BOZEMAN, Mont. – Idaho State cross country delivered a statement performance at the Big Sky Conference Championships on Saturday, held at Montana State's Bridger Creek Golf Course. Both Bengal squads placed fourth overall, marking the program's best combined men's and women's team performance since 2011 and the highest men's finish since 2007.
Head coach Zach Kughn praised the milestone day as a reflection of the program's growth.
"I think with the team we have we really didn't have a chance of being top three today, so having both teams be fourth is a win for us," Kughn said. "I'm very proud of both our teams for stepping up and getting things done today. Both groups have been through a lot, but we've increased our level of competitiveness drastically."
The Idaho State men scored 128 points, trailing only perennial national contenders Northern Arizona, Weber State, and Montana State. Senior Seth Babbel once again led the way, finishing 12th in 24:33.6, while veterans Sunny Gunn (29th, 25:29.5) and Gavin Pollock (31st, 25:31.6) provided crucial support. Freshmen Ryan Estrada (33rd, 25:39.3) and Chase Markunas (39th, 25:54.1) impressed in their championship debuts, rounding out a lineup that showcased the team's balance of experience and emerging talent.
On the women's side, the Bengals totaled 120 points, earning their second consecutive fourth-place team finish. Sophomore Kamber Scott led the charge in 13th (17:14.9), followed closely by senior Ashley Reeck (16th, 17:20.2) and junior Natalya Babcock (23rd, 17:39.9). Allie Lemons (32nd, 17:52.5) and Kaitlyn Blackham (40th, 18:06.1) sealed the scoring, keeping ISU comfortably ahead of regional rivals.
Kughn noted that the women's consistent success has shifted expectations for the program.
"Last year our women were a Cinderella-type fourth place, and this year it was instead a disappointed-type fourth place," he said. "That speaks to how far our program has come — from ninth two years ago to now back-to-back fourths."
With both teams now firmly established among the Big Sky's elite, Kughn said the Bengals' trajectory is clear.
"My goal with this program has been to establish our team as one of the top mountain programs in the NCAA," Kughn added. "I think it's clear now that we've distanced ourselves from the middle and bottom of the pack and are focused on competing with the national-caliber schools we're fortunate enough to race against."
Idaho State now turns its focus to the NCAA Mountain Regional Championships, where both squads will look to build on their historic momentum.
