Unfinished business fuels BHS cross-country team

Burlington harriers are back out on the road and fueled this season with some unfinished business. Falling just short of a three-peat championship last season has the team looking forward to competing again for a trophy. With 27 middle school and high school athletes with potentially more joining, the Huskies have combined with Riverside and Greg Mendenhall will be assisting Coach Ryan Olson once again. 

“We’re off to a great start this season,” said Olson. “Our team continues to grow every year. These kids enjoy getting in shape, being outside with their friends and developing a love for a sport that they can do their whole life. We really appreciate working with Riverside. It’s fun seeing our two schools, who are used to competing against each other, be able to form friendships and work together as a team.” 

The Huskies lost a few to graduation last year, but are returning some experienced runners and will have some fresh faces joining the crew. “We’ve got some outstanding athletes that will compete really well this year. Kellen Winters has been nationally ranked for his age group as a middle schooler and now finally gets to compete with our high school team. Bradford Davidson is an all-state distance runner in track, who is joining our team as a sophomore. Connor Hoyt has been all-state for two years and has worked hard over the summer. We’re also looking forward to great things from James McNiven and Ben Mendenhall. 

“Raygen Andrew and Adelle Olson will provide some important senior leadership on the girls’ side. Kelli McNiven is a freshman who set some distance records in middle school track and cross country. I’ve also been really impressed with our numbers at the middle school level. They’ve got great attitudes to go along with their talent.” 

The boys’ team will be working toward getting back to the top of the podium at the end of the season and the girls are excited to have a full team and improve on their times. “Along with our team goals, everyone has individual goals that they will be chasing as well. I’m really excited to see what they can do this year,” said Olson. 

The High School runners will open their season in Billings Aug. 29, with the middle school team running in Cody the next day.