For the first time in history, Kalispell is hosting the all-class state cross country meet.
More than 100 schools and 1,100 competitors from across Montana will compete at the state cross country meet on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Rebecca Farm. An estimated 2,500 to 3,500 spectators are expected to attend the event, which is being held at the world-class site of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Kalispell is finally playing host to an event it has historically dominated and helped furnish.
Girls cross country began in the fall of 1965 under the banner of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The first state meet for girls took place during halftime of a Flathead High School football game with six laps on the track under the direction of renowned local coach, Neil Eliason. Girls cross country was later sanctioned by the MHSA in 1971.
Boys cross country was initiated as a Montana High School Association-sanctioned sport in the fall of 1964 in Class A and B schools.
The Flathead Valley has a rich history of all-time great distance runners. Flathead High School holds the Class AA record for most team championships for both boys and girls. The Bravettes have won 15 state titles and the boys have claimed 11. The Braves still hold the record for the four lowest team scores in state history — 21 in 1999, 23 in 1998, 26 in 1997 and 28 in 2000. The 2001 Flathead girls hold the third lowest team score in state history with 31.
This year’s meet should once again showcase the valley’s local talents. Glacier junior Annie Hill is one of the fastest prep runners in the nation and will try to win her third consecutive Class AA title. Flathead junior Kaitlin Wride is also one of the state’s best runners. On the boys side, Flathead sophomore Ben Perrin is one of the top runners, while Glacier boasts seniors Tevyn Stetson and Brock Adkins. Bigfork junior Bryn Morley is the reigning Class B state champion and the Valkyries are the defending team champions. Columbia Falls’ Sage Wanner won the Western A Classic for last weekend.
Start Times
11 a.m. — Class B girls
11:35 a.m. — Class C girls
12:10 p.m. — Class B boys
12:40 p.m. — Class C boys
1:10 p.m. — Class AA girls
1:45 p.m. — Class A girls
2:20 p.m. — Class AA boys
2:50 p.m. — Class A boys