The challenge at the state 2A cross country meet in Pasco on Saturday proved to be a tough one for Sequim’s boys squad, who finished 16th out of 16 teams at the prep final.

After finishing as the No. 3 team at the West Central District meet the weekend prior, Sequim’s runners finished in the middle or back of a strong pack of class 2A racers at Sun Willows Golf Course on Nov. 4.

“The effort as there (and) everybody was reasonably healthy,” Sequim coach Harold Huff said.

“The kids ran hard. They were just off a little. I think we were good enough to beat the other (Olympic League) teams, Kingston and NK.”

Sequim was led by Murray Bingham, who came in 76th with a time of 17:11.60. Sequim’s Alec Shingleton came in 81st in 17:17.60, Liam Byrne 104th in 17:29.30, Jazen Bartee 137th in 17:55.10, Eli Gish 141st in 17:58.70, Fischer Jensen 153rd in 18:40.60 and Erik Christiansen 156th in 19:01.00.

The Wolves tallied 377 team points, 21 back of Olympic League rival Kingston and one back of North Kitsap — both teams Sequim beat at the league meet on Oct. 19.

“The main thing is, the guys they got second in league and made it to state,” Huff said. “They have a lot to build on for next year. They’re going to have to train harder in the offseason. As a group they have some potential. Just a lack of offseason work that caught up with them this (season).”

Byrne improved his state time from last year by 22 seconds while Shingleton improved by 20 seconds.

Sehome won the 2A boys’ title with 94 points, followed by Pullman (107) and Bellingham (135).

Led by freshman Lauren Larson, who placed 10th, Port Angeles girls placed ninth as a team at the state 2A meet. North Kitsap freshman Madison Zosa took fifth overall.