Cross country returns quality runners
The Whitefish cross country teams are returning almost all of their top performers from last year.
The boys will miss Jacob Henson and the girls team is no longer led by Paetra Cooke as both graduated last year. But Whitefish head coach Richard Menicke says several have stepped up already to become new leaders in the season ahead.
At the State Championships last year, the Whitefish boys came away with an impressive fourth-place finish while the girls outperformed any expectations and ended up sixth.
I view last season as a very successful season…” Menicke said. “The girls, in particular, overachieved based on what their rank was going (into state). We’re just looking to build momentum from that.”
On the boys side, junior Mason Genovese, who placed sixth individually in Class A at state last season, will be a leader. Alongside him are junior Deneb Linton and senior Nate Ingelfinger — both high performers from last year.
“The boys are very excited, they have high goals for themselves as a team and they certainly are putting in the work at a different level this preseason than we have the last few seasons,” Menicke said.
The boys team has 12 runners total to start the season and it’s mainly a mix of juniors and seniors. Positions one through four of the seven varsity runners are solid, says Menicke, and there is good internal competition for those last three spots.
For the girls, the team is small in numbers with just nine girls out, but they are quality runners.
Menicke expects junior Morgan Grube, junior Hazel Gawe and senior Maggie Pulsifer to lead the pack.
Additionally, sophomore Kellie Klepper is new to the cross country team but had an impressive track season in the spring. The team also features three freshmen who have a lot of potential.
“The quality of those girls that are out is very high,” Menicke said.
Whitefish’s home race at Whitefish Lake Golf Course is on Sept. 27 this year and will welcome teams from across the region and fans to enjoy the races.
To start the season, Whitefish will travel to Libby for an invitational on Friday beginning at 10 a.m.