough race, and it isn't what you wanted it to be. Still, you put yourself out there, running with Nina and Maren through the mile, and even when things got hard, you kept pushing yourself through. You're very competitive, and you used that to your advantage. You've also done a great job of working hard this season, and never giving up - staying calm and confident as you helped lead the team to a championship. Every season is a little different, and I know you'll be ready to roll next season!

Sisu - One mile: 7:03. Two mile: 14:12. Finish: 21:54, 43rd place. Average: 7:04.

Wow Sisu! Where to even begin? How about we start with the streak continuing in a big way, with a 36 second PR! Then, of course, we have to talk about the fact that you picked up 25 places in the middle mile, and another 9 in the final mile, pulling Maren and Nina along with you. It was absolutely awesome! You did a great job pacing off of Maren in the first mile, then staying strong in the middle and making a big surge at the end. Your average pace was only 1 second off your opening mile! That's how you want to run a race You've made some huge strides this season, and you're going to make even more next year!

River - One mile: 5:22. Two mile: 11:09. Finish: 17:33, 21st place. Average: 5:40.

Great race River! You did a great job putting yourself out there in the first mile, then continuing to move with Aidan through the rest of the course, picking up 3 places each mile. That's not easy to do! Plus, you made some big improvements from last year, running almost a minute faster! That's what happens with experience on the course and more confidence racing! You're in a really good place to build on, and I can't wait to see what you can do next year!

Lena - One mile: 6:15. Two mile: 13:01. Finish: 20:22, 16th place. Average: 6:34.

Great job Lena! That was your first state meet, and there's always a tendency to go out fast, and that's ok! Even though you got out quick, you did a great job of rallying once Alice and Ingrid caught up to you, clawing back places in the last mile to earn a spot on the podium. When you started to move in the last half mile, you pulled Ingrid along with you, helping her set a new PR, and setting one for yourself! Overall, that was a great run on a tough course! With more experience, you'll find your pace earlier and go even faster. Congratulations on a great season!