Grizzlies continue to cut times on challenging Lander course

The Rocky Mountain cross country team took on one of the more difficult courses in the state last week, traveling to Lander Thursday, where the Grizzlies continued to show steady improvement.

Several Rocky Mountain runners turned in either personal records or season-best performances, something coach Gerry Burton has been pleased to see as his young team progresses through the season.

Avery Thomas led the Rocky Mountain girls, placing 22nd in 23 minutes, 25 seconds, her best time of the season.

“Avery has been working hard to get her times back to where she was before she moved to Rocky Mountain,” Burton said. “She fought injuries last year and is making her way back this year to where she wants to be.”

Sophomore Rowan Hanusa again led the Rocky Mountain boys, placing 36th in 19:55 for a season-best performance.

“Rowan is a great leader for our men,” Burton said. “He has been seeking his PR from last year and is only 20 seconds away. He plans on beating it in Worland this week.”

Jason Unruh continued to make progress, running a personal-best 20:44 to finish 46th.

“Jason is doing great cutting his time each week,” Burton said. “He is hoping to break 20 minutes this week.”

Ethan Haslem finished 77th in 22:55, his season-best time. Haslem will now turn his attention toward his personal record of 22:08, which he set at Worland last season.

“Ethan is running strong again this year,” Burton said. “He is wanting to get closer to his PR, which is 22:08, which he ran last season in Worland. It would be great to do it again and PR this week.”

Derek Hedges also continued his improvement, setting a personal record of 26:01 while placing 94th.

“Derek keeps cutting time each week,” Burton said. “He continues to amaze himself with his accomplishments each week.”

Tristan Kerchner followed close behind, placing 96th and recording a personal-best time of 26:21.

“Tristan keeps pushing his limit and continues to cut his time each week,” Burton said. “He will be looking at another PR this week if he keeps this up.”

James Demers rounded out the Rocky Mountain runners, finishing 104th in 29:37. Burton said Demers has had some interruptions to his normal routine but expects him to bounce back.

“James has been attending some family events and had a tough meet last week,” Burton said. “He is quite determined to get back to where he began. I am confident that he will do just that.”

Beyond the improving times, Burton said he continues to be impressed with the atmosphere his runners have created within the team.

“This is a great group of athletes,” Burton said. “They are there to pick each other up and to encourage best practice and positive mental attitudes. They keep each other working toward their goals and are great at having fun at the same time.”

The Grizzlies will head to Worland on Friday, where a flatter, faster course could provide an opportunity for some of their best times of the season. Hanusa and Thomas will be chasing their personal records, Unruh will have his sights set on breaking the 20-minute barrier and Haslem will return to the course where he ran his career-best 22:08 last season.

The high school girls varsity and JV races will begin at 3 p.m., followed by the boys varsity and JV races at 3:30 p.m.