Bandon and Marshfield girls cross country teams have secured at-large selections for the upcoming state championships in Eugene, clinching their spots after failing to win their respective district meets. The Tigers and Pirates joined the field of elite squads that will compete this week, marking a significant achievement for both programs despite the lack of an automatic qualifier. This late addition highlights the depth of talent in Oregon high school cross country, where performance across the season often outweighs a single district result.
Tigers and Pirates secure final spots in Eugene despite missing automatic district titles.
In Class 2A-1A, Bandon emerged as the first at-large choice, joining Heppner and Paideia Classical Christian in the state lineup. The Tigers had finished second at the district meet behind Lakeview, a result that ultimately earned them the coveted invitation. Meanwhile, in the larger Class 4A division, Marshfield secured the fifth of six available at-large berths. The Pirates placed third at their district competition, trailing only Cottage Grove and Marist Catholic, both of which also received at-large selections alongside Scappoose, Phoenix, Stayton, and Estacada.
The selection process also highlighted the competitive nature of the boys’ divisions, where Marshfield’s boys team narrowly missed out on an at-large spot. Despite finishing third behind Cottage Grove and Marist Catholic, the boys were not chosen, with the final six Class 4A spots going to Marist Catholic, Scappoose, Phoenix, Philomath, Pendleton, and Central. As the state meet approaches in Eugene, these at-large selections will look to make an immediate impact, proving that their consistent season performance warrants a place among Oregon’s best.
Source: Yahoo Sports
