Wolf Point Runner Aims To Win Class B State Championship

Wolf Point’s Zander Ackerman is one of the top cross-country runners in the entire state, but he could use some hurdling skills with all the challenges he’s faced this season.

Because of COVID concerns, the Wolves have been unable to compete at meets since Sept. 26. Ackerman has attempted to overcome that obstacle by really pushing himself during practices.

“I’ve been really been hitting lower times,” Ackerman said last week. “I’ve been really pushing myself.”

Before the layoff, Ackerman held the best time in Class B at 16:57. Since that time, a runner from Thompson Falls has posted a 16:52. Ackerman is looking forward to cutting his time at the Wolf Point Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17, which is the weekend prior to the state meet.

“I’m coming out with that mentally, to place at state,” Ackerman said. “I want to prove to everybody that I’m meant to run.”

He finished fifth at last year’s Class B state meet.

“This year, I want to win the state championship,” Ackerman said. “I’ve been working my whole life for it.”

One of the runners that might challenge Ackerman is Poplar’s Hudson Atkinson, who won the state title as a sophomore but was sidelined with an injury last year.

“He’s been putting in a lot of miles during the week,” Ackerman said of the Poplar standout.

During the track season, Ackerman is a top competitor in the 1600 and 3200. He set a school record and placed second in the 3200 as a sophomore. He took seventh in the 1600 at the state meet.

He is confident that the Wolves as a team could be one of the top squads at the state cross-country competition.

“I’m ready and my team is ready to compete at state,” Ackerman said. “We’re looking good. Our team overall can take state. It’s mostly how much our boys want to work to get the title.”