Vashon cross-country teams set personal bests at first meets

The approach of fall colors signaled the start of another season for the Pirate and Mustang cross-country runners, whose first two meets of the season resulted in new personal bests, a triumphant win, and signaled an exciting season to come.

By Bruce Cyra • September 22, 2015 5:53 pm

The approach of fall colors signaled the start of another season for the Pirate and Mustang cross-country runners, and the teams’ first two meets of the season resulted in new personal bests, a triumphant win and signaled for an exciting season to come.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Vashon hosted their first and only home meet of the season on the grounds and woods surrounding the Vashon High School complex, and on Saturday, Sept. 19, the teams traveled to Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood to participate in one of the largest invitationals in the state.

The women’s team won handily on their home turf and dirt 3.1 miles, beating second place Charles Wright by 20 points, and Bellevue Christian by more than 40 points. The women were led by freshman Lucy Boyle (22:41) and juniors Selena Mildon (22:48), Eva Anderson (22:49) and Aria Mildon (22:50) who exhibited fine pack racing.

The men’s team, outgunned by Bellevue Christian and Charles Wright, was within two points of Seattle Christian in the scoring. The men were led by sophomores Gianno Waller (19:33) and Hunter Justis (20:16), and junior Isaac Hughes (20:23). Coach Laura Johnson told the team that what she saw “pointed toward being much farther along in our season than the first meet.”

At the Fort Stellacoom Invitational, the Pirates “acted as a team from the time they showed up to their return home. Johnson told the team that they performed like “seasoned athletes” and “model Pirates.” Again the women’s team was led by Boyle (22:23), who was followed by Aria Mildon (22:37), Selena Mildon (22:37) and Anderson (23:24).

The men’s team was led again by Waller (19:12), followed by Hughes (19:20) and senior Gabriele Oliera (21:43), a foreign exchange student at VHS from Italy.

Because of the limitations on practices placed on the McMurray Middle School athletes, there was no team race, but Mustang eighth-grader Cole Parks raced to a 22:59 finish in the Open 5k, a great sign of things to come later in the season.

The Pirates and Mustangs traveled Tuesday to an Emerald City League meet at Magnuson Park in Seattle for more big-league experience.