Lake Stevens grad Roe takes 2nd at regionals, reaches nationals

Lake Stevens High School graduate Taylor Roe, now a graduate student on the Oklahoma State University women’s cross country team, finished second at the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships on Friday in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Roe, the Big-12 champion and a seven-time All-American, completed the 6-kilometer race in a time of 20 minutes, 29.1 seconds. She crossed the finish line just seven-tenths of a second behind teammate Billah Jepkirui. She helped the Cowgirls claim the team title and earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Championships, which take place Saturday in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Also headed to nationals is King’s High School graduate and Woodway native Naomi Smith. Smith, a junior on the University of Washington women’s team, was part of the Huskies team that received an at-large berth. She placed 80th at the NCAA West Regional on Friday in Sacramento, California.