The Orcas Island High School co-ed cross country program was approved by the school board just prior to the beginning of the school year, and Mike Kulper was hired to coach the runners.

“With the late start, we’ve literally and figuratively had to hit the ground running,” said Kulper. “Our first two meets will be late this month and early in October and are both prestigious Nike-sponsored events with schools from all over Washington and beyond competing.”

The Northwest District Championships will be in late October on Whidbey Island. The eighth-graders on the team are allowed to compete in meets, while seventh-graders can practice with the team, but are not allowed to compete.

“It’s great to see the younger runners getting an early start,” said Kulper.

The team’s two “elder statesmen” are only juniors. With returning runners and an earlier start in fall 2019, the future of Orcas Island High School co-ed Cross Country is looking bright.