HERMISTON, Ore.-The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Cross-Country State Championships were November 7 at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, Washington.
Four Hermiston runners competed at the state meet and Leroy Lozano Mejia brought home Hermiston’s first-ever individual Cross-Country State Title with a time of 14:45.
“It feels like a relief, it’s unbelievable,” Lozano Mejia said, after winning the title. “It’s crazy to think about, I’m so grateful.”
Lozano Mejia, a Junior, finished second at state a year ago and turned in a dominant season for a Hermiston team that went 16-2 this year, setting a course record of 15:13 at the Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC) Championships.
For state, Lozano Mejia and Hermiston Head Cross Country Coach Troy Blackburn put together a plan to challenge other runners by pushing early, not waiting until the end of the race, when anything can happen.
“We knew it would be tough, but we didn’t want to leave it until the kick,” said Blackburn. “It worked, although he’s really hurting now.”
Lozano Mejia put on a surge at the one-mile mark of the race, then another push at two miles, followed by a third push with a half mile left that enabled him to run away from the field.
“Today was about staying relaxed and we executed our plan perfectly,” said Lozano Mejia. “It unfolded just like we thought it would.”
After coming so close last year, Lozano Mejia stayed committed, put in the work, and at State everything came together as he ran his race and claimed the championship.
“It’s exhilarating to finally achieve, I’m ecstatic for Leroy,” said Blackburn. “It will be exciting to see where he can go now.”
Hermiston represented at State
Including Lozano Mejia, four other individual runners represented Hermiston at State.
Sophomore Acelyn Treadwell finished 57th overall, but moved up well throughout her race, gaining valuable experience for next season.
“It was nice to see her move up, but she was able to move way up,” said Blackburn, of Treadwell’s performance.
Junior Melanie Gonzalez competed at state a week after running a personal best at districts.
According to Blackburn, Gonzalez’ recent performances were a pleasant surprise, with her previous best time being about 21 minutes before she turned in a sub 20-minute time to make state.
“She ran a personal record to make state and earn the opportunity, it was a good experience for her,” said Blackburn.
Freshman Alex Blackburn also finished 57th in the 3A boys race and admitted to his coach (and dad) after the race that he had more left in the tank afterward.
“He’s young, he’s still learning, but he moved up well throughout the race,” said Blackburn. “It was nice to hear that he had more, he should finish in the top 20 next year.”
Nathaniel Shasteen, a Junior at Hermiston, also finished fifth overall in the boys ambulatory division at state.
After a strong showing at state and with Lozano Mejia leading the way, Hermiston Cross Country will look to continue to outpace the competition next season.
“We’re a very young team, we don’t have any seniors, and everyone will be back,” said Blackburn.
