Cross country teams ramp up for Conference meet with strong performance

Ramping up for this weekend's Northwest A Conference Championships in Whitefish, Columbia Falls captured the boys title at the Whitefish Triangular Cross Country Meet last Saturday (Oct. 11). The Wildkat girls finished second, behind Whitefish. Libby thinclads also competed at the meet.

The Wildcat boys team placed seven runners in the top 10 en route to the crown. Shawn Whitman led CFHS with a strong second-place finish in a time of 16:39. Patric Jessat broke the 17-minute barrier for the first time this season, running 16:52 for third place. Justin Whitman was fifth in 17:29.

Michael Kruse and Tripp Gimbel both ran season-best times, placing sixth and seventh, respectively, in 17:39 and 17:42. Tim Chopper was ninth (18:08) and Joe Gross 10th (18:17). Kodiak Gimbel was 11th with a season-best 18:17. Pascal Jessat placed 12th (18:20) and Jacob Silva was 13th (19:35). Ben Burgess had his fastest time of the season, placing 27th (22:55) and Alex Peterson was 30th (27:47).

Leesa Benner led the Wildkat girls to the second-place finish. She was the only CFHS runner to crack the top 10 — earning ninth in 21 minutes flat. The remaining Wildkats who scored for the team were in the top 20. Nicki Moser had her season-best run, placing 11th in 21:15. Jinise Osborne was 12th (21:30), Alexas Young 13th (21:38), Madison Stolte 14th (21:48), Tessa Cowan 17th (22:00, season best) and Dannah Turner 19th (22:33).

According to coach Stephen Gasche, the rest of the Wildkats had season-best efforts. Dezi Brunz placed 22nd (23:57), Laura Burgess 23rd (24:33), LE McDaniel 24th (24:41) and Natalie Law 25th (25:14).

"We concluded our regular season with six girls and five boys running season-best times," Gasche said. "We are beginning to run together as a team and I am excited about our prospects this weekend at the Northwest A Conference Championships."

The Wildcat boys will be running for their first conference championship since 1991. Their closest competition should come from Ronan, according to Gasche. The boys varsity team will consist of Shawn Whitman, Patric Jessat, Justin Whitman, Kruse, Pascal Jessat, Tripp Gimbel and Chopper.

Gasche said the Wildkat girls team will be vying for second place in the conference. Their strongest challenge should come from Polson.

"Whitefish looks bulletproof to win the conference," Gasche said.

The girls varsity team will consist of Benner, Stolte, Moser, Young, Turner, Osborne and Cowan.

Shawn Whitman, Patric Jessat, Gimbel and Moser each earned All-Conference honors last year. In the girls race it will be tough for any of the Wildkats to break into the top 10 this year with the dominance of Whitefish.

"We will have a great opportunity to place several boys in the top 10 with good races," Gasche said.

The top seven finishers will earn All-Conference first team honors. The next three finishers will earn All-Conference honorable mention.

The conference meet will be held Saturday (Oct. 18) at Whitefish Lake Golf Course with the boys running at 11 a.m. and the girls race is at 11:40 a.m.

Lineberry cards 177 at state golf

Columbia Falls High School junior Tanner Lineberry shot a two-day total of 177 at the State Class A Golf Tournament in Polson last Friday and Saturday (Oct. 10-11). Lineberry's 177 put him in a tie for 18th place in the 70-player field. Preston Matchett of Billings Central took medallist honors and the state championship with a 151.

According to CFHS coach Gene Marcille, the playing conditions included constant strong winds combined with temperatures in the mid to low 40s, making club selection and course management a challenge.

"Tanner did a great job over the two days staying focused and showing his skill as an accomplished golfer," said Marcille. "Just qualifying for state is a big accomplishment in our conference, and Tanner is already excited about his chances next season."

Though Lineberry was the only state competitor for Columbia Falls High School, Marcille considered the season successful.

"We had over 25 kids involved in golf this year, including our largest group of girls in several seasons," said Marcille. "Most of our competitive golfers were sophomores and juniors, so our future is promising."

"We also really appreciate the opportunity we have out at Meadow Lake," Marcille continued. "Head professional Kyle Long and his staff are instrumental in our success, and without their help we couldn't have a program."

Marcille also praised this year's seniors, including Nolan Emerson, Taylor Hopkins, Jake Ronish, Jake Haverkorn, Tanner Barth and Ketti Wilhelm.