Kodiaks show promise at Ellensburg Invite

ELLENSBURG — Cascade High School delivered a solid performance at the Ellensburg Invitational Relays on Saturday, with several runners posting competitive times across multiple events.

In the 1.5-mile relay team member race, Cascade finished 8th in team scoring. Senior Benjamin Jerome led the Kodiaks with a 13th-place finish, clocking 8:16.5. Freshman Kolston Breaux also impressed, taking 23rd place with a time of 8:36.7.

Other notable finishes for Cascade in this event included senior Cruz Martinez (9:13.9, 57th place), freshman Lane Bedard (9:20.1, 66th place), and freshman Ryder Fiano (10:08.7, 119th place).

On the girls' side, Cascade's performance was highlighted by senior Caroline Menna, who finished 7th in the 1.5-mile relay team member race with a time of 9:50.0. Senior Grace McDevitt followed closely, placing 10th with a time of 10:08.5.

Additional strong showings for the Cascade girls included senior Harper Baker (11:44.3, 51st place), freshman Daniella McDevitt (11:48.0, 56th place), senior Napiqua Gibbs (12:16.0, 76th place), and freshman Piper Copson (12:17.8, 77th place).

While Cascade did not place in the top team standings for the individual races, their relay performances demonstrated depth and potential for the season ahead.

The invitational, held at Irene Rhineheart Park, featured strong competition from schools across central Washington. Wenatchee dominated the girls' relay team scoring, while Cedar Park Christian (Bothell) topped the boys' standings.

Cascade will look to build on these performances as the cross-country season progresses, with Jerome and Menna expected to lead their respective teams in upcoming meets.