SAMMAMISH, Wash. — Skyline High School senior Anna Callahan knows what it takes to win.
Last year as a junior, Callahan not only won the state's 4A championship, but she also won a regional championship, took home state titles at the in the 800 meter and 1600 meter races, and was named Gatorade's Girls Cross Country Player of the Year.
"That was my first season seeing that much success, and that was just amazing," said Callahan.
That success wouldn't fade.
A week ago, Callahan posted the fifth-fastest time in the country running the 5K (3.1 miles) in 16:43. She also runs the mile in 4:41.
Next fall, she's off to Duke University, but she says she'll miss Skyline — and especially her teammate senior Rebecca O'Keefe.
"So, we started in sixth grade, we were the distance runners. We did the mile together. We weren't really friends, but we were like track buddies," said Callahan.
They would also encourage each other in practice and on the courses. Now, the two are best friends.
O'Keefe said Callahan "has made a huge difference in my abilities in the sport, I would not be the runner I am today without Anna being able to train with her and race against her and I owe a lot of that to her."
Like Callahan, O'Keefe is also one of the top long distance runners in the country.
O'Keefe placed third in last year's championships. Her mile time clocks in at 4:41, and she won a state title in the 3200 meter last season.
"That was really special," said O'Keefe of her win. "When I crossed the finish line, I was smiling, I was just so happy." Next year, O'Keefe will run for the University of Tennessee.
The Skyline dynamic duo says one of their biggest moments was finishing in first and second places in the mile race at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in June.
"I love that we started running in sixth grade, finishing one-two. Then, the fact that we went one-two at Nike Outdoor Nationals, I don't think there is another case in history of where that has happened," said Callahan.
Callahan and O'Keefe were hoping for a one-two finish this weekend at the state cross country championships in Pasco, but an injury has put their hopes on hold. O'Keefe fractured her foot last Saturday at the districts meet and won't be able to compete.
"I crossed the finished line, my foot was in so much pain. I was on the ground, and Anna came and helped me and got me to the medical tent," said O'Keefe. "I love how she had such an amazing race and the first thing she did was come and help me and I think that says so much about Anna."
Callahan even helped carry O'Keefe to the podium, which Callahan said, "we're teammates and she would do the same thing for me. It's what you do."
O'Keefe says she'll be back in the spring for the track season and she's excited to challenge her friend Callahan in the mile and defend her title in the 3200 meter race.
Callahan is the favorite to win the 4A state cross country championship this weekend and she could have a chance to break the state course record at the same time.
The state cross country championships take place this Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.