The Vashon High School cross country team kicked off their fall season with impressive performances at two meets last week.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the team competed in the Nisqually League meet at the Camas Prairie Golf Park in Port Townsend. This was the first high school race for more than half of the 24 Vashon runners. Despite the challenging hilly terrain and cloudy skies, the Pirates delivered strong results.

The girls’ team, led by co-captains Cece Guenther and Emily Harrington, secured a third-place finish. Both runners performed exceptionally well, finishing in the top ten. The boys’ team also dominated, with co-captains Josh Healey claiming first place overall and Cash Nowicki taking fourth. This marked Vashon’s first cross country team victory in more than a decade.

On Saturday, the Pirates participated in the Fort Steilacoom Invitational meet. The girls’ varsity team placed 10th out of 35 schools, with Cece Guenther leading the way in 13th place. The boys’ varsity team finished third, narrowly edged out by two larger 4A schools. Sophomore Josh Healey once again showcased his talent, winning the race with a powerful finish.

Three of Vashon’s returning runners, Josh Healey, Cash Nowicki and Henry Porter, notched lifetime bests over the 3.1 mile distance, with Porter cutting almost three minutes off of his time from last year on the same course.

The Pirates will continue their season at the Bellevue Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Lake Sammamish State Park.

James Batey is the head coach for the Vashon Cross Country Varsity team.

The Vashon High School Cross Country boys stand at the podium celebrating their third place win. (John Decker photo)

Co-captains Cash Nowicki and Josh Healey run at Fort Steilacoom, WA on Saturday, September 21. (John Decker photo)

The girls of the Vashon High School Cross Country team kick off their race at Camas Prairie Golf Park in Port Townsend, WA on Tuesday, September 17. (John Decker photo)