Grizzlies continue to build as season heads to Lander

The Rocky Mountain cross country team continues to show progress as the Grizzlies head into one of the more demanding races on their schedule Tuesday in Lander.

With a young group of runners, Coach Gerry Burton has been encouraged not only by improving times but by the work ethic and leadership he is seeing throughout the team.

Leading the Rocky Mountain girls is Avery Thomas, who placed 20th in the varsity race last week with a time of 24:46.

“Avery ran a very good race,” Burton said. “She is creeping up on her PR and will most likely achieve this soon. She is a great team leader and captain.”

Thomas has provided the Grizzlies with consistency at the front of the girls team and will face another good test at Lander, where the hilly course rewards runners who can maintain their effort through difficult climbs.

Sophomore Rowan Hanusa continues to lead the Rocky Mountain boys. Hanusa finished 30th in the varsity division last week in 20:37.

“Rowan ran a good race,” Burton said. “He kept a high pace throughout and was great at encouraging the team. He placed well in varsity as a sophomore. It will be fun to see what happens as he gets stronger.”

The Grizzlies are also seeing encouraging performances from their JV boys, with several runners showing the potential to continue dropping their times as the season progresses.

Jason Unruh led that group with a 14th-place finish in 21:35. Burton said Unruh has emerged as the leader of the JV squad and is getting closer to making the jump to varsity.

“Jason is a great runner,” Burton said. “He is the captain of the JV squad and will be moving up to varsity soon. We just want his time a bit lower.”

Ethan Haslem finished 33rd in 24:14, continuing a season in which Burton has been impressed with both his effort and attitude.

“Ethan has been running strong, and his work ethic and attitude are paying off,” Burton said. “He is hoping to PR this next meet.”

Derek Hedges placed 47th in 27:34. His time, Burton said, didn’t fully show the effort he put into the race.

“Derek has been working very hard and is planning on a PR this week,” Burton said. “His dedication to hard practices is wonderful to see.”

Tristan Kerchner followed in 49th place with a time of 29:10.

“Tristan is doing a good job for the team,” Burton said. “He works his best at each moment and has a consistent pace.”

The Grizzlies now turn their attention to Thursday’s meet in Lander, where they will face a course known for its big hills and the grueling effort required to conquer them.

The high school girls race begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by the high school boys at 1 p.m.

For a Rocky Mountain team that continues to emphasize hard work and steady improvement, the challenging course provides another opportunity to measure its progress. With several Grizzlies closing in on personal-best times and younger runners gaining valuable experience each week, Coach Gerry Burton’s squad heads to Lander looking to take another step forward as the season continues.