The North Toole County High School Cross Country Runners finished their season competing at the Montana State Cross Country Championship Meet at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell, Montana on October 21, 2023.
After narrowly missing out on a trophy last year, the Sunburst Ladies Cross Country was on a mission to earn a trophy! This year, the team scored 30 points and brought home a 3rd place team trophy! The Refiners were ecstatic to win the first ever cross country trophy in school history. Roberts and Scobey edged them with 27 points. Cross country scoring is figured by adding the top three finishers from each team together. The 4th place team runner is utilized in the event of a tie.
It was a great day for the Lady Refiners. Leading the way was Nikki Nau, senior, who placed 4th overall in the girls' division with a great run and finished in 20:25 and earned all state honors. Claire Bucklin, senior, ran a super race and finished 9th with a personal best time of 21:40 and also earned all state honors. Ali Nau, sophomore, ran her best ever race and finished 17th with a time of 23:24. Ella Samsal, sophomore, put up a great time of 25:06 and finished in 27th. Avani Champaneria, senior, ran well and finished 44th with a time of 26:39.
The Refiner boys capped a successful season with a 13th place team finish. They were led by senior Ian Benjamin who finished in 37th with a time of 19:38. Parker Berthelote, freshman, finished in 42nd place with a personal best of 20:01. Colter Sandon also ran a personal best and finished 56th with a time of 20:38. Nick Bucklin, 8th grade, finished in 62nd place with a time of 20:50. Elonzo Benjamin, freshman, rounded out the Refiner team finishing in 102nd with a time of 23:59. With a lot of youth retuning, the Refiner boys are looking forward to next year!
Coach Nix and Coach Ehlers were very proud of all of the athletes' efforts. Coach Nix commented, "I have never coached a better group of girls." In addition he stated, "I have never been prouder of a team I've coached." With numerous personal bests, two all state athletes, and a 3rd place girls team trophy, this was a great season for Refiner Cross Country!
A pep assembly will be held on Monday, October 23, at 3pm in the NTC gymnasium to celebrate the Refiner Cross Country Team!
