2021 Pre-season statewide girls cross country coaches polls

OSAAtoday presents its first statewide girls cross country coaches polls of 2021 in all classifications. Thanks to all the coaches who took the time and had the expertise to contribute their opinions to this endeavor.

Look for the girls cross country coaches polls periodically on Thursdays during the fall season.

Please note that we need more participation going forward. If you are a high school varsity cross country head coach who did not vote but would like to, please email John Tawa at johnt@osaa.org.

6A

1. Summit (7) 134

1. Jesuit (4) 134

3. Lincoln 113

4. Wells (4) 104

5. Franklin 78

6. South Eugene 61

7. Sherwood 46

8. Central Catholic 44

9. Sunset 24

10. North Medford 12

First-place votes in parentheses         

Others receiving significant votes: Tualatin 10

Spotlight team: Lincoln Cardinals

Lincoln has won three state tournament meet trophies in a row and will look to add a fourth in 2021 despite the graduation of its top runner. The Cardinals will have five seniors among their top seven: Riley Cash, Kendall York, Ellie Cook, Quinn Eyart and Luna Abadia. “I think if the girls keep training hard we have a shot to win a trophy once again,” said coach Eric Dettman. “It won't be easy but they trained well this summer and we're excited for a good season.”

5A

1. Corvallis (6) 77

2. Ashland (2) 63

3. Crescent Valley 48

4. Crater 47

5. Wilsonville 38

6. Hood River Valley 26

7. Springfield 20

8. South Albany 17

9. La Salle Prep 16

10. Thurston 10

First-place votes in parentheses         

Others receiving significant votes: Silverton 9; The Dalles / Dufur 8; North Eugene 8

Spotlight team: La Salle Prep Falcons

La Salle Prep won state in 4A in 2012, but hasn’t contended often since moving to 5A. The Falcons graduated their top runner, but everyone else is back, including Meredith Shea and Erin McGinnis, so hopes abound. The team is deep and could make a push for a trophy at state.

4A

1. Siuslaw (6) 68

2. Philomath 44

3. Tillamook 39

4. Marist Catholic (1) 38

5. Phoenix (1) 37

6. Sisters 35

6. La Grande 35

8. Baker / Powder Valley 24

9. Klamath Union 21

10. Newport 17

First-place votes in parentheses         

Others receiving significant votes: Stayton 12; Henley 11; Hidden Valley 10 

Spotlight team: Siuslaw Vikings

Siuslaw was the best 4A team in the state last season and could go back to back this fall. The Vikings suffered two significant graduation losses, but return their top runners, including senior Rylee Colton, who finished among the state’s top five. Look for three freshmen, Addison McNeill, Macy McNeill and Maya Wells, to contribute significantly, as Siuslaw has just six girls in the entire program!

3A/2A/1A

1. Bandon (6) 74

2. Enterprise / Joseph / Wallowa 53

3. Union / Cove (1) 49

4. Burns (1) 37

5. Heppner / Ione 36

6. Catlin Gabel 22

7. Myrtle Point 20

8. Central Linn 14

9. Oregon Episcopal School 11

9. Southwest Christian 11

First-place votes in parentheses         

Others receiving significant votes: Kennedy 8; Blanchet Catholic 8; St. Stephens Academy 8; Coquille 8; Lakeview 8

Spotlight team: Bandon Tigers

When Bandon won state in the spring, it marked the first state title in a girls sport in school history. Everyone returns. “We have talked about how they can be the beginning of a rich tradition connected with Bandon High School and the city of Bandon,” coach Brent Hutton said.