1986: state champion. 1989: state champion. 1993: state champion. 1996: state champion. These are just some of the accomplishments of a team of athletes at the high school that might not normally be considered a team - the Ackerly family.
After 10 years of excellence on Flathead cross-country teams, the Ackerly dynasty has crossed the finish line.
"Cross-country has helped me with teamwork and discipline," said senior Shane Akcerly. "Also training and reaching for a goal until you achieve it."
Shane is at Flathead for his last year and on Saturday he finished it off by taking state. His high school career in cross-country has been a successful one. Shane had the fastest time of his team on the wooWland three mile course his sophomore year in 1994 and second best as a junior in 1995. In 1996 he has run his fastest time trial ever. This year Akcerly's goals include winning state as an individual, breaking the course record and having his team be one of the top three in the state he said. "Both ('89 grad) Heidi and ('93 grad) Kara put some expectations on me with their accomplishments," said Shane. "After a while I make those into my own goals and to make them part of my accomplishments."
Ackerly athletes are "very competitive, strong willed and very, very good," said cross country coach Paul Jorgensen.
"I wish that there were more Ackerlys coming but I don't think so. They are the type of athlete you like to coach, you can always count on them to do their best," said Jorgenson. "I have never seen any of them have a bad day. There is a lot of parental backing; that is very important."
Heidi Ackerly started running with her dad, Roger Ackerly, when she was five. Support from her family, friends and coaches inspired her to continue in cross-country. Heidi transferred to Flathead High School from Bigfork in her freshman year in 1985 and joined the cross-country team. She won state as a sophomore in 1986 and as a senior in 1989 at Flathead. She also held the course record until last year.
1993 graduate Kara Ackerly was second on the course to her sister, and also took state that year.
"I think it helps them to be a well-rounded person," Shane, Kara and Heidi's mom and chemistry teacher Kathie Ackerly said about cross-country. "It teaches them to be leaders not only in the classroom but on the running field too. Most of all it has been a really fun family sport."
A life of running has proved beneficial for the Ackerly family. Roger attended the University of Colorado in Boulder on a running scholarships and Kathie Ackerly has made running an important part of her life as well.
Said Heidi Ackerly: "I don't think anyone has ever had better parents."