Next runner up for Flathead cross country teams

Flathead is young and ready to run. 

The Braves and Bravettes lost three seniors each from 2024’s state teams that brought home sixth place finishes. 

Who fills in those spaces will be seen as the season progresses, but in Libby at the season opening meet Saturday it was three juniors and two sophomores who donned the orange and black for the Bravettes. 

Flathead only features 13 girls on the roster for 2025, but coach Jesse Rumsey is pleased with the leaders she does have. 

“We are kind of a new team this year, very young, over the course of the last two years we have graduated quite a few seniors,” Rumsey said. 

Leading the charge were sophomores Everett Holland and Emery Eash, finishing ninth and 13th Saturday. 

“They put in a ton of summer miles together this summer, they have the strength to balance each other out,” Rumsey said. “They have had to set their own pace this year; the goal is to run without a lot of pressure for them.” 

Holland brought home a ninth-place finish at state in 2024, second among the Bravettes. While Eash followed in 23rd. 

Also running from last season’s state squad is junior Akiyah Hardman, who finished 42nd in Libby. Holland ran a 21:52.5 at the state meet in 2024. Hardman bounced between varsity and junior varsity in 2024.  

New to the varsity squad in Libby is sophomore Audyn Nuila and junior Lily Parris. 

Only five Bravettes ran on varsity, something Rumsey noted may happen during early parts of the season. 

As for the boys, Rumsey is very excited for the 2025 season.  

Four Flathead runners crossed in the top 14 spots in Libby with sophomore Carson Thorne leading the squad in seventh. Thorne took a 50th place finish at state in his freshman season. 

“They opened quickly in Libby and we were worried if they were to hold their pace, but they did,” Rumsey said. 

Following Thorne was Ryker Zuffelato (11th), Brodyn DeShaw (13th) and Chris Holland (14th). All three featured in the Braves state team in 2024.  

“Ryker has been a great senior leader,” Rumsey said. “He did a ton of summer running, he is working well with the younger boys and does a good job of including everyone.” 

Senior Mitchell Johnson was fifth among the Braves in Libby with a 34th place finish, helping the team to a tie for second with Glacier with 78 points. Sandpoint, Idaho took the victory with 70. Full meet results are on athletic.net. 

In all, four Flathead runners set a personal best in Libby. 

Close behind Johnson was Fin Reed, another senior, in 39th. 

Flathead’s runners make their home debut for 2025 with the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm on Friday. 

Among the highlight meets in 2025 for Flathead is the Mountain West Classic in Missoula, held on the same course as the State meet.