Northern fall sports off to a strong start

The Montana State University-Northern cross country and rodeo teams got their fall season started last weekend.

The Northern rodeo team was in Wyoming for the Trapper Stampede, hosted by Northwest College, and several Skylights and Lights had strong showings.

The Northern women finished third in the team standings, and got a first-place finish from Jayne Keely in the goat tying on Saturday. Rebecca Panchuk also had a good weekend, finishing third in the breakaway roping Saturday and eighth in team roping Friday.

On the men’s side, the Lights finished fourth overall at the rodeo, and got a first-place finish from George Marcenko in tie-down roping Saturday. Shane Bird Rattler finished third in the saddle bronc riding Saturday, while Zane Marcenko was seventh in the roping Friday.

The Northern rodeo team heads to Glendive this weekend for the Dawson Community College Rodeo.

Meanwhile, last Friday saw the MSU-N cross country teams open the season at the Carroll Early Bird Invitational in Helena. The Skylights had an outstanding meet, finishing second only to nationally ranked UM-Western. Rachel David placed third overall, while Raini Johnson and Kaylee Nystrom placed 10th and 11th, respectively.

On the men’s side, the Lights finished fourth in a tough field according to head coach Chad Spangler. Freshman Isiah Runs Above, of Hays-Lodge Pole, was Northern’s top finisher, as he placed 10th in the men’s race.

The Northern cross country teams will be back in action at this Saturday’s MSU Running Company Invitational in Bozeman.

And finally, the MSU-Northern golf teams opened their season with the Montana Tech Invitational Monday and Tuesday at the Butte Country Club.

Skylight Jenna Jensen finished the tournament with a total score of 165 to finish tied for 11th. Overall, the Skylights took sixth place as a team. Diana Ball took 32nd place, while Tiara Gilham and Megan Vandenacre tied for 33rd. Former Chinook Sugarbeeter Carrie Hofer placed 37th overall. Rocky Mountain College edged LC State for the women's title.

On the men's side, Devin Bray paced the Lights with a solid 222 score, which was a tie for 12th. Bray saved his best for last, shooting a sizzling 71 Tuesday.

The Northern men finished sixth overall, with junior Jerod Boles finishing in 31st place, followed by Kyle Vandenacre in 39th and Chance Parson in 41st.

Northern will be back on the links Sept. 24-25 at the University of Providence Invite in Great Falls.