News Summary

Springfield, Oregon is abuzz as high school cross-country athletes from Lane County prepare for the championship season. The district championships on October 29-30, 2025, set the stage for thrilling competition. Notable athletes include Buergey, Esplin, and promising newcomers. As the athletes’ records and rankings rise, anticipation builds for the OSAA state championship meet on November 8, 2025. The fierce competition from both seasoned champions and rising stars will make the championship season an unforgettable experience.

Excitement Builds in Springfield as Lane County High School Cross-Country Athletes Prepare for Championship Season!

Springfield, Oregon is buzzing with excitement as high school cross-country athletes gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating championship season! As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool down, the runners in Lane County are readying themselves for the big races ahead. The district championships, scheduled for October 29 and 30, 2025, will set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

And if that wasn’t enough to get the adrenaline pumping, the grand finale—the OSAA state championship meet—is just around the corner, taking place on November 8, 2025, at the welcoming grounds of Lane Community College. With so many talented runners in the area, the competition is sure to be fierce!

The Standouts of Lane County

One athlete to keep an eye on is Buergey, a senior from Thurston High School. With an astounding personal best of 15:07.5 for 5,000 meters, he’s not just any runner; he’s one of only two Class 5A boys to run that fast this season. Buergey has already claimed victory in three races this term, including the notoriously challenging Ultimook Race on September 6.

Over in the girls’ division, Esplin, the defending Sky-Em League district champion, is showing her strength with a season-best time of 18:45.7. She is currently ranked sixth in the state for Class 4A girls, and clearly has her sights set high as the championship dates loom closer.

Fresh talent is shining brightly too! Johnson-Hess, a promising freshman at South Eugene, holds a personal best of 17:49, which is the eighth-best time in the state. She celebrated a tremendous milestone recently with her first varsity win at the Ultimook Race, signaling that a bright future awaits her on the track.

Rising Stars and Record-Setters

Let’s not forget about Hill, the top runner for Marist Catholic, who has a personal best time of 19:19.3 and holds the title of fastest freshman girl in Class 4A. Meanwhile, Kehrein made waves with a sixth-place finish at the Rose City Championship Invite on October 10, clocking in at 15:09.6 and ranking 18th in the state.

Another athlete turning heads this season is McKinnis, who has emerged as a breakout star! He not only set a personal best of 14:55.4 at the Marist Invite on September 6, but also showcased his incredible speed with a stunning 14:34.3 three-mile time at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, marking him as the fastest Class 5A boy in Oregon!

Phipps isn’t shy about her speed either; with a personal best of 17:43.7, she stands out as the second-fastest Class 5A girl in the state and sits sixth overall in Oregon. She’s certainly a force to be reckoned with as the most important races are just ahead.

Challengers and Defending Champions

Sage, the defending state champion in track, currently ranks third among Class 4A boys with a personal best of 15:24.6. Meanwhile, Schoenherr, the reigning Class 6A state champion and a future BYU athlete, secured the second-fastest time in the state this season at 14:34.0 during the Marist Invite.

Shibata is proving why he’s the fastest junior in Oregon with a stunning personal record of 14:38.2, earning him recognition as the fourth among high school boys in the state!

Finally, we have Wells, who has set a new Springfield school record at the Champoeg Invitational with a time of 18:56.3, and Zemper-Prill, who is having a fantastic senior year with a personal best of 18:53.2, ranking 31st among Class 6A girls after battling back from injuries.

Looking Ahead

As the championship season approaches, excitement fills the air in Springfield! Athletes from across Lane County are ready to give it their all and showcase their talents on the racecourse. Stay tuned—these athletes are bound to make headlines in the coming weeks!

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