Poplar’s Cross-Country Program Fields Solid Squad

With the majority of their top runners returning from last season, Poplar’s cross country team aims to improve on last year’s successful campaign.

“We want to continue on building our program that we started doing last year,” Coach John Wetsit said. “We will emphasize consistency. We will try to bring back the Poplar tradition.”

Leading’s Poplar’s girls are freshman Journey Gourneau, who placed 33rd at the state meet as an eighth grader.

Wetsit said girls who were the most consistent during summer work included Amelia Weeks and Kellyn Azure.

The Indians are also looking for Alara Cooper to have a solid campaign this fall.

Top runners for Poplar’s boys include freshman Issac Izizarry and senior Eljin Grey Bear.

“They will be a top one-two punch,” Wetsit said. Jayden Eder, another freshman, is also expected to finish near the head of the pack.

“I look for him to be with Eljin and Issac,” the coach added.

Last season, Poplar’s girls and Poplar’s boys each were 11th in the team standings at the state meet.

“We’re looking to be one of the tougher teams in the area,” Wetsit said.

Poplar Cross Country Schedule

Aug. 29: at Wolf Point Invitational Sept. 6: Poplar Invitational Sept. 13: at Havre Invitational Sept. 20: at Mountain West in Missoula Sept. 25: at Frazer Invitational Sept. 26: at Glendive Invitational Sept. 27: at Plentywood Invitational Oct. 3: at Miles City Stampede Oct. 4: at Glasgow Invitational Oct. 11: at Sidney Invitational Oct. 18: at Culbertson Invitational Oct. 25: State (Missoula)