The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The All-Class State Cross Country meet was held this past Saturday at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell. 22 athletes from Blaine County took part in the State Meet, 15 boys and seven girls. Chinook was represented well with seven boys and six girls making the trip. Harlem had seven boys and one girl while the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds had one boy.

Chinook sophomore Neva Lowe finished seventh in the Class B girls race for the Sugarbeeters. Harlem freshman Branlin Foote was ninth in the Class B boys race. Both Lowe and Foote earned All-State Honors for their top 10 finishes. Lowe ran a solid race and finished strong. She ran her first mile in 6:19.81 and her second mile in 7:09.17 and finished on 20:31 for a 6:31 pace. Foote went out in 5:06.77 for his first mile and 5:47.56 for mile two. Foote crossed the finish line in 17:00.74 for a pace of 5:27.

The Harlem boys had a strong finish as the young team gained valuable experience. Freshman Gregory Gardipee finished in 18:43.57 while freshman Isaac Cuts the Rope was close behind at 18:59.11. Sophomore DeLane Lamere rounded out the Wildcats team score with a time of 19:53.36. The Wildcats were also represented by freshman Lathan Blackwolf, senior Kelbi Bigby and senior Moses Lawrence. Senior Desiree Smith was the lone Lady Cat in the Class B girls race.

The Chinook girls had a qualifying team as well. 'Beeter sophomore Emma Klingamen ran a solid race finishing in 23:35.88. Sophomore Kirby Hofeldt completed the course in 26:08.80 and junior Jeni Mord crossed the finish line in 27:14.74. Junior Ivey Lenz and sophomore Bailey Billmayer competed individually for the 'Beeters.

The 'Beeter boys also had a qualifying team with junior Carson Nissen leading the way. Nissen turned in a time of 21:26.32. Sophomore Ezekiel Sanders was close behind at 21.51.95, senior Corey Bilger crossed in 22:08.37 and freshman Evan Hofeldt finished in 22:38.12. Sophomore RJ Engstrom, freshman Gus Buck and junior Kalled Jaha competed individually for the 'Beeters. Sophomore Ethan Russell represented the Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbirds in the Class C boys race.

Mari Anne Skoyen Photo

Freshman Branlin Foote - 9th at State

Chinook Head Coach, Kendall Harwood reflected on his teams' State performance, "The Beeter Cross Country program is still in its infancy, but we had a great second year. A big highlight at the state meet was Neva's great race. She knew she was going to have to get to work in the second half if the race. With half a mile left she moved up putting her in All State position. She powered up the last hill passing two girls to secure her 7th place All State spot. She has been a great example to the team of how hard work and dedication can pay off at the end of the season."

Harwood was pleased with the growth his boys team showed, "Carson Nissen ran a good race. It was a great experience to compete in the State meet for our young team. Evan Hofeldt improved his best time by about two minutes. He really turned it on during the second lap, passing about 20 people. This team has a real chance to be competitive next year if they keep working in the off season."