OSAAtoday - Boys cross country coaches polls: Preseason

2021 Pre-season statewide boys cross country coaches polls

OSAAtoday presents its first statewide boys cross country coaches polls of 2021 in all classifications. Thanks to all the coaches who took the time and had the expertise to contribute their opinions to this endeavor.

Look for the boys cross country coaches polls periodically on Thursdays during the fall season.

Please note that we need more participation going forward. If you are a high school varsity cross country head coach who did not vote but would like to, please email John Tawa at [email protected].

1. Jesuit (9) 126

2. Franklin (4) 121

3. Lincoln 102

4. Central Catholic 95

5. Sherwood 84

6. Wells 39

7. Summit (1) 30

8. Sheldon 27

9. South Eugene 25

10. South Medford 23

First-place votes in parentheses

Others receiving significant votes: Sunset 21

Spotlight team: Lake Oswego Lakers

It’s been more than 50 years since LO won its only state title. The Lakers likely won’t contend again this fall, but this is a program on the rise with increasing interest at the school. Coach Vince Kinney’s team graduated just one, but the loss will be significant. Look for sophomores Leo Cook and Jackson Rigney to take the next step this year.

1. Crater (5) 77

2. Crescent Valley (1) 65

3. Wilsonville 61

4. Ashland (2) 50

4. Hood River Valley (1) 50

6. Corvallis 37

7. The Dalles / Dufur 23

8. South Albany 21

9. Scappoose 16

10. Springfield 12

First-place votes in parentheses

Others receiving significant votes: La Salle Prep 10

Spotlight team: Silverton Foxes

Erik Cross has been coaching cross country for 25 years at Silverton, but he’s never seen a season quite like the last one. He was heartened to see such a large turnout for the fall season and expects everyone to “have a blast running together again.”

1. Siuslaw (7) 88

2. Philomath (1) 79

3. Tillamook 57

4. Hidden Valley 45

4. Marist Catholic 45

6. Phoenix 32

7. Sisters 29

8. Valley Catholic 22

9. Newport 21

10. Baker / Powder Valley 16

First-place votes in parentheses

Others receiving significant votes: Stayton 15; Klamath Union 12

Spotlight team: Philomath Warriors

Philomath finished second in 4A last year, extending its state-qualifying streak to 31 straight years. The Warriors graduated four, losing depth as a result. The good news, however, is that their top two runners, juniors Brody Bushnell and Mateo Candenoza. Bushnell’s freshman brother, Warwick Bushnell, should also make a deep impact on a team that should finish once again among the state’s best.

1. Enterprise / Joseph / Wallowa (10) 100

2. Westside Christian 72

3. St. Mary’s, Medford 56

4. La Pine 42

5. Warrenton 34

5. Catlin Gabel 34

7. Cascade Christian 26

7. Blanchet Catholic 26

9. Burns 24

9. Riverdale 24

9. Santiam Christian 24

First-place votes in parentheses

Others receiving significant votes: Horizon Christian, Tualatin 22; Creswell 16

Spotlight team: St. Mary’s Crusaders

St. Mary’s qualified for state for the first time in five seasons last year and should do better than just qualify this fall. All of last year’s team returns for the Crusaders, including seniors Logan Daz McNeal and David Noble, junior Cody Arnold and sophomore Daniel Heycke. Vincent Savage is an impact freshman who could make St. Mary’s a trophy contender as early as this season.

2A/1A

1. Bandon (5) 67

2. Union / Cove (2) 56

3. St. Stephens 42

4. Heppner / Ione 30

5. Grant Union 26

5. Vernonia 26

7. Western Christian 22

8. Stanfield / Echo 15

8. Knappa (1) 15

10. East Linn Christian 13

10. Central Linn 13

First-place votes in parentheses

Others receiving significant votes: Perrydale 10; St. Paul 10

Spotlight team: St. Stephen’s Academy Archers

How good St. Stephen’s can be depends upon one thing: health. The Archers have only five runners in their program, so they’ll be walking a tightrope of health all season long. Senior Colin Friend, the 1A state champ in the 1500 and 3000 on the track, is back to lead the team.