Canby Cross Country Team Runs First State Finals Race in 15 Years

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The Canby Cougars cross country team competed in the OSAA 6A State Championships in Eugene Saturday for the first time in 15 years, after finishing third in the Three Rivers League district races last month.

Senior Tommy O’Neil was first across the line for the Cougs in his final cross country race in a Canby uniform, finishing 59th in the field of 154 with a time of 16:49.1, followed by junior and fellow co-captain Maddox Oliver in 76th (17:03.4).

Junior Jack Joyce and senior Joel Ibarra, finished within a few frames of each other, claiming the 125 and 128 slots with times of 18:11.10 and 18:16.00, respectively, followed by sophomore Rhett Smith at 140 (18:54.10).

Canby’s state finals competitors were, from left, Jake Tilden, Ryan Petterson, Maddox Oliver, Tommy O’Neil, Joel Ibarra, Jack Joyce and Rhett Smith. Photos by Tyler Francke.

Sophomore Jake Tilden, who finished in 19:12.30 at 147th, had perhaps the most memorable performance for the Cougs, losing his shoe in the mud midway through the rough, 5,000-meter course and still finishing strong.

Junior Ryan Petterson battled till the very end and was the final finisher in the field. Two athletes did not complete the grueling course.

The race was held at Lane Community College. For more photos, visit The Canby Current‘s Facebook page.

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