Bulldog cross country teams hungry for 4A state hardware
(Photo by SAYDEE BRASS) The Sandpoint boys Regional cross country champs, pictured from left to right holding the trophy: Garrett Pierce, Peik Lund-Andersen, Cole Dillon, Ephriam Weisz, Brady Nelsen, Tyler McNamee and Jett Lucas.
(Photo by SAYDEE BRASS) The Sandpoint girls state cross country team, pictured from left to right with the Regionals trophy: Katherine Kaul, Kali Scheel, Ciera Bailey, Hannah Davidson, Niah Brass, Farli Boden, Heather Wallace and alternate Sharon Rowe.
SANDPOINT — Both the Bulldog boys and girls cross country teams figure to be in the hunt for top four finishes and state trophies on Saturday at the 4A Idaho State Cross Country Championships at Eagle Island State Park in Boise.
The Bulldog girls are accustomed to bringing home trophies lately, including a pair of state championships, which made missing out on a trophy by one point least year a tough pill to swallow.
Led by the one-two punch of seniors Katherine Kaul and Hannah Davidson, the No. 3 ranked Bulldogs figure to be one of five teams in contention for the title, and eager to get back on the podium.
“It’s us, Twin Falls and Skyline, with Bishop Kelly and Idaho Falls trailing by a bit,” said girls coach Angie Brass of the teams to beat. “It will be an exciting day.”
High finishes by Kaul and Davidson, both of whom were freshman on the last state title team, will go a long way to making a run at the top of the podium. Brass expects the experienced pair to push a heavy pace at the front of the pack, anchoring the score with low numerals and a gritty mindset.
“Both captains have been leading the team all season. Bring the experience and toughness they display at every race,” said Brass of her seniors. “To get in the top 3, it takes three or four runners in the top 20. We need to run for each other when it gets tough at the end.”
Also in contention for top 20 finishes are Niah Brass (3rd state race) and Kali Scheel (first state race), and one of the final three runners will need to step up for that all-important fifth spot. It’s why Angie Brass said pack running will be so important.
“For us to be tough on that second lap,” said Angie of the key to the race, held on a technical two-lap course with uphill, downhill and sand. “I’m very proud of all of them, and excited for the opportunity on Saturday.”
Leading the boys team will be a trio of runners with a chance for top 20 finishes in Ephriam Weisz, Cole Dillon and Garrett Pierce. At the district meet, the top five Bulldog runners were separated by just 27 seconds. That feat will be much tougher to accomplish in the huge state fields, and doing so will go a long way to securing a trophy.
“The importance of running as a tight group,” said Bulldogs head coach Matt Brass of the key for the boys. “Your score stays really low if you can hold that pack together.”
It will take a sub-17 minute time to earn an individual state medal. The Bulldog boys are currently ranked 5th in the 4A rankings, but none of the top schools are head and shoulders above the rest, so it’s anyone’s race on Saturday.
“It’s the deepest boys field I’ve ever seen state-wide. There are 8-10 teams that can contend for a state trophy,” said Matt Brass, who hopes his team is one of them. “It will require them running smart and together. If they fracture apart from first to fifth, it will be tough to get on the podium.”
The state championships are Saturday, at Eagle Island State Park, a course the Bulldogs are very familiar with.
n The Bulldog boys state seven: 1, Ephriam Weisz, Jr.; 2, Cole Dillon, Sr.; 3, Garrett Pierce, Sr.’ 4, Peik Lund-Andersen, Sr.; 5, Brady Nelson, So.; 6, Tyler McNamee, Fr.; 7, Kieran Wilder, Jr.; Alt, Dutt Rogers, Sr.
n The Bulldog girls state seven: 1, Katherine Kaul, Sr.; 2, Hannah Davidson, Sr.; 3, Niah Brass, Jr.; 4, Kali Scheel, Sr.; 5, Heather Wallace, So.; 6, Farli Boden, Sr.; 7, Ciera Bailey, Sr.; Alt, Sharon Rowe, Sr.
RACES: 5A girls 9 a.m.; 3A girls, 9:45; 1A girls, 10:15; 2A boys, 11; 3A boys, 11:30; 1A boys, noon; 4A girls, 12:30 p.m.; 5A girls, 1; 4A boys, 1:30; 5A boys, 2 p.m.