September 4, 2013

Smith off to a strong start

By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor

Asha Smith, along with her teammates, had to battle extremely hot conditions in Bowman last Thursday  as the Wolves Cross Country teams opened their 2013 season.
But Smith was able to overcome the blistering hot conditions to win the girls division in a time of 16.29.
“I was extremely proud of how all of our athletes ran,” stated Greg Brown, head coach. “It was a hot day in Bowman and we took off a little too fast. Our athletes had to stay focused and work hard to complete the races.”
In the girls varsity division, Hayley Moe came in 11th in a time of 19.23 for the Wolves, while Addison Sundeen placed 15th with a time of 19:52.
“The girls team is a little short on competitors at this point in time, but the three girls that ran, ran well and worked hard,” states Brown.
Brown’s boys varsity team also debuted in their first meet of the season, and he is liking what he sees both in the number of athletes out this year, and also in how well they are running.
“We have a very nice looking team,” states Brown. “They worked extremely hard to stay close to each other and we had two very nice looking packs that worked together and helped each other to the finish line.”
Devin Schmitz was the top runner for the Watford City boys team as he placed 9th with a time of 21:14, while Braedon Gumke and Michael Brown finished 11th and 12th with times of 21:21 and 21:30, respectively.
Also placing in the varsity division was Logan Gumke, 15th, 21:51;  Cole McGorman, 17th, 22:06; Dillon Smith, 18th, 22:06; Jade Hepper, 24th, 23:54; Dakota Garmann, 26th,  25:55; Trevor Alveshere, 27th,  26:44; Jack Gillesepy, 28th, 27:34; and Cody Kirkland, 29th, 29:07.
“We slayed some demons in Bowman by getting through races and dealing with heat that we don’t normally practice in,” stated Brown. “The athletes are all working hard and the times do not reflect the efforts that the athletes are showing. By the end of the season with hard work, and some recruiting, I expect that both teams will have very good results at the state meet.”
In the junior varsity division at Bowman, Hunter DeFoe took 1st place with a time of 13:29, while Cauy Hartel finished 8th in a time of 15:23.
The next meet for the Wolves will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 when they compete at Dickinson.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER