On Wednesday, Oct. 11, the Pirate cross country team traveled to Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor to race against two 3A schools and one 4A school in the unconventional “Hawks Nest” meet, run over a two-mile course involving 20 hay bales in four laps around the school.

The Pirates came home with two victories: Captain Madeline Yarkin won her race and freshman Josh Healey won his race. They were supported by the strong performances of teammates Brent Calhoun, Cecelia Guenther, Ronan Reed, Amelia Medeiros, Emma Campbell, and Henry Porter.

After a timed mile in practice last Friday, runners’ confidence in their fitness showed that they were ready for their final Nisqually League meet on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Port Townsend’s golf course (The results for that race came after press time).

At this meet, the Pirates aimed to firm up where they stand in District 3 for the District Championship race at Chambers Bay, and from there, will see who will qualify for state in Pasco.

Bruce Cyra is the cross country coach for Vashon High School.