Passi, Cottrell clinch trips to state

Published 9:45 am Friday, February 22, 2008

MOUNT VERNON — Like a swarm of locusts converging on an unsuspecting crop, hundreds upon hundreds of teenagers swept into this relatively quiet town for the district cross country meets Nov. 1.

The crisp autumn day after Halloween brought out people in brightly colored warmups looking for a burst of adrenaline and the chance to give it all over 3.1 miles.

Hundreds of eyes were on the same prize: a chance to race one more time, a chance for a crack at being tops in the state.

When the dust settled at Skagit Valley Community College, and medals were handed out, two athletes from Shoreline held their tickets to Pasco and their shot at the top.

Shorewood senior Tiffany Passi finished her 4A race in ninth place with a time of 19:37. Passi, who said she’s been running since she was in seventh grade, was very pleased with her race.

“I’m really, really excited,” she said. “I ran as hard as I could. I wasn’t really sure if I would make it. I passed a lot of people on the last mile.”

Passi said she lost track of where she was in the race, but, knowing it was her last chance to move on to the state competition, she knew she had to give it her all.

“I wasn’t sure where I was, wasn’t sure if I’d make it,” she said. “I tried to pass as many people as I could (and) because I’m a senior, and I really wanted to make it (to state).”

Shorewood coach Amy Chertock said that this was the year for Passi to have her chance.

“I’m very excited to have Tiffany qualify,” Chertock said. “She was 21st (at districts) last year, so we thought she might have a shot.”

The last time the Thunderbirds sent a team to state was four years ago.

“For the last three years, we’ve had one girl go,” Chertock said. “So it’s nice to go again.”

Senior Jeff Cottrell will represent Shorecrest in the boys 3A race in Pasco. Cottrell took fourth at districts in 16:28.

Scots coach Lane Loland said he was pleased with Cottrell’s run.

“The first three guys broke away, and the next four stayed together,” Loland said. “(Cottrell) ran a smart, competitive race and finished about as well as he could have.”

Loland said that it has been difficult for Cottrell to remain competitive while the youthful Scots rebuild their program.

“That’s not unexpected for us this year,” Loland said. “He’s the only senior in the top seven.”

However, Cottrell does have a slight edge going into tomorrow’s state meet.

“He’s been to state a couple times with his team,” Loland said. “He ran that course in his sophomore and junior years.”