Polson weathers final wild ride at state meet
MISSOULA — After a roller-coaster season for the Polson cross country team, the state meet was no different.
“It was a memorable meet for both Polson teams,” head coach Matt Seeley said.
The Pirates competed at the Montana State Class A Cross Country Meet last Saturday at the University of Montana golf course.
Nagging injuries and sickness took a toll on the girls team, finishing barely out of the top ten, three points behind Glendive.
Junior Mesa Starkey was nursing a serious calf injury and finished 16th with a time of 20:11.
“She managed to tough it out and finish 16th in a gutsy effort, but it was certainly disappointing for Mesa after she ran so well last week,” Seeley said.
Senior Karissa Koberg finished 48th, with a time of 21:29. Junior Sierra Pete came down with the flu the day before the race but finished third for the team and 66th overall with a time of 21:58.
Sophomore Laura Barter also ran her best time ever, finishing 70th overall with a time of 22:04. She dropped 30 seconds in what Seeley called “the best Polson race of the day.”
Freshman Whitney Zimmerman was so sick she decided not to run, giving senior Mary Wiedrich one more shot to race. Wiedrich finished 83th overall in 22:36.
“Mary really came through with her lifetime best time,” Seeley said.
Chelsea Cree struggled with breathing problems during the race and ended up in the medical tent after crossing the finish line.
“I was proud of how well our girls persevered despite some bad luck,” Seeley said. “I am excited about good things for next year as our young team returns with more experience.”
The boys experienced less bad luck to finish 17th as a team.
Freshman Jimmy Bjorge finished with a lifetime best and 34th place finish in a time of 17:30. Sophomore Alex Nystrom finished second on the team and 43th overall with 17:43.
“Both of these young guys will come back as team leaders next year,” Seeley said.
Freshman Travis Bowman recovered from sickness in time to finish 93th overall in a time of 18:39.
Senior Jordan Cross also ran his best ever time, dropping 30th seconds and finishing sixth for Polson.
Results
Boys
34, Jimmy Bjorge, 17:30.94
43, Alex Nystrom, 17:43.70
93, Travis Bowman, 18:39.62
111, Scott Taylor, 19:09.54
119, Traven Hoyt, 19:27.70
120, Jordan Cross, 19:27.93
Girls
16, Mesa Starkey, 20:11.99
48, Karissa Koberg, 21:29.19
66, Sierra Pete, 21:58.23
70, Laura Barta, 22:04.63
83, Mary Wiedrich, 22:36.95
106, Mariah Hamel, 23:36.10
130, Chelsey Cree, 26:58.00