Camas’ Butler runs to record to take 4A state title

PASCO — Cohen Butler left no doubt.

No doubt that the Camas senior ends his high school cross country career as one of the state’s all-time best.

No doubt that a sprained ankle two days prior wouldn’t derail his state championship goal.

Butler led wire-to-wire to win the 4A boys title at the state cross country championships Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course.

His time of 14 minutes, 47.9 seconds was the fastest ever in the 4A boys race by nearly 10 seconds. It’s also the sixth-fastest among all runners at the state meet since 1997, when the course was lengthened to 5,000 meters from 3 miles.

Butler went through the first mile in 4:34.9, a blazing pace that put him in the lead by nearly five seconds.

“It was to send a message,” Butler said. “It was to say I’m super fit and ready to compete.”

That first mile not only took the air out of his rivals, it boosted Butler’s own confidence. Two days prior, he sprained his ankle when he misjudged a curb while running after sunset.

“It was probably the size of a tennis ball last night,” Butler said. “I did all my stuff to get that swelling down. Then to come through that first mile right where I wanted to be, I didn’t worry about my ankle at all.”

Butler ran alone for the rest of the race, finishing more than seven seconds ahead of second place Quenton Lansese of Olympia.

With a personal-best of 14:36.8, set Oct. 11 at the Hole in the Wall XC Invitational, Butler had thoughts of challenging the all-time state record of 14:31, set in 2014 by Tanner Anderson of North Central.

Instead, Butler finished a stellar season with a rare third finish under 15 minutes. It comes after he placed fifth at last year’s state meet and won the 3,200-meter title at the state track and field championships in the spring.

“He probably wanted to go faster,” Camas coach Matt LeGrand said. “The conditions on this course are difficult. It’s not a flat, fast course. It is a true cross-country course, rolling hills on a golf course, the same conditions he’s going to face when he runs next year in college.”

Butler hasn’t decided among multiple offers from NCAA Division-I colleges. But he leaves Camas cross country as one of its most accomplished runners.

“Cohen has had such a wonderful season,” LeGrand said. “Every step of the way has gone really well for him. He’s such a fantastic athlete and just a joy to work with.”

Battle Ground had two runners place high on the 4A race. Lord King Nana-Badu-Weah finished 11th in 15:34.1 and Trae Copper placed 14th in 15:41.6

Barron Pintor fifth at 2A

One year ago, Aaron Barron Pintor placed 43rd in the Class 2A boys race at the state meet. His season-best time of 16:48.2 was just the third time he ran under 17 minutes.

Fast forward to Saturday. The senior from Columbia River ended his high school career by finishing fifth in 15:56.3. That’s the seventh time in 11 races this season Barron Pintor has ran faster than 16 minutes.

The 2A District 4 champion believes dedication over the long term led to his success.

“It’s really about consistency,” Barron Pintor said. “I feel like people put too much value into the concept of talent in running. … I think just stacking up the miles and the days over that past four years made this possible.”

Hudson’s Bay senior Sylas Allen, the district runner-up, placed ninth in 16:00.7.

Wyatt Nitzschke placed 16th for Columbia River, which was the top local 2A team finisher in sixth place.

Tavin Timperley of Prairie was the fastest runner in the 3A race. The sophomore placed 18th in 15:57.3.

Westfall is top local girl

Kate Westfall clocked the fastest time among all girls from Southwest Washington. The Camas junior placed 16th in the 4A race in 18:54.1.

Sophia Rogers of Battle Ground finished 21st, seven seconds behind Westfall.

The Union duo of Sara Thompson and Ella Koch finished 27th and 31st, respectively.

Camas placed fifth in the 4A team race with Brianna Mazilu placing 32nd and Elizabeth Nava 34th.

La Center junior Sasha Pash was the highest local placer, finishing 10th in the 1A race in 19:41.1

Ava Peterson of Hudson’s Bay led all local runners in the 2A girls race, placing 27th in 20:07.5.