Flathead's Perrin 2nd, Glacier's Fraley 5th at state cross country

MISSOULA - For juniors Zach Perrin of Flathead and Troy Fraley of Glacier, there is always next year.

Perrin had to settle for second place, 15:25.52, and Fraley fifth, 15:40.82, on Saturday at the all-class state cross county meet at the University of Montana Golf Course.

"That's the way it goes," Flathead coach Paul Jorgensen said.

"I thought he could win it, but that ankle is still bothering him, especially coming down that hill. It was rocky and steep. I think it took a little bit out of him. He still ran really well, his best time on that course."

Jakob Woodland of Bozeman posted the best time for Class AA, 15:20.65, and helped the Hawks capture the team trophy as well with 46 points.

"He (Fraley) got beat by four quality kids today," Glacier coach Mike McLean said.

"We knew they would be there. He will see those guys again. (Fraley) had a good time, just not good enough to win state."

Missoula Hellgate, 90, was second and Helena High third, 120.

Flathead, 160, was fifth.

"The guys ran OK," Jorgensen said. "Most ran better than they did three weeks before."

Flathead's Hunter Schutt finished 10th, 15:57.90, which was his best time and earned him all-state honors (top 15).

Glacier finished 11th, 237, in the team standings.

McLean was "very pleased" with the performance of freshman Kade McCutcheon. He was 31st, 16:33.10.

Paige Bouma was the top runner for the Flathead girls, placing 12th, 18:49.65.

The FHS girls were ninth, 200.

"The top three ran exceptionally well," Jorgensen said.

"Paige Bouma ... her best time ever. Bailey Hughes had the best race of all placing 20th (19:24.97). Freshman Mackenzie Bouma ran much faster than she did three weeks before and a minute and half faster."

Mackenzie Bouma was 42nd, 20:18.23.

"Overall, a pretty good day," Jorgensen.

"The kids competed well and showed some improvement."

The Glacier girls were 10th, 278. Tyryn Jacobs led the Wolfpack, placing 31st, 19:54.21.

Bozeman also won the girls team title, 32.

Billings West was a distant second, 122.

Caroline Hardin of Bozeman claimed individual honors with a time of 17:25.56.