XC awards and recognition
BONNERS FERRY — Badger cross country runners were recently honored and awards handed out, and seniors took the time to offer advice to younger runners.
A total of 14 varsity letters were distributed this year, said head coach Tyler Warner. Many runners lettered for the first time.
All-league runners this year were Camille Ussher, Ceci Roemer, Sydney Beckle and Leah Moellmer for the girls and Conner Alexander for the boys. All League for the IML is determined by medalists at districts, medalists being top third of runners who would have qualified for state as an individual.
Alexander also made the “Dirty Dozen,” or the All-District 1 team. This team is determined by a combination of personal records, placing at state, and head-to-head competition. District 1 includes all of North Idaho, 1A-5A.
“For Connor [Alexander] to make the list is quite a distinction,” Warner said.
He said Alexander’s place in the “Dirty Dozen” was determined largely by his 16:24 PR this season and his 10th place finish at state. As well as his performance against other schools at meets this season.
Cross country coaches voted on team awards and awarded Most Outstanding Cross Country Badger: to Levi Bonnell and Ussher. 110% Award was given to Alexander.
Warner said the coaches awarded these three seniors because of their work ethic and dedication, not just to the sport, but to their team.
Bonnell even as a freshman was invested in cross country and his teammates, Warner said. He was a solid part of the boys team, but was also a nurturer and enforcer when needed. Warner said that he could always count on Bonnell to hold the standard high for team behavior and culture.
“He was an excellent leader that held the attention and respect of his teammates,” Warner said.
Warner went on to say that for Ussher, her greatest accomplishment came not only in leading the girls team, but becoming more invested in cross country this year.
“She prioritized running this summer and saw her times drop immensely,” Warner said. “She put so many mental pieces together that I think she wishes she'd noticed earlier.”
At the banquet Ussher advised teammates to run in the summer and be coachable. Warner said that her improvement this year was not just time, but attitude, which he said factored into the success of the girl’s team this year.
Warner said that likewise Conner has been a hardcore runner his entire career. He has been a contributor from day one and made it to state three times, the only time he missed state was when he had a broken ankle, Warner said.
“Connor lives and breathes distance running,” Warner said.
Warner went on to say that Alexander would analyze other runners that he would compete against in preparation for meets. Not only that, said Warner, but he's a voracious mileage hound and even put in the miles when he was sick or the air quality was poor due to smoke.
“You don't run sub-16 minute 5Ks just running from time-to-time, it takes a time investment and Connor was invested,” Warner said. “Connor loves cross country and track and our programs will be lessened when he graduates. Some college coach is going to be glad to have a Connor Alexander on his team.”
If Badger cross country had a team of kids with Bonnell’s dedication to the team, Alexander’s work ethic, and Ussher's drive for self-improvement, they’d be bringing home state trophies every year, Warner said.
