As teammates surrounded Dustin Williams to celebrate his first state berth, he reflected on the circuitous path to cross-country success.

After all, Williams was not even invited to Saturday’s Westside Classic at American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood a year ago.

That is because Williams was a junior-varsity runner at the time. As a freshman, he played for the Ravens’ football team.

“It feels really good,” said Williams, who placed 31st in 17 minutes, 13.4 seconds. “I never thought I would come this far.”

Williams said he decided to switch to cross country when a few of his football teammates did the same last year. After making the transition, Williams said he noticed strong camaraderie with his teammates. He attributed that to his accession from junior varsity to state.

“A lot of it was hard work during the summer,” Williams said.

Coach Bill Sumner shared similar sentiments.

“They put in the time to basically go from OK kids and make themselves into competitors and some top kids,” Sumner said. “It’s probably one of the funnest groups I think I’ve ever worked with. They work hard and they love hanging out with each other.”

Williams also had a pair of teammates finish in the top 56 to qualify for the state meet, which is Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco. Sophomore Marcus Sutrick was 38th in 17:18.5, while senior Boone Tate finished 54th in 17:33.1. Camas’ Yacine Guermali won the event in 15:51.8.

But because the Ravens placed in the top eight as a team – they were sixth with 217 points – they will be able to send all of their varsity runners to state. Camas was first with 68 points.

“It’s a fun group for us to be around,” Sumner said. “We look forward to it.”

As does Williams, who knows where his focus will keep as he heads to state.

“Definitely a lot of mental preparation because going to state … I’m lost in the fact that I’m going,” he said.

On the girls side, Auburn Mountainview junior Samantha Goedde was the top local placer in 35th in 20:28.4. Camas’ Emma Jenkins won the race (18:34.7).

Goedde improved her time from last year (20:51.3), but placed much lower than in 2015, when she was ninth, because the competition at “4A is much harder.” Last year, all three Auburn public high schools played in 3A.

“I would say she did awesome,” Auburn Mountainview coach Julianne Rambow said. “She was made it better than what she was set to do on paper.”

Auburn Riverside junior Destiny Abellera, who was 51st in 20:44.1, was the other local state qualifier.