You could say it was a race eight years in the making.
In November 2010, 4th grader Joe Waskom decided to try out the Snoqualmie Turkey Trot Fun Run. At 9-years old he finished 12th among all participants.
A running ‘career’ was launched.
As a middle schooler Joe won multiple Junior National distance running titles. He advanced to the state cross-country championships all four years of high school, finishing in the top 20 each year. Last spring he won the state 3200m track title with the 20th fastest time recorded in the country that season.
On Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, Joe capped of his senior Mount Si cross-country season with a State 4A title in a race MSHS Cross Country Coach Sean Sundwall described as the ‘smartest race of his life.’
Waskom broke away with about 400 meters left in the 5000m race, holding off Jonas Price of Eisenhower High School down the stretch. Waskom won by one second – in a time of 15.16.2. Price finished second at 15.17.1. Joseph Skoog of Henry Jackson High School finished third with time of 15.21.5.
Sundwall commented, “Running is 90% mental and Joe showed that on Saturday. No one is more deserving of a State Championship. He leaves Mount Si as the most decorated and accomplished distance runner in school history and one of the greatest in KingCo history. Joe is the poster child for hard work and it paid off.”
Earlier this fall Waskom committed to run for the University of Washington next year, joining his sister Hannah who is also a UW runner currently in her sophomore year.
The Mount Si High School boys Cross Country team also participated in the 4A State Championships. The team finished 11th.
Congratulations!
