Maybe they were born to run.

Sophomore Weston Block ran down 11th place and earned All-State B honors to lead the Blue Hawk boys, and Libby Franck, a precocious eighth grader, won 21st place in the girls race to lead the Hawk girls at the State B meet in Missoula Saturday.

Block clocked out in yet another very fine time of 17:11.9, on the heels of very fine performances all fall to earn his All-State B boys honors on the University of Montana golf course, while Franck, in only her second official high school race, timed out in 21:18.7, just missing the top 15, which would have meant earning All-State B girls honors as well.

Coach Sarah Naegeli was happy with her girls and boys teams, and the memories they created together this fall, pointing to the efforts of all her Thompson Falls harriers.

With the Hawk boys, freshman Nathan Baxter ran a personal record 19:08.6 and finished 67th, Ethan Traver posted a time of 20:07.3, eighth grader Jonathan Toyias a personal best time of 20:10.6, Blake Shusterman completed the course in 20:48.3 and eighth grader Wyatt Clawson crossed the finish line in 21:21.7. A total of 203 boys finished the State B race.

With the Hawk girls, Lexi Franck finished 73rd in 23:30.2, Gabby Taylor ran the 3.1 miles in 23:52.2 and Maddy Zymroski 24:30.0. Gabby and Maddy posted lifetime best times in Missoula Saturday. There were 183 runners competing in the girls race.

Block’s effort in bringing home All-State B honors was the highlight for the Hawks in Missoula and he was a man on the move up all season. “I am so proud of Weston! He has worked hard for his improvements to become all state,” Naegeli said. “He hit a different gear at the end of track last spring, put in the miles over the summer and has been focused in on his training all season. Weston doesn't have the long, lean legs that most xc runners do, so his mental toughness really comes out with his competitiveness and drive.”

Naegeli was also happy with the other Hawks boys. “Nathan, Jonathan and Ethan finished with PRs for the season (in Missoula),” she said. “I am excited for next year with Ethan and Jonathan, now that they are familiar with all of the cross country courses, and have learned what this sport is all about. I'm hoping those two continue to push each other in practice and when racing.”

Baxter overcame problems with blisters that bothered him all season. “Nathan should be recognized for his drive these last couple meets,” Naegeli said. “It was nice to see him out there pushing himself and competing so well. Next year, with less blisters, we should see more improvement.”

Shusterman, the Hawks’ only senior this season, also impressed his coach. “While Blake didn't PR at state, he still has had a great senior season,” she said.

Naegeli said Clawson made about a three minute improvement from his previous race on this course at the Mountain West and looks for his improvement to continue next year.

Libby Franck will certainly be another Hawks harrier to watch after her team-leading run in Missoula Saturday. “Libby ran an outstanding first state meet. The last half of her race was just incredible,” Nageli said. “She just kept moving up and passing runners! I'm so looking forward to next year when she can train for the 5K races for the entire season.”

Taylor and Zymroski also ran personal bests in the season’s last race. “I appreciate the work they've put in,” Naegeli said, “and it shows in their improvements these last few meets.”

Naegeli also appreciates the considerable efforts of Lexi Franck. “While Lexi didn't PR, she is the leader and sportsman for this girls’ team,” she said. “She has run several great races, and her calm influence focuses our girls’ team for their races!”

Naegeli and her assistant coaches Jeneese Baxter and Nathan Block now look forward to a promising future for Hawk cross country. “Our runners showed lots of improvements this season – Weston's earning all state, two teams that bonded well and learned to work together,” she said. “We are quite a young team (in running years), but the next few years look to be exciting!”

    BLUE HAWK SOPHOMORE Weston Block earned All-State B cross country honors with his 11th place finish in 17:11.9 at the State B meet in Missoula Saturday. (Emily Messer/Lake County Leader)
  

    THOMPSON FALLS SOPHOMORE Lexi Franck passes Sweet Grass County runner Olivia Proue in the final seconds of the State B girls race. Franck placed 73rd with a time of 23:30.2 Saturday. (Emily Messer/Lake County Leader)