Rocky Mountain runners make a strong first impression at Billings

The Rocky Mountain High School boys cross country team opened the season in a large field at the Billings Invitational, giving first-year head coach Gerry Burton an encouraging first look at a young group that competed hard from start to finish.

All six Grizzlies ran in the boys junior varsity race, which included 326 runners. Burton said the team’s greatest accomplishment was simple: “No one walked.”

“This is the first meet that I’ve been to that none of them walked,” Burton said. “Nobody walked. They all ran hard.”

Sophomore Rowan Hanusa led Rocky Mountain, placing 85th in 20:30. Burton said Hanusa looked strong throughout the race and finished well despite coming into the season without a summer running base.

“Everybody ran strong through there,” Burton said. “They all finished really strong.” He believes Hanusa has the ability to break 19 minutes later this season as he continues to get into race shape.

Freshman Jason Unruh placed 124th in 21:11 in his first high school cross country meet. Junior Ethan Haslem was 226th in 23:22. Haslem competed for the Grizzlies last season and at State, and Burton believes he can bring his time down as the season progresses.

James Demers finished 293rd in 26:25, followed closely by first-time runner Derek Hedges, 296th in 26:45, and Tristan Kerchner, 298th in 27:18.

Hedges had run track but had never run a 5K before this season, but Burton said he has embraced the work. “He’s been really strong, just does our practices and works really hard,” Burton said.

Kerchner had never participated in a school sport before joining cross country. Burton said coming out for the team was “a huge step” for the newcomer, who was learning how to pace a 3.1-mile race for the first time.

Burton said he likes the potential of the group, particularly as the five younger or less-experienced runners push one another in practice.

“Those top five are going to progress,” he said. “Derek’s really progressing really well. Tristan, for his first time ever even trying to run, he had no clue how to pace, no clue. But that’s how you learn.”

The Grizzlies travel to Hardin Friday for a 10 a.m. meet on a demanding course known for its long climb, which Burton jokingly calls “the run to heaven.” The team prepared this week with hill work, including the climb to Frog Rock.

Rocky Mountain is also expected to have a full lineup for the meet. Avery Thomas, who was unable to run in Billings, is expected to compete in varsity girls, while Burton said Hanusa will likely move into the varsity boys race.