Broadus XC Runs At Pompey's Pillar

Running through the fall foliage along the Yellowstone River, Broadus Cross Country raced at Pompey's Pillar last week for the Huntley Invitational Race.

Runners from Columbus, Colstrip, Lodge Grass, St. Labre, Plenty Coups, Shepherd, Lame Deer, Busby, Broadus, Roberts, Joliet, and Red Lodge were amongst the teams attending the event.

The route winds through the trails of Pompey's Pillar National Monument, between Huntley and Custer, and known best for its inscription by William Clark on his return journey east with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. On July 25, 1806, Clark wrote his signature and the date on the large rock outcropping along the Yellowstone River, and named the rock in honor of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, nicknamed Pompey, son of expedition member Sacagawea.

The Broadus runners attending the event were able to tour the site, along with competing in the virtually level run, which began very near the pillar itself.

Broadus Coach Ashley Emmons told us that the trail is narrow compared to many other XC courses, and has some abrupt changes in direction that slow runners in their quest for personal records.

One of the four Broadus runners who attended the event was still able to PR at the pillar, with Addison Draine beating her previous best by a miniscule 0.4 seconds. Addison placed 48th overall with a 27:46.

Reece Emmons ran a 25:15 to place 30th.

For the boys, Sean Oylear ran a 19:09, placing 9th, and Christian Oylear ran a 19:37 to place 20th, with a large number of boys finishing in that 19 to 19:30 range.

Braydn Stoddard-Terrill, out from the race with knee pain, is expected to return before State, taking place next week in Missoula. In the meantime, the Hawks will run this week at Joliet, on a course which begins and ends on the school's track, winding through the streets of Joliet along the way.