Badger runners show grit at Silverwood
September 9, 2013
The Badger boys' varsity in the middle of the pack as runners from around the region launch into Saturday's Coaster Classic at Silverwood.
Karen Perkins photos
By Coach Tyler Warner

After the weather cancelled the Kellogg Invite last Thursday, the Badger cross country teams looked to get back into rhythm at Silverwood Theme Park for the Coaster Cross invite last Saturday.

In a race that annually features top talent from as far away as Frenchtown, Montana, and Boise, the field of runners brought challenges on a course with a variety of surfaces, but also a lot of speed.

Hannah Lysne
Leading the way for the Lady Badgers in the girls’ varsity race, freshman Jill Alexander ran a 24:20 on the 5k course in her first race as a Badger. Junior Jordan Merz came in at 24:37 and Sophomore Hannah Lysne finished in 25:45. Sophomore Cheyanne White also finished in 28:16.

The fastest ladies time belonged to Sara Christianson of Borah High School, who posted a fleeting 18:48.

For the boys, junior Jacob Perkins asserted himself again as the Badger's top runner with a 17:22 that earned him a 33rd place finish. Senior Luke Reoch, who stayed with Perkins for most of the race, was once again not far behind, coming in at 17:38.

Senior captain Brad Thompson, making his return, posted a 20:01 and sophomore Alva Swanson came in right behind him with 20:09. Sophomore Louis Balcaen came in at 20:23 and Nolan Stidham came in at 20:26.

Zach Wiberg of Capital High School won the meet with a time of 15:54.

In the JV boys’ race, freshman Eric Ellis came in at 20:22, earning his place on varsity for next week. Caleb Madson finished in 21:40, Alex Urbaniak posted a 23:22, and Zach Cleve finished in 24:02.

No girls competed in the girls JV race.

The Badger's next race will be at Hayden Canyon near Coeur d’Alene for the Super 1 Invite on Saturday September 14. Races begin at 10 a.m.