Wanner, Peacock lead harriers at Libby Invite

Sage Wanner won the Libby Invitational Saturday to open up the cross-country season for Columbia Falls. Wanner clocked a 15:53 in the win. As a team, the boys took fourth.

On the girls side, Kimberly Peacock made her mark on the varsity scene, taking second with a time of 19:22. The girls were sixth overall. Peacock’s mark was the fastest cross-country run by a freshman in school history.

“The teams’ first races were promising,” said coach Jim Peacock. “I like where they are right now.”

Wanner’s race was also a personal best.

“Wanner executed an intelligent and gutsy race plan. He took control of the race with about a mile to go, separating from two Flathead runners and never looking back,” Peacock said.

He was also impressed with Winfield West and Gabe Knudsen. Knudsen was 14th with a 17:51 and West took 16th with a 17:59. The girls also had a solid first meet.

“Running consistent splits through each of the three miles, Kimberly passed her way through the field throughout the race,” Peacock noted. “Genevieve Delorme also ran an impressive race, finishing 16th in 20:54. The girls’ team race was exciting to watch, and as the pack of varsity girls continues to improve their fitness, their team score will improve.”

The team travels to Cut Bank on Friday.

Other Columbia Falls boys varsity runners included Dillon Wanner, 37th, 19:20, Will Nelson, 38th, 19:21, Bryce Bennett, 45th, 20:10 and Beau Umbriaco, 48th, 20:33.97.

On the girls side, it was Hayley Peacock, 37th, 23:22 and Kara Mohr, 38th, 23:30. Flathead won the girls title, Glacier won the boys.