Runners take second at Thompson Falls

Both Columbia Falls cross-country teams took second at the Thompson Falls Invitational meet on Sept. 21.

The boys were led by Zayne Brunz, who placed sixth with a time of 17:43. Shonn Roberts was 11th at 18:13, Seth McCall was 14th at 18:46 and Dalton Nelson was 19th at 19:16.

On the girls side, the top runner was Samantha Mundel, who placed seventh at 21:58. Tori Price was 10th at 22:24 and Carlee Brown was 12th at 22:42.

The team is dealing with injuries. Meredith Stolte was out with an injury, and James Ratzlaff has been out with a foot injury for several weeks. Ratzlaff would normally be one of the Wildcats’ top runners.

Both should return to the team next week, coach Richard Menicke said. The girls are coming together nicely as the regular season winds down, he noted. He also gave Roberts kudos for a strong race.

“He looked strong and aggressive,” Menicke said.

The teams travel to Missoula on Saturday.