State Champion
Wolf Point Area Celebrates Ackerman’s Title From Class B State Cross-Country Meet
When Wolf Point’s Zander Ackerman crossed the finish line to win the Class B state cross country title, it certainly wasn’t only Ackerman who had reason to celebrate.
“He represented our people that we are powerful beyond measure,” Wolf Point Coach John Wetsit said of Ackerman’s championship performance. “He’s given us a bit of hope when we needed it.”
Ackerman, a senior, took the lead during the second mile of the race held on Friday, Oct. 23. After Thompson Falls’ Justin Morgan went ahead in the third mile, Ackerman regained the lead down the stretch for the title.
“He has the ability to rise up in difficult situations,” Wetsit said of Ackerman. “I knew he had a chance and it was our goal.”
Ackerman finished with a time of 17:16.85. School officials believe he is Wolf Point’s first male state champion in cross country.
The result created a caravan celebration when the team returned to Wolf Point on Saturday, Oct. 24.
“The fact that there were so many people there from the community was great,” Wetsit said.
Ackerman’s title was particularly touching for Wetsit. He has known Ackerman since Zander was in kindergarten and Wetsit was a second- grade teacher in Frazer. Wetsit’s mother, who is battling health challenges, has found a bright spot with following Zander’s accomplishments.
“I personally thanked him for giving me that,” Wetsit said. “His win was very meaningful for my mother and myself.”
Ackerman placed fifth at last year’s state meet.
“This year, I want to win the state championship,” Ackerman said earlier this season. “I’ve been working my whole life for it.”
As a team, the Wolves placed fourth with 181 points in the boys’ competition. Lincoln County was first at 63 followed by Manhattan with 85 and Three Forks with 154.
The squad faced challenges throughout the season including missing several meets and a week of organized practices because of COVID-19 concerns.
“Our kids proved to be very resilient,” Wetsit said. “It turned out to be a bright light for the community.”
The coach noted that Ethan Blount had a very good performance. The junior placed 31st at 19:14.69.
Freshman Peyton Summers placed 36th at 19:19.69. Sophomore Kholby Spotted Wolf took 51st at 20:14.02.
August Spotted Wolf earned 62nd at 20:26.47. Kaholo Toves took 77th at 20:50.71. Jaxon Azure placed 150th at 26:18.77.
“I’m super proud of them each and every one,” Wetsit said of Wolf Point’s boys and girls teams. “I admire them for it. It was a great season. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.”
Broadwater was the champion in the girls’ division followed by Manhattan and Red Lodge.
Hallie Hemenway of Manhattan won the individual title with a time of 20:10.99.
Wolf Point’s junior Hamyanie Campbell finished 31st at 23:33.16. Sophomore Piper Ruffing placed 58th at 24:36.35.
Wetsit says credit should be given to recent cross-country runners who helped set the standard for the program.
“All the kids embraced the different situations all season,” Wetsit said. “I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.”
Those situations included a home meet on Saturday, Oct. 17, that took place in sub-freezing and windy conditions. When the state meet was held in sub-freezing and snowy weather conditions, the Wolves were ready for such conditions.
“That definitely helped all of our kids,” Wetsit said of experience running in tough conditions. “We were ready for anything. It wasn’t ideal, but the kids adapted and overcame it, That’s why we were successful.”
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