Willson pegs lead time into title race

Colfax sophomore Morgan Willson again finished far in front of the pack to win the 2B tri-district qualifier at Plante’s Ferry in the Spokane Valley Saturday. Willson’s 18:46 put her right on top of the state qualifying times for the championship race Saturday morning at Sun Willows golf course in Pasco.

Seven-nine girls have qualified for the B division race, and they are booked to start at 10 a.m.

Christina Anderson of Northwest Christian again finished second place at 20:14.

Coach Jamie Kinley said Willson clocked the first mile on the Plantes course in 5:40 and again wore down the competition by keeping the tough pace.

“She’s just relentless,” Kinley commented.

Coach Kinley expects Willson’s big wins over district runners from the strong Northwest Christian and St. George’s teams serve as excellent preparation for the state final. The state event at Sun Willows will send all girls in B1 and B2 off the line in one race.

Colfax juniors Kyle Largent and Cody Wuestney also qualified for the state event by making the top 30 cut. Coach Kinley noted both Colfax qualifiers moved up their times for the event. Wuestney picked up about 10 spots after the first half mile and stayed in the top 30 after Kinley advised him he was in the top 30.

Largent placed 24th at 19:23 and Wuestney placed 27th at 19:30. Brady Cornelius finished back in the pack for the Bulldogs to finish out his season.

Team qualifiers for the girls state race were Northwest Christian at 36 and St. George’s 49.

Top team scores for the boys were Republic 38, Northwest Christian 94, St.George’s 102, Davenport 112, Bickelton 137 and Reardan 159.