Menicke to lead Bulldog harriers
<p>The Lady Bulldog cross-country team starts the Western A divisional meet on Saturday in Polson.</p>
Longtime Columbia Falls cross-country coach Richard Menicke has been hired to lead the Bulldog harriers next fall.
Menicke spent two decades with the Wildcat program, serving as head coach for seven years and an assistant for 13 years. He resigned last fall.
During his time with the Wildcats the boys team won the state A championship in 2009. A fleet of runners flourished under his tutelage, including state champions Derrick Williams and Samantha Mundel.
“We’re very excited to bring in Richard,” Whitefish athletic director Aric Harris said. “He’ll fit in our system well. He’ll challenge our kids and get the most out of them.”
Menicke lives in Whitefish and has two boys in the school district. He has volunteered as an assistant track coach for Whitefish.
Menicke takes over the Bulldog program following a long reign from Bill and Sara Brist.
Bill coached the Bulldogs from 2004 to 2012, while his wife, Sara, coached the team from 2013 until she resigned last fall. During their tenure, the girls won four consecutive state titles and the boys won one championship. Bill now coaches at the University of Great Falls.
The Whitefish girls placed second at state in 2015, while the boys finished 11th.