For the first time in Lake Stevens history, both girl’s and boys’ cross country have won WESCO. With this win, it shows how much this team has grown in the past three years after COVID-19. The girls faced Mariner, Glacier Peak, Kamiak and Jackson. With senior Ella Edens placing 3rd at WESCO, it pushed the girls’ team to be more motivated at districts. Eden’s WESCO win and 5th place finish at districts made them qualify for state. Coming in at 10th in districts, we have sophomore Hallie Carroll, who continues to PR at every race. 

“She’s extremely motivated, and her constant amount of passion really keeps the team together,” Rachel O’Mally said.

The bond between these girls shows the amount of togetherness and grit these young women have as they continue to fight for  a state title. 

Boys cross country won WESCO for the first time in 10 years with senior Jakob Broadbent placing 1st at WESCO and 5th at Districts. A large part that factored into their win was sophomore Ares van Straaten, who set a personal record at 16:55 for a 5k, beating his record by over one minute. Placing tenth 

Another all-star was Ammon Wagner, who took 7th at WESCO with a time 16:51, and Anthony Long took 5th at 16:50 for the 5k. 

Then as they went into districts they took 4th at districts and now they’re headed to state. has “We just give it everything we have, it can be in the hardest running conditions possible and we still find a way to get the job done,” Van Straaten said. 

Both teams are headed to State in Pasco, WA today.