Cohen Butler of Camas goes out on top, settting state-meet record in winning 3,200 title

For most athletes, breaking a state meet record would be the defining accomplishment of a career.

For Camas High senior Cohen Butler, it was the culmination of a year spent chasing improvement.

The University of Washington signee closed one of the most accomplished distance-running careers in Southwest Washington history by repeating as the Class 4A state champion in the 3,200 meters in a state-meet record time of 8 minutes, 43.77 seconds.

For Butler, The Columbian’s All-Region boys track and field athlete of the year, the performance at the 4A state track and field championships in Tacoma was as much about validation as it was repeating as the 3,200 champion. Just one week earlier, he ran his first sub-9-minute time (8:44) at regionals in Kent.

“I really wanted to show that what happened the week before wasn’t a fluke,” Butler said. “I wanted to show that I’m in that kind of shape.”

He did exactly that.

In a 4A state final loaded with talent and familiar faces from the cross country season — where Butler won the Class 4A state title last fall — Butler remained patient through a blistering opening mile before taking control with two laps remaining in the eight-lap race.

On the track, Butler said he often breaks the event into smaller segments rather than the total distance. Instead of dictating the pace from the gun, he embraces a strategy that comes with championship racing.

“I like to read people and see what’s going on,” he said. “The 3,200 is fun because there’s more to it than just fitness. You have to understand the race.”

That understanding helped produce a fast performance, which also represented a culmination of a senior season built on intentional growth. For his senior project, Butler studied nearly every aspect of sport performance — from training cycles and recovery to sleep, nutrition and long-term race preparation. While his original goal was to break the prestigious four-minute barrier in the mile, the project ultimately provided lessons that translated into success at longer distances.

The project gave Butler a greater appearance for the work that goes into elite performance, and his refined habits fueled the best performances of his career.

“The biggest thing I learned was how important sleep is,” he said. “Making sure you’re getting enough and keeping it consistent every night.”

The attention to detail paid off in the biggest race of his career by breaking the meet-record time by nearly 6 seconds.

Moments after crossing the finish line in one of the state championship’s final races, Butler shared an emotional celebration with his father, Chris, also Camas’ track and field coach, steps away from the finish line.

“My dad has been my biggest supporter all along,” Butler said. “He’s been there every step of the way since middle school.”

Now, Butler’s journey continues at the University of Washington, where he’ll join one of the nation’s premier distance-running programs. What excites him most is being part of the same culture of excellence and team support that helped him thrive at Camas.

“When I visited, I felt at home,” Butler said. “The team was what separated Washington from everywhere else.”

All-Region boys track and field team

Brady Davidson, Prairie: 3A’s state runner-up in high jump as a junior cleared an area-best 6-8 in his second year of jumping.

Travis Lundberg, Washougal: Senior re-wrote the school’s discus record (167-3) and placed fourth at the 2A state meet.

Deacon Nichols, Washougal: Junior saved his best for last with personal-best 22-8.75 to place second at 2A state meet in long jump.

Lord King Nana-Badu-Weah, Battle Ground: Junior placed seventh at 4A state meet at 3,200 meters (9.02.33), recording a top-10 4A time this season.

Brian McLemore III, Ridgefield: Senior placed fourth at 2A state meet at 110 hurdles (15.09) and 300 hurdles (39.07) after winning two district titles.

Huckleberry Olson, Skyview: Junior middle-distance standout ran an area-best 1:54.54 in the 800 at 4A state meet to place sixth.

Verryan Pinson, Woodland: Senior’s first 2A state meet led to fourth place in the javelin (170-6) as one of two area athletes to eclipse 170 feet.

Cameron Roy, Union: 4A GSHL field MVP as a junior capped season by placing third in the javelin (169-0) at 4A state meet.

Jackson Short, Seton Catholic: Senior ended career with 1A state podium finishes in both hurdle events, including second at 110 hurdles (15.04).

Mason Thomas, Woodland: Freshman became school’s first pole vault champion since 1978 by clearing 14-0 to win the 2A title.

Ben Wheeler, Columbia River: Sophomore ran an area-best 10.85 100-meter time, anchored 4×100 relay to 2A runner-up state finish (42.02).