Rainier Girls Cross Country Captures Fourth at State Championships
BREAKING: The Rainier High School girls cross country team has just secured a stunning fourth place finish in the Class 1B/2B state championships held at Sun Willows Golf Course on Saturday. This remarkable achievement marks their second consecutive state trophy, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the sport.
Facing a challenging season with multiple injuries, the Mountaineers showcased their resilience and determination. Head coach Rob Henry stated, “All these girls had an injury flare up throughout the year. They never used it as an excuse.” Despite these hurdles, Rainier finished with 111 points, just shy of Liberty Bell’s winning score of 94 points. Chewelah and Pope John Paul II tied for second with 106 points.
In a display of individual excellence, three Rainier runners clinched top-15 finishes, earning medals. Komaire Robles led the charge, crossing the finish line in 19 minutes, 40.50 seconds, a new personal record. Robles reflected on her performance, stating, “In retrospect, the second half of the course, I would run it differently next year.”
Fellow teammates Jazzy Shumate and Alexis Myers also made notable contributions, finishing in the top-10. Shumate echoed the team’s spirit, noting, “To place is a great accomplishment.” Myers, who clocked in at 20:29.90, emphasized her determination, saying, “I gave it my all.”
The emotional toll of injuries was apparent, but the team’s spirit remained unbroken. “Probably the most resilient group of girls I’ve had,” Coach Henry expressed, praising their tenacity. The Mountaineers have a solid foundation for the future, with almost all team members returning next season, except for Shumate.
Looking ahead, the team is optimistic about their chances for a third consecutive trophy in 2026. “We’re going to try to rise above it and do the best we can,” Robles declared, highlighting the valuable lessons learned over the past two seasons.
In addition to Rainier’s success, other District 4 teams also competed. Toledo finished 12th, while Mossyrock placed 15th. Individual performances included Braelyn Nyberg and Onica Chase finishing back-to-back in 53rd and 54th places, respectively.
As the season wraps up, the Rainier girls cross country team has proven their mettle, emerging stronger and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Be sure to watch for their future endeavors as they aim for even greater heights in the coming years.
