Bulldog Cross Country Team Competes at State Meet
Author: Kelly Morris
Bulldog Cross Country Team Competes At State Meet
Kelly Morris
The Bulldog Cross Country team traveled to Missoula last Saturday for the State Cross Country Meet, held at the University Golf Course. While the Bulldogs didn't bring home any hardware this year, Coach Brooke Dolan stated "I am very proud of this team. Each runner came into State with a plan, they executed that plan well, and they competed with integrity!"
The Girls' team finished 8th overall, and the Boys' team finished 10th.
Justene Santi led the Girls' team with a time of 20:52, making the podium, and finishing in 11th place. Nolan Flynn finished in 23rd place with a time of 18:04 to lead the Boys' team.
"This is a tough course" Dolan explained. "This isn't a course that you see very many personal records (PR's), but Teagan Martin, Scarlett McDaniel and Carsyn O'Dell all had their season records!"
The Bulldogs have had to battle through some injury issues and other adversities this year. Dolan said that she is "very pleased with how they have faced these adversities, and have grown and learned from them, both as a team and as individuals".
When asked about next year, Dolan said "I'm excited to see the new kids coming up next year. And we are losing some key team leaders to graduation this year, so I am also excited to see others step forward and develop their leadership skills."
This may be the end of the regular season, but Coach Dolan creates opportunities for the runners to keep training nearly year-round. She organizes fun runs for the team, and they even compete in some competitive events in the spring and summer. Dolan explains, "My goal is that they learn that running is a lifetime sport. It doesn't have to end after high school or college. "If I can do that, then I am happy!"
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PhotoCredit: Kelly Morris
Image 1 Caption: The Bulldogs at the start of the State Class B Boys race in Missoula last Saturday.
Image 2 Caption: Justene Santi on the podium after finishing in 11th place in the State Class B Girls race last Saturday in Missoula
Image 3 Caption: The Lady Bulldogs at the start of the State Class B Girls race in Missoula last Saturday.
