Levora named Runner of the Year on district XC team
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint junior Sam Levora was named Runner of the Year, one of three Bulldogs honored as the District 1 cross country team was announced this week, as voted on by the league’s coaches.
Joining Levora on the team, which is made up of all classifications in District 1, were sophomore Mikhaela Woodward and junior Sydney Foster.
Levora emerged as the top runner in North Idaho this year, capping a stellar season by placing second at state, where he trimmed 26 seconds off his time on the same course at districts.
“Having Sam picked as runner of the year when taking into account all schools and divisions in District I is recognition of his hard work over the past year,” said SHS head coach Matt Brass. “It shows that he is the top runner in North Idaho and one of the finest runners in the entire state.”
Woodward ran a personal best 20:06 at state to medal with an 18th place finish, shaving 21 seconds off her time from the district meet. Foster ran a personal best 20:26 at state to place 28th, shaving a whopping 40 seconds off of her district time. The Bulldogs finished ahead of Moscow by two places after losing to the Bears at Regionals the week before.
“In order to earn a spot on the team, Sam, Mikhaela and Sydney ran consistently well all season,” said Brass of the trio of runners, all returning next year. “We couldn’t be more proud of them and recognize the dedication and effort they put in to earn their spots.”
Levora, Woodward and Foster will join Emily Marshall, Cori McClelland and Aubrie Perry at the Nike Cross National qualifier in Boise on Nov. 10. It is a highly competitive meet, and Levora qualified to be in the Elite race.
DISTRICT 1 CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
BOYS
RUNNER OF THE YEAR — Sam Levora, jr., Sandpoint.
DIRTY DOZEN — Kenny Colbert, jr., Coeur d’Alene; David Conway, jr., Coeur d’Alene Charter; Michael Dunton, sr., Coeur d’Alene; Riley Estes, so., Coeur d’Alene; Jake Finney, so., Lake City; Leif Fredericks, jr., Coeur d’Alene Charter; Scott Knapp, jr., Lake City; Kyler Little, so., Lake City; Kendrick Nagel, sr., Coeur d’Alene; Luke Reoch, jr., Bonners Ferry; Ryan Richardson, jr., Timberlake; Jose Winton, fr., Coeur d’Alene.
GIRLS
RUNNER OF THE YEAR — Josie Brown, so., Coeur d’Alene.
DIRTY DOZEN — Leanne Asper, sr., Lake City; Noelle Ball, jr., Coeur d’Alene; Emily Callahan, fr., Coeur d’Alene; Magen Daniels, fr., Coeur d’Alene Charter; Clare Dumont, so., Coeur d’Alene; Punky Duran, sr., Coeur d’Alene; Sydney Foster, jr., Sandpoint; Natalie Herring, so., Timberlake; Kara Story, so., Coeur d’Alene; Krista Story, so., Coeur d’Alene; Rachel Ward, sr., Timberlake; Mikhaela Woodward, so., Sandpoint.