Runners set school records

The Western B/C Divisionals hosted 11 schools at the Rivers Bend golf course, with runners from both Thompson Falls and Plains earning new personal and seasonal bests.

Trotter Marina Tulloch earned first place for the girls with a smashing time of 20 minutes, two seconds. Tulloch's time is a new school record for Plains. The freshman is ranked among the top five in the state for class B as the team prepares for the state tournament this weekend.

Owen Jermyn, an eighth grader, also set a record for the school. His time of 17 minutes, 30 seconds is a new record for Plains boys in the 5000 meters.

"Almost everyone got a new personal record at divisionals, putting us in a strong spot for state," Plains coach Jesse Jermyn said. "It's been a fun year with minimal injuries! With the kids being aggressive in practice, I'm excited yet nervous to watch them at state."

At the divisional meet, Annika Ercanbrack crossed the finish line with a stunning time of 22:27, earning a spot in the top 10. Ashley Ferlan ran a great time of 23:03, with Peyton Wasson rounding out the Plains girls with a time of 23:41.

For the boys, Joe Martin ran across the finish line with a time of 18 minutes, 42 seconds. Kalem Ercanbrack (19:35) and Drew Carey (19:42) finished close together.

Blue Hawk senior Cael Thilmony (17:46) ran another personal best but was shy of making the top 10.

"It was a FAST race this year! Cael being a senior runner, is dedicated, focused and improving each meet. It will be exciting to watch his last race as a Blue Hawk next week," said coach Sarah Naegeli.

Tuff Ryder earned a new personal best, crossing the finish line in 19 minutes 54 seconds, and Weston Block (19:59) was seconds behind him. Blake Shusterman earned a new seasonal best with an impressive time of 20 minutes, 43 seconds. Evan Lofthus (21:38), Sean Nowlan (22:57), and Jakob Molina (24:52) rounded out the boys team for Thompson Falls.

The girls as a team put in the work earning first place, with Aubrey Baxter, Faith Palmer, and Lexi Franck all placing in the top 10.

"Aubrey ran an outstanding race. She stepped up with the front runners and ran a controlled race to a great finish. Lexi, in her third high school race as an eighth grader, came in with a goal in mind, to break 24 minutes. She crushed that goal, earning a top 10 finish!" Naegeli said.

Baxter came in only 53 seconds behind Tulloch in 20:55 to obtain a new season best. Palmer placed fifth with a time of 21 minutes, 34 seconds. Eighth grader Franck proved she has the drive earning a grand time of 22:44, a new personal best by over a minute. Peighton Kenney extended across the finish line with a time of 24:03. Kylee Huff was another Blue Hawk to earn a seasonal best stretching across the finish line at 26:11. Addie Traver (28:18) and Jaden Bewick (29:17) rounded out the girls team. Katherine Schmitz (27:04), and Evalyn Edwards (27:55) earned great times for JV.

The Thompson Falls Junior High Blue Hawks cross country runners also competed last Thursday. The boys team took second place, led once again by Chase Giegling, who has been strong all year, said coach Holly Franck. Giegling ran a 13:12, earning sixth place. Nathan Baxter was right behind him with a time of 13 minutes, 13 seconds. Wyatt Franklin crossed the finish line with a remarkable time of 13 minutes, 53 seconds. Jonathan Toyias ran a fabulous race earning a time of 14 minutes 11 seconds. Mason Bartlett and Noah Scharfe both crossed with a time of 14 minutes, 25 seconds, while Kaleb Susic (16:47) rounded out the boys team.

"Almost every runner improved by at least a minute from the last time they ran this course! The improvement that these athletes have shown this season is impressive," Franck said. "While the girls did not have enough runners to score as a team, individually they were incredible! All four of our runners finished in the top 10."

Audrey Fairbank finished first in the junior high girls race in 13:08. "Audrey worked hard this season competing in both cross country and volleyball," Coach Franck said. Libby Franck came in second with a time of 13:25, and a personal record over a minute and 11 seconds. Shea Haas finished fifth, also earning a medal with a time of 14:04. Gabby Taylor finished in ninth, running 14:57. "This Junior High team has shown to be a solid bunch of runners. I am looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish next year!" said Franck.

The Plains and Thompson Falls high school teams will finish their season this Saturday at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell at the state meet.