Ep. 161 - The Heir to the Throne of Oregon 5A XC Dominance: The Rise of #2 Oregon 5A XC Returner Ty Cirino

Today on the podcast is Ty Cirino.

Ty is the #2 returner in Oregon 5A cross country, out of Central High School in Independence, Oregon. With the graduation of Tayvon Kitchen and Josiah Tostenson this past spring, the door is open in Oregon high school XC

Ty Cirino is a possible heir to the throne.

As a junior, Ty won the The Mook XC Invite at Alderbrook in a new course record of 14:43 (which was just recently broken by Kellen Williams in 14:28). Ty also finished 2nd at the Rose City Invitational in 14:35. After finishing 4th at Oregon 5A State Cross Country as a junior and placing 3rd in both the 1500 and 3K this past track season, many have been expecting Ty to rise to the occasion this cross-country season.

But, it hasn’t been without struggle. Despite a groundbreaking summer of training, Ty sustained a tiny flare-up that has temporarily sidelined him for a couple weeks to end his September. However, as we head into October, and as you will learn today, Ty believes that this setback could be his strength.

Aside from a minor setback, Ty and I go in-depth on his thoughts on the competition in the northwest this cross-country season, as well as his thoughts on the change of the NXR location, why a state title would mean more than an NXN birth. We also discuss his preferences and insights tactical racing vs. front running and we run the gauntlet on the recruitment process.

Ty definitely has a bright future. I think we all have to remember, that as you will here Ty say today, “championship season is all that matters”. People don’t remember who sets a course record in September. But people do remember the clutch moments, whether that be winning a state title, winning NXR, or even winning a national title.

It was a refreshing perspective to hear, and I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ty today.

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