Bulldog harriers running strong heading into postseason

Whitefish’s Simon Douglas placed fifth at the Helena 7x7 No. 2 race on Thursday, October 10. Douglas posted a time of 16:37.97 and was the top Class A finisher in the race.

“Simon raced aggressively and did a nice job staying with the race in the middle, then having a strong kick,” Whitefish Head Coach Richard Menicke said.

In the No. 5 varsity race, Logan Hyland placed 24th with a personal best of 18:48.92.

Two days later, the Whitefish girls took second at the Mission Shadow Duels Races in Pablo. Maren Cromie placed fifth with a time of 21:17, Grace Inabnit was 13th (22:05), and Sophie Douglas was 15th (22:14). Sierra Gibb came in at 23rd (23:03), and Whitney Workman was 27th (23:55).

In the boys race, Ethan Amick was 18th (18:33). Freshman Mason Loeffler also posted a great time of 20:35.

“We had ten of the fifteen athletes racing produce season or lifetime best times,” Menicke said. “In particular, Maren Cromie and Mason Loeffler had big improvements at this fun, pursuit-styled race.”

Menicke added he is feeling good for his team as this week is the Western A Conference race and then the next week is the state championship races in Missoula.

“The benefits of solid training without excessive racing were evident,” Menicke said. “Feeling good about our teams hitting a peak and rolling into Conference and State championship in the next two races.”