For the fiftieth time, the Bishop Blanchet boys’ cross country team has made it to the State Championships in Pasco, Washington.
Competing last week, the varsity team placed sixth in the District Championships with 184 points. Only the top seven teams of the 14 competing teams qualify for the state meet.

“It’s pretty great,” said alternate Paul Codd. “It allows me to support my team.”

On top of that, Connor Rauch, Parker Rathbun, and Jack Kane qualified for the state meet individually. They placed 18, 42, and 44 respectively. If the team had not made it to state, these three boys would still advance as they were ranked within the top 49 racers. Rathbun and Kane both set personal records as did Ben Hecko and Kai Gundlach.

“I am very excited,” said Rathbun. “It will be the first time I’ve ever raced at State.”

Last season was the first time in 37 years that the boys’ team did not qualify for the state championships. Last year Blanchet came also came in sixth place but only five were allowed to advance. Due to a change in school divisions competing at the 3A SeaKing District Championships, seven teams were allowed to go to state this year instead.

“It’ll be tougher this year than last year,” said Coach John O’Leary at the beginning of the season. “We’ll be fighting for the fifth or sixth spot.”

The boys’ cross country team will be on the road again this Friday for their journey east.

The 3A WIAA state cross country meet is Nov. 5, at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, Washington. The boys’ varsity team will compete at 2:00p.m.