BHS runners prepare for state

The Bigfork High School cross-country team finished their regular season with solid performances in last Thursday's Running Edge meet in Missoula.

"This was a great meet," said Sue Loeffler, BHS head cross-country coach. "It was a great tune-up for state. These guys are ready to put in a great performance at the state meet."

Senior Kayla Carlson finished third among the 99 runners in the varsity girls race. Her time of 18:46 was just 25 seconds slower than Heather Dermorest, of Darby, who won the race and 21 seconds behind Paige Gilchrist, from Hellgate High School, who placed second.

Bigfork's Chelsea Olson placed 38th in the race with her time of 22:32.

Bridger Mahlum, a senior, led Bigfork's boys, finishing 14th among the 104 participants with his time of 17:02. Spencer Jenko had his best finish of the season placing 41st with a time of 18:33. Riley Neilson had a personal best as well with a time of 20:40 and placed 79th. Chris Driver was 95th with his time of 22:33.

The team will compete in the state meet on Saturday at the University of Montana Golf Course.