Cross country team hopes to three-peat

This year's cross country team hopes to end its season like it did last year: With a trophy case full of hardware.

Last year's boys squad won the Northwest A divisional crown as well as its first state title.

Key runners like all-staters Shawn Whitman and Patric Jessat from last year's team graduated, but Justin Whitman, Derrick Williams and Pascal Jessat will all return, hoping to make their own mark in school history. Justin and Williams were also all-state runners as well as standouts in track.

"I think we have an honest shot at being in the top three in the state," said second-year head coach Richard Menicke.

They'll have to wait a few more days for Jessat, however. He enlisted in the Army and is currently at boot camp.

"He'll jump in and be a big player on the team," Menicke said.

The boys team has won two straight divisional titles and hopes to nab a third one this year. Both Williams and Whitman also had solid track seasons.

The boys team also welcomes a host of wrestlers wanting to run and compete in the off season — juniors Cody Hader, Adam Richardson, Kohl Thompson and Josh Haverkorn will run.

Menicke said he also expects good things from junior Travis Province and freshmen Zayne Brunz and James Ratzlaff.

"We just need two or three runners to rise up and be 17-minute guys," he said.

On the girls' side, a solid core of returning athletes hopes to make their mark as well.

"We didn't lose a single girl from last year's team," Menicke said.

Last year the girls took second in the conference and fifth at state.

They're led by Jinise Osborne, who set the school record in the 3,200 meters in track last spring. Menicke also expects good things from Nikki Moser, Alexas Young, Leesa Benner and Tessa Cowan. Cami Cassazza also had a great summer of training, Menicke said.

The girls welcome new runners Tori Price, Casey Bauer and Alyssa Birky.

"The goal for the girls is to win a trophy at the state meet this year," Menicke said.

They start the season Sept. 3 at the Cut Bank time trials.