Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Capping off the program’s second year in the South Puget Sound League, Yelm High School’s boys cross country team concluded its season with a strong showing at the 4A state championship races on Saturday, Nov. 8, in Pasco by finishing 14th.
Yelm athletes competing in the WIAA’s 4A state competition included Patrick Walsh, Marcos Andujar, Peter Robbins, Ethan Stewart, Brian Hartwell, Kingston Farmer and Alejandro Silva.
Finishes
Patrick Walsh: 33rd overall
Marcos Andujar: 45th overall
Peter Robbins: 62nd overall
Ethan Stewart: 125th overall
Brian Hartwell: 130th overall
Kingston Farmer: 151st overall
Alejandro Silva: 152nd overall
Following the competition, Alex McIntire, Yelm High School’s boys cross country head coach, told the Nisqually Valley News that “just getting to state was a huge accomplishment,” as the 4A classification was incredibly competitive in 2025.
“Although the team did not meet its expectations for the race, I know that they gave the race everything that they had,” McIntire said. “Only one of the four podium placing teams from last year returned to the meet, demonstrating exactly how challenging it was to get state this year. Yelm boys went into the race with clear goals and a lot of heart. They were ready to show the state that they were worthy of the competition.”
The coach added his team has had stronger performances in the past, but noted the state competition is only a reflection of just one day.
“On that one day Yelm finished the 14th fastest team in 4A Washington,” McIntire said. “We have never focused on outcomes, and always put our value into the work. This year the work was very good. We can end this season feeling proud of the accomplishments. At the end of the day, this was the strongest cross country team Yelm High School has ever seen.”
The coach was proud of his team’s improvement from the 2024 season to the team’s current campaign. He noted the Tornados qualified just one runner in 2024, and that it was great for the program to qualify an entire boys team this season.
“Last year we brought the varsity boys who did not qualify to come see the race, with the goal that it would motivate them to want to be there the following year,” McIntire said. “They spent the next year working toward that goal, and ultimately achieved it. They truly earned their spot and deserved to be there.”
While in Pasco for the competition, McIntire said having the opportunity to travel as a team and stay in a hotel together are memories that the athletes will take with them forever. Additionally, he said the weather was perfect, and that the team had a smooth trip to the east side of the state.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 cross country season, McIntire said, for the first time in his career as a coach, that he’s unsure about what the future of Yelm cross country looks like. He cited the district’s ongoing levy struggles as the primary reason as to why.
“Athletics relies heavily on levy funding, and that funding is no longer there. It is unfortunate that some of the hardest working people I know, among both adults and teenagers, don’t know if they will have a season next year,” he said. “They are fully committed and have embraced a lifestyle that will benefit themselves, the school and the entire community. I can tell you that we will continue to focus on what is in our control. They will continue to train because that is just who they are. They will continue to adapt as they always have. Their goals will continue to be my goals, and we will invest in each other to bring out the best in all individuals. I can’t think of more rewarding work.”
