Thompson Falls cross country run at State meet in Missoula

Danielle Switalski

The Thompson Falls boys and girls cross country team traveled to their final race of the season at the state meet on Saturday at the University of Montana Golf Course in Missoula.

Despite the windy weather conditions the runners were met with a sunny Fall day. Head Coach Sarah Naegeli said the only bad part of the race was after the first 800, the wind hit the runners head on. Although the girls’ team landed themselves a fifth place finish, one place lower than last year. Naegali was not disappointed in this placement drop as the girls received more points in the final tally than they did last year, but there was “pretty good competition” that led to their fifth place achievement. 

Beca Gunderson led the pack for the Thompson Falls girls coming in 19th place with a time of 20:42.87.  Gunderson was followed close behind by teammate Monica Conlin who came in 20th place with a time of 20:46.25. 

Next in line for the Thompson Falls ladies was Jeffreyanne Parker coming in 32nd place with a time of 21:27.11 followed by Mariah Naegeli with a time of 21:52.43.  Also placing at the state meet were Jinghua Chen with a time of 27:47 and Polina Zorkina finishing at 30:21.

Naegeli is happy with how both teams finished as the cross country boys placed 14th at the meet. 

Coming in first for the bots team was Mike Barnett at 52nd with a time of 18:34:27. Next in line was Preston Schubert coming in 69th with a time of 19:19.21 followed closely by Chris Pavlik at 72nd place with a time of 19:21.61.  Cody White took 83rd with a time of 19:47.62.  Dalton Nelosn placed 105th with a time of 20:28.76.  Also placing for the boys was Robby White with a time of 42:01.

Reporter Danielle Switalski can be reached for comments or questions by email at reporter@VP-MI.com or by calling her at 826-3434.