Bluejays Compete at Districts, Shada Advances to State

October 19, 2026

By Kinley Hilkemann 

The Pierce Bluejays competed at the district cross country meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Albion, with Kendall Shada leading the boys team with an eighth place finish. Shada finished the race in 17:37.8, becoming the first boy in recent Pierce cross country history to qualify for state four times.

Shada’s fourth state qualification marks a milestone for the Pierce boy’s cross country program. His consistency throughout high school has been supported by summer training and preparation. Coach Shada said Kendall’s willingness to put in the work over the summer has been a key part of his success. 

“Going into his senior year, his first day of summer training was June 1, and he ran every day until he reached his goal of 400 miles, which he accomplished around Aug. 3,” coach Gary Shada said.

K. Shada also had to work through an ankle injury before districts. He said he was glad to receive help with his recovery and return to racing. 

“I was happy to be able to go to therapy and have Adam help me out. I got to where I could at least run 3.1 miles at race pace, so I'm grateful for that,” Shada said.

Missing the conference meet was difficult for Shada, who had hoped to compete for the conference title. He was also concerned about whether he would be ready for districts and state. 

Blaine Anson also placed in the top 20 for the Bluejays, finishing 16th with a time of 18:21.5, which was also a personal best for the season. Maxwell Weber finished 54th in 20:34.6, followed by Emmett Hervert in 62nd with a time of 21:31.2. Kohen Gordon rounded out the boys team results, placing 68th in 22:46.0, which was also a personal best. William Blank ran as well for the Jays, finishing with a personal best of 24:44.4 for 69th place. 

On the girls side, Bailee Thelen finished 54th with a time of 27:37.1, a season best time, and  Quinn Streff followed in 56th, finishing in 29:12.0, which was a personal best. 

For Thelen, the season provided lessons she plans to carry with her beyond running. 

“Perseverance, determination-all of those aspects really just come together to make you  a cross-country runner, and that’s what I’ll carry on through life,” Thelen said. 

The Bluejays concluded their district competition with Shada advancing to the state meet.