Watson, Farmer lead Libby cross country at Western A Fall Classic

Libby's cross country team turned in a pair of top 5 performances Friday, Oct. 16, at the Western A Fall Classic, highlighted by third-place finishes from senior Cody Watson and junior Capri Farmer. 

Competing at Wrangler Springs Ranch in Bigfork, the Loggers showcased their depth in both the boys and girls varsity 5,000-meter races as well.

At the front, Watson continued his impressive senior campaign, crossing the finish line in 16:34 to secure third. His performance led a Libby squad that placed four runners among the top 27 finishers.

Sophomore Cody Katzer was the Loggers' second finisher, taking 20th place in 18:34.3. Junior Jake Rusdal followed closely in 24th with a time of 18:41.3, while freshman Micah Peterson finished 27th in 18:47.8.

The tight grouping of Libby's second through fourth runners were separated by just 13.5 seconds.

Eighth-grader Waylon Katzer rounded out Libby's top five, finishing 49th in 19:59.5. Senior Eaddon Baca placed 62nd in 20:57.6, while junior Levi Nick finished 70th in 22:05.1.

On the girls side, Farmer delivered another standout performance, racing to third with a time of 18:44.9. The junior was Libby's lone runner to break the 20-minute barrier and led a balanced lineup that placed five runners among the top 33.

Eighth-grader Kayleigh Desch continued to demonstrate her potential at the varsity level, finishing 18th in 21:28.3. Senior Hailey Misner followed in 20th place with a time of 21:36.8, giving Libby three runners inside the top 20.

Junior Alli Clemons finished 25th in 21:57.4, while freshman Ellory Anderson completed the team's top five with a 33rd-place finish in 22:31.1.

Sophomore Ava Jensen added a 41st-place finish in 23:05.3, while junior Lillian Bailey rounded out the varsity lineup in 59th place. Bailey clocked a personal-best time of 24:23.0.