King’s boys win second straight state title; girls 2nd

By AARON COE

Herald Writer

PASCO – If Adam Roe was going to win one race this year, he figured it might as well be the state cross country meet.

The King’s junior shocked everyone but himself when he was the first runner across the finish line in the Class A/B race Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. Teammates Brandon Thompson and Skylar Agnew, both Edmonds residents, finished third and ninth, respectively, as the Knights won their second consecutive team title. The King’s girls finished second.

Sure, Roe was fifth at the 1999 state meet, but he hadn’t won any race – not even a dual meet – all year long. And with his back giving him problems, it seemed unlikely he’d be able to beat his nemesis, John Bensen of Seattle Christian, who had beaten Roe in every race this year.

With his back nagging him, even Roe began to wonder. He punched his sore back 300 yards into the race and felt a pop. Suddenly, the pain disappeared. Roe stayed behind the front pack and allowed them to eat the strong headwind that caused many runners to be as much as a minute slower than a year ago.

“I have heart,” said Roe, whose time was only four seconds slower than last year’s. “I can endure more pain than anyone, and I knew I could fight through the wind.”

Roe made his move with less than a half-mile to go on the 3.1-mile course, and finished two seconds ahead of Reid Carrell of No. 1-ranked Freeman.

“I just kept telling myself, ‘Endure, endure,’” Roe said. “I can’t ask for anything more than this. Our team won, and I won. The guys did a great job.”

John Coglan (23rd overall, 17th in team results) and Steven Miller (70th, 42nd) were also part of the Knights’ title team. All five King’s runners will be back next year.

Roe said he was inspired by the King’s girls, who also surprised many by finishing second.

Ashley Watkins, who was living in California a year ago, was second behind three-time state champion Laura Halverson of Freeman.

“We weren’t even sure if we would be here,” said Watkins, who was behind about 20 competitors after the first mile. “I’m just glad to be here with my team. We were able to focus and fight through the wind.”

Tricia Hansen, who has battled injuries for two years and was 28th a year ago, finished sixth. Freshman Rachel Wagner, Lisa Mall and Tiffany Widing completed the Knights’ top five.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

Storm flies too close to the Sun, loses in an upset

Connecticut snapped a 10-game losing streak to beat Seattle 93-83 on Wednesday morning.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in New York. (Evan Bernstein / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Raleigh, Judge heat up homer race at Yankee Stadium

In the battle of baseball’s biggest sluggers, Aaron Judge… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebackers Derick Hall (58) and Boye Mafe (53) celebrate a defensive play during the 2024 season. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images / The Athletic)
Season to reveal long-term plans for Seahawks linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks selected edge rusher Boye Mafe with… Continue reading

Silvertips defenseman wins U20 Ball Hockey World Title with Canada

Rylan Pearce helps Canada win gold at the ISBHF U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Rashard Robinson (33) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group / Tribune News Services)
Sports psychologist changed Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin’s outlook

The former receiver overcame intense emotions during his player career

Paolo Banchero, Orlando agree to max contract extension

The former O’Dea star could earn up to $287 million over five years.

NHL players, owners vote to ratify 4-year CBA

Notable changes include an 84-game season starting in 2026, shorter contract terms.

AquaSox outfielder Carson Jones gets settled in the batter's box during Everett's 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 6, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox show progress, but drop fifth straight to Canadians

Jones’ go-ahead, 3-run homer is spoiled in 4-3 loss to wrap up homestand.

Bryan Woo of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Toronto. (Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Three Mariners added to MLB All-Star Game

Major League Baseball announced today that Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez,… Continue reading

George Kirby (68) of the Seattle Mariners pitches in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at T-Mobile Park on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenne / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Pirates finish historically bad offensive series in Seattle

Similar to the first two games of the series, the… Continue reading

Seattle Storm forward Alysha Clark (32) and Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) guard each other during a free throw in a WNBA basketball game between the Aces and the Seattle Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena Friday, June 20, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Madeline Carter / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
Storm uses third-quarter thunderbolt to down Liberty

Rookie Dominique Malonga scored 11 and took over in the third quarter for Seattle.

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.