North Central Has Reclaimed State Cross Country Rankings
The Spokane school has surged to the top of the 2A poll after years of rebuilding its historic program.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Running
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North Central High School has moved to the top of the 2A state cross country rankings following two consecutive weeks in the number one spot of the coaches' poll. The team has committed to an intensive training regimen to restore its status as a state powerhouse.
Why it matters
The program's resurgence follows a period of declining enrollment that forced a shift from 3A to 2A competition. The team is now leveraging this new classification to chase a state title after last earning a state trophy in 2021.
Seven North Central runners averaged 60 miles per week during their summer training period to prepare for the season. The program previously secured 11 consecutive state championships before their last individual title win in 2015.
The players
North Central High School
This is a Spokane secondary school that has a historic legacy of winning 11 consecutive state cross country championships.
Elliot Yegge
A student athlete who currently holds the fastest 2A state cross country time and carries a 4.0 unweighted grade-point average.
Ryan West
He serves as the head coach of the North Central cross country team and is leading the current resurgence efforts.
The details
Under the guidance of head coach Ryan West, the team has implemented a rigorous schedule to regain its competitive edge. Elliot Yegge, who finished 12th at the 2025 State 3A meet, leads the effort with a career-best time of 14 minutes and 58 seconds.
Timeline
2008: North Central won a national cross country championship.
2015: North Central won its last individual state title.
2016: North Central won its last team state title.
2021: North Central last earned a state trophy.
November 2026: The state cross country meet occurs in Pasco.
Season Trajectory
The school's move to 2A competition significantly alters the current playoff landscape and shifts the balance of power within the classification. After years without a state trophy, this top ranking positions the team as the clear favorite heading into the state meet in Pasco.
Elliot Yegge currently leads all 2A runners by a margin of 0.9 seconds, making him a critical runner to track for fantasy lineups and state title projections. The team's collective 60-mile weekly training average serves as the primary metric for their current success.
The takeaway
Consistent training volumes are often the key factor for high school programs looking to overcome enrollment hurdles. Student athletes looking to improve performance should focus on building the stamina required for a competitive 14-minute range race time.
Further reading
For more updates on local athletics, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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