The tradition continues

The Lady Bulldogs cross-country team won the Class A state championship in Missoula on Oct. 24 with a score of 59 points — 15 more than runner up Glendive. Lewistown finished in third with 91.

"It seemed a lot closer after the race had just finished," coach Bill Brist said. "Glendive and Lewistown came to compete, and they did. Both teams had great races, and I wasn't sure of the outcome until just prior to awarding of team trophies."

Fifteen points is a fair margin, Brist said, but it was closer than Whitefish had seen the past couple of seasons.

"I would have been happy with even a one-point margin," Brist said.

Jessica Sagen led the team with her fifth-place finish, followed through the chute by Bailey Eaton in sixth and Loni Hanson in seventh. The three were named All-State runners.

Hannah Weaver came across the line in 18th, while Carly Schwickert rounded out the team scoring in 23rd. Jackie Cassidy (34th) and Anne Miller (56th) also ran well to secure the Bulldogs a team win.

"Jessica had a great day," Brist said. "She came in with a goal to be in the top-five, and she achieved that. I was pleased with her race. She struggled with illness last weekend, so for her to rebound so quickly really helped the team out."

Both Eaton and Hanson had missed the first half of the week with illness.

"I don't think either were at full strength, but both put individual goals aside and went out and did their best for the team," Brist said. "I think that really shows their spirit."

Eaton was with the leaders for the first couple of miles, but wasn't quite up to the level that she has raced all season, Brist said.

"I know that she wanted more, but her efforts really helped us in the team scoring," he said. "She'll have another shot at the individual title next year."

Hanson had an impressive high school career, Brist said, but she was sick last year at state and was less than completely healthy at this meet.

"I was impressed with how she approached the race, and the effort she put forth," he said. "She ran smart and was able to move her way through the field. She's more of a front runner, but wasn't able to run that way at state. Her seventh-place finish was worth a ton to us as a team."

This was the first state competition for Weaver and Miller.

"With both of them being seniors and helping to win a state championship, I was especially excited for them," Brist said.

The Whitefish boys also had a fine meet, finishing 13th out of the 21 teams with 307 points. Columbia Falls won the team title, with Laurel finishing in third.

Nathan Knox led the boys with his 24th-place finish. Jace Kalbfleisch finished in 64th place.

Baxter Graham, Fischer Gangemi and Chris Reyna all converged at the finish line as 72nd, 73rd and 74th and shared the time of 18:18. Will Holdhusen (101st) and Francisco Valle (128th) rounded out the team placings.

"The boys team achieved their main goal for this year's state meet — to run the best they could on the day and to gain experience for next year," Brist said. "All season long, this young team has gained experience and desire. This meet was no different. I've been impressed with their attitudes and their willingness to work. There is no doubt in my mind that with another year to develop, this group has the potential to reach the highest level next year."

State A Cross Country

Missoula, Oct. 24

Girls individual results

5. Jessica Sagen, 19:32 (All State)

6. Bailey Eaton, 19:38 (All State)

7. Loni Hanson, 19:51 (All State)

18. Hannah Weaver, 20:19

23 Carly Schwickert, 20:26

34. Jackie Cassidy, 20:59

56. Anne Miller, 21:41

Boys individual results

24. Nathan Knox, 17:20

64. Jace Kalbfleisch, 18:10

72. Baxter Graham, 18:18

73. Fischer Gangemi, 18:18

74. Chris Reyna, 18:18

101. Will Holdhusen, 18:47

128. Francisco Valle, 20:25