Senior leaders key for Whitefish cross country

When it comes to cross country, seeing the time it takes to finish a run get shorter and shorter is just as exciting as a leaping catch in the end zone or a powerful spike over the net. Coaches stress the importance of getting better each week so athletes will be running their best at the end of the season when it counts the most.

For Whitefish Cross County, a boys team of veteran, experienced, and well-connected cross country team are coming off a 2022 campaign that saw them take second in state. The girls are a mix of experienced runners and young faces with tons of potential moving forward and just finished outside the top 10 at state last year.

"Improvement, that's always the goal," Whitefish Cross Country Coach Richard Menicke said. "From where we started this week to where we get in late October, I stress improvement."

The boys' team has solid, experienced runners in Mason Genovese, Deneb Linton, and Ethan Amick. Junior Simon Douglas could also have a big impact on the Bulldogs this year.

"I expect Mason and Deneb to lead the team as they've done the last two years – both have been All-State finishers while Ethan is ready for a real breakout season; he is very fit," Menicke said. "I just want these four four-year seniors to have an enjoyable season, and then I know we will have done the best possible.

One challenge for the boys, however, is the team's small size, meaning they'll have to get through the year without injury if they want to be able to score well at meets.

The girls team has three senior varsity returners in Maeve Ingelfinger, Morgan Grube, and Hazel Gawe. The team also has two juniors, three sophomores, and four freshmen. If the team can find its chemistry, they'll be doing some great running this year.

"Maeve has another season of Nordic skiing and track under her," Menicke said. "She can be pretty successful on how she looks in our first week."

The team opens its season with the Libby Invitational on Friday.

Teams from the Bitterroot region and Columbia Falls are always powers to contend with as the season goes on, but Menicke said the Bulldogs are more focused on themselves.

"We're going to do our thing and focus on improving and hope the competitive kids on the team light some fires among their peers," he added.

Whitefish's home meet will be on Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. at Whitefish Lake Golf Course.