TACOMA — In the Narrows League district tournament, there was no room for error. Unfortunately, the Viking runners couldn’t quite live up to perfection.

“We’ve had a successful season but our league is tough,” said Helen Smith, Vikings Cross Country Head Coach. “It just really didn’t come together for us and some kids were never able to break through.”

“Breaking through” in a race comes when a runner achieves what Smith said she calls “the next level.” However, the team could neither deliver a team nor a player to state.

Senior Jon Rank came in 41st in the team competition to top all other Vikings, with a 17:06 time. Individually, he finished 52nd and missed the cut to state — the top 40 individual runners go to Pasco — by 12 spots.

“(Rank) should have qualified based on time,” said Smith. “He’s very disappointed. He trained all summer for this and just came up short.”

Junior John Gullingsrud, who usually comes in second behind Rank, took a bad fall within the pack only 200 meters in. He ended up with a 17:51 time, 92nd in the team competition and 111th overall.

“Gullingsrud was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Smith said. “That was frustrating for him but he’s a junior and is already excited for next year.”

Will Cameron came in two seconds before Gullingsrud with a 17:49 time, 88th in team rankings and 107th overall. Rounding out the boys team were Steve Nelson (18:28), Zac Simmons (18:42), and Jeff Allen (18:48). The boys’ team finished 19th overall.

“Had they run the way they should,” said Smith, “they probably would have landed around 9th or 10th. It just really didn’t come together.”

For the girls, Robyn Embrey topped all Vikings with a 21:25 time, 63rd in team competition and 76th overall.

“The pace was so fast and Robyn’s had tough time with starts. You can’t fall behind like that,” said Smith.

Sophomore Greta Stickney ran four seconds behind Embrey, finishing 66th in team competition and 79th overall.

“(Stickney) ran two great miles but couldn’t keep it going,” Smith said. “But we’re going to work hard with her in the off-season.”

Sara Brand came in at 22:00, while Chelsea Forkner timed in at 22:15. Nicole Cleaver (23:08), Cassie Womack (24:27), and Kelsey Bruce (24:40), rounded out the Viking pack.

Smith said the future for the Vikings one to two years down the road does look promising.

“(North Kitsap Cross Country) is a young team,” Smith said. “But both teams will come together.”