XC teams run in Missoula

MISSOULA - The Plains High School boys and girls cross-country team participated in the annual Mountain West Cross Country Invitational last weekend.

The Trotters had a strong showing and had some high finishes in the big early season meet.

“The girls team as a whole continues to look very strong.  As long as we stay healthy, I’m quite excited about their potential in the team standings at the end of the year,” Plains Head Coach Tony Banovich said.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, Over 1,600 athletes competed in the four high school races (Varsity boys and girls, Junior Varsity boys and girls), making it one of the largest high school cross country meets in the Northwest region.

There were 373 finishers in the boy’s varsity race.  Russell Kujala ran 16:45 for 68th place.  In addition, he was the fifth fastest Class B boy in the race.

“Russell struggled a bit in the middle mile. But he came back strong in the last mile. Like Kimmy and Demi, Russ’ performance keeps him right in mix of the top individuals in the Class B ranks,” Banovich said.

The Thompson Falls Bluehawks cross country team also received strong finishes in the boys varsity race with Tanner Laws finishing 79th with a time of 16:51.

Will VanHuss and Josh Wulfekuhle finished 245th and 265th respectively with times of 18:24 and 18:43.    

For the Thompson Falls JV team Xavier Broderick, Paul Adam and Colby Lantz all ran personal records and on the girl’s JV side Nikki Burwig ran her first race of the cross country season.

There were 330 finishers in the girl’s varsity race.  Kimberly Earhart ran 19:55 for 57th place and Demi Horton ran 20:19 for 74th place.  The time was a personal best for Kimberly and her first time ever under the 20:00 barrier.  Kimberly (Earhart) was fifth among the Class B girls, while Demi (Horton) was 8th.

“Kimmy had a great race today, setting a new personal best and placing herself square in the middle of the Class B girls competition.  I have high expectations for where she can be by the end of the season,” Banovich said.

Outside of the State Championships, this meet is considered one of the most prestigious in the state.  Virtually all of the AA and A schools from around the state attend the meet, as do a significant number of the Class B schools.

It’s a great benchmark for where teams and individuals stand relative to their competition at the midpoint of the season.

Next meet for Plains HS - Polson Pirate Invitational on Saturday the 27th as part of Homecoming Week.

Banovich was pleased Horton was able to overcome early season injuries and return to top form.

“After fighting some early season injury issues, Demi Horton seems to be completely healthy and, it showed today.  Her performance today keeps her squarely in the Class B All-State picture,” said Banovich.

“The girls team as a whole continues to look very strong.  As long as we stay healthy, I’m quite excited about their potential in the team standings at the end of the year.”