Lovell harriers conclude season at State

The Lovell Bulldogs wrapped up their cross country season at the state meet in Cheyenne Saturday. The day was warm, making beautiful racing conditions. Although the teams didn’t quite reach their overall goals, head coach Caleb Sanders said he was proud of the effort and preparation his runners showed.

“We didn’t get those averages we were hoping for, but the kids tried hard,” Sanders said. “We did a lot of good things preparing for it but didn’t quite hit that mark.”

Several Bulldogs finished the season strong with personal bests at the Cheyenne course. Senior Elana Schilthuis led the girls, placing 34th with a time of 22:32. She was able to improve her time on the course by 29 seconds from last year. Senior Atlee Sanders also cut 13 seconds from last season, finishing 73rd in 29:34. The other girls results were Caylee Herman (62nd, 25:54), Candace Walker (71st, 28:40) and Toree Herman (72nd, 29:16). 

On the boys’ side, senior David Durfee led the Bulldogs once again, placing 44th with a time of 19:21.

“David was our top runner at State, as he’s been all year,” Sanders said. “Every race, he’s shown up and given his all. He’s one of the top runners Lovell High School has had for years now.”

Sophomore Isaac Sanders had an impressive race as well as he finished second for the team in 65th with a time of 20:30, showing consistent progress throughout the season.

“Isaac really moved up this year, especially at State. He moved up on our team, passing the few that have beat him in previous meets,” Sanders said. “He has impressed us with how much he’s developed and how hard he has worked.”

Senior Owen Hill finished 69th in 20:38, closely followed by senior Jacob Thomas in 70th at 20:38 and freshman Oscar Garcia in 73rd (20:41). Sanders noted how well the younger runners stepped up, especially freshmen Garcia and Ethan Hendershot (84th, 21:38).

“Oscar and Ethan really ran well. They have continued to show a lot of promise for the future,” the coach said.

Sanders expressed gratitude for his senior runners and the impact they’ve had on the team, noting, “It’s a goodbye to a fairly sizable group of seniors. I hope they walk away with fond memories of cross country.”

He highlighted Thomas, who has been part of the program since middle school (seven years).

“Jacob’s had a positive attitude since the beginning, even when things didn’t go his way,” Sanders said. “He’s been steady and supportive, always looking at the bright side.”

Sanders also highlighted Hill for a strong season and Schilthuis for her dedication, saying that, despite it being only her second year running, she has been a hardworking athlete and overall has added a lot to the team.

While the Bulldogs didn’t secure team placements or any all-state honors, Coach Sanders emphasized that success isn’t always measured with medals.

“We have to look at the positives,” he said. “The climate and culture of this team is great. They’re good kids doing difficult things and pushing themselves.”

He also expressed appreciation for assistant coach Bret George, who has been by his side the whole season.

“We couldn’t do it without him,” Sanders said. “He has been a vital part of the team from his coaching to providing transportation to the logistics for the team.”

With this season over, Sanders has his eyes set on next year.

“We plan to do more organized running during the winter and summer,” Sanders said. “There are a few runners who really want to put in those miles, and I’m looking forward to that.”

The team will celebrate the season during an awards night on Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. in the high school multipurpose room.