Most dominant chapter of Bulldogs’ dynasty could be this weekend

Centennial looks to match success of Spring Creek girls, along with three Nevada boys programs, by winning seventh straight 4A title and possibly challenging Reed's 1997 scoring record

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

The unexpected interruption of one legacy has only added more motivation for Centennial High in its pursuit to extend another dynasty this weekend.

Following a second-place finish in November at the Nevada Interscholastic Athletic Association girls 4A state cross country final that denied the Bulldogs a potential third straight title, Centennial is not only looking to atone Friday and Saturday at the state track and field championships, but secure its place in history.

The Bulldogs, who captured their 10th consecutive Sunset Regional title, will be aiming to equal Nevada’s all-time record with a seventh straight girls 4A state team championship at Foothill High in Henderson.

“To tie the all-time state record would be a major accomplishment for my team, and I know we are capable of doing it,” said junior Alexis Gourrier, who is competing in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters at the two-day meet.

“The way our cross country season ended definitely doesn’t reflect what we are capable of accomplishing. We plan to go into this weekend and compete how we have been all year.”

Centennial already set the record for most consecutive 4A girls titles last year, surpassing Reed’s run of five in a row from 1990-94.

But the Bulldogs now have their sights set on Spring Creek’s streak of seven straight 3A girls championships from 2000-06. Three boys programs have also won seven in a row, including Las Vegas High in 4A from 1953-59 and most recently Moapa Valley in 3A from 1995-2001.

“It would be an absolutely incredible feat to be a part of. I love the idea of leaving a legacy and something for the younger, up-and-coming runners to look up to, want to carry on and be a part of,” said BYU-bound senior Karina Haymore, who is racing in the 400, 800, 1,600 and 4x400 relay.

“I feel really blessed to be a part of Centennial’s program and to be under Coach Roy (Sessions) and all the coaching staff that push me here. It would mean so much to me to be able to win another state title with my team and would allow me to leave on a high note.”

Centennial has scored at least 100 points at the state meet the past six years, including a program-best 113 in 2013. But the well-rounded Bulldogs have the depth to challenge the 4A girls scoring record of 136 points by Reed in 1997, placing an athlete in every final but the shot put.

“Since I’ve been at Centennial, this is the most dominant team we have had,” said Gourrier, who helped Centennial win the 4x800 relay as part of the Bulldogs’ first girls team sweepstakes championship April 15 at the Mt. SAC Relays in Torrance, Calif.

“Everyone is at the top of their game and ready to do whatever it takes to win for each other.”

The Bulldogs won’t take anything for granted after Gourrier went from first to 18th in the final mile of the 5-kilometer race at Craig Ranch Regional Park and Haymore finished without both shoes at the state cross country final, resulting in her top 10 finish not counting because she crossed the line without her timing chip. Reno took advantage of Centennial’s struggles and prevailed by a 40-54 margin.

“The state cross country meet results were definitely motivation to make a comeback this track season,” Haymore said. “Track and field has always been a favorite sport of mine over cross country, with mid-distance being more of my forte. So coming out and dominating here in my last season would be so fulfilling.”

Haymore is not only trying to win her third consecutive 800 state title, potentially extending Centennial’s streak to six in a row after Sydney Badger secured three straight 4A crowns from 2012-14, but challenge her own personal best of 2:08.55 from last year’s Great Southwest Classic.

“Breaking my state title from last year has been the goal this whole season and I can promise I will be giving the 800 my all at state,” Haymore said. “I cannot guarantee perfect weather, or situations to compete under to ensure that, but I always do the best that I can and I have faith that God will strengthen me and help me to perform to the best of my abilities.”

Since transferring from Foothill, Haymore has won an individual state cross country championship and four titles at the state track finals, considered one of the most versatile runners in Nevada history. After overcoming a few minor setbacks in March, Haymore has continued to raise her level the past seven weeks, even battling through a minor strain in her right quadriceps muscle in an effort to excel one last time where her career started.

“I feel really strong going into the state meet this year. My coach was just saying the other day how he feels like I am in the best shape I have ever been since I started training under his program,” Haymore said. “Comparing last year’s times with this year’s times at some of the same meets, I would definitely say I am stronger and faster this year than last year, especially in the 800. So because of that, I feel like I am in a really good place to reach a PR at state, regardless of all the setbacks that have made it either not seem or not feel that way at times.”

Haymore is one of nine seniors scheduled to compete for Centennial – along with Talie Bonds, Elize Larsen, Kanani Lasike, Kaitlynn Menger, Kayla Roberts, Scottie Thomas, Julia Weaver and Pamela Wilmore – and Gourrier would enjoy nothing more than sending them out with another championship and a secure place among the state’s most decorated programs.

“I have had the opportunity to run with such a competitive and talented group of girls. They push me to be my best and we’ve gotten to form a special bond over the last three seasons,” Gourrier said. “To win one last title with them would be amazing because they all deserve it so much and coming together to win it would mean that much more.”