Statesman Journal selects 10 Salem-Keizer runners for top cross-country poll

The Statesman Journal has identified 10 athletes from the Salem-Keizer area as candidates for the top girls cross-country runner of the 2026 season. These nominees represent various local high schools, including Stayton, Silverton, Dallas, Sprague, Regis, West Salem, and North Salem. The selection process highlights runners who demonstrated strong performances in conference championships and state meets last year. Among the contenders are returning conference podium finishers like Amber Green of Dallas and Katelyn Buchnoff of Silverton, both of whom posted significant times at the OSAA 5A state championships. The poll is open to public voting at Statesmanjournal.com/sports. Interested voters have until noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, to cast their ballots for the runner they believe will lead the area this fall.

• 11:01 AMYahoo Sports — Vote! Who will be Salem-Keizer area's top girls cross-country runner?