Makena Morley sets new state record

It was a perfect day for Bigfork’s Makena Morley.

The junior sensation set a new all-class record for Montana high school girls cross country at Saturday’s state cross country meet.

Morley won the Class B race with a time of 16:35.31. In so doing she bested the previous mark of 16:50, set by Flathead High’s Zoe Nelson in 2002.

Morley said the difference between this year and her freshman year was more confidence and more training. Both races were at the University of Montana course. Saturday “was the best weather I could’ve asked for,” she said. It was in the high 50s and there was no wind.

BHS coach Sue Loeffler said she knew Morley could run as fast as she did. “There’s still more in her,” Loeffler said. “It was amazing. She ran relaxed and smart.”

Morley’s brother, Logan, placed second in the boys’ Class B race with a time of 16:25.25. That was eight seconds behind Colstrip’s Tyus Mendoza and one second ahead of Red Lodge’s Logan Beck.

Logan ran hard and fast Saturday, Makena said. “I’m so proud of him.”

Steve Morley said he is “super proud” of his kids. “It was really fun to watch,” he said. “They really worked for this and were able to achieve their goals.”

He has been training with his kids all season. Makena said they run 50 miles a week together. Next year she looks forward to running competitively with her eigth-grade sister, Bryn.

Makena and Logan were named all-state, an honor bestowed on those in the top 15.

As a team, the Bigfork boys placed sixth while the girls were seventh.

Colton Woll placed 20th with a time of 17:23.8.

Other Vikings’ times out of 178 runners were: 47) George Gibson, 18:16.6; 72) Craig Cheroske, 19:01.8; and 106) Cody Johnson, 19:45.6.

Additional Valkyries’ times out of 139 runners include: 24) Emily Cheroske, 21:13; 39) Ellessa Henion, 21:58; 89) Anna Pataky, 24:20; and 105) Emily Pataky, 25:02.

“The kids really competed well,” Loeffler said. “It was a great effort by all.”