Bulldog girls seek championship, boys a trophy at state cross country

SANDPOINT — Last year Century bussed north from Pocatello to Farragut State Park and managed to take down the two-time defending champion Bulldog girls to claim the 4A title in a cross country race separated by a scant three points.

This year the Bulldog girls would love nothing more than to return the favor, and they have more than enough experience, pack depth and raw speed to make a legit run at it on Saturday in Pocatello.

While they’re certainly in the mix with Twin Falls and Century for the team title, the Bulldogs are far more concerned with simply running their hardest and letting the chips fall where they may.

“Last year after tough-fought and well-run races by all of our girls we came up three points shy of a 3-peat,” said Bulldog girls coach Angie Brass. “The goal this season as a team was to trophy and obviously as high as possible, but no mark on first place being the only goal that would mark the success or failure of the entire season.”

Leading the 4A power Bulldog girls is junior Katherine Kaul, who finished sixth last year and will look to hang in the front of the pack again, chasing two-time state champion Katherine Ruck from Moscow.

Joining Kaul are junior Hannah Davidson (12th last year), senior Rainey Woodward (17th), junior Sharon Rowe (24th) and sophomore Niah Brass (33rd), each of whom has plenty of state experience, with Heather Wallace, Dana Beaty and alternate Farli Boden rounding out the team.

Angie Brass says the beauty of cross country is the team working for each other and doing their absolute best to contribute to the team.

“Power in the pack and being connected in pursuit of common goals,” she said. “Everyone is of importance in making a go at the top few trophy positions, as every point matters.”

The Bulldog boys, led by junior Fin Lund-Andersen, are hoping to place in the top four and earn a team trophy. Lund-Andersen finished 17th at state last year, and will join junior Cole Dillon, seniors Clay Rasmussen and Reilly Wolfe, junior Peik Lund-Andersen, sophomore Ephraim Weisz, senior Riley McGinnis and alternate Story Crossett on a hungry boys team.

Boys head coach Matt Brass said the team’s goal is a top four finish.

“It is always a challenge to podium at State. That was a goal set by the team this summer, and they are in a position to do it,” he said, noting the seed times at state are deep this year. “Based on time, there are seven teams within points of each other for 2nd to 8th place. We have to push to have all seven of our runners in the top 40, if we do that our chances of a podium finish are very good.”

Tee Portneuf Wellness Complex course is fairly flat with some rollers on the grass, with quite a few sharp turns, and the pace will most likely be fast. The Bulldogs will focus on pack running, and running a faster second half as part of the strategy.

“We know it is all what happens that day over the course and how we finish that 5K, so many factors at play,” said Angie Brass. “We will bring our best performances and have a strong, tough, connected team ready to race together for a fantastic state meet.”

Matt Brass said there are 10 90 degree turns and four 180 degree turns on the tight course, and sometimes the pack order can change placing coming out of a corner, something the team has discussed.

“The racing strategy will be what we try to do each race, start out disciplined. We want to be in the hunt but relaxed, running controlled in our packs,” he said. “By the mid-point we need to attack the course and start dropping pace and catching people.”

The ability to stay calm and not change tactics just because it’s state can be the key to success. Wherever the teams finish, the Brasses said it’s been a great season.

“They have been incredibly dedicated and successful all season long,” said Matt Brass. “If they stay relaxed and realize this is just another race, they will run their best and that’s all we can ask.”

The girls race is at 10:15 PST, and the boys race is at 11:45 PST on Saturday.