Scottie Boys and Girls XC Claim First in Culbertson

The Scottie boys and girls cross country teams claimed both of the top slots at the Culbertson Invitation Meet on Oct. 19. The meet was a high-note finish for the teams that had showed significant promise on the course this year and sets them up for their State Meet competition this weekend in Great Falls on Oct. 26.

The Scottie girls led the pack with a total score of 36 points, well ahead of the second-place Scobey Spartans with 114 points and the third-place Plentywood Wildcats with 119 points. Leading the field for Glasgow was Iris McKean who took second place with a time of 20:17.75, behind her was Ali Cunningham (third) and Lauren Padden (fourth). Freshman Haylly Turner rounded out the final-four score for the Scotties with an 11th place finish and a time of 23:55.67.

Speaking on behalf of the girls team, Iris McKean said, “I thought [Culbertson] was pretty good. The course was flat but footing was iffy.” She added that the team’s performance was a good finish to the season and stated, “I was really proud of everyone.” She is also excited to take on the state competition. McKean’s goal is an All-State finish in the top 15, but her ultimate goal is a top five finish.

Senior Ali Cunningham was also happy with the team’s performance in Culbertson, but she was particularly proud of the performance of freshman Haylly Turner who stepped up to contribute to the team’s score. “I think I did well,” said Cunningham, “but I’m really proud of Haylly Turner, a freshman, who really stepped it up this meet.”

Cunningham is also looking for that All-State finish at the meet this coming weekend. It’s a goal she says she has held since her freshman year when at her first state meet she saw the top 15 finishers being “caged separately” from the rest of the runners. She said that since that time she has wanted to be in that group of exclusive runners.

The girls are currently ranked fourth in the state, but are pushing for at least a third-place finish at State. “Team-wise I think we are definitely in the running for top three,” said McKean, “but it will definitely be close so we’ll definitely step it up.”

The boys also claimed the top slot this past weekend with a total of 21 points placing ahead of number two-placed team Wolf Point with 83 points and third-place Richey/Lambert with 85 points. Leading the Scotties was Wilson Overby in first place, Carl Zabrocki in second, Bergen Miller in fifth and finishing off the team’s scorers was Jacob Meiers in sixth.

Meiers described the meet favorably saying, “It went well. It was my first week back so it was a good way to end the season.” For State, Meiers is looking forward to improving on his season by aiming for a low-18-minute time and helping get the team on the podium.

Overby was more than happy with the first-place finish in Culbertson noting it is a good way to set the tone going into state for the teams. He is looking forward to a return trip to State and the different teams, the dinner and of course, the race.

“I think we’ll do really well,” said Overby. “We looked pretty good in Culbertson so I think we have a really good chance of placing.” Even though he thinks the team has a great shot at a podium finish, his ultimate goal is taking the champion’s spot on top of the podium in his last cross country meet as a high-schooler.

“My goal would be to win the State Championship,” said Overby. “It won’t be easy but it’s a goal I’ve been working for all season so it would be cool.”

In all, the Scotties are taking 16 runners to state, eight on each side. They are for the girls: Iris McKean, Ali Cunningham, Lauren Padden, Kira Beck, Haylly Turner, Stevie Hartwell, Elizabeth Nyquist and Shanice Lagerquist. For the boys: Wilson Overby, Carl Zabrocki, Bergen Miller, Jacob Meiers, Lane Thompson, Reed Larsen, Blake Lloyd and Tim Wageman.

Cubertson Results:

Girls results: Glasgow 36, Scobey 114, Plentywood 119, Wolf Point 129, Fairview 168, Culbertson NS, Poplar NS, Richey/Lambert NS, Circle NS, Frazer NS, Whitewater NS, Brockton NS

Iris McKean 2nd 20:17.75

Ali Cunningham 3rd 21:16.81

Lauren Padden 4th 22:26.48

Haylly Turner 11th 23:55.67

Kira Beck 16th 24:37.87

Stevie Hartwell 22nd 25:13.73

Elizabeth Nyquist 28th 26:57.29

Shanice Lagerquist 31st 27:14.56

Boys results: Glasgow 21, Wolf Point 83, Richey/Lambert 85, Scobey 112, Culbertson 138, Terry NS, Brockton NS, Frazer NS, Plentywood NS, Fairview NS

Wilson Overby 1st 17:27.41

Carl Zabrocki 2nd 18:04.40

Bergen Miller 5th 18:38.08

Jacob Meiers 6th 18:43.60

Lane Thompson 7th 18:55.08

Reed Larsen 10th 19:29.28

Blake Lloyd 11th 19:32.12

Tim Wageman 23rd 20:47.13

Colter Cumber 24th 20:47.98

Trevor Johnson 27th 21:08.32

Trevor Shipp 31st 21:19.02

Keigan Skolrud 34th 22:11.55

Fynn Sukut 36th 22:17.67

Keevan Sibley 39th 22:36.24

Jaysen Turner 40th 22:45.70

Jared Barlow 46th 23:48.39

Donny Brabeck 49th 25:05.40