Polson XC sets the tone
<p>Claudia Hewston (far right) crosses the finish line as Matt Seeley (far left) keeps time during Polson’s annual cross country time trial at Polson High School on Friday. Hewston broke the former senior girls record in the 3-mile race by more than a minute.</p>
POLSON — Before they have even competed against other teams, Polson’s girls cross country squad is already making history.
Senior Claudia Hewston broke the girls senior record in the program’s annual time trial at Polson High School’s track on Friday, Aug. 30, throwing down the gauntlet at 19:42 in the 3-mile event.
The day before, senior Alisha Jore—who had a prior commitment and ran the time trial early—posted a 20:35, breaking Jeri Rafter’s prior senior record of 20:53 set back in 2000.
“We have an incredible group of dedicated senior girls in their fourth year with Polson Pirate XC,” said Matt Seeley, who is entering his ninth year as the Polson cross country coach. “The time trial performances show that they have put in extra hard work this summer to prepare for their last year and they are no ready to get real serious about running fast.”
Each of the Polson girls’ top seven runners finished under 24 minutes, a statistic that bodes well for the Pirates’ chances at a solid Class A state meet performance.
“A state championship is a tall order, but this group finished third as freshman and would certainly love to get back on the podium in their last race,” Seeley said. “I think they will surprise a few people.”
The Pirate girls were bolstered by strong performances from freshmen Isabella Seemann (20:52), Anna Young (21:46) and Hanna Madsen (23:56).
The Polson boys were led by a duo of seniors in Tel Motichka (17:45) and Cade Howlett (19:10).
Like Jore, Motichka ran the time trial on Thursday rather than Friday, setting up a free-for-all on the track the next morning. The top three finishers on Friday finished within six seconds of each other, with Chris McDonald (19:13) and Thunder Morales (19:16) finishing close behind Howlett.
“Our boys team is very young, but I loved that the top five really battled out there on the track,” Seeley said. “They obviously have some competitive spirit and it will be fun to see how they do with more training and race experience.”
Polson’s cross country teams will open up the 2013 season in Cut Bank on Friday.
Polson Time Trial Results
from Aug. 29-30
Girls
1. Claudia Hewston, 19:42; 2. Alisha Jore, 20:35; 3. Isabella Seemann, 20:52; 4. Tegan Bauer, 21:20; 5. Anna Young, 21:46; 6. Amanda Stobie, 22:42; 7. Hanna Madsen, 23:56; 8. Hannah Hodges, 25:16; 9. Josey Motichka, 25:38; 10. Sierra Garcia, 26:23; 11. Ceara Snyder, 26:27; 12. Sharidan Russell, 28:14.
Boys
1. Tel Motichka, 17:45; 2. Cade Howlett, 19:10; 3. Chris McDonald, 19:13; 4. Thunder Morales, 19:16; 5. Matt Sitter, 19:32; 6. Warren Wood, 20:02; 7. Cash Sisler, 20:24; 8. Rylee Andrews, 21:06; 9. Wyatt Benson, 22:50; 10. Quaid Harlan, 23:12.