The Portneuf Sports complex in Pocatello, Idaho was swarming with runners, officials, coaches, parents, and fans as the Bob Conley Invitational Cross Country Meet was held on Thursday, October 2.  Across the eight hour event, 12 races featured over 1,900 runners from nearly 70 High School and club teams from Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

The Malad Cross Country team had runners in a number of races, including the Women’s and Men’s Varsity B races, Women’s and Men’s JV, and Men’s Freshman Races.  The day proved successful in a number of ways for the Dragon team with several Top 10 individual finishes, great team wins and new personal bests.

The MHS Women’s XC team placed 6th among the 18 teams competing at the varsity level.  Aezlyn Summers came in first for the Lady Dragons, placing 10th with a time of 20:39.5.  Ellie Angell, Kaycee Venable, Brielle Bastian, Somerli Nalder, and Katie Palmer followed in time to help tally up a team score of 144 points.  Venable set a new personal season best with her time of 22:16.3.  Freshman Somerli Nalder raced a new personal best at the 5K distance at 23:57.1, her third PR of the 2025 season.

The Men’s Dragon team raced to an impressive finish of second place of 22 teams.  Helping make that strong finish for Malad was Boston Burbidge who placed third with a time of 16:28.3, Braun Nalder, who set a new person best of 17:29.7, Levi Angell, Carter Smith, Dawson Beutler, Jaxon Blaisdell, and Caden Jeppson.

Jace Nalder competed in the Freshman only race, placing first with an incredible time of 17:08.4 and undeterred by the bloody nose plaguing him.  

“This part of the season can be rough,” shared Head Coach Tia Talbot.  “We have been dealing with injuries and burn out but I thought we had some racers push through and have a great meet last week.  Braun and Somerli both got new PRs, consistently showing up each week to push things and work hard.” She continued, “This is a good course and every one of them gave their all and I couldn’t ask for more.

Looking across the season, Coach Talbot commented, “I’m super pumped about this season, what they have already accomplished and the potential they have to do. I know they can do great things, they just have to believe it too.  This team just really jives, they work together and push each other but have fun together too.  Captains have been awesome to lead out.  Now we just need to get everyone healthy to finish out this season strong.”

The Dragon XC team will next race at the Eagle Swoop Meet in Marsh Valley on Friday, October 10.