Big races set for Salem cross country stars at CVC championships
The girls race at the Central Valley Conference championships could be epic this year.
Last season, a pair of freshmen finished in the top two at districts — West Salem’s Avery Meier won it in 18:16.4, and North Salem’s Nelida Dalgas placed second in 18:24.8.
This season, both girls are back and have the two best times, but this time Dalgas leads coming into districts at 17:32.9, and Meier is second at 18:19.0.
This year’s district meet is Wednesday at Oak Knoll Golf Course, and expect a battle in the girls race.
Dalgas’ time is the third-best time in the state this season at the OSAA Class 6A level, about 33 seconds behind leader Lakeridge’s Chloe Huyler, who has a time of 17:00.3.
“My goal for districts is to run smart and be grateful when I finish, no matter how I do,” Dalgas said. “I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on myself at districts because I want to be calm and ready to push myself at state.”
West Salem's Jack Meier looks to repeat in the district championship boys race
In the boys race, defending district champion Jack Meier has the best time this season at 14:56.7.
That time also ranks second in the state at the 6A level, behind only Ida B. Wells’ Asher Danielson (14:47.4)
Last season, Jack Meier’s winning time at districts was 14:46.3.
He then went on to finish fourth at the OSAA Class 6A state championships with a time of 15:20.7.
“My goals for the district meet is to do my job by securing 1 point for our team towards the team title,” Jack Meier said. “This year is a lot closer than last year’s team title race and every person is going to count but I need to make sure I am doing my part.”
Central Valley Conference top cross country times entering district championships
GIRLS
1: Nelida Dalgas (North Salem) 17:32.9
2: Avery Meier (West Salem) 18:19.0
3: Gitte Lonigan (West Salem) 18:54.2
4: Lucy Becker (South Salem) 19:07.1
5: Chloe Kolb (South Salem) 19:17.7
BOYS
1: Jack Meier (West Salem) 14:56.7
2: Garrett Fenske (West Salem) 15:36.5
3: Justin Bell (West Salem) 15:54.9
4: Cain Duncan (McNary) 16:08.6
5: Vince Estrada (McNary) 16:23.9.
Mid-Valley district cross country schedule for all classifications
6A-Central Valley Conference: Oct. 25 at Oak Knoll Golf Course.
5A-Mid-Willamette Conference: Oct. 27 at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon.
4A-Oregon West Conference: Oct. 28 at Philomath Middle School.
3A/2A/1A-Special District 2 Girls: Oct. 26 at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon.
3A-Special District 2 Boys: Oct. 26 at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon.
2A/1A-Special District 2 Boys: Oct. 26 at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon.
Statesman Journal reporter Pete Martini covers college and high school sports. He can be reached at pmartini@StatesmanJournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: CVC cross country championships set for Oak Knoll Golf Course
