Lady Wolves finish fourth, two place in top five at state cross country meet

The Three Forks High School Cross Country wrapped up a banner season at last week's State Meet in Kalispell, with two athletes in the top five and the girls' team finishing in fourth place.

Senior standout Bryon Fanning finished in third place in the boys' race, and eighth grader Teegan Gifford finished fifth in the girls' race. Bella Jones also earned all-state honors with a 15th-place finish in the girls' race.

Gifford ended her first year with the program impressively, finishing in fifth at 20:19.86. Jones finished in 15th with a PR time of 20:57.31, and Ari Judd was 23rd at 21:34.51. Grace Kluin finished at 23:22.29, Devynn Judd had a time of 24:14.75, Dawson Petersen finished at 26:34.30, and Pailey Lampers had a time of 28:26.46.

"I am so proud of my girls. This fourth-place finish made them see what they are truly capable of, and they are fired up for next season. Teegan (Gifford) and Bella (Jones) both placing shows how hard they worked all season to get to this point," said Head Coach Tara Forsberg. "Bella overcame some health issues and pulled off all-state, which I knew she was capable of. Teegan will be fun to watch as she progresses through high school."

Along with those that placed, Forsberg added she is incredibly proud of the members of the girls' team who stuck it out and ran at state.

Fanning ended his storied career with the Wolves, finishing in third place in the boys' race, breaking his school record at 16:07.68.

"I will miss Bryon on our team. What an incredible young man with a huge heart and passion for the sport. I am excited for his future in running," Forsberg said.

In the boys' race, Micah Gather had a time of 19:10.02, Lucas Petersen finished at 20:17.30, Rhett Violett ended the race at 20:18.83, and Jacoby Berg finished at 22:13.86.