Husky harriers take second at State

By: 
Stephanie Tolman

The state championship meet in Cheyenne on Saturday capped off the 2024 cross country season. The Huskies came close to their goal of a four-peat but took second place to Wyoming Indian in a disappointing one-point loss. 

“It wasn’t quite the weekend we were hoping for, but there are a lot of things that our kids can be proud of,” said Coach Ryan Olson. “They worked as hard this year as any team I’ve ever coached. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the course. Cheyenne did a nice job hosting the meet. It was especially exciting to have three all-state athletes: Howard McNiven, Connor Hoyt and Paul McNiven. James McNiven was our fourth finisher and ran a great race.” 

Wyoming Indian has quite the winning tradition in 2A cross country. Their win this year is the 17th time in 32 years that they have topped the podium. Burlington and the combined Burlington/Rocky teams have taken the last three state titles.

“It’s hard to lose first place by just one spot,” said Olson. “Every runner can second guess their race, their workouts and the other hundred things that could have gone differently. But it’s important to remember how much progress was made throughout the year and to be okay with giving everything their best shot.” 

On the girls’ side, Raygen Andrew ran her personal best time. “I’m so proud of her. Her foot was hurting before the race, but she decided to run despite the pain. She was a great addition to the team this year.

“We saw times improve with all our runners throughout the year. The Riverside kids were wonderful to work with, as well as their coach, Greg Mendenhall. We’re looking forward to working together again next year,” ended Olson. 

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 

Girls – 28, Raygen Andrew, 28:58.60. 

BOYS – 3, Howard McNiven, 18:04.20; 4, Connor Hoyt, 18:05.70; 10, Paul McNiven, 18:45.60; 17, James McNiven, 19:29.30; 45, Colt Haslam, 22:13.40; 51, Ben Mendenhall, 22:42.00; 61, Nick Olmstead, 24:43.40.

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