Unstoppable: Bowman County's championship run continues
Nov. 6—DICKINSON — The Bowman County Bulldogs continue to flourish as they secured their fourth consecutive state title in Jamestown on Saturday, Oct. 28. The Bulldogs have consistently produced talented athletes over the years, especially in the realm of running, which aligns perfectly with their culture of a strong work ethic that spans all grade levels.
The program says goodbye to five seniors, one of them being Gavin Lambourn, who held the position of Bowman County's third-ranked runner. He achieved an impressive fifth-place finish at the state championship with a time of 16:49. This marked a significant improvement from just a week earlier when he finished eighth in the regional meet with a time of 17:04, making it his seasonal best.
Senior Aidan Thompson delivered an exceptional performance by achieving a personal record with a time of 17:22. Their dedication and hard work throughout the season have clearly translated into success, as evidenced by their guidance and mentorship of the underclassmen. Notably, a freshman and a sophomore both earned spots on the All-State team, demonstrating the senior's influence.
In total, the Bulldogs boasted an impressive six All-State honorees.
"I am glad to be part of cross country and I hope the legacy continues and that we have younger kids keep coming out and working hard," said Lambourn.
On a chilly race day with temperatures in the 20s, Lambourn emphasized that the weather took a back seat to their preparation. Their program eagerly awaited the starting pistol, almost believing that their victory was inevitable.
In the end, it was sophomore Jonah Njos who claimed victory by being the first to cross the finish line, securing Bowman County's second consecutive individual state title. Njos achieved a personal best on the course, clocking in at 16:47. He attributed his success not only to his individual effort but also to his entire team, offering sincere gratitude to his teammates and his faith in the Lord.
"We have some very mentally strong runners on our team and they really push the whole team all together and we just know that if you are not having your best day then just run for your teammate," Njos said. "Whenever you work hard for something and get the result that you are hoping for is a good feeling and you have to be thankful for what you have and pray to the Lord in all scenarios."
Junior Taylor Wanner earned the bronze medal at the state championship and held the position of Bowman County's second-ranked runner. Throughout the season, he consistently secured the top spot and served as a strong leader for the team. Wanner clinched first place at the regional meet with an impressive time of 16:14.
"When we started the season we knew we had a goal and it's been the same goal for the past four years," Wanner said. "It was just so fun working together and pushing each other in practice ... Next year is definitely going to be exciting. We have a lot of motivation coming back next season. There are a lot of younger guys that are getting ready to step up and fill the spot of our seniors."
The year prior, the Bulldogs faced the challenge of losing both their top two runners to graduation. However, the team saw other athletes stepping up to fill those roles. While they will bid farewell to two strong runners from the current senior class, it appears that a pattern of success has been established, with their programs building a rich history. Bowman County doesn't appear to be fading from the spotlight anytime soon.
"It has been really fun. The team is the reason why I do cross country, which being a senior is a little sad ... [Cross country] has been a big part of my life," Lambourn said. "The last race was tough. Might have started to tear up after the race with my team. It has been tough, but we have made a lot of memories and I am glad to leave it behind for the younger guys."
