Grizzlies conquer heat, hills at Hardin cross country meet

The Rocky Mountain High School cross country team traveled to Hardin, Montana, last Friday for a meet on a course near the famous Little Bighorn Battlefield. The Grizzlies came home with several strong efforts despite a demanding course, rising afternoon temperatures and a hill that has become part of the meet’s reputation.

The Hardin course is known for its nearly mile-long uphill climb, followed by an equally brutal downhill, with the climb becoming more difficult as the day wore on and temperatures climbed.

“It was pretty hot in Hardin,” assistant coach Mindy Mickelson said. “By the final race it was in the 90s.”

Mickelson said the hill was particularly daunting in the heat, but runners had plenty of support along the course.

“Lots of coaches and teammates were out there spraying water on the runners on the way up and also on the way down that hill,” she said. “I feel like the heat took a little bit of a toll on the runners, which was reflected in their times. Overall, I think they tried hard to do their best.”

Boys varsity

Rowan Hanusa led Rocky Mountain’s boys varsity runners, finishing 34th out of 113 in 20:29. Head Coach Gerry Burton said Hanusa showed he was ready for the challenge.

“Rowan’s first varsity meet of the year, and he had a really good run,” Burton said. “He finished faster than he did at this meet last year. He placed seventh in JV last year. A great showing for his second meet of the year.”

Hanusa’s improved time on a tough course was a positive early-season sign, particularly with the heat making fast times difficult for much of the field.

Girls varsity

Senior Avery Thomas, who had missed the meet the previous week in Billings, finished 60th out of 100 runners in 26:00 in her first experience running at the Hardin meet. She faced the same combination of heat and hills that challenged every division throughout the day.

“She had a good meet,” Burton said. “She did a great job getting up the big hill.”

Boys junior varsity

The Rocky Mountain boys junior varsity group raced in a field of 78 runners, with several Grizzlies meeting the hill head-on and competing well through the final stretch.

Jason Unruh led the group, placing 26th in 23:17.

“Jason ran well, never stopping on the hill and finished strong,” Burton said. “He is becoming a great runner and leader of the freshmen.”

Unruh’s ability to keep working through the hardest part of the course helped set the tone for the younger Grizzlies.

Ethan Haslem was close behind in 30th place at 23:33.

“Ethan ran a bit slower than last year but overall did a great job,” Burton said. “He is closing the gap to his PR and should get there soon.”

With more favorable conditions ahead, Haslem will have opportunities to improve.

James Demers finished 64th in 28:58 after a determined effort on the long climb.

“James worked hard coming into this meet,” Burton said. “He pushed through and passed several people on the hill.”

Passing runners on the course’s most difficult section was a good reflection of his persistence.

Derek Hedges placed 65th in 29:31.

“Derek is becoming a strong runner,” Burton said. “He has not run cross country before and is performing well for a first timer.”

As a newcomer to the sport, Hedges continues to gain experience with each race.

Tristan Kerchner finished 74th in 33:11.

“Tristan is new to the sport and is figuring it out,” Burton said. “He did a good job keeping up and holding his ground on the hill.”

For a runner still learning the demands of cross country, the course provided a valuable test.

Rocky Mountain will take both its middle school and high school teams to Riverton on Thursday, Sept. 10. Racing begins with the girls middle school race at 3 p.m., followed by the boys middle school race at 3:30 p.m. The girls high school race starts at 4:30 p.m., and Riverton High School will recognize its seniors at 5 p.m. The boys high school race begins at 5:30 p.m.

Burton said the Grizzlies selected the meet because the Big Horn meet is no longer held, making Riverton an opportunity for the entire program to compete together at a large event.