Cross country runners post personal best

WHITEFISH – Both Thompson Falls and Plains cross country teams competed at the Whitefish Invitation this past Saturday.

According to Head Coach Sarah Naegeli of Thompson Falls, the invitational was promoted as a fast, flat course.

With only eight teams in attendance, the environment created a more relaxed setting before the state competition, giving the athletes a chance to breath. However, that did not mean the competition was lacking.

The Bluehawks finished second in the tournament, setting their eyes on the divisional meet that will open their chances for the state competition.

“I can speak for Thompson Falls when I say we had many PR’s and season best times at this meet and great team results,” said Coach Naegeli. “We’re looking forward to the last two meets of the season.”

Logan Naegeli got first place for Thompson Falls finishing with a time of 16:31 and in fifth place overall. Josh Wulfekuhle came in with a time of 17:19; Will VanHuss finished in 17:24; Kyle Kennick had a time of 18:05; Caleb Hamner ran in 18:19; Daniel Kanak finished in 19:19; and Flo Baass came in with a time of 19:19. Overall 78 boys competed in the invitational.

Thompson Falls had two girls run, both of them gaining new personal records. Aicia Curran finished with a time of 22:08 and was preceded by Lindsey Owens who finished in a time of 23:57. The girls finished in 20th and 35th place respectively out of 65 girls in all.

The junior high boys team took home first place in the meet, bringing smiles home with them to Thompson Falls.

Colby Lantz finished first for the Bluehawks and second in the invitational with a time of 11:54. Jacob Wilson finished with 12:27; Ethan Brown with 12:43; Lucas Fuhrman with 12:53; Nate Burwig with 13:06; Curt Hedley with 17:25 and Colton Hedley with 17:51.

As for the girls junior high team, Hope Slater finished in first for the ladies and fifth place overall with a time of 13:29. Rachel Ribeiro followed her in 15th place with a time of 14:30. In all 40 girls competed in the junior high race.

“This was our last race for our junior high runners and it was a great way to end the season,” said Coach Naegeli, adding that the team win was a nice bonus. “They’ve been a great group of kids to work with and they’ve worked hard this fall.”

The Plains cross country team also had their share of success.

Horseman Russell Kujala scored his first individual win, also setting his new personal record at an impressive time of 16:15.

Head Coach of Plains Tony Banovich said Kujala ran with two boys from Whitefish until he passed the two-mile mark.

“At that point, he opened up a 15 to 20 meter lead, which he held to the finish beating his competitor by two seconds,” said Coach Banovich. “I’m really excited about Russell’s win. He’s made a huge jump in his performance level this year; and, it was great to see him get his first win.”

Other Horsemen also had a successful race, stacking up the PR’s. Aaron Garrison’s new PR was shortened by 30 seconds at 18:1. Alan Ihms and Brenen broke the 20:00 barrier for the first time with times of 19:08 and 19:37 respectively.

Daniel Damschen succeeded in his second fastest time with 20:16 and Caleb Connolly finished in with a time of 23:24, matching his PR.

As for the Plains’ girls, Demi Horton finished in fourth place and broke 20:00 for her second time this season.

Shannon Dimond ran 22:14 and Jade LaDeaux broke 24:00 for the first time. Both of the girls secured new personal records.

Coach Banovich said the whole team went above and beyond his expectations.

“The entire team is progressing extremely well. As a group, they’re definitely exceeding my pre-season expectations,” said Coach Banovich. “It’s very exciting to see how much they’ve improved in eight short weeks.”

The team will be able to get some rest before heading into the 6B/7B Conference meet in Ronan on Saturday.

“With that little bit of sharpening, I’m looking forward to some more PR’s and several All-Conference performances,” said Coach Banovich.