Everyone in the Montana running world will soon know John Owen Jermyn’s first name preference. Especially if he keeps running like he has been this season at the prestigious Mountain West Invitational in Missoula Saturday where Plains cross country teams are scheduled to compete.

Traditionally the biggest, most well-attended cross country meet of any western Montana season, the Mountain West traditionally attracts quality runners and teams from across the Pacific Northwest, promising some great running action Saturday. Look for John, okay Owen, to be right in the thick of things in the boys race regardless of the competition.

Jermyn, who usually goes by his middle name Owen, owned the curvy Corvallis Invitational cross country course in the Bitterroot Valley Saturday, running down first place in a stunning time of 16:08.68 to lead Plains in the meet.

Owen registered yet another new personal best time in the race, out-dueling Hamilton’s Taylor Duleac, who finished second, for the Corvallis individual title.

As usual not far behind his pack-leading teammate, Cord Greer won fourth place in Corvallis in 16:35.55, and Kalem Erckanback (19:07.90), Jack Cockrell (19:39.49), Brock Ryan (19:45.35) and Asher Seymour (22:07.31) also competed well for the Horsemen harriers.

Remy Ryan, Max Baxter, Billyray Holotta and Riley Geenen ran in the boys’ JV race in Corvallis.

With the Plains girls Annika Erkcanbrack led the Totters with a season-best time of 23:29.92, Ireland Corbin clocked out in 23:32.97, Tia Billinger 25:35.68 and Kylie Sylvie 25:15.68.

Filling in for head coach Jesse Jermyn, who was out of the area working last week, assistant coach Charity Jermyn guided the Plains cross country runners in Corvallis. “The kids ran well,” she said. “We had several new personal records as well as season bests. This course is run around the Corvallis soccer fields, so it's flat but incredibly curvy.”

Otherwise, Charity liked what she saw from both teams and said as much. “Every JV boy PR'd (set a new personal record),” she said. “You can have seven kids on varsity, but only five are counted for points. Our fifth position is getting competitive which is exciting.”

She was likewise impressed with the Trotters. “Annika has been running for us since she was an eighth grader and is showing promise this season,” Charity said. “This is Kylie's first year running cross country and she is making big improvements with every race. We're excited that she decided to join this year.”

    PLAINS RUNNER Kylie Sylva competes in the Corvallis Invitational Saturday. (courtesy photo)