Kate Westfall, a junior at Camas High School (CHS), placed first in the Division I varsity 5K race at the Nike Portland XC Invitational. Upon crossing the finish line as the winner, Westfall described the experience as both shocking and extremely rewarding.

“People were yelling and I felt like I had a lot more in my legs, so I just kind of went for it,” Westfall said. “Last year I got something like 45th in the same race, and this year I ran almost two minutes faster, so it was kind of insane.”

Westfall’s winning time — 18 minutes and 25.60 seconds — was a personal record and a huge milestone in her junior season. But her performance was not coincidental. According to Westfall, her change in mindset was a crucial part of the win.

“I’m a lot more confident now,” Westfall said. “I would always be so stressed going into races, but now I’m just excited to be competitive and run, which really helps.”

After a strong track season last year, Westfall began training for cross country with increased drive and training plans that pushed her further than before. Matt LeGrand, CHS cross country coach, noticed the difference it has made in her abilities.

“She’s taken on significantly harder training this year, and it’s clearly paying off,” LeGrand said. “Kate’s an incredibly hard worker in day-to-day practice, always putting in the effort even when training gets tough.”

Westfall referenced that same toughness as another factor that has allowed her to improve.

“I’ve definitely gotten a lot more tough,” Westfall said. “Waking up early and going on a run is not always fun, so having the perseverance, not just to get through hard runs, but also hard days has been really important.”

Balancing training, homework, and hanging out with friends could be a struggle at times, but Westfall credits consistency for helping her stay grounded.

Regarding Westfall’s performance at Nike Portland, LeGrand praised her patience and control. Westfall refrained from taking the lead until the final third of the race and then finished strong against some of the strongest runners in the region. 

“I’d describe Kate as an extremely kind person who becomes ferociously competitive the moment the gun goes off,” LeGrand said. 

Despite Westfall’s standout success, she was not always a runner. She started running track in seventh grade at Skrydige Middle School, competing in the hurdles before switching to distance events.

“One day I decided to run the 800 meter and won, so I decided to keep going,” Westfall said.

Before that, she played soccer and danced, only giving up dance last year to focus fully on running. Since then, she has been completely dedicated to cross country and track.

Westfall took on a leadership role this cross country season as a team captain. She helps organize group activities and ensures that her teammates feel supported.

“I’m not just focused on the running part but also on the community part,” Westfall said. “Watching everyone else improve is so fun and extremely rewarding.”

LeGrand credited Westfall with helping to strengthen team culture through her efforts.

“She helped organize our fundraising car wash, set up a T-shirt making party, and is constantly coming up with thoughtful ideas to make every athlete feel included,” LeGrand said. “She brings a quiet dedication that makes it easy for her to lead by example.”

Teammates find her positivity to be contagious and a defining part of her leadership.

“Kate’s always been extremely supportive,” junior cross country runner Victoria McNutt said. “It doesn’t matter if your times are 10 seconds apart or 10 minutes, she’s there for you.”

McNutt started running with Westfall in middle school and said that watching her grow is inspiring.

“To be able to run with her and see where she is now is really special,” McNutt said.

As the season continues, Westfall aims to keep improving and looks forward to future achievements with her teammates.

“I hope to keep getting faster and keep winning races as a team,” Westfall said. “We have a lot of strong runners and a shot at top three in state.”

LeGrand believes her present success is just the beginning.

“She’s developed into a true leader — more confident, not just in racing, but in training,” LeGrand said. “Her maturity and self-awareness have grown right alongside her performances.”