Blue Pony runners set for the Malta Invite

It's week two of the Havre High boys and girls cross country season, and while it is still early, the hunger is there to compete in what hopes to be a successful season.

After a solid start last weekend at the Cut Bank Time Trials, the Central A Blue Ponies will return to the field of competition today. The Ponies will run in Malta against about 10 other schools, all of which will be Class B or Class C squads.

"The kids are pretty hungry right now," Havre High head coach Kyle Fisher said. "We are excited to get back out and compete"

While the talent pool this weekend will be filled with Class B and Class C runners, the Ponies will still get a glimpse at their own Central A conference.

The Glasgow Scotties will also be in Malta on Friday, and the Ponies are very interested in their times, compared to the Scotties. Glasgow is one of the top Class B squads in the state, both their boys and girls, and the Ponies will put all of their attention on them this weekend.

"They are a Class B powerhouse year in and year out for boys and girls," Fisher said. "Getting to see them will be great for us. Getting to see how we compete against Glasgow should give us a pretty good idea of where we stand in our conference."

On the girls squad Jess Wiken led the way last weekend with a time of 20:41, while Trisha Kinsella (20:45), Katie Christianson (21:26), Ashlynn Van Voast (22:34) and Shelbi O'Neil (22:50) followed close behind. And for the HHS boys, Garrett Aguillard led the way with a 17:09, while Marc Klimas (17:32), Dolan Tuss (18:30) and Derek VanDessel (19:17) finished close behind.

That group of five girls will look to lead the way again, but Fisher is looking for more girls to step up. And for the boys, Fisher is looking for Alec Drew to step as well, and close the cap between him and the top four runners. Drew ran a 20:05 in his first ever high school cross country race, and was the team's No. 5 runner.

Desmond Flalkoski will also get to run this weekend after missing the opening race, and could also challenge for a top spot.

"All those boys should be closing the gap on Garret Aguilard," Fisher said. "And as long as they do that, it will make the team better."

Today the Ponies are in Malta for the Malta Invite.