On Thursday, Oct. 20, the Nisqually League cross country tournament took place at Fort Steilacoom.

The afternoon of racing was led off by the middle school championships, where runners from McMurray took on five other middle schools.

Eva Cyra and Camryn Kim Murphy represented the the Mustangs in the middle school girls race, and Jeffrey Parrish placed fourth overall in the boys race, running the 1.5-mile course in 9:30.

In the high school championship races, sophomore Ryan Krug set an all-time best, covering the 3.1-mile course in 18:48.

Freshman Phillip Van-Devanter had a stellar race as well, with his personal best of 20:30.

Vashon’s boys team came in fifth of six teams, just behind Cascade Christian. Team scoring for the boys was Orting 37, Charles Wright 43, Seattle Christian 47, Cascade Christian 119, Vashon 120 and Life Christian 184.

The girls team came in fourth, just behind Seattle Christian.

Sophmore Maddi Groen placed seventh overall for the girls in 21:21, followed by her teammate, senior Peri Roberts, placing ninth in 21:41, an all-time personal best.

The team scoring for the girls was Orting 26, Charles Wright 46, Seattle Christian 89, Vashon 92, Cascade Christian 109 and Life Christian 140.

The district championship will be held this Saturday at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood. This is comprised of District 1 from Whatcom County and North Cascades leagues, Cistrict 2, the Emerald City League and District 3, Nisqually League and Port Townsend.

The top five teams and top 25 individuals will advance to the state cross country meet in Pasco on Nov. 5.

— Kevin Ross is a Vashon High School cross country coach.