Hawk Cross Country Back on Top
By Danny Waldo
Another year, another championship for Bozeman High’s cross country programs.
The Bozeman Hawk boys’ and girls’ cross country teams took home team titles in windy, cold conditions in Great Falls on October 26th. This was 12th consecutive state championship, and 13th in the past 14 years for the Bozeman boys’ program. The girls have been equally dominant, winning 12 of the past 13 titles after winning 11 consecutive titles from 2007-2017 before coming in second last year.
For the boys, it was the closest race they have had in their record-breaking 12-year streak, as the Hawks edged out Missoula Hellgate thanks to racer placement. The teams were tied in points after tallying the scores of the top five runners, meaning the tie-breaker would come down to the placement of the next highest-scoring runner. Fortunately for Bozeman, that meant Jon Wheeler, who came in 16th place, was enough to edge the Knights and keep the winning streak alive.
All five of Bozeman’s top five runners placed in the Top 15, led by William Hodgson who came in fourth place.
On the girls’ side, things were a little less stressful, as Bozeman ran away from the rest of the pack, scoring 38 points with the next closest competitor being the Hellgate Knights with 60. Hellgate ended Bozeman’s streak of 11 consecutive team titles in 2018. Motivation played a key role in helping the Hawks retain the title after finishing second in 2018.
“It was a nice sigh of relief that we were able to bounce back,” Jermyn said. “When you win 11 state titles and someone takes it from you, you want to take it back and we did that today.”
Bozeman had five runners earn All-State accolades, including three who finished in the Top 10. The Hawks were led by Terra Trom who came in second overall.
By Danny Waldo
