Sandpoint XC claims district honors
The Sandpoint High School varsity boys cross country team poses for a photo with coaches Matt and Angie Brass after winning regionals for the tenth time in a row.
(Photo courtesy MATT and ANGIE BRASS)
LEWISTON — Sandpoint boys cross country has won 10 straight regional titles and the Bulldog girls came one point shy of claiming their own district title on Thursday.
The boys scored 24 points and had three runners finish in the top seven to medal.
Junior Nathan Roche continued his strong season, winning the individual title with a time of 16:08. That time moves him to sixth fastest in school history. Right behind was junior Dan Ricks in 16:18 for second place, moving up to tenth on the all time school list.
Senior Slate Fragoso placed fourth in 16:44 to cap off the medalists for the team. Junior Kasten Grimm was eighth in 17:23 and senior Anders Eastley was ninth in 17:27 to round out the scoring five for the team.
"Moscow packed up early behind our leaders, trying for the upset, but the front three held their composure during the pressure attack and built a lead over the Moscow midpack. Halfway through the race, Kasten and Anders caught their fourth runner and we knew that we had it,” boys coach Matt Brass said.
At the end, the Bulldogs’ sixth runner, freshman Westin Caven, kicked past Moscow's fourth runner for extra insurance.
“It was a really gutsy, well-run team race from start to finish,” Brass said. “To repeat as champions 10 times is an incredible feat, I'm really happy for them."
The girls just missed out on winning their tenth straight regional title, finishing one point behind Moscow, which ended the meet with 28 point to claim the team title.
Senior Maren Davidson won the individual title with a blistering 19:05, placing her eighth on the SHS girls’ all time 5K list. Senior Ara Clark was fourth in 19:38 and junior Lily Richardson was sixth in 20:04 to round out the medalists. Junior Grace Rookey ran a personal record of 20:08 for eighth, and senior Payton Betz rounded out the top five with a ninth-place 20:10 finish.
"Maren got it done today, always delivering in the big moments, leading our team,” girls coach Angie Brass said.
However, as far as our team goes, she said the Bulldogs did not accomplish their goal of becoming regional champions.
“Moscow's team came hungry and ran with fire and intent and we, as a whole, did not. We will realign, process and adjust for the state meet and embrace our next opportunity," she said.
"Our JV crew had great races across the board and finished on a high note," she added.
State will be on the same course in Lewiston on Oct. 29. The girls 4A state championships will start at 10 a.m. and the 4A boys will run at 11:30 a.m.