Cali team wins 'unofficial' in Seattle

By Adam Kopet for DyeStat

SEATTLE – The team battles at the Sundodger Invitational, held at Lincoln Park in West Seattle, were dominated by the two visiting teams from California, Saugus and Mira Costa. US #21 Saugus clearly won the girls race over Mira Costa and Mira Costa was a close winner ahead of Saugus in the boys race.

However, neither team was allowed to appear in the final results. Both schools' request to compete at Sundodger were denied by the CIF Southern Section in the days leading up to the event according to Mira Costa coach Robert Calderon. It easily could have been a devastating result.

But with plane flights booked and the teams already set to travel, a compromise was reached. The Saugus and Mira Costa teams could travel to Seattle and compete as individuals. They were not allowed to officially run for their high schools or be represented in the team scores. That did not stop either team from strong performances against a lineup of Northwest teams.

While Saugus easily distanced itself from the girls field in the team race, it was Ella Donaghu of Grant OR who dominated the individual race, leading from start to finish. Her time on the 4,922 meter course of 16:46 was just off the course record held by Amy-Eloise Neale.

Similarly in the boys race, Ryan Tate of Saugus led from the start, opening a sizable lead going into the final lap. However, Tibebu Proctor of Northwest WA closed the gap. The two entered the finishing straight side by side with Tate just edging out Proctor at the line, finishing in 15:08.76 to Proctor's 15:08.79.

In the team race, the Grant girls earned the official win with 54 points, followed by Boise (57) and Central Valley (67). On the boy's side, Kamiakin was awarded top honors with 59 points, followed by Gig Harbor (63), Grant (66) and Boise (72).