The average American takes about 3,000-4,000 steps a day (1.5-2.0 miles) This may seem like an impressive feat for some, but it doesn’t even begin to compare to the astounding distances that cross-country runners cover daily during their training routines, which often exceed 10 miles. That’s a lot of laps around the neighborhood.

Recently, the Olympia High School Boys’ Cross-Country team competed at the 5-kilometer 4A District race, securing an impressive 4th place overall with a total score of 129. The team qualified to compete in the state competition.

After a big season of hard work, endless miles, and some pretty dashing Captain America costumes, 7 boys will be heading off to state this Saturday: Sam Schilter, Miles Yost, Cooper Brown, Caden Durocher, Logan Jones, Leo Kane, and Silas Dejarnatt.

Along with the Districts race, there was an alternate race which provided an opportunity for athletes to prove that they should be competing. If an alternate ran a faster 5k than one of the athletes on the varsity lineup in the district race, then they could take that athlete’s place in the state competition.

Silas Dejarnatt seized this chance by running a 17:01 5k, earning him a spot on the varsity roster. Dejarnatt will be replacing Gabe Schilter, whose injury unfortunately prohibited him from performing as well as he hoped.

Caden Durocher, a current sophomore and athlete on the varsity team, highlights how in season, the “intensity of the workouts becomes a lot higher. [They] do a lot more sprinting and a lot less long runs.” The workouts helps the athletes to focus on taking the distance they are running and improving upon their speed.

Sam Schilter, the current top runner for Olympia, has an impressive time of 16:31.5. As he prepares for the upcoming state competition this weekend, his aspirations are set high. Schilter is determined to secure a spot among the top 4 in the state.

The Boys Cross Country team has well-earned the right to represent OHS at the state competition. The team’s hard work, dedication, and resilience will hopefully prove to be enough to bring home the state championship title.