Area Runners Have Goal On State Competition

With another season underway, the Culbertson/Bainville team is setting its sights on steady improvement, strong competition and, ultimately, a trip to the state meet.

Head coach Chance Hyatt said the team enters the season with four seniors — Cal Steppler, Gunner Glass, Rebekah Ellerkamp and Bella Petersen — who will help lead the way.

Hyatt has set a clear goal for his runners this year: qualify a full group of seven boys and seven girls for the state meet.

Anna Steppler earned All-State honors as a freshman by having a time of 21:22.90 to take eighth place at the Class C state cross country meet in Helena.

“We want to continue to be competitive at every meet and do our best to get better every week,” Hyatt said.

For the Cowboys and Cowgirls, reaching that goal will come one meet and one week at a time. With the senior group providing experience and younger runners continuing to develop, Hyatt hopes to see both teams make progress as the season moves forward.

While a trip to state is the big goal waiting at the end of the season, the focus for now remains on improvement and giving their best effort each time the Cowboys and Cowgirls step onto the course.

Bainville Cross Country Schedule

Aug. 28: at Wolf Point Invitational Sept. 4: at Poplar Invitational Sept. 10: at Scobey Meet Sept. 19: at Brockton Meet Sept. 24: at Frazer Invitational Sept. 26: at Plentywood Meet Oct. 3: at Glasgow Invitational Oct. 10: at Sidney Invitational Oct. 17: Culbertson Invitational Oct. 25: State (Billings)