Libby 5K learning experience for new XC runners

LIBBY — The Badgers cross country squad’s first meet was a learning experience for young and new runners.

Head coach Tyler Warner said Libby was a good learning experience for the team.

“Many of the boys had never run a 5K before and it was an opportunity to practice some of our race day routines,” he said. “I think we still have a long way to go, but that’s part of the process and we have a long season ahead of us.”

He said Lakeland was the only other Idaho team at this meet. “It was interesting for us to get some different competition than what we normally see,” he added.

Sydney Beckle was hoping for a time under 24 minutes, and beat that by almost 2 minutes and Ceci Roemer wasn’t far behind, he said.

“Sydney had great poise the whole race and just stayed focused the whole time. It will likely be a couple more weeks before the whole girls team is able to race unfortunately, but, again, we have time,” he said.

For the boys Ryan Beckle led the way, as was anticipated, Warner said.

Freshman Jack Woods was the Badger’s second runner across the line.

“(Woods) had a good week of practice and has been really consistent so far in his work and his attitude,” Warner said. “Micah Thomson was behind him and I expect will chip away at his time greatly.”

The boys squad in general will see some shifting, Justin Strugar will likely move up to varsity after his time this week, Warner said.

“Nate Murray showed tremendous grit, I saw him challenge himself on this course and he really dug deep to finish in a solid time for his first race with us,” he said.

Overall, the Badgers finished last in team scoring for the boys varsity teams. However, Warner said the team will continue to get fit as the season goes on.

“We also have to dial in our pre-race routines,” he said. “Veterans need to help new guys pay attention to course details while also guiding them through dynamic stretches and such. Before we can accomplish the big things, we have to first learn to do the little things.”

The Badgers will race another 2-mile course at Post Falls on Sept. 1, before settling into 5Ks for the rest of the season, including the home meet on Sept. 17 and districts on Oct. 20.

Times for Badger Varsity XC

Boys

Ryan Beckle, 20:28.06, Jack Woods, 21:41.91, Micah Thomson, 21:57.98, Carson Dineen, 23:53.79, Ian Williams, 23:59.67, Maddux Martinez, 27.28.77, Mathew McCabe, 28.26.91

Girls

Sydney Beckle, 22:34.58, Ceci Roemer, 23:07.98, Jayden Byars, 28:59.36

Full times are listed on athletic.net:

Badger XC Jamboree 2022

BONNERS FERRY — The 2022 Badger Cross Country Jamboree season opener was a great success.

Head coach Tyler Warner said the jamboree is gaining a larger turnout from cross country teams in the region. The last few years Post Falls High School has made the jamboree the culminating event of their training camp week and Timberlake and Priest River are regular attendees.

“The maintenance on the field sections turned out awesome and the work the team put in on the trail sections made for a good experience for everybody,” Warner said.

Warner said in addition to being a good fundraiser for the Idaho Youth Endowment for Activities program, which helps small Idaho schools with travel costs among other things, it’s a great early-season rust buster.

“We settled on two miles to comply with the YEA guidelines for under three miles. Two miles is also a good distance for early season and new runners to get a feel for pacing,” he said. “Since we have so many new boys on the team, including freshmen, it was a great sample of what we can expect.”

“Ryan Beckle clearly had a good summer of training, leading the way for us, but I’m also deeply encouraged by the success of freshmen Micah Thomson and Jack Woods, who were not far behind,” he said.

Aiden Hyde, Ian Williams and Maddux Martinez also had good days. Warner said this is encouraging to see so early in the season.

“For the girls, I am seeing Sydney Beckle also reaping the benefits of summer training and building off strong XC/track seasons her freshman year. She could have a great season based on how she’s started,” he said. “Senior Ceci Roemer also had a good day, staying towards the front third of the race and mixing it up against mostly Post Falls girls.”

Warner said the team learned a lot about where they are starting from and can make some adjustments going forward.

“I always tell the team to trust the process, and today was a step in that direction, getting a feel for this sort of racing,” he said.

Warner thanked the volunteers who helped monitor the course, most of whom were cross country parents and coaches, and all who came out and supported the Badgers and the YEA.