Plains Time Trial kicks off season

PLAINS - As has become a tradition during the Sanders County Fair, the Plains Cross Country Time Trials were held on Friday morning, Starting and finishing at the Plains Bible Chapel. The three-mile route led runners on Combest Creek Road, Nelson Lane and River Road East - together with paths and trails within the Nelson Ranch.

New this year was the addition of the Arlee athletes to the field of Plains and Thompson Falls harriers.

The junior high runners, all of whom were Bluehawk athletes, ran a 1.5 mile out and back route on Combest Creek Road. The boys were let by Jacob Wilson at 9:10 and Rachel Ribero fronted the girls with her 11:24.

The girls field was led by two-time All-State performer Kimberly Earhart of Plains. She was well clear of the field with her 21:35 finish time.

Although the field of boys only included 12 runners, it was the deepest set time trail performances in the five years of the event.  Russell Kujala of  Plains took the win in 17:26, just 20 seconds ahead of Bluehawk Tanner Laws.  These were only the second and third runners to ever break the 18:00 mark at the time trials.  A total of six boys broke 19:00 on the course, the first time that more than three runners were under that mark.

 Both squads were at less than full strength, largely due to conflicts with fair duties and 4-H activities.  However, a couple of things are readily apparent from this early season event.

Both Kujala and Laws should be near the front of the pack all season; and, will be serious contenders in the Class B boys ranks.

The Thompson Falls boys have some good talent and depth; and, should be able to battle for a top team position by the time that the state meet rolls around in October.

According to head coach of the Bluehawks, Sarah Naegeli, the boys have 10 kids on the team.

“They really are looking good,” Naegeli said.

The girls of Thompson Falls do not have numbers to field a team but the three runners will compete on individual levels. Naegeli said Laws had a strong start to the season and is expected to be a top competitor alongside a few others.

Kimberly Earhart of Plains would be expected to battle for her third consecutive All-State finish.

Demi Horton, also of Plains, is fighting some minor knee issues; but, once back to full strength, she is also likely to be in contention for a third consecutive All-State finish.

Naegeli said the time trial was a good start to the season and many of the athletes are able to get their first competitive race without the added pressure of a large meet.

“(The Plains Time Trials) are more laid back than a full out meet would be,” Naegeli explained.

Naegeli and head coach of Plains Tony Banovich are both excited for the season to come.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” Naegeli said.

The next meet for the Horsemen and Trotters Cross Country teams of Plains will be the Coaches Invitational Meet.

The meet will be held in Missoula and will start at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4.

The Blue Hawk cross country team will also be in attendance at the invitational meet in Missoula during next week.

Following summer vacation and a series of preseason workouts the Plains Time Trial offered runners from Plains, Thompson Falls and Arlee their first chance of the young season to compete against area competition.