The 2019 Orcas Island High School Cross-Country season is underway with a very young team. Eight of the 10 runners are in 8th and 9th grades, while two runners are seniors.

After a late start last season, the cross country runners have gotten off to a good start this season, with their first regular season practice on Aug. 26. All 10 runners have practiced the minimum number of days required to participate in the first regular season invitational meet on Saturday, Sept. 14, followed by invitational meets the following four Saturdays through Oct. 12. The final regular season invitational meet is on Thursday, Oct. 17. The District Championships will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2 at South Whidbey High School.

The State Championships will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Pasco for those runners who qualify at the District Championships. The first race of the regular season is 2 miles in length, while the last race is 2.4 miles. All other races are 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), including the post-season events.

“I’m not sure if people on Orcas Island realize just how huge high school cross country running is in the state of Washington,” says Coach Mike Kulper. “One of the Nike Invitational meets we’re participating in has 80 schools entered, with a wait list, while another has over 120 schools entered. It’s pretty amazing to see thousands of high school cross country runners competing at those meets!”

If you’re in eighth through 12th grade and are interested in participating, you can still join the team. Please contact the coach at mkulper@orcas.k12.wa.us for information on practices and meets.