The Lakers believe they have what it takes to compete for a spot at state.
The 2022 Lake Oswego boys cross country team is ready to move up.
The Lakers, after placing fifth in the ‘21 Three Rivers League district meet and sending one runner to the Class 6A state meet, have much bigger goals this fall. Indeed, Lake Oswego is aiming for a top-three district finish and a shot at one of the four at-large berths to state.
“I feel that our team can surprise the league,” said Lake Oswego coach Vince Kinney. “We definitely have a chance to get (into the) top three and possibly go to state.”
This year’s Lakers will be led by junior Leo Cook (he was third at the ‘21 district meet and 43rd at state), senior Eli Fayloga (48th at district last year) and senior Garrett Anderson (22nd at district).
“Leo Cook is looking to return and be a top runner in the state. He has being putting in extra effort into this offseason,” Kinney said. “Eli Fayloga has also made some huge improvements over last year. He is our lead-by-example kid. … (And) Garrett Anderson is one of our vocal leaders. He has really taken the reigns of this team and does a great job supporting his teammates.”
The Lakers will also look for contributions from sophomore Bryce Looney (47th at district), senior Logan Carson (42nd at district), sophomore Colin Manning and sophomore Rylan Eftekhar.
“The key to our team’s success is a positive team environment,” Kinney said. “If we can work together, we can find success.”
As to the coming Three Rivers League race — the Lakers open league at the TRL Preview Meet at Clackamas Community College at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 — Kinney said he thinks that crosstown rival Lakeridge (the defending TRL district champ) may be the favorite.
“Lakeridge has a very good shot at winning the league title,” he said. “They have a lot of depth on their roster.”
To see the Lakeridge team preview, click here.
To see the West Linn team preview, click here.
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