Rocky Mountain Middle School cross country finishes strong

The Rocky Mountain Middle School cross country team wrapped up a strong season with solid performances at the Pinnacle Bank/Powell Invitational held October 9 at the Powell Golf Club. The Grizzly boys finished ninth overall, posting an average time of 16:29.

Athletic Director Tobee Christiansen said he’s proud of the program’s steady growth under third-year coach Gerry Burton.

“I enjoy Gerry’s enthusiasm for cross country,” he said. “He pushes athletes to reach personal goals while celebrating every improvement, big or small.”

The Grizzlies were led by Jason Unruh, who finished 50th with a time of 14:14, followed closely by Kaiden Adey, 52nd at 14:16. James Demers placed 87th in 15:56, Mason Haslem 107th in 17:33, Canyon Weinand 124th in 20:25 and Jasper Tippetts 129th in 23:18.

On the girls side, Ava Weierman, a sixth grader, represented Rocky Mountain as the team’s lone runner, finishing 108th with a time of 19:50.

Christiansen added that Burton’s influence has gone beyond race results, noting, “His commitment to each athlete has helped them develop strengths I’m not sure they even knew they had.”

Coach Burton agreed the season was a special one.

“The athletes kept setting new personal records every week,” he said. “They had a lot of fun, and it’s been amazing to watch them do hard things and find success.”

Burton said the team is already looking forward to track season and then back to cross country next fall.