The Bulldog’s boys cross country won the Western A Fall Classic on the challenging course at the East Glacier Golf Course on Saturday and the Whitefish girls team placed fifth.

“Happy for the boys team,” said Coach Richard Menicke. “They earned that trophy through hard work made fun by their good friendships. The boys ran confident and smart.”

Ben Steadman of Beaverhead County won the race with a time of 16:50. Two Whitefish runners, Deneb Linton and Mason Genovese took second and third, running 17:24 and 17:27, respectively.

“Deneb and Mason led the team once again,” said Menicke. “Nate, Ethan and Reudi each did their jobs as they've done all season, securing the win.”

Coach noted that the team’s No. 6 runner, Asure Stolte was the only one to run a personal record on Saturday and he believes the runner will continue to close the gap with the number five runner next week.

“We continue to push injury and sickness clear, hoping to arrive next Saturday at our best,” said Menicke. “The boys believe in themselves and they will surely earn whatever result that comes.”

The girls team placed fifth and were led by Morgan Grube and Maggie Pulsifer, as they have been all season, according to the coach.

“Soccer standout Maeve Ingelfinger hustled from their OT win over Laurel in Whitefish to run in the varsity girls race and was our No. 3,” Coach Menicke said. “Freshman Maci Brennan had another good run in our No. 4 position.”

The overall winner Laurie Davidson from Corvallis who ran a 19:55. Ashtyn Wagner of Polson earned second place and Madison Vincent from Libby finished in third.

“These girls are a resilient bunch and competitors,” said Menicke. “The hope is they can put together their best team race of the season next week and move up a few places from our current midpack position among Class A teams.”

The All-Class State Cross Country Meet is Saturday, Oct. 22 in Missoula.

Results:

Boys Team: 1. Whitefish 43. 2. Corvallis 56. 3. Browning 79.

Whitefish Boys 2. Deneb Linton, Whitefish 17:24. 3. Mason Genovese, Whitefish 17:27. 12 Nate Ingelfinger 17:57. 12 Ethan Amick 18:01. 15. Ruedi Steiner 18:10. 36. Azure Stolte 19:12. 56. Zachary Chiarito 20:06.

Girls Team: 1. Corvallis 46. 2. Columbia Falls 59. 3. Hamilton 82.

Whitefish Girls: 22. Morgan Grube 22:37. 27. Maggie Pulsifer 23:22. 28. Maeve Ingelfinger 23:22. 34 Maci Brennan 23:53. 45. Madison Ward 25:25. 46. Kellie Klepper 25:28. Maren Cromie 25.33.