Bulldogs Cross Country Update
Author: MT43 News Sports Reporter
Cross Country Correspondent Bulldogs Cross Country Update The 60th Montana State cross country championships took place Saturday at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell. More than 1100 runners (600 men and 500 women) representing 114 schools from all classes descended on the 600-acre equestrian venue with Class B having the largest fields of the day from 40 schools.
Fans lined the mostly flat course with many taking advantage of an eagle-eyed view of the entire two-lap course from Spectator Hill on a beautifully sunny day.
The Bulldog men’s team surpassed their goal by finishing as a team in seventh place with 302 points among the 26 Class B teams having enough qualifying runners to tally a team score. First to cross the line for the men was Junior Nolan Flynn, who ran his personal best time of 17:16 to secure all-state honors by placing 13th in a field of 210 runners. Competing in their final race as Broadwater Bulldogs were Seniors Connor Lamb (18:48 PR) in 52nd and Aiden Easter (19:25) in 76th. Also recording their personal bests were Junior Kaden Bruins (19:27 PR) in 78th and Sophomore Gavin Green (19:31 PR) in 83rd. Freshman Rylan Hoveland (20:06) in 106th and Sophomore Keaton Cavasos (22:58) in 186th rounded out the men’s team. Way to finish the season strong Bulldogs!
The Class B Ladies’ race was the eighth and final competition of the busy day with 174 runners taking to the course. Battling recent hip pain, Freshman Kyla Meissner (20:43) powered through to finish in 9th place also securing all-state honors. Juniors Kaelyn Sangray (22:15) and Abby Wickens (22:31) finished back-to-back in 32nd and 33rd, respectively. Senior Melania Lambott ran the final race of her Bulldog career in her personal best time of 26:51 placing 129th overall. Junior Grace Kroeger had to withdraw midrace due to a knee injury. Multiple injuries and illness plagued the Lady Bulldogs this season but look to be super strong next year returning most of the team.
Longtime coach Brooke Dolan and new assistant coach (and former Bulldog standout) Louis Ingalls did such a remarkable job this year preparing their runners for each meet, with many of them peaking week after week culminating in a superior showing at state. This team logged an average of 270 miles in training with the coaches along for many of them.
It is no easy feat to make that kind of mileage fun, but these coaches sure do, and the kids feel more like family than teammates by the end. Can’t wait to see their successes again next year!
Southwest Montana represented well as a region with Bozeman’s Nathan Neil and Gallatin’s Claire Rutherford securing the individual AA titles in men/women. Jefferson secured the Men’s Class B team trophy while Manhattan won the Women's Class B title, as well as third for the Men. Additionally, Manhattan Christian’s men brought home their 8th consecutive team trophy, as well as Oren Arthun winning his third state individual title.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: MT43 News Cross Country Correspondent
Image 1 Caption: Kyla Meissner finishes 9th at State XC Meet
Photo Credits: MT43 News Cross Country Correspondent
Image 2 Caption: Nolan Flynn places 13th at State XC Meet
Photo Credits: MT43 News Cross Country Correspondent
Image 3 Caption: Bulldog XC team hikes Holland Lake on way to State Competition in Kalispell
Photo Credits: MT43 News Cross Country Correspondent
