The Whitefish cross country team traveled to Helena for the Capital City 7 of 7 Invitational last Thursday at the Bill Roberts Golf Course.

Seven different races were held at the meet that give each runner a chance to be in the spotlight and run with similarly speedy competitors. The format allows athletes to get all their coach’s attention and see what it’s like to run without teammates by their sides.

“We had a great race in Helena,” said Whitefish Coach Richard Menicke. “The primary goal was to get our athletes out of their comfort zones a little and compete without teammates for pacing assistance, which is the nature of this race format.”

Boys from Bozeman swept the race, winning all seven of the varsity races. The Whitefish boys had a great showing as well, as the team’s top four runners finished within the top 10 in their respective races.

Menicke said some highlights include Mason Genovese finishing the No. 3 race in fifth place and Simon Douglas’ stellar finish in the No. 5 race, with a time of 17:43.

“Good to have Simon racing consistently in the mid 17-minute range, where he can pack up with Ethan.” Menicke said. “Deneb returned from injury in the No. 7 race to finish fourth - super happy to see him race again after an unfortunate knee injury. He's not at his sharpest but will be just right by state.”

The top finishers in the girls races came from all over the state and the runners from Whitefish had a great day, posting fast times. Coach Menicke said they had a big experience in Helena.

“[We’re] really happy for Grace, who raced varsity No. 4 and competed well,” Menicke said. “Maren Cromie had her best race of the season in the No. 7 race. She is running consistently well and has anchored our varsity the past two races.”

Unfortunately for the team, senior leader Hazel Gawe and senior Maeve Ingelfinger were out with injuries. Menicke said they are playing it day by day to determine when they will be able to return to competition.

“I really like the performance and experience the younger girls are getting and their contribution to the team performance,” said Menicke.

Turning his thoughts toward the next meet, Menicke said, “We're excited to keep improving and face some of the strongest teams in the state.”

The Bulldogs head to Frenchtown on Oct. 14 to race the Western A Fall Classic, the team’s conference championship race.

Results

Boys Races: 1. Nathan Neil, Bozeman 14:59.60. 2. Jeremy Posdon, Bozeman 16:05.71. 3. Christian Landers, Bozeman 16:43.41. 5. Mason Genovese, Whitefish 17:05.89. 4. Daniel Johnson, Bozeman 16:36.68. 9. Ethan Amick, Whitefish 17:29.89. 5. Miles Halvorsen, Bozeman 16:32.43. 6. Simon Douglas, Whitefish 17:43.90. 6. Kieran Anderson, Bozeman 16:53.52. 19. Azure Stolte, Whitefish 19:14.16. 7. Taylor Neil, Bozeman 16:46.12. 4. Deneb Linton,, Whitefish 17:37.04.

Girls Races: 1. Karis Brightwings-Pease, Hardin 18:15.77. 2. Natalie Nicholas, Bozeman 18:56.10. 3. Bella Determan, Gelatin 18:41.44. 19. Morgan Grube, Whitefish 21:42.08. 4. Gia Petrini, Hellgate 19:00.12 13. Grace Inabnit, Whitefish 22:00.98. 5. Myla Spoon, Hellgate 20:14.51. 17. Sophie Douglas, Whitefish 22:55.04. 6. Kaitlyn Skinner, Hellgate 20:15.76. 17. Sierra Gibb, Whitefish 23:45.29. 7. Audrey Baldwin, Hellgate 20:40.80. 9. Maren Cromie, Whitefish 22:05.80.