Runners earn all-state status at state XC

The runners of Thompson Falls and Plains once again took to Rebecca Farms in Kalispell for what would be some runners' last race as high school cross country runners. With 382 total runners, the competition proved to be tough.

"The state meet is always a roller coaster with the wonderful highs followed by the heartbreaking or just missing a goal lows. I appreciate how our teams came together to compete and support each other, celebrating the successes and working together," said coach Sarah Naegeli.

The girls team placed ninth with senior Faith Palmer leading with a breathtaking time of 20 minutes, 50 seconds, and earning all-state status. "She has been a hard worker for us for the last six years, she has been a leader on the team this season and we will miss her. What a way to compete in her last 5K as a Blue Hawk cross country runner!" Naegeli expressed.

Aubrey Baxter got a stunning time of 21 minutes, 45 seconds, eighth grader Lexi Franck proved she has a bright future ahead of her in cross country finishing in the top 50, crossing the finish line with a time of 23:03. Peighton Kenney continued to show she was the consistent runner all season getting a time of 24:02. With her second state meet under her belt freshman Kylee Huff (28:11) showed she's another runner to watch improve next season. Jaden Bewick (28:49) got herself a new personal record at the state meet, setting the tone for her next season. Addie Traver crossed the finish line with a tremendous time of 28 minutes 50 seconds for her first state meet.

It was no surprise that senior Cael Thilmony led for the boys team with a knockout time of 17 minutes, 55 seconds. "Cael is one of the most dedicated and focused runners that I have worked with. He pushes himself to compete to the best of his ability and focuses and plans for every race. I look forward to seeing him run at college." Naegeli said.

Freshman Tuff Ryder finished his first high school season earning a personal record with his time of 19 minutes, 50 seconds. Weston Block stepped up to the plate as an eighth grader to cross the finish line with a time of 20 minutes, six seconds. Evan Lofthus (21:09) was the Hawks' third eighth grader to compete in the state meet, ending his season with an admirable new personal record. Blake Shusterman (21:23) proved he's another one to watch for next season. Sean Nowlan (22:31) and Jakob Molina (22:37) both ended the season with personal records.

"Sean is a hard working athlete, whose sportsmanship is appreciated by his teammates and coaches. Jakob had a goal in mind for the state meet and made sure that he reached it! We had some great finishes, several runners already have goals for next season. All in all a pretty great way to run state races and end the season!" Naegeli said of her team.

Freshman Marina Tulloch showed she is the one to watch out for next season. Her outstanding time of 20 minutes, 10 seconds, put her fourth in the state.

"I am extremely proud of Marina this season, she is proving she has the work ethic to climb to number one," said coach Jesse Jermyn.

Savannah Costner earned a marvelous time of 23 minutes, 11 seconds earning the only personal record for the girls at state. Annika Ercanbrack crossed the finish line with a grand time of 23 minutes, 14 seconds. Ashley Ferlan crossed next with a time of 23 minutes, 32 seconds. Senior Peyton Wasson (23:58) rounded out the girls team. "Peyton has been with us since Plains restarted the cross country program. I loved watching her and she will be missed," Jermyn said.

Eighth grader Owen Jermyn didn't let the fame of shattering a school record deter him from putting his best foot forward, earning him not only 17th for the boys but also a smashing time of 17 minutes, 29 seconds. " We did some light summer running with John Owen but it was minimal, I'm thrilled to continue to coach him and watch him grow as a runner," said Jermyn.

Senior Joe Martin ran in behind him with a time of 18 minutes, 38 seconds earning a new personal record. Kalem Ercanbrack stepped up, earning a great time of 19 minutes, 54 seconds. Drew Carey (20:53) and Asher Seymour (24:15) came in hot for Plains.

"It was exciting, but sad to watch the seniors compete this year, although I am very happy with how our team ran at state. We have a young team that is going to be extremely competitive within the next couple of years," Jermyn said of his team.