3A girls cross country: Wrong turn by leader leads to title for Schubert

PASCO — Michelle Schubert couldn't believe what had just happened. Neither could anyone else.

The West Valley of Yakima junior came from behind to win the Class 3A girls cross-country championship with the help of a gaffe by the favorite, Kelsey Walker.

The Bellevue junior had a comfortable lead for most of the race, but took a wrong turn just before the three-mile mark, allowing Schubert and several others to close the gap. Coming into the stretch, Schubert had the most left, pulling away from the field to win with a time of 18 minutes, 39 seconds, on the 3.1-mile Sun Willows Golf Course.

Walker faded in the final 100 meters and was passed by the Holy Names duo of Bevin Peters and Chelsea Burns.

"Oh, my gosh! How did that happen?" said Schubert. "I felt bad for her. By the middle of the race I was content to take second or third, but when I realized I was within 30 meters of her, I just decided to turn it on."

Walker, who missed her last cross-country season with a stress fracture in her right shin, was running at state for the first time, a fact that likely contributed to her confusion on the course.

"I'd never been here before, but I should have known," said Walker. "I ran the course yesterday."

Bellevue coach John Hill, like so many others, felt bad for Walker, who appeared to have the race in control before getting off course.

"I don't feel badly for making this statement: She should be the state champion right now," said Hill. "I think the course could be marked slightly better.

"Her reaction to this is a testament to her maturity and her character. She's a terrific young lady. They're already excited about next year. We'll be back, and so will Kelsey."

Second-ranked Squalicum edged No. 1 Newport for its second consecutive team title, 106-109. Emily Schick and Bronwyn Crossman led the Storm from Bellingham with 14th- and 15th-place finishes.

"I did not expect it," said Squalicum coach Tom Irvin. "We were hoping to be in the top three. My girls have walked off the course every time this year and not been satisfied, but they'll be satisfied today. This is better than last year. Last year was pretty much a slam dunk."