Winters, McNiven top off middle school season with strong finishes

By: 
Stephanie Tolman

The middle school cross-country season wrapped up Thursday with the Powell Invitational Conference meet and the Huskies saw some of their best times of the season. 

“I believe every one of our runners came out of the meet with a personal best time, which is exactly what we like to see at the end of the season,” said Coach Ryan Olson. “Kellen Winters took the individual champion title, capping off an undefeated season. I’m not sure if there is a course record that has been recorded, but if there is, I’m sure Kellen’s time would challenge it. 

“Hyrum McNiven and Jaxon Buck both have improved their times this year by over a minute. Kelli McNiven took second in the girls’ race. Her sister Natalie also ran her best race of the year. I’m really proud of our middle school team. They all came to practice each day, with great attitudes, ready to work. I’m excited to see what they can do in the next few years.” 

The high school also finished its regular season at the meet in Powell. “Their performances did not disappoint. It’s fun to see all the schools bringing their kids in top form, ready for conference and state meets. Connor Hoyt ran a 17:06, finishing tops among our boys. As usual, Howard McNiven and Paul McNiven were not far behind. James McNiven ran a 19:08. If these boys can run these kinds of times the next couple of weeks, they should have a good chance to ‘four-peat’ as state champions, but we need to stay hungry and humble. A lot of things can happen during a 5,000-meter race.”

Adelle Olson ran a personal best time by almost a minute in the girls’ race. “She and Raygen Andrew have done a nice job this year battling through injuries and doing what they can to improve. It’s not easy being on a team with such small numbers; we’re looking forward to having them come back next year with a full team.” 

This week the Huskies will head to the Thermopolis golf course for their conference meet, which will be held on Friday with the boys’ race starting at 2 p.m. and the girls’ race starting at 2:30 p.m. 

 

PINNACLE BANK/POWELL INVITATIONAL RESULTS 

VARSITY BOYS – 12, Connor Hoyt, 17:06.05; 16, Howard McNiven, 17:33.57; 20, Paul McNiven, 17:45.71; 37, James McNiven, 19:08.71; 57, Colt Haslam, 21:51.81; 58, Nick Olmstead, 22:08.24; 61, Ben Mendenhall, 23:18.61. 

JV BOYS – 40, Brian O’Barr, 27:57.60; 42, Jackson Olson, 37:36.15. 

JV GIRLS – 18, Adelle Olson, 25:16.71. 

MS GIRLS – 2, Kelli McNiven, 12:44.83; 37, Natalie McNiven, 15:00.98; 93, Sydney Jacobson, 19:35.60. 

MS BOYS – 1, Kellen Winters, 10:31.45; 17, Hyrum McNiven, 12:47.98; 26, Jaxon Buck, 13:19.90; 53, Ariel Cordova, 14:25.83; 83, Spencer Hamilton, 15:23.31. 

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