The Naselle High School cross country team includes, back row left to right, Trajen Ford, Cheyenne Engelson and Shaylee Suomela. At front are Jaylee Bonk, Moses Schell, Karsen Green, Caesar Garcia and Logan Wirkkala-Scheller. Not pictured are Reilly Browning, Bo Dunagan and Andy Rosas.

NASELLE — The Comets race into their second season of cross country this fall without last year’s inspiring captain.

Derek Suomela, who qualified for state in the sport’s debut year at Naselle, has graduated. But his enthusiasm for competing in a Comets uniform has passed to those who are following him.

Karsen Green, now a freshman, led the way for the girls last year. Green was one of only three eighth-grade girls in Washington to qualify for last year’s 1B/2B cross country meet, finishing 47th in a field of 79.

Junior Jaylee Bonk, sophomore Shaylee Suomela and freshman Cheyenne Engelson are also running this year. Middle school athletes Kenzie Larson and Ashlyn Eastham may join them to complete a girls’ team (a minimum of five runners) as the high school season progresses.

Green and Shaylee Suomela are also enthusiastic members of the Naselle track program.

For the boys, Caesar Garcia qualified for state in his debut season. Now a sophomore, he is joined on this year’s squad by classmates Logan Wirkkala-Scheller, Reilly Browning, Bo Dunagan and Andy Rosas, as well as freshman Moses Schell. Junior Trajen Ford has been leading practice workouts.

Head coach Amber Frank achieved cross country success (as Amber Hall) at Ilwaco, graduating in 2004. She was surprised — and delighted — to coach three runners to the state race in Pasco in the first year that Naselle reinstated its cross country program.

“I had assumed Derek would go, but Caesar and Karsen did really well, too,” said Frank, noting their times improved later in the season. “I was a bit timid because it was my first year, but in the second half we pushed harder.”

She plans to continue a practice strategy of running varied trails while dedicating time in the weight room developing muscles. “We are learning when to push hard, but remembering not to overtrain,” Frank said.

The mood in the team is reflected in the coach’s bubbly approach. “We are excited for this year!”

Naselle Cross Country 2024

Naselle Cross Country 2024

Sept. 7 Knappa

Sept. 14 Fort Stevens, Warrenton, Ore.

Sept. 19 Rainier

Sept. 21 3-Course Challenge, Camp Rilea, Ore. (10:30 a.m.)

Sept. 28 Lake Sacajawea, Longview

Oct. 3 Black Lake, Ilwaco

Oct. 10 Toledo

Oct 17 Onalaska

Oct. 24 League, Ocosta

Nov. 2 District, Rainier Elementary School

Nov. 9 WIAA State championships, Sun Willows Golf Course, Pasco (9 a.m.)