Rain and grass do not usually generate fast cross country times. During the Ben Castro Kellogg Invite, held at Pinehurst Golf Course, a flat course and talented runners managed some of the fastest times of the season. The 5k course navigated the perimeter of the golf course and took place almost entirely on natural surfaces. Competing teams included Bonners Ferry, Kellogg, Priest River, Coeur d’Alene Charter, IC Academy, Lakeland, and others.

The Ben Castro Invitational, named for the legendary, late coach of Kellogg Cross Country, divided races by gender. Girls started the rainy afternoon of races following the combined middle school race. Jordan Young beat her previous time of 20:06 to run a 19:55, just 4 seconds short of Melody Braden’s 2007 school record. “Cross country records are tricky,” said Coach Warner. “A lot of it depends on the course, unlike track which is always uniform. Still, when you have girl runners breaking 20 minutes you are usually entering the realm of the elites.” Young placed 1st overall and now has the 7th fastest time that has been run in Idaho Women’s 3A Cross Country.

Coming in 2nd place was freshman Abigail Gorton at 20:30. Ada Bonnell was the next Badger across at 23:28. Lauren Stidham broke her previous best by 50 seconds with a time of 24:05. Elisabeth Cowley also ran a personal best 26:14. Rayan Naylor was next with a 27:27 and Serenity Fahey rounded out the Lady Badger squad with a personal best 27:43. In team scoring the girls placed 3rd behind Lakeland in 1st and Coeur d’Alene Charter in 2nd.

The boys race commenced shortly thereafter. Dawson Thomas ran his best time of the season with an 18:20, followed by Eric Ellis at 18:39 which was also a season best. Austin Donn ran his best time as well with an 18:42. Sam Gorton came in behind Donn at 18:44. Nick Magdaleno and Ryne Rae both broke the 20 minute barrier for the first time with times of 19:46 and 19:53 respectively. Alex Urbaniak also continued his senior campaign by posting a personal best 22:58. Brady Bateman was behind Urbaniak at 24:14, also a personal best. Cameron Rae and Nathan Olsen finished close together with times of 24:36 and 24:45. Finally for Bonners Ferry Will Colson ran a season best 25:07. The boys finished in 2nd place behind Priest River.

With the regular season now concluded, Bonners Ferry cross country will compete at the Idaho 3A District I championships in Priest River on Thursday, races begin at 2pm starting with the girls. Top 2 girls teams advance to state as well as top 3 boys teams as determined by the number of full teams competing this season in the Intermountain League. Also, the top 1/3 of individuals will advance to the state championships.