Henson stars again for Bulldog cross country at Polson invite
Whitefish junior Jacob Henson added another top 10 finish to his collection this season after running the 5000-meter race in 17:40 to place second at the Polson Fairgrounds Invite Saturday, Sept. 19.
He led the Bulldogs’ boys team, who came in second behind Columbia Falls in the team scores. Henson has placed in second or third in all four cross country races Whitefish competed in this season thus far.
“Henson is running so confident and strong, he has earned all of these results through hard work,” Whitefish cross country coach Richard Menicke said. “Impressive that he finished ahead of C-Falls number one and two boys.”
The week prior at Rebecca Farm, Columbia Falls leading boy runners James Petersen and James Role barely edged out Henson who took third in that race.
The Bulldogs continue to have success from young runners as well. In Polson, Whitefish freshman runner Deneb Linton had a stellar ninth place individual result and was the second fastest runner for the Bulldog boys team. Menicke commented on his performance, saying he was a “fierce competitor.”
Sophomore Ruedi Steiner was just seconds behind Linton, placing 10th overall. Another freshmen bright spot was Zachary Chiarito taking second place in the junior varsity race.
According to Menicke, the Whitefish girls team decided to sit this race out as several runners nurse injuries. He expects the girls to be ready to compete in the races coming up.
“The girls team’s focus is looking better and better, and I believe they will be their best selves in late October — that’s the big goal,” Menicke said.
Whitefish looks forward to competing in Thompson Falls on Thursday afternoon and then hosts the Whitefish Invitational on the golf course next Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Boys Team Totals
- Columbia Falls 39; 2. Whitefish 50; 3. Ronan 53; 4. Polson 87.
Whitefish Boys Scores
Jacob Henson 17:40
Deneb Linton 18:43
Ruedi Steiner 18:46
Zack Dunnagan 19:33
Gabe Lund 19:46