Girls take title in Libby

Hungry Horse News

The Columbia Falls cross country teams had a solid opener in Libby over the weekend, with the girls taking the title and the boys taking second.

“I was impressed with their performances, particularly because the first race of the year usually comes with a bit of learning curve,” coach Jim Peacock said.

Siri Erickson finished second to lead the girls.

“Erickson showed her experience, setting an even pace and maintaining mental strength throughout the race.From there, it was a quick string of Columbia Falls runners finishing in rapid succession. Columbia Falls finished their entire varsity squad, seven girls, in the top 14 places,” Peacock said.

Erickson clocked a 20:32.66.

“Behind Siri, Courtney Hoerner ran an intelligent race, and her experience helped her sophomore and freshman teammates, Marissa Schaefer, Mya Badger, Findley Dezzani, and Ashley Andrews pace themselves to some outstanding finishes. Senior transfer student, Nina Badger, showed her mental strength with a solid finish racing with shin splints,” Peacock said.

On the boys’ side, Logan Peterson led the Wildcats with a third-place finish in a time of 17:18.26.

“With it being the first race of the year, the boys’ field was excited and took it out fast for the first mile. Logan was calm and understood his pace, hanging back a little early, then he worked through the field in the second and third miles. Quinn Clark also ran well with a 13th place finish. The best surprise on the boys’ team was freshman River Blazejewski’s 15th place finish. River’s been running well in practice, and he is competitive. It was fun to see him place so well in his first high school meet,” Peacock said.

The Cats travel to Cut Bank this weekend.