The La Center High School girls cross country team continued its dominant season by capturing a district championship on Thursday, Oct. 29, successfully defending its title and reinforcing its position as one of the top programs in Southwest Washington.
The Wildcats entered the 1A District IV meet at the Lewis River Golf Course in Woodland with a clear goal and delivered, extending an undefeated streak at invitationals and league competitions throughout the season. For head coach Jill Cole, the championship was a reflection of the team's commitment, chemistry and determination.
“I'm so proud of these girls. They're such a tight-knit group, and they wanted it so badly,” Cole said. “And they put in all the work, and their focus was clear. Every time they've gotten on the line this year, they've won. Every single Invitational, they're 100% undefeated, and they deserve all of it.”
La Center's championship was particularly meaningful as the Wildcats returned as defending district champions.
The team's success has been built on a group that has continued to develop together, carrying experience from last year's accomplishments into another successful campaign.
The Wildcats were led by a third-place finish from senior Sasha Pash, while freshman Delilah Higgins earned seventh place and sophomores Alice Cottle, Chloe Daruud and Evalyn Barnes also finished among the top 10.
Cole said the team entered the season with a relatively young roster, but last year's postseason experience helped establish the confidence and expectations needed to compete at a high level.
“Just bringing that experience forward. They had a really good taste of that, and they were hungry to defend all their titles and to just continue to improve,” Cole said.
The Wildcats also finished ninth at the state meet last season, giving the returning runners an opportunity to build on that experience and set their sights even higher this time around in Pasco on Saturday, Nov. 7.
One of the defining characteristics of La Center's success has been its emphasis on team running rather than individual accomplishments, Cole said. Cole added her Wildcat runners have consistently pushed one another throughout the season, with positions within the team's pack frequently changing.
“They've interchanged throughout the entire season, and the goal is not the individual selves,” Cole said. “Their goal is the team, and that has really been the success of the program.”
Cole said the team has its sights set on a top-four podium finish, recognizing the challenge ahead while expressing confidence in her runners.
“It's going to be a tough run for it, but we're going to run for it. We're going to run for a podium position,” Cole said. “The girls are ready.”
The team's accomplishments also carry significance beyond the course, as the Wildcats continue to represent La Center and bring recognition to the community and district.
“It's huge. It's really good for our league. It's really good for our district,” Cole said, adding she hopes the Wildcats represent well at the state meet.
Also worth noting, the Wildcat boys earned second place in the 1A boys race led by junior Lou Kissinger.
