HAMILTON - There was no shortage of good Lake Country runners last weekend in Hamilton. Polson placed second in the girls' varsity race and third in the boys' race. Ronan's top finisher in the girls' race was junior Ashley Grandchamp who placed 15th (21:55) and has dropped her time significantly since running a 23:03 in her first meet in Frenchtown earlier this season.

"She's been our most consistent runner," Ronan head coach Gale Decker said.

"She's been going this pace for a few weeks."

Decker said he would like to see two or three girls finish in the 21:00 minute mark or the low 22s.

Freshmen Jade Gray placed 19th (22:32) and Kensee Gray finished 20th (22:35)

The Polson girls was without freshmen Aja Starkey and Alisha Jore. They still found top finishes from freshman Claudia Hewston, who placed second (19:09), senior Mesa Starkey, placed fifth (20:07) and freshman Tegan Bauer placed 6th (20:30)

"Claudia has now distinguished herself as not just a fast freshman, but a legitimate contender for one of the top spots on the podium at the state meet," Polson head coach Matt Seeley said

Mission Junior Ashley Courville finished 13th (21:29).

In the boys' race, Polson got some close grouping from sophomore Jimmy Bjorge at 6th (17:19), junior Alex Nystrom at 8th (17:32) and senior Travis Hayes at 9th (17:33).

"These three runners are really pushing each other to improve," Seeley said. "If we can get them all together under 17 minutes, we will have a chance to be very competitive in the conference."

Ronan junior Cody Johnson finished 18th (17:58) but Decker felt the boys' team was affected mentally after losing junior Justin Dusty Bull to a season-ending injury.

Mission sophomore Paden Alexander finished 12th (17:41) despite being sick all week.

"When you can run under 18 minutes while you're sick, you're doing pretty good," Mission head coach Patrick Murphy said.

Polson and Mission will run at the Pirates Duel this Saturday in Polson. Ronan will run in Eureka this weekend.

Hamilton Invitational

boys results

6. Jimmy Bjorge, Pol, 17:19

8. Alex Nystrom, Pol, 17:32

9. Travis Hayes, Pol, 17:33

12. Paden Alexander, Mis,17:41

18. Cody Johnson, Ron,17:58

25. Brady Oakland, Ron,18:17

31. Kevin Wrobelewski, Ron 18:25

35. Jordan Franklin, Ron, 18:47

36. Bryan Schock, Mis, 18:51

37. Mike Bournsten, Pol, 18:56

38. Danny Romero, RON, 18:57

39. Reed Hovenkotter, Pol,18:58

43. Tel Miosgo, Pol, 19:16

44. Edmond Dupuis, Ron, 19:16

46. Jacob Young, Pol, 19:41

48. Eric Malmquist, Ron, 19:48

53. Rune Grunsen, Mis, 21:24

55. Karl Daniels, Mis., 24:11

Girls Results

2. Claudia Hewston, Pol, 19:09

5. Mesa Starkey, Pol, 20:07

6. Tegan Bauer, Pol, 20:30

13. Ashley Courville, Mis, 21:29

15. Ashley Grandchamp, Ron, 21:55

18. Jade Gray, Ron, 22:32

19. Kenzee Gray, Ron. 22:35

20. Whitney Zimmerman, Pol, 22:38

21. Marlee Seeman, Pol, 22:40

24. Rose Bear Don't Walk, Mis, 23:03

27. Mariah Hamel, Pol, 23:18

31. Jane Make Peace, Mis, 23:31

32. Kiona Howell, Ron, 23:39

34. Laura Barta, Pol, 24:05

40. Rachel Hardy, Ron, 25:31

43. Raymi Clairmont, Ron, 27:13

44. Ali Bard, Ron, 28:12

Heat hits Arlee

THOMPSON FALLS - The heat in Thompson Falls affected the Arlee Cross Country team last Thursday.

"We didn't have the fast times we usually have at Thompson Falls," Arlee head coach Katae Dreiling said. "It's never been that hot."

Arlee will run this weekend in Polson

TFalls Invitational

boys results

16. Jesse Pfau, Arlee,18:30

26. Trae Burland, Arlee,19:01.00

39. Morigeau, Nick Arlee,19:47

47. Al Plant, Arlee, 20:22.00

55. Michael Brown, Arlee 20:54

62. Dominic Burland, Arlee 21:41

74. Zane Ligas, Arlee, 24:10

75. Keltner, Jordan Arlee 24:48

77. Anthony Ewell, Arlee 25:10 81. Reece Pierce, Arlee, 27:57

83. Tae Hamm, Arlee 29:13

girls results

35. Kristyn Adams, Arlee, 25:22

42. Desorae Nault, Arlee, 28:44

43. Tayla Desjarlais, Arlee 28:46