The Whitefish High School cross country team roster has grown with a large number of energetic newcomers ushered into a supportive atmosphere this fall.  

Disciplined veterans are poised to be role models for those new to the team. There are 31 student runners with 16 girls and 15 boys. Across both teams, 15 runners are new to the team and many are new to the sport.  

A balance is required to unite high profile runners who trained hard over the summer with new runners, who need to avoid injury.  

"My philosophy is, I coach to the middle," said Coach Richard Menicke. "It pays off in October to cultivate a sense of team and inclusion for everyone." 

There are four captains leading the way. Senior Sophie Douglas is "glass half full."  

"She's the rah-rah captain," Menicke said. "You know, let's make sure everyone is included."  

Senior Sierra Gibb models hard work and discipline. Senior Ean Flynn and co-captain junior Mason Loeffler help corral the large number of freshman boys, a fun challenge that is a bit like "herding cats," Menicke said.  

"They model focus and discipline in being an endurance athlete. Mason is a cerebral guy and Ean always has a smile on his face."  

Flynn had a quaint approach to summer training, running the miles of the date every day, such as 7.26, 7.27.  

Whether new or seasoned, Menicke said he looks forward to growth and development over the fall.  

"The goal is to improve," he said. "And I always want these kids to have a positive experience being on this team, and to feel like they have a safe place to belong, where they feel seen." 

Most had a terrific first race experience at the Libby Invitational Saturday to kick off.  

Freshman Porter Shehan raced like a speedy veteran, placing 10th with only one Class A athlete ahead of him. Flynn delivered a personal best time as the second Bulldog to cross the line. Junior newcomer Xander Keim produced a solid varsity race as the team's number three. Logen Covey (second year senior) set a personal record and junior newcomer Marcus Mercer boasted varsity level ability in his first race.  

The girls team showed great depth, with eight girls finishing under the 25-minute mark. Sophomore Kendall Dye led the charge with a personal record. Gibb delivered a sub-22 as the team's second finisher. Newcomers freshman Marin Gignoux and junior Jossie Bryant had solid first-ever high school varsity races, scoring as the fourth and fifth fastest Bulldogs. The team's depth extended into junior varsity with great performances by three freshman, K Boyd, Ellie Ward and Elsie Snipes, and sophomore Norah Morrell who closed with an amazing third mile. 

On Friday, the team races on familiar turf at the Flathead Invite held at Rebecca Farm.  

Looking forward, the Mountain West Invite in Missoula Sept. 19, 7x7 in Helena Oct. 8 and then the state tournament in Billings Oct. 24 will be highly competitive meets this season.