Prep Track: CMR teams open season Saturday in Billings
There’s significant optimism surrounding the boys’ track and field program at C.M. Russell High.
“I really think you’ll see a big improvement in our boys,” Russell head coach Mike Henneberg said. “We had a lot of young kids compete and those kids are turning into upperclassmen, juniors and seniors. I really like the group that we have, so I think you’ll see a pretty good improvement in our boys.”
Henneberg said the weather has been a big help in starting practice out on the right foot, and he’s liked what he has seen so far (Practice began back on March 9.). Russell’s season kicks off today at noon in Billings, where the CMR boys and girls will compete in a triangular with Skyview and West.
The Russell girls’ and boys’ teams placed 12th and 13th at state last season, respectively. Billings Senior, led by standout star Morgan Sulser, won the state championship for the girls. The Broncs have topped the field at state five years running. Big Sky edged Helena High by one point to earn honors on the boys’ side.
Russell’s Caelan Brady (relays), Jacob Bahnmiller (relays), Anthony Nosari (relays), Ethan Zaremski (relays) and Bryce Cuchine (100, 200, relays, long jump) highlight some impressive speed for a team that looks to take a noticeable step forward. Cuchine, the wide receiver who’s committed to Montana Western, finished in the top 10 in the 100 at state as a junior.
“I think he is going to have a good year,” Henneberg said of Cuchine. “He came on and kind of took over the role as a leader of our sprints last year … He had a great football season for us and he is a little bit stronger and faster. I think he’s excited for it, so I’m excited to see what he can do.”
It hasn’t been all good news for the boys, though. Chris Moore (long sprinter, high jumper and relays) injured his foot in car accident recently.
“That was kind of blow because we were counting on him,” Henneberg said. “That was a big loss for us, but he is OK and he is going to try to heal the foot. Maybe we get him back. But we are just glad he’s OK.”
Collin Buck, Vincent Bohl and Cooper West, a freshman who exceled in cross country in the fall, are all distance runners who Henneberg expects to contribute. Knox Semenza (pole vault), Trevor Pepin (javelin) and Noah Danielson (throws) are fine performers. Semenza placed at state in the pole vault a season ago.
“Like I said, I’m excited with the boys and where they are at,” Henneberg said. “And I think they’ll be much improved from where they were a year ago.”
The challenge for the girls, Henneberg said, will be finding depth, which will undoubtedly rear its head in some of the smaller meets like duals. But they have talent, and it starts with senior Ashleigh Lethotsky.
Lehotsky — who will compete in the shot put, the discus and some javelin — set every possible state record a few weeks ago at the Powerlifting Championships. She is the defending state champion in the shot put (42 feet, 5 inches).
“I think she is so strong and so powerful that hopefully she can make some noise in the discus,” the head coach said.
Shana Cosby, a state finalist in the javelin, returns. Trisha Carlson (relays) and Cali Modglin, a state finalist in the 100 and 200, are also back. She will also compete in the long jump, Henneberg said.
“Our girls are still young,” Henneberg said. “We are going to be good in places.”