Prep boys cross country: 5 to watch

Matthew Watkins

Jackson | Junior

As a sophomore, Watkins raced to a first-team All-Wesco 4A selection and qualified for the 4A state tournament where he finished 51st. He was the second-highest finisher for the Timberwolves behind star senior Aaron Roe, who won the race and is now running for Notre Dame.

Watkins is a key returner for Jackson, which hopes to improve on last year’s 12th-place finish at state.

“Matt brings a strong work ethic to our team and is helping to lead workouts running up front,” said Timberwolves head coach Eric Hruschka. “He is very positive while encouraging teammates to get better. He has high goals for himself and our team and brings a great deal of energy to practice while trying to help us achieve them.”

Cullen McEachern

Kamiak | Junior

A first-team all-league selection last season, McEachern qualified for the 4A state meet and represented Kamiak at the final meet in Pasco. McEachern placed 38th overall with a time of 16:13.04.

It was his second consecutive trip to the state meet and McEachern – who cut 55 seconds off his state time as a sophomore – is hoping to make it three in a row this year.

“Cullen had a great summer logging many miles, further building his strength after a very productive track season,” said Kamiak head coach Charley LeWarne. “He is a seasoned veteran with an innate ability to adapt and adjust as he competes. We’ll look for him to sharpen those skills as he emerges as one of the top runners in the area this fall.”

Matt Jackson

King’s | Junior

Jackson ended his sophomore year with a podium finish at the 1A state cross country meet. Jackson placed 13th with a time of 16:45 – and later went on to place sixth at state in the 800-meter run and ran a leg on the state-record setting 1,600 relay team at the state track meet in May.

Jackson is one of two returning juniors who ran at the state cross country meet. With star Andrew Ayers gone, Jackson will be the one leading the Knights this season.

“Matt is a smart and talented runner and a great team leader,” said Rod Wilcox, the King’s head coach. “… We have a young team this year so it is huge to have a role model like Matt to lead them. Success breads success and he learned from the best last year in Andrew Ayers. Now as the veteran, he passes it (onto) the kids on the team.”

Nathan Beamer

Arlington | Senior

Beamer was the top finisher on a loaded Arlington team that placed fourth at the 3A state meet a year ago. With a time of 15:37.64, Beamer finished eighth overall and scored five points for the Eagles.

One of several strong seniors that Arlington head coach Mike Shierk can count on for a low score, Beamer is a strong runner and a “goofball that keeps things light,” according to his coach.

“He brings that legitimate low score in the meet,” Shierk said. “He brings the guys some confidence and he helps us feel legit because you have to have that guy that can help you. We don’t make it without him. That’s just the way it goes.”

Garren Arnold

Glacier Peak | Senior

Arnold has come a long way in his three seasons with the Glacier Peak cross country team, according to head coach Dan Parker. Now, Parker is excited to see what he can do his senior season.

After a breakout race during his sophomore year of track, Arnold committed to running and has been leading the Grizzlies ever since – including finishing 36th at last year’s state cross country meet to help lead Glacier Peak to a 12th-place finish.

“My God, the growth in that kid. The maturity is incredible,” Parker said. “… He’s a captain, he’s one of the leaders. That wasn’t the way it was in the beginning. He’s developed into this. To see him grow like that, I think that’s what coaching’s all about.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.