BY RECORD STAFF

The Langley Middle School cross country team hosted the Cascade League finals at South Whidbey High School and South Whidbey Community Park.

Langley’s girls raced first and were paced by eighth grader Sophie Morgan, who finished the 1.5-mile course in 9:33. The Cougars received plenty of support from Morgan’s teammates. Anna Leski placed third, Elizabeth Donnelly fifth, Kinsey Eager seventh and Bethany Justus 10th. Langley’s girls team score of 23 placed them first ahead of second-place King’s, which scored 50 points.

Other Cougars who finished in the top 20 were Fiona Callahan (17th), Bailey Forsyth (18th) and Kayla Aleck (20th). Also running well, Langley coaches said, were Annika Hustad, Nora Anastasi, Fiona Reilly, Savanna Taylor, Chloe Stringer, Elli Sandberg and Ally Lynch.

“We ran well because we put in a lot of hard work in practice and it showed in the races,” said Cougar coach Anna Leski.

The Langley boys were not to be outdone by their female teammates. The Cougar boys went out and finished with five runners in the top eight places. Justin Gonzales placed second, Arthur Keast fourth, Will Simms fifth, Athen Seyler sixth and Cory Ackerman eighth. Langley’s team score of 25 pushed it well ahead of the rest of the league — Northshore Christian placed second with 64 points.

Rounding off the top 20 in the boys race were Alex Buktenica Low (ninth), Ari Rohan (12th), Ian Saunsaucie (16th) and Colby Brasher (19th). Also running well were Ryan Keene, Caleb Bartel, Liam Henny and Kade Petty.

“These results are a product of the hard work these runners put in day in and day out in practice,” said Cougar coach Steve Jones.

Added Cougar coach Jack Terhar: “This team developed a synergy caused by a combination of great leadership, work ethic and support for each other. It was a joy to coach them.”