XC runners claim divisional titles

Whitefish cross-country appears to be peaking at just the right time.

Both the girls and boys flexed their strength in the conference Saturday with a pair of team wins at the Northwest A divisional meet on the lush turf at Whitefish Lake Golf Club. The divisional titles give the Bulldogs a boost as they head to the Class A state meet next weekend in Missoula.

“Both teams did fantastic,” Whitefish coach Sara Brist said. “I couldn’t be happier about the results.”

The boys team outpaced the field for its fourth consecutive divisional title.

Led by a second-place finish from Keaton Grove (16:13) the Bulldogs placed six runners in the top-10 and on the All-Conference team.

“The boys wanted to win, especially the seniors,” Brist said. “They did a nice job of controlling their emotions and went out and took care of business. They had fun with their race today.”

EJ Havens finished in third overall with a 16:20, followed closely by Caleb Knox in fourth with a 16:25. Thomas Henson (16:47), Ethan Lannaghan (16:54), and Keaton Nicholson (17:07) rounded out the fleet of All-Conference honorees.

“They have all done a nice job so far this season,” Brist said. “They are coming on at the right time.”

Freshman Ethan Potthoff placed 13th overall and will be part of the Bulldogs’ top-seven in Missoula.

Brist said the boys are primed for a good run at state.

“I’m not sure where we will end up this coming weekend in the team standings, but if we have our typical race, we should do just fine,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs, too, have been improving each week and seem to be peaking when it counts most.

Led by a third-place finish from junior Sarah Latcham at 19:30, Whitefish posted a low score of 29 to snatch the conference crown from second-place Polson.

“The ladies team did a nice job of coming together when it counts,” Brist said. “It was really nice for this group of young ladies to be able to reach such a high level.”

“When the season started we weren’t necessarily looking at the conference championship. As the season continued, and we began to notice the improvement we started thinking that there may be a chance. After the Whitefish Invitational we felt that if we had our best day, we could challenge Polson for the title.”

Five girls earned All-Conference, including Latcham, Katie Smith, Peyton Twete, Sarah Perez and Sloan Ellis, who each placed in the top-10.

“In the past, we’ve had that happen,” Brist noted. “In each case that team returned from state with a trophy. This season we have revamped our goals to include that one. I believe that this team could surprise a lot of teams this upcoming weekend.”

Annika and Maya Gordan both placed in the top-15 and will also represent the Lady Bulldogs at state.

Brist praised the home crowd at the golf course.

“It definitely helped our performance,” she said. “We have the best community when it comes to support, and I’d like to thank everyone that came out. I know the kid’s appreciated it.”

Boys Team Results:

1. Whitefish 22

2. Frenchtown 64

3. Polson 66

4. Columbia Falls 80

5. Libby 151

Individual Results:

2. Keaton Grove 16:13

3. EJ Havens 16:20

4. Caleb Knox 16:25

6. Thomas Henson 16:47

7. Ethan Lannaghan 16:54

9. Keaton Nicholson 17:07

13. Ethan Potthoff 17:40

14. Santos Parra 17:40

15. Henry Holt 17:40

23. Christian Newby 18:04

33. Sage Cornelius 18:37

36. Holden Roberts 19:04

51. Jansen Anderson 20:54

52. Dillon Lawrence 21:03

54. Cody Casazza 21:07

Girls Team Results:

1. Whitefish 29

2. Polson 42

3. Columbia Falls 57

4. Frenchtown 119

5. Libby 130

3. Sarah Latcham 19:30

4. Katie Smith 19:53

6. Peyton Twete 20:01

7. Sarah Perez 20:05

9. Sloan Ellis 20:24

12. Annika Gordon 20:44

16. Maya Gordon 21:37

20. Kennah Fuller 22:26

21. Greta Roberts 22:27

28. Sonja Ring 23:40

36. Kate Ehrenberg 25:02

39. Adia Saurey 25:19

45. Eleanor Taylor 26:18