MSU-N racers ready to run

Last season, the Montana State University-Northern cross county program was just getting its start. Now both the Lights and Skylights are back for another season and head coach Chad Spangler is optimistic about the development of his program.

"I'm looking forward to living our mantra of continuous improvement this year," Spangler said. "Compared to last year, at this time, we're looking a lot stronger.  At the same time I'm realistic and know that it's going to take a couple more years of building before our conference ranking moves up.  Right now we're ranked last in the conference for men and women. Nowhere to go but up."

Of course, the Lights will have a young cross country team again this year, but Spangler said he had high hopes for several first-year runners such as Curtis Westenskow and Riley Dennis. Beau Hyatt of Bainville, is another first-year guy looking to impress this season and counted on to score.

In terms of returning runners, the Lights will rely on Sundance Lodge of Havre and Tristen Belgarde of Rocky Boy. Luke Karnauskas of Havre will also redshirt for the Lights this season.

 "Sundance is great teammate and a natural runner.   He's another one of those kids that just loves to run. I also look to him to motivate the team sometimes as is proven to be a Firestarter for us," Spangler said. "Tristen Belgarde has the most conference experience on our men's team.  He was one our top runners last year and will be a top runner for us again this year."

The Skylights will have a total of four runners back from last season, but will also feature three first-year runners, including Rachel David and Kaitlin Nyrstrom Havre, as well as Savannah Rose.

David competed in cross country and track for Havre, while Nystrom was a varsity volleyball player and also a member of the track team.

"Kaitlin came to me and basically just said, "I want to do this coach."  She's come a long way in a short time and has shown me that she is committed to this team. Based on her early performance, I believe she has the ability to be competitive over the next couple years," said Spangler.

The rest of the Skylights, including the five returners from last season are McKenna Barkus, Breck Don, Courtney Cota, Amelia Clark and Alissa Borlaug.

"I think we are poised to show some significant improvement early in the season," Spangler said.

The Lights and Skylights will open their season Friday at a meet in Helena hosted by Carroll College.