On the crisp Saturday morning of November 8th, Lane Community College was filled with spectators as the first runners crossed the finish line during the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA)  6A Cross Country State meet. Going into the state meet, the South Eugene girls team was ranked eighth and the boys were outside of the top ten. This weekend proved immensely successful for both teams, bringing celebration to both programs. 

As cheers welcomed the runners down the chute, junior Yosuke Shibata became the first South Eugene runner to win the 6A championship title in the past decade. Finishing the 5,000 meter race in a time of 15 minutes and one second, Shibata defeated the previous state champion, Sheldon’s Malachi Schoenherr, by seven seconds.  

“Staying focused and making sure I’m connected to the pack, [The] most important thing is to stay relaxed and be ready for any move to be made,” said Shibata. “I knew I had a good chance at the state title individually and I knew our team had a good chance to do well.”

On the other side, the girls team did not disappoint; finishing second in state and welcoming four racers within the top 30. Freshman Eva Johnson-Hess finished in third place with a time of 17 minutes and two seconds, Johnson-Hess finished as the only freshman in the top 17 racers. Behind her, senior Madi Zemper-Prill came in No.24 with a time of 19 minutes and 14 seconds, and senior Frances Blake in No.25 

with a time of 19 minutes and 20 seconds. 

“Not letting myself have doubts about if I am able because I know I am able to do anything I want to on a course,” said Johnson-Hess. 

Under new leadership this season with new head coach Jeff Hess nothing about the season, like any season, was promised but both programs showed incredible growth and hard work. South’s cross country program is nowhere near finished achieving their goals and they’re a team to continue watching in coming years. 

“I think South’s cross country has a very bright future,” said Shibata, “I think over the next couple years South’s cross country will be very dominant in our district and state as well.”

Article by Maggie McMillen