Bobcats' Ells honored by Big Sky again

FARMINGTON, Utah — Sam Ells, the fifth-year cross country runner for MSU, earned Big Sky Conference honors for a third time this season Tuesday, thanks to a strong finish at the Pre-National Invitational meet in Terre Haute, Ind., on Friday. 

Ells shared the award, as did his teammate Niamh Motley on the women’s side. 

The Glacier High product finished 27th in the 8K with a time of 23 minutes, 43.6 seconds, which was the best of the Mountain Region competitors. He helped the Bobcats finish 12th as a team, also the best out of the Mountain Region. 

Luke Mest of Montana, who became the first Grizzly to win a men’s cross country title since 2013, shared the award. Mest took first in the LC State Invitational in Lewiston, Idaho, in 24.06. 

Motley, a junior, finished 56th in the women’s blue 6k, and her time of 20:27.6 was the fastest by a Bobcat this season. 

The next competition for the Bobcats and Grizzlies is the Big Sky Championships in Flagstaff, Ariz., on Oct. 30.