Bartlett brings home cross country title

IDAHO FALLS — Her best race of the season came at the perfect time as Sandpoint junior Megan Bartlett destroyed the field to win the girls 4A state cross country championship Saturday in Idaho Falls.

The win is the culmination of a stellar year, which included racing in New York City and also winning a state title in the 3,200 meters. The win was especially sweet because Bartlett beat Century senior Bethany McInturff, the defending state champion who finished third on Saturday.

"This was pretty much Megan's year," said Sandpoint coach Matt Brass. "I could tell by her times and intensity there wasn't anyone who could stay with her if she ran a smart race, and she did."

Bartlett joins Alli Brosh, who won state titles in 2002-03, as the only Sandpoint girls to win a cross country title. Bartlett's time of 18:29.90 was nearly 30 seconds faster than her next closest competitor.

"She attacked up and down the hills and ran with a lot of confidence," said Brass, noting he knew at the 3/4 mile mark of the 5K race that she had it won. "She ran by and gave me a thumbs up. I knew right there it was her day."

Kat Vardell finished 26th, Rebecca Johnson 32nd, Karina Olson 71st, Vicky Vardell 72nd, Crystal Crawford 83rd and Karlee Hergenreder 85th for Sandpoint, which finished 6th as a team after a runner up finish last year. Brass said injuries decimated a team that had early-season ambitions of winning a title.

Senior David Householter finished 29th to lead the boys team, and while it wasn't the medal finish he'd hoped for, it was a strong race nonetheless.

"Smartest race he's run all year," said Brass of Householter, whose time of 17:48.22 was commensurate with what he's posted all season. "He was 45th at a mile, then he kicked it in and started picking people off."

Sam Sisson finished 65th, Danny Pfeifer 67th, Tim Householter 77th, Tony Charvos 80th, Kevin Clyde 85th and Jesse Javana 90th to round out the boys team.

Brass will take 13 Bulldog runners down to the prestigious Nike Team National Meet at Eagle Island in Boise, on Nov. 10.