Middle school Huskies cross country are conference champs

Burlington’s Middle School Cross Country team made up of athletes from Burlington, Basin and Greybull competed on Friday at the Yellowstone Conference Championship in Powell and the boys team took home the Yellowstone Conference Championship. “I was so proud of these kids,” said Coach Ryan Olson. “They set a really high goal about a month ago when they thought that a championship was in reach. I had to remind them that most of the teams there would be 3A and 4A schools and that they all had some really talented runners. 

“Luckily, they didn’t pay much attention to me and worked harder than ever. I think we’re one of the only middle schools that works out every day right along with the high school and I think being pushed like that really helped. This is something they can be really proud of.” 

Davin Buck finished 2nd overall with Bret Winters and Kaleb Christopherson also finishing in the top 10. Warren Eardley was the top 6th grade runner. “Benton Bullinger needed to race a personal best in order for us to seal the victory and he really came through. It was fun to watch. Vanessa Winters also ran her personal best on the girls’ side.” 

The High School team competed in Powell as well with the boys team taking 7th overall. “They all raced well in their JV and Varsity events. We switched a few more boys into the varsity race in order to prepare them for the next couple of weeks. Jaxon Buck and Spencer Hamilton both rose to those varsity expectations. Both are running their strongest times of the season and should be ready to go for our conference and state meets. Kellen Winters finished 1st overall in the meet and is looking strong to repeat as a conference and state champion these next two weekends. 

These are great kids and I’m really looking forward to seeing what they can do to finish the season on a high note,” said Olson. 

Burlington will host the Five Rivers Conference Cross Country Meet on Friday with the girls’ race starting at 11 a.m. and the boys at 11:30 a.m. 

POWELL RESULTS

VARSITY BOYS 5000 METER – 1, Kellen Winters, 16:09.92. 19, Connor Hoyt, 18:23.07. 53, Jaxon Buck, 20:48.58. 60, Spencer Hamilton, 21:11.10. 70, Bryant Casey, 22:56.11. 

JV BOYS 5000 METER – 28, Ariel Cordova, 21:50.45. 70, Brian O’Barr, 24:36.85. 50, Tanner Dunlap, 27:19.58. 56, Jackson Olson, 32:21.05.