Poplar’s Cross Country Team Prepares For Season With 20 Runners
The Poplar Indians are enjoying an excellent turnout for their high school cross country program this year.
Poplar’s 20 runners include 10 boys and 10 girls.
“It’s probably the biggest turnout in many years,” Poplar’s first-year coach Karolyn Kohl said.
The group of returning girls features Reinita Irizarry, Jazmyn Carry Water, Mattie Ayers and Bailey Dupree.
Irizarry placed 34th and Carry Water took 50th at last year’s Class B state meet.
Returning athletes for the boys include Delray Lilley, Geordy Medicine Cloud and Finesse Headress. The Indians feature nine freshmen including five girls.
“It should be a good turnout,” Kohl said. “I’m pretty excited.”
The coach expects Izizarry and Carry Water to be among the top runners in the area for the girls’ division. Medicine Cloud, Lilley and freshman Miles Boxer should have strong seasons for the boys.
“I want the girls’ team to place well at all their meets. Glasgow will be our top competition,” Kohl said.
She expects the boys to be more competitive than they have been the past few seasons.
Practices are going well for the Indians. They plan to work out at the wellness center’s swimming pool once a week.
“It’s extra cross training and conditioning,” Kohl said.
Poplar will open its season in Wolf Point on Friday, Aug. 26.
Poplar Cross Country
Aug. 26: at Wolf Point Invitational Sept. 3: Poplar Invitational Sept. 10: at Havre Sept. 17: at Glasgow (Fort Peck) Sept. 22: at Frazer Sept. 24: at Lockwood 7 on 7 Oct. 1: at Miles City Oct. 8: at Sidney Oct. 14: at Harlem Oct. 22: State (Missoula)
