Having just completed the cross country season, I wanted to take a minute to thank the residents of Plains and Sanders County for their support of our student athletes.  Seeing folks rallying around our youth is one of the true pleasures of living in a smaller community.  On behalf of Zoe Banovich, Kenneth Beech, David Damschen, Robert Earhart, Carter Montgomery, Garrett Horton, Daniel Damschen, Felicia Earhart, Teija Gill, Andrea Wood, Sera Boggess, Carley VonHeeder, Sheridan Martin and Ryan Ovitt -  Thanks to Gena Ferlan for volunteering to coach the junior high squad.  Thanks to all of the students, staff, and administration at Plains Public Schools.  Thanks to Thompson Falls Public Schools for sharing transportation with our squads. Thanks to McGowan’s and Plains Drug for helping with goodie bags for the state championship meet.  Thanks to the Montgomery, Damschen, Earhart and Cole families for decorating the bus and sending snacks for our trip to Helena.  Thanks to the Brooker and Naegeli families for all that they do in support of high school distance running in Sanders County.  Thanks to friends and alums who made the trip to Helena to watch the state meet – including Nathan Friesz (Plains H.S. shop teacher), Amber Harvey, and Tim & Carol Brooker.  And, mostly, thanks to the parents and families of these athletes.  It’s a big commitment to support and follow high school athletes; and, it’s much appreciated.