YAKIMA — The Ephrata Tigers will send six runners to the WIAA State Championships after strong performances at the CWAC District meet Saturday Nov. 8.

The Ephrata boys finished third as a team, just missing a state team berth but advancing three individuals. Sophomore Caleb Fitts continued his breakout season with another personal-best time of 16 minutes, 6.63 seconds to place seventh overall. Niko Diaz was a stride behind in eighth (16:07.50), also a PR, and Maddax Iverson claimed the final state-qualifying spot in 14th (16:24.91).

Ellensburg’s Mystic Hammond won the boys race in 15:23.40, leading the Bulldogs to the team title with 26 points, followed by Selah (66) and Ephrata (78). Other Tigers in the top 40 were Cooper Black (24th, 17:18.14), Cale Fronsman (25th, 17:21.71, season best), Louden Leenhouts (27th, 17:24.41, PR) and Mitchell Johnson (35th, 17:46.57).

The Ephrata girls also placed third, and qualified three runners for state. Savannah Harper led the way in seventh (19:21.94), followed by Hannah Malone in eighth (19:31.17) and Rebecca Wiser in 11th (19:56.67). Grace Beachy of Ellensburg won the girls race in 18:03.56, helping the Bulldogs capture the CWAC title with 27 points.

Other Tiger finishers included Annabelle Adams (29th, 21:55.31, PR), Sunnie Neff (35th, 22:36.99, PR), Paisley Ribble (49th, 25:27.56, season best) and Jillian Bair (50th, 25:30.93, PR).

The WIAA 2A State Championships will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. The girls Class 2A race starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the boys at 12:30 p.m.