CG Track and Field/Cross Country

Some of our athletes attended and participated in the ribbon cutting for the Dyrol Burleson running path. Be sure to stop by and check out the beautiful new display along River Road across from CGHS. Here are just a few of Burleson’s outstanding accomplishments:

-Broke the National high school record for the mile in 1958.
-Undefeated while running for Bowerman at Oregon.
-Second American to break 4 minutes in the mile and first runner to do so at Hayward Field.
-2 x Olympian
-Member of the world record 4 x mile relay team in 1962.

It was the first summer run this morning and eight of the athletes joined us at the lake for the first time. Interested in giving it a try? We love welcoming new people! Full details about summer running at cgtrackandfield.com.

Play golf and help support the track resurfacing project! It’s not too late to sign up, but spots are limited. Use the link to register: https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/the-cottage-grove-classic

Congratulations class of 2026! Thank you for the dedication, leadership, hard work, and heart that you’ve poured into our programs. You inspired your teammates, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

As you take the next step in your journey, know that you will always be an important part of our family. We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished and excited to see all that you achieve in the future. GO LIONS! 💛💙

2026 Wally Ciochetti Award Winner: Ella Cardwell

Ella recently opened a letter that she wrote to herself as a freshman. She wrote in the letter that by the time she graduated she hoped that she would qualify for the state track meet. Three years later she is the fastest CGHS girl over 1500m and 3000m distances in the last 40 years. She has earned all-league recognition 12 times, she is a seven time state qualifier, and she has earned all-state honors three times. Ella capped off her senior track season at the state championship with a second place finish in the 3000m and a third place finish in the 1500m. This year she also became a double district champion in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

Ella is also a four time state qualifier in cross country along with earning all-state recognition the last three years. She has the fastest time on the state meet course of any CGHS girl in school history. She has been the team leader for two cross country district team championships and paced the team to the first ever state trophy last fall.

What she has accomplished as a runner pales in comparison to what she has meant to our program as a teammate. She has modeled hard work, toughness and courage with humility and an all-state sense of humor. Ella has helped to lead the CGHS girls distance running program into a new era and the ripple effect of her time here will carry on for years to come.

Congratulations and thank you, Ella. We wish you all the best as you continue your running and academic journey at Western Oregon University.

Joining this team will be one of the best decisions you make in high school. You don’t have to sign up yet, just come and listen. We can’t wait to see you on Wednesday. Can’t make it? Information will be posted at cgtrackandfield.com on Thursday.

Just a few of the great shots from Travis and Coach Tucker. There is no place like Hayward Field. Full photo gallery may be accessed at cgtrackandfield.com using the 2026 Track and Field Pictures link.

So much gratitude for these two guys and I hope we don’t ever take their first class work for granted. Travis and Coach Tucker have spent countless hours providing complimentary media for our program. Travis has an incredible eye for amazing photos and Coach Tucker produces graphics that are better than what we see from many of the top collegiate programs. Thank you for all of your work and we wish Travis all the best as he graduates next week. Thanks you two, you’re the best! Pictures from the season can be accessed at cgtrackandfield.com.

A top 10 finish at state for the CG girls! Best team finish in 12 years for the girls (7th in 2014 and 3rd in 2013)!

Girls 4x400m relay takes 12th place.