Spencer Podkranic (left) and Corey McCrarey were the only seniors on the Tonasket High School cross country team this past season. McCrarey received a first-year letter, was chosen as a Caribou Trail League Honorable Mention and was chosen as the team cap
TONASKET – During the cross country team banquet on Friday, Nov. 13, head coach Bob Thornton announced that seven runners earned Caribou Trail All-League awards.
“In cross country, the all-league awards are given to those who step up at the league meet in Chelan,” Thornton said.
Receiving honorable mentions were Jessica Spear, Emmy Hickman, Corey McCrarey and Jake Hickman. Michelle Carlson and Matt Gschiel received Second Team All-League Awards and Damon Halvorsen received a First Team All-League Award.
“Since 1997, the fastest Tonasket time at the state meet was 17:14 and Damon did it in 17:17,” Thornton said. “He’s also the third Tonasket sophomore to place at the state meet.”
He then presented Halvorsen with his certificate for placing 16th at the State Cross Country meet.
Before giving out the all-league awards, Thornton handed out letters to the runners.
“Cross country is the hardest sport to letter in because you have to finish the season,” Thornton told the runners. “We put in over 260 miles this season which is like running to Wenatchee, turning around and running back. Our league is one of the hardest in the state.”
Receiving first year letters were J. Hickman, Carlson, E. Hickman, Amy Johnson, and Kablina Kochsmeire. Receiving second year letters were McCrarey, Jessica Spear Peter Williams and Damon Halvorsen. Spencer Podkranic and Matt Gschiel each received a third year letter.
Members of the boys team each received Distinguished Scholastic Awards for having a team GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 while the girls’ team received Outstanding Scholastic Awards for having a team GPA of 3.5 or better.
The final awards Thornton handed out were voted on by the athletes themselves. McCrarey was chosen as the team captain while Halvorsen and Spear were voted Most Inspirational and Gschiel and Johnson were chosen as the Best Go-Kart Drivers.
“It’s been a fun year with great kids,” Thornton said in closing.
