McNiven and Winters break cross country records

Just one week into the season and Burlington’s cross country records were broken by a couple of incoming freshmen at the meet in Billings. “Kellen Winters broke the boys’ record, previously held by Howard McNiven, his finishing time was 16:38,” said Coach Ryan Olson. “This performance was followed by Kelli McNiven, who broke Jessie Michaels’ girl’s record, running in 19:33. I was so happy for them. They’ve worked hard in the offseason and deserve to have their names on our board.” 

Olson continued to praise his athletes and more of the great performances. “Connor Hoyt picked up right where he left off last season and matched his best time from last year. Bradford Davidson ran in the varsity division in his first meet and had a time that will place him among the top runners in the state. James McNiven rounded off our top four scorers and will play a big part in reaching our season goals.

Raygen Andrew and Adelle Olson provide our team with great senior leadership. They’ve been nursing a few nagging injuries, but ran hard and will continue to improve as they get 100 percent healthy.” 

The middle school athletes competed in Cody on Friday. “Jaxon Buck and Spencer Hamilton both placed in the top 10 among eighth graders in a loaded field with a lot of bigger schools attending. Bret Winters was among the top younger runners.

“I love these first meets of the year because it shows which kids put in work over the summer. Now we’ve got some good baseline times that we can build on the rest of the season,” said Olson. 

With more athletes joining the team, Burlington’s numbers are up around 30. “I think that’s great; it’s always more fun to work out with a group. These kids get along so well with each other and are always excited to give encouragement. It will be exciting to watch them continue to grow this season.” 

The middle school team will run Thursday in Lovell and high schoolers will be competing in Buffalo Friday. 

BILLINGS RESULTS 

VARSITY 

GIRLS – 4, Kelli McNiven, 19:33.39. 

BOYS – 3, Kellen Winters, 16:38.38. 8, Connor Hoyt, 17:15.68. 26, Bradford Davidson, 18:03.91. 35, James McNiven, 18:36.20. 104, Ben Mendenhall, 22:37.33. 

JV

GIRLS – 47, Adelle Olson, 26:43.30. 106, Raygen Andrew, 32.12.87. 

BOYS – 33, Hyrum McNiven, 21.26.53. 79, Bryant Casey, 23:52.10. 112, Ariel Cordova, 26:04.81. 122, Brian O’Barr, 27:07.88. 142, Jackson Olson, 36:49.69. 

CODY MS RESULTS

GIRLS – 69, Suzie Ball, 16:18.36. 

BOYS – 4, Jaxon Buck, 11:05.71. 9, Bret Winters, 11:19.99. 12, Spencer Hamilton, 11:26.87. 18, Kaleb Christopherson, 11:55.58. 30, Tanner Dunlap, 12:24.98. 41, Kobe Winters, 12:40.86. 55, Charles McNiven, 13:45.34. 64, Davin Buck, 14:30.92.