SPOKANE – Ephrata traveled to Shadle Park High School in Spokane Saturday, Sept. 13, to compete in grade-specific races during the Highlander Invitational cross country meet. Three Tiger runners placed in the top 10 of their respective divisions – a laudable achievement given the size and quality of the competition.

The Highlander Invitational is a large-format meet with over 1,000 runners from more than 50 high schools across the region.

Ephrata coach Lyndsy Roberts said the large numbers gave Tiger runners a "big" meet experience that will build confidence in future races. "It would have been easy to get lost in the crowd at this event, but I feel across the board Tiger runners rose to the challenge," Roberts noted.

Among them was Caleb Fitts who – in a field of more than 200 sophomore boys – finished seventh with a time of 13:46.49 on the 2.5-mile course.

"Caleb proved that he is one of the top sophomores in all of eastern Washington," said Roberts. "He looked strong, showcasing a summer of hard work, and managed to maintain his pace throughout the race."

In all, Ephrata entered nine runners in the sophomore boys race and the group placed fifth out of more than 30 same-grade teams. Along with Fitts, scoring for the Tigers were classmates Niko Diaz (15:05.92), and Cale Fronsman (15:17.87).

Roberts was particularly impressed with Diaz. "His time was perhaps the most exciting/surprising of the day on the boys' side," the Tiger coach emphasized.  "I'm hoping this continues to build his confidence that he can run and compete with the top groups. He is that talented."

In the girls race, Savannah Harper added to the EHS sophomore wave with a seventh-place finish at 16:42.27. Teammate Rebecca Wiser (16:56.92) also ran well, placing 13th.

And in the junior girls race, Hannah Malone finished seventh in 16:26.08.

"Hannah ran a great race!" Roberts exclaimed. "She looked as strong and confident as I've seen her this season." He added, "She will be a great influence on our younger runners and I'm excited to watch her step into a leadership position on the team."

Ephrata seniors Maddax Iverson (14:17.67) and Cooper Black (14:54.01) also had strong showings. So did freshmen duo Caleb Schooler (15:07.83) and Louden Leenhouts (15:11.68), who continue to impress Roberts.

"Despite being in just their second high school race they placed in Ephrata's top-seven overall. I'm excited about their potential to go even faster as we move forward," Roberts stated.

Roberts also appreciated the many supporters who traveled to cheer on the Tigers. "An incredible group of fans and family (who made) the long drive and showed up to Shadle to line the course in support," he said.

The Tigers will compete again this Saturday, Sept. 20, at Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee.