The annual Shoe Meet at Knutson Farms, where Bonney Lake and Sumner High Schools square off for bragging rights and a pair of decorated shoes, feels more like a hometown festival than a cross-country race. But make no mistake—both teams were here to defend their honor and the coveted shoes. Last year, the Panthers claimed victory for both the boys and girls, and this year, they returned with their sights set on another sweep.
In front of a backdrop of pumpkins and scarecrows, under the cool October sky, the Bonney Lake Panthers once again reigned supreme. The girls team extended their reign, securing the trophy for the fourth straight year, while the boys made it three years in a row. The Panthers won the overall meet 25-30, edging out Sumner in this friendly but fiercely competitive rivalry.
What makes this event special, aside from the trophy, is the unique setting. Running through a pumpkin patch adds a playful October twist, but it doesn’t dull the competitive edge. On this day, none shone brighter than Bonney Lake's star, Latham West. Latham’s race wasn’t just a win—it was a story for the ages.
Latham dominated from the start, leading the field as she completed the first lap of the 2-mile course, which required the runners to circle a 1-mile loop twice. As she approached the finish line, her time was slower than expected—but still faster than anyone else by 30 seconds. When she crossed the line with a victorious smile, Latham laughed, “I fell in a pond!” Yes, the track star slipped into a pond mid-race, had to swim out, and still secured first place with a time of 12:16.69. She had been on pace to break 11 minutes had it not been for her impromptu dip in the water. Even soaked, Latham was untouchable.
Sumner’s top runner took second, while Bonney Lake senior Tegan Holme crossed the finish line in third with a time of 12:54.72. Freshmen Violet Overla (13:11.01) and Alice Guo (13:16.67) finished 5th and 6th, respectively, with senior Corinne Zimnisky rounding out the top 10 with a time of 14:10.60.
On the boys' side, freshman Sedrick Swai narrowly missed out on first place, finishing just five seconds behind Sumner’s top runner with a time of 11:13.86. His older brother, senior Simon Swai, followed closely, taking third at 11:22.64. The Panthers packed the top ten with sophomore Ian Robinson finishing 5th (11:35.11), junior Luke Brown 6th (11:36.25), sophomore Bennett Robinson 7th (11:42.25), and sophomore Matthew Anderson 9th (12:03.61), just edging out senior Zackary Zbinden, who finished 10th at 12:03.67.
As the seniors took a final bow at the Shoe Meet, there was a palpable sense of pride and camaraderie on both sides. It was a fitting farewell for these athletes as they set their sights on the SPSL 4A League Championship, scheduled for October 24 at Fort Steilacoom.
One thing is for sure—whether racing through pumpkin patches or preparing for the league championship, the Bonney Lake Panthers always know how to put on a show.
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