Competing at the MSHSAA Cross Country Championships at Gans Creek in Columbia on Saturday, Nov. 4, Washington High School had three medalists while competing in the Class 4 ranks.
The top 30 finishers in each race earned all-state medalist honors.
All-state runners for Washington were senior Logan Luttrell, sophomore Josie Keiser and freshman Olivia Mahon.
“We’re thrilled to get three medals. From top to bottom, all five kids had great days,” said Washington Cross Country Coach Mike Olszowka. “Three kids on the podium, it's been a long time since we've done that. Our kids have definitely done everything we've asked of them.”
Luttrell ran to a 15th-place finish in the Class 4 boys race in a time of 15:52.7.
“The grit that Logan showed really says a lot about how far he's come,” Olszowka said. “He got to the mile mark in 28th place and then just settled in and moved up through the field. He ran an inspiring, gutsy race. He worked his way up to 15th place, which was where we were hoping he could get to.”
Also running for the Blue Jays in the boys race were freshman Gable Ohm, who placed 69th in 16.49.6 and sophomore Steven Broadbent, who ended 125th in 17:46.4.
Competing in the Class 4 girls race, Keiser finished in 23rd place in a time 19:29.7. Mahon placed 27th 19:37.1.
“Josie and Olivia have been running together like that all year. When they get together like they did, they're both really strong. They took turns pushing each other every day in practice and the same thing happens when they get out here on the course,” Olszowka said. “They have a great support system. The rest of the team all drove here on their own to watch them. It's a team thing. Even though their teammates weren't running today, they were here for them, and that makes a big difference.
“We have a tough schedule. We go places so they get experiences like this. When you put state championships in front of the title, it changes everybody's mindset. It's Josie's first ever year running cross country and Olivia is a freshman. Getting here is one thing, but getting that first time on the podium makes it easier for next year.”
The Washington High School cross country program now has gone 10 straight years with a state medalist.
“It says a lot about the program, but more importantly, it says so much about the great kids that we get. They come from great families,” Olszowka said. “We get a lot of support from (WHS Activities Director) Mr. (Bill) Deckelman, sending us all over the state and even across state lines so these kids get a chance to develop and be the best runners they can be and be the best all-around people they can be.”
Photos of Washington runners at the state cross country meet in Columbia are below.
