Vikings to run for state titles on familiar turf


Siuslaw won both boys and girls titles on the site of Saturday's state 4A meet in Eugene. (Becky Holbrook photo)

The Siuslaw Vikings will take a run at state cross country titles on the same course they just dominated district.

Marist Catholic in Eugene is replacing the Alderbrook Golf Course in Tillamook as venue for the 4A title runs.

"Unfortunately, it's likely that Tillamook County will reach high or extreme high (Covid-19) risk level, and therefore it is necessary to make plans to move the state meet," Tillamook coach and co-meet director Patrick Zweifel said.

The meet is Saturday, April 10, with the girls' final at 11:15 a.m. and the boys' final at noon.

Spectators will be welcome, according to meet information on athletic.net.

"I'm very sorry for this. I'm very sorry for this. I was looking forward to showing off Alderbrook as one of the best cross country courses in the state," Zweifel said.

The Vikings will be among the favorites in both races.

In the boys final, Siuslaw and Hidden Valley will match step-for-step for the title, based on athletic.net's hypothetical race.

In the girls final, Tillamook, with a full complement of seven racers, may have a slight edge over Siuslaw, which will need all five members of its team to contribute.

"I hope that we don't have any more surprises," Zweifel said. "This past Thursday, three hours before the start of our district race, I had to find a new location.

"We are confident by acting preemptively we will avoid this for next weekend."

The meet's other co-director is Chris Johnson, athletic director and cross country coach at Siuslaw.