Runners Enjoy Good Turnout For Season

A year after earning second place at the state girls’ cross-country meet, the Culbertson/ Bainville team enjoys a good turnout this fall.

Kayli Olson, Destiny Thompson and Megan Granbois are returning members of last year’s girls’ squad. Culbertson had 59 points at state compared to champion Manhattan Christian’s 47 points.

The Culbertson/Bainville boys took ninth at the state meet last season. Returning athletes are Drae Nelson, Maurice Bighorn and Trevor Green.

“I’m hoping they can all show improvement early on in the season, which will result in faster times at state compared to last year,” coach David Solem said of goals for the returning runners.

The program features five boys and seven girls at this point.

“I am happy with the turnout,” Solem said. “It is an average year for turnout so we are happy with that.”

He feels a couple newcomers could benefit the program this season.

“There are a couple of new members to the team that have never been out, so they have a lot to learn about running and competing in cross country,” Solem said. “They will do great though, glad they are out.”

Another benefit could be that Bainville changed its policy so athletes can now compete in two sports during the same season. Also throughout Montana, eighth-grade students are now allowed to run at the high school level.

“We just hope to finish the year by placing in the top 10 at the state meet in Missoula,” Solem said. “The girls’ team lost two seniors so it will be tough to try to match the success at state from last year.”

Solem expects Richey/ Lambert to be the top boys’ team in the area. “For the girls, Scobey and Plentywood will definitely be tough competition and should be state contenders,” he said.

Culbertson/Bainville will open its season in Wolf Point on Friday, Aug. 26.