Flynn has high hopes for senior campaign

While it would be safe to say that Whitehall High School senior Hunter Flynn has had a great career in his time as a member of the cross country team, he's not quite done yet.

Flynn, who finished fifth at state as a junior, is on a mission during the 2016 season that started last week in Boulder. He has his sights set on a first place finish at the state meet later this year in Kalispell.

"The ultimate goal is a state title, and it will be me and Bryant Edgerton of Townsend fighting for that title. I've got one guy standing in my way and I'm going to train harder so I can get there," Flynn said.

After earning all-state honors in track during his junior season, Flynn said he spent the first part of June resting, but was quickly back into the gym every morning at 6:30 a.m. to lift weights with members of the football team and running to prepare for what should be an amazing senior campaign.

Each time Flynn competes this season he will be doing so with his teammates who he considers family.

"I'd do anything for them," Flynn said.

He has also forged a special relationship with longtime Whitehall Cross Country Coach Kerry Sacry.

"Four years with the same coach has been amazing. It's like family with Coach (Sacry) also being my teacher, and for several years my boss at the movie theater. It's a close bond," he said.

Flynn also has grown to share a bond with competitors and coaches from across the state.

"Guys from other school can be like teammates. There is a lot of comradery in this sport. There is nothing like it," he said.

Despite a bond with many of his peers, Flynn sees Edgerton in a different light, and an obstacle he must overcome to get the first place medal at state.

The two went head to head last Saturday in Boulder, with Edgerton finishing first, and Flynn second. Flynn said he wasn't as prepared for the hills on the course as he needed to be, but will be ready to challenge Edgerton as the season moves forward.

"On my end it's going to be very competitive. In track he's showed me he's a force to be reckoned with. He hasn't been here four years; he wasn't born and raised here like most of us runners are. He moved up from Utah," Flynn said. "It makes me hungrier. I've been talking for four year that my senior year is going to be MY year. Now I've got to go out and prove it."