East Linn cross country coach Gary Timms likened the Eagles women's team to the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s after they claimed the district title at Bush Park in Salem on Oct. 29.

It was the Eagles third straight district title, something the Bulls were able to accomplish twice during the decade.

Senior Katelin Renfro, who played the part of Michael Jordan, was the individual champion, finishing the 5-kilometer course in 21 minutes, 9 seconds.

"Katelin was just absolutely amazing," Timms said. "She surged on a small hill and took the lead and didn't give it up."

Following the race, the 1A/2A/3A District 2 coaches voted Renfro as the Runner of the Year.

Zoe Engwall was second overall in 21:15 and Hannah Whitehead was fourth in 22:11.

Kennedy's Bridget Donohue, who was the individual champion at last year's district meet, was third.

"Our strategy was to get our top three near the front," Timms said. "I told them not to take the lead and stay behind until they felt comfortable and then see what they could do."

Apparently they felt pretty comfortable.

The 25 team points was the best finish for a team that Timms has coached.

Lisl Ruckert was seventh in 22:39. Whitley Garber (11th, 23:42) was the fifth Eagles runner to cross the finish line.

"When you get four in the top 10, that's pretty good," Timms said.

The women's team will be making its third consecutive trip to the state meet, which will be held Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at Lane Community College in Eugene.

Timms said the goal is to finish in the top four.

The favorites are Catlin Gabel, St. Mary's and Bandon.

The Eagles were 11th as a team at state last year.

Freshman Taylor Becker led the men's team. Becker finished seventh overall in 17:59.

Because the men didn't field a complete team, Becker would have had to finish in the top four of the runners that weren't a part of the top two teams.

Unfortunately, Becker took fifth.

He still might have a chance of replacing a Western Mennonite runner who might play soccer at state instead of running at the state meet, Timms said.

Sophomore Matt Hitt took 34th for East Linn, finishing in 20:40.

Timms said he was extremely proud of the way the men did this year.

"They were just absolutely great for us this whole year," he said.