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Ronan boys earn gold at cross-country conference championship

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THOMPSON FALLS — The Ronan Chief’s Cross Country team claimed the 6B/7B Conference Championship title this past Thursday in Thompson Falls by beating Thompson Falls in a close one, 45 to 48.

“We have not been able to beat Thompson Falls all season and knew that the task at hand was going to be a tough one — they are a talented team,” Coach Noelle Decker said. “However, as a team we had discussed what each person’s job/role was and what was going to have to happen to make a win possible. They couldn’t have done things more perfectly.”

The top five boys took off in a pack the first mile, with Jackson Duffey leading the race. Duffey ended up being edged out by a Eureka boy, coming in second (17:04), followed by teammate Daniel Koehler in eighth (17:25), and Nate Dennis in 10th (17:33). Rounding out the Chiefs top five were Kiry Detwiler in 12th at 17:45 and Hunter Peterson in 13th at 17:56.

Only 52 seconds separated the first and fifth Ronan runners.

“Thompson Falls placed boys 3, 4, 11, 14 and 16. That’s just how close it was,” Decker said.

Chief teammates Andrew Koehler (18:53) and Aiden Birdinground (20:03) also made the state team that will travel to Great Falls on Saturday, both clocking in personal bests for the season. Rounding out the Chief runners were Michael Koehler, alternate to state; Tyler Joachim, Jacob Dresen, and Terrell Stump.

“The nice thing about this team is we will only be graduating one senior and we are young, with several freshman coming on strong at the end of the season,” Decker said. “(They) will be a factor next year.”

Running for the Maidens were Ashley McCready, Penni Weyent, Tashyna Matt, Korrie Frisk, and Kaitlyn Sassaman.

“Despite the team being unable to earn a team score due to Ashley McCready still on the 90-day eligibility wait, they all competed well and are showing improvement each week,” Decker said.  

As with the boy’s team, the girls are also young and the team looks forward to gaining a few strong freshman next year to help out.

“I believe they can become a force to be reckoned with in the next few years,” Decker said. “These girls work hard each week and the desire is there; (we) just need a few more bodies to help us out.”

Penni, Tashyna, Korrie, and Kaitlyn will all be running at state. They are set on competing well and clocking their best times of the season, according to Decker.

 

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