Alexia Martin heard the footsteps.
Instead of turning around to see how close those footsteps were, the Kent-Meridian sophomore shifted into overdrive and blazed a trail throughout Fort Steilacoom Park last Saturday afternoon during the district cross country meet.
By the end of the afternoon, the only sounds Martin heard came from her own two feet as she broke the tape on the 3.1-mile course in a personal best 18:45.7 to win the district title by a wide margin.
How fast was Martin?
Tahoma’s Julianna Mock, who clocked in at 18:57.4, was the next closest finisher followed by third-place Carly Wilczynski (18:59.9) of Emerald Ridge.
Tahoma, the South Puget Sound League North Division champions, cruised to the girls title with 44 points, well ahead of second-place Jefferson (144) and third-place Auburn Riverside (120). Kentwood took fourth with 145 points.
Like the Tahoma girls, Auburn Riverside blistered its way to the boys title, finishing with 42 points. Curtis finished a distant second with 134 points followed by Kentwood. Kentlake came in 15th place.
The top 10 teams and 50 individuals in both the boys and girls races earned tickets to the West Central District meet, known as the Westside Classic, which is slated for Saturday (Oct. 31) at American Lake Golf Course in Tacoma.
From there, the top six teams and top 30 individuals advance to state, which will be the following weekend in Pasco.
Joining Tahoma’s girls at Saturday’s district meet will be the Kentwood squad.
The Conquerors were led by Kailey Ulland, who crossed the finish line in 10th place with a time of 19:32.7. Other Conquerors finishing among the top 50 were Marisa Stoick (29), Erin Chinchar (31), Alayna Wachter (35) and Sarah Belter (44). Sarah Robbins led Kentlake, finishing in 20th place with a time of 20:39.9.
Martin was the lone Royal to finish among the top 50.
Things came together for the Kentwood boys in pretty good fashion as well. Kentwood, which took third, will advance its entire team to the district meet as will Kent-Meridian and Kentridge. The Conquerors were led by Danny Lunder (15th), Tim Pettit (17th) and Will Richmond (24th).
Kyle Koon will represent Kentlake in the boy’s race at the district meet.
