T'Bird Cross Country Look to Shine this Fall
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The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbird Cross Country team is under the guidance of Head Coach Natacha Doney. Two seniors, two, juniors and two sophomores make up this years squad.
The Thunderbird boys team has had success at the highest level in recent years and this years squad includes another group of fine runners. Looking to qualify for the State Meet this year are seniors Isaiah Denny and Kassie Perez. Juniors running for the Thunderbirds include Randy Buckles and Tahtianna Whitecow-Morgan. Sophomores looking to compete at a high level are Nashone Shambo and Cash Messerly.
Denny and Buckles return to the Thunderbird lineup as varsity letter winners but Coach Doney is confident all of her runners will earn a letter this fall.
The team has had a good start to the season with practices proving to be very positive early on, “So far, practice has been GREAT! The kids show up ready to run, and they strive to do better every day. Kids put 100% effort into the work outs and are already improving so much after just one week of practice! I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the course of the rest of the season,” said Doney.
With the start of every new season, somethings inevitably catch the coaches eye and Doney certainly has noticed a few, “The kids run every practice like it is their last. I never expected to see so much passion and hard work! Even on their ‘easy run’ days, they push it. I really respect and admire them for their dedication to and love for the sport. That’s the kind of work ethic that brings success.”
Competition brings out the best in any athlete and Doney has a competitive battle going on with her boys, “My sophomore boy beat my senior boy on one of the first days of practice for the first time ever. No one expected it, not even the kids themselves, so my senior told him, ‘Good job! But don’t get used to beating me.’ I always love a friendly competition.”
The Thunderbirds graduated one senior a season ago but the leadership role hasn’t changed, “Isaiah Denny is finally a senior, but he has always been a leader in our cross country team. He takes on the role easily and with pride,” said Doney.
As far as her hopes and goals for the season, Doney is confident in her team, “First I want my kids to all run state-qualifying times. Most of them do, but some need a little more practice. I know we will get there soon though. Also, I want them to become excellent at running the beautiful mountains we have in our backyard. Once we get good at those, I know we will be able to conquer any terrain. Long-term, by the end of the season, I want my kids to continue to love this sport for everything it can do for a person—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Running has always saved me from some of the most difficult times in my life, so I want them to know they can always channel whatever energy they have into their runs and come back feeling 100% better,” Doney stated.
The Thunderbirds will open the season on September 4 in Cut Bank and will honor their seniors, September 23 when they host there meet. Doney is confident in her team, “I think I’m more excited than the kids to see how the season will go. There’s just so much talent and desire to do well. The kids are more than ready!”
