KU Team Takes 2nd in Portland to Coast High School Challenge Relay

Members of the Klamath Union High School cross country team celebrate at the finish line of the Portland to Coast High School Challenge Relay. Pictured are from left: Olaf Coffey, Ben Blake, Isaac Bailey, Max Balakas (Mazama High School), Brandon Van Meter, Brady Monteith, Declan Ritter, Jacob McGonigle, Johnny Reed, Tannyr Rose and Eliza Blake. (Submitted Photo)

11 Runners, 130 Miles

Members of the Klamath Union High School cross country team grabbed second place overall Saturday in the prestigious Portland to Coast High School Challenge Relay.

The 11-member relay team ran 130 miles in 15 hours, 30 minutes and 41.6 seconds to finish ahead of 17 other high school teams on a 24-leg course that took runners from downtown Portland to Seaside. High school teams started at 7 p.m. Friday. The KU team ran through the night, finishing at 10:30 a.m.

“During the race, the team really came together and competed,” said Jacob McGonigle, PTC relay team captain and KU senior. “Everyone ran really well, and all the hard work and dedication from running all summer really showed. I’m so proud of every single person on the team and their ability to push through pain.”

The relay team included McGonigle, seniors Brandon Van Meter, Ben Blake, Declan Ritter and Max Balakas, juniors Brady Monteith and Isaac Bailey, and sophomores Tannyr Rose, Johnny Reed, Olaf Coffey and Eliza Blake.

“They had fun and competed well,” said Rob Coffman, KU cross country coach. “They are excited and prepared for a great season.”

The PTC High School Challenge is part of the Hood to Coast Relay, which covers 199 miles from Mt. Hood to Seaside. The high school course covers the same route, but starts in Portland.