PASCO — Cohen Butler left no doubt.

No doubt that the Camas senior ends his high school cross country career as one of the state’s all-time best.

No doubt that a sprained ankle two days prior wouldn’t derail his state championship goal.

Butler led wire-to-wire to win the 4A boys title at the state cross country championships Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course.

His time of 14 minutes, 47.9 seconds was the fastest ever in the 4A boys race by nearly 10 seconds. It’s also the sixth-fastest among all runners at the state meet since 1997, when the course was lengthened to 5,000 meters from 3 miles.

Butler went through the first mile in 4:34.9, a blazing pace that put him in the lead by nearly five seconds.

“It was to send a message,” Butler said. “It was to say I’m super fit and ready to

See Full Page