The Chinook and Harlem boys and girls Cross Country teams were in Malta this past Saturday competing at the Marian Hills Golf course just south of town. The course has its challenges for sure with a good mix of gravel, grass, hills and flat land.

Of course, to any cross country runner that is what's to be expected. The season is quickly winding down making every chance to race hold even more value. One of the neat features about the Malta course setup is that it doesn't repeat, it's one continuous, winding lap for the runners to navigate.

The Chinook Sugarbeeter girls Cross Country team finished third in the girls' team race. For the boys, the Harlem Wildcats also finished third in the boys' team standings.

Chinook senior, Anna Terry, turned in a solid effort despite some struggles along the way. Terry completed the course in fifth place overall with a time of 21:10.28. Terry continues to hold her No. 5 spot in Montana Class C.

'Beeter freshman, Emma Klingaman, continues to get better each and every race and improved on her previous times once again on Saturday. Klingaman crossed the finish line in 23:51.07.

Chinook freshman, Kirbey Hofeldt. is really starting to understand how to run her race and turned in a time of 25:56.15. Junior, Ryley Hofeldt, was the next Sugarbeeter to finish with a time of 26:32.91. Sophomore, Jeni Mord, recorded a time of 28:20.35. Harlem Lady Cat senior, Amilia BlackCrow, crossed in 31:16.60.

For the boys, Harlem senior, D'lonte Farrar, led the way, completing the race in 21:20.08. This was D'lonte's third race this season and more than three minutes faster than his first race in Havre just six days earlier.

Junior, Moses Lawrence, was next to cross for the Wildcats with a time 21:26.14. Wildcat senior, Landen Gray, was right on his heals, crossing the finish line in 21:38.66.

Chinook junior, Corey Bilger, smashed his personal best effort with a time of 22:40.22, 27 seconds faster than his previous mark. Trailing behind were Wildcat senior, Kelbi Bigby, at 23:39.24 and Harlem senior, Marley Stewart, rounded out the Wildcat contingent with a time of 26:21.58. Chinook sophomore, Lance Pitkanen, clocked in at 36:10.48.

Chinook Head Coach, Kendal Harwood, assessed his team's performance this past Saturday at the Marian Hills Golf Course, "Malta was a great course. Our kids had another solid performance. Corey is reaching his peak at the exact right time. I think he's in the best shape he's ever been in. It's awesome to see that kid start to race."

Chinook's lone senior continues to impress Harwood, "Anna had a great start but had a side ache after the first mile. It took a lot of guts to continue on and do as well as she did. He raved about his number two and three finishers as well, "Emma and Kirbey really turned it on in the final mile to pass some runners. Kirbey has developed a phenomenal kick. It's fun to see her finish in a sprint."

Everyone on the roster has worked hard, "Our 4th and 5th runners, Ryley and Jeni are in great positions going into the final two meets. I am expecting a strong pack of Beeter girls taking on the next couple meets," added Harwood.

With less than ten days to go until the State meet in Missoula, Harwood has his team focused on the task at hand, "The 'Beeters are ready to put in the final training push this week for State Cross Country in Missoula. The penultimate week before state is pretty important for their training."

Harwood is all in on getting his kids where they need to be, "I am going to be asking the runners to take their training to the next level. I am hoping the kids can find that next gear this week and be able to shift into it at State."

Harwood is familiar with the course and will have them prepared for what they will face, "There is a monster hill right at mile two, It can mentally break some people. I know the 'Beeters will be able to attack it and come off of it strong. A few times this week we will hit a mid-workout hill with an emphasis on finishing up at a solid pace."

The Sugarbeeters, Harlem Wildcats and Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds will be in Harlem this Saturday for the Wildcat Invitational as they close out the regular season schedule.

The State Class B and State Class C Cross Country Meet will be held on Saturday, October 22 at the University of Montana Golf Course in Missoula.

Junior, Corey Bilger, shattered his personal best time by more than thirty seconds Saturday at the Malta course.

The Class B Girls will run the Course at 1:10 p.m. The Class C Girls will follow at 1:40 p.m. The Class B Boys will start their race 2:20 p.m. The Class C Boys are set to begin their run at 2:50 p.m. in the final race of the day.