Julian Frazer’s shirt offers a welcome touch of color as he concludes a practice run with Ilwaco High School cross country team mates Druv Arthmanathan and Sammy Lloyd.

Ilwaco sent one runner to the WIAA 2B state cross country meet last season.

The Fishermen are hoping there will be more when the 2023 season concludes in Pasco Nov. 4.

Jacob Mathison was the lone qualifier. He finished midway in a field of about 150.

“Most athletes will be returning this season from last year as we didn’t have any seniors last season,” said Coach Sarah Taylor. “Jacob participated in state last year in cross country and track and he will be looking for a return trip to Pasco.”

In May, Mathison qualified for Yakima in the 800 meters. He ran a personal best in his heat, but did not advance to the medal round. Ahead of his senior year, Mathison spent much of the summer running. He recalled 2022 state with pleasure. “It was a fun experience,” he said. But strong November winds blowing across the Pasco golf course proved tough. “I learned that I need to do resistance training. I wasn’t used to the wind. I am excited to run again.”

Taylor is enthused for all her student-athletes. “This will be an exciting and fun season,” she said. “The boys team was close to a state qualifier last year and are motivated to work together as a team.”

Showing particular commitment is Wyse Mulinix, a junior. “Wyse was close last year, but a late season injury derailed his season,” his coach said. “He will be looking to claim a top spot this year.”

Others competing are seniors Paul Kuhn, Julian Frazer and Liam Kerwin, juniors Sammy Lloyd and Carter Humphreys, and freshmen Druv Arthmanathan and Brent Curry.

Girls

Ilwaco is working to build a girls’ team after losing a trio of dedicated runners to graduation in 2022. Early practices saw just two runners, sophomore Nora Soule and junior Esther Thomas, who both participated in track.

“Nora just barely missed cross country state last year and made track state in both distance events,” said Taylor, who also coaches the track team. “She will be pushing for a first trip to cross country state.”

In the heat of Yakima, Soule was one of three Fishermen who ran at the state meet in late May, placing 10th in the 1,600 meters and ninth in the 3,200, one step off the podium.

Soule has demonstrated her dedication in two solid cross country seasons, but has been disappointed she did not progress further. “This summer I did quite a bit of running, which will benefit me this season. I had two races, and it felt good.”

She is convinced part of the issue was peaking too early. “I have come up with strategies for my training so I peak closer to state,” she said.

Future

Ilwaco’s competitive season starts with a two-mile jamboree at Lacey Sept. 5, with multiple meets before league Oct. 19 and district Oct. 28.

Taylor anticipates competition from the north. “Ocosta has had a strong program and they will be a fun team to watch this year,” she said.

Across the county, new head coach Amber Frank is reviving the Naselle cross country program, which is in the 1B division but runs with 2B schools.

“I am very excited for Naselle to have a team,” Taylor said. “They haven’t had a program for a few years. We have a few of the same meets on our schedule. I am looking forward to seeing Naselle at meets again.”

The two teams will race side-by-side at Camp Rilea in Warrenton Sept. 23 and again at Ilwaco’s home meet Oct. 5.

Frank ran in Fishermen colors, graduating from Ilwaco in 2004 when Taylor was an IHS assistant coach, and has continued her enthusiasm for her sport as an adult. “I look forward to coaching with her,” Taylor said.

It is Taylor’s 20th year coaching, 16 as IHS head coach. As well as gearing up for 2023 meets, she is looking ahead. “We had a great group of middle school runners participate in summer running, which is great for the future of the program,” she said.

Ilwaco Cross Country

Sept. 5 Timberland Jamboree, Lacey

Sept. 14 Hoquiam

Sept. 21 Kalama

Sept. 23 Three-Course Challenge, Camp Rilea, Warrenton

Sept. 27 North Beach

Sept. 30 Nike Portland at Clackamas Community College

Oct 5 Black Lake (home)

Oct. 10 South Bend

Oct. 12 Vernonia

Oct 19 Pacific League, Ocosta

Oct. 28 District 4 1B/2B, Rainier

Nov. 4 WIAA 2B state, Pasco