'One of those kids every coach loves'

SANDPOINT — Many an elite athlete has come through the tradition-rich Sandpoint wrestling program over the years. Senior Chris Book is not one of them — at least in terms of wins or state championships.

However, what Book has accomplished in three years in the program might just be second to none. To best understand, one need only look at a dual earlier this season against rival Coeur d’Alene.

The Vikings, senior-laden and one of the top dual teams in the state, had just soundly beaten a mostly-young and rebuilding Sandpoint team in a dual. Book had just lost 9-0 to the Vikings’ Jake Graham, yet it was enough to lift the spirits of long-time Bulldogs head coach Mike Randles.

“Him not getting pinned by that kid (Graham), that made my night, seeing one of your kids work that hard,” said Randles, who called Book one of the most dedicated kids he’s coached in 15 years. “Huge heart. One of those kids that every coach loves.”

When Book turned out for the wrestling team two years ago, he weighed more than 190 pounds and admittedly was not much of an athlete. To see him as a senior, pinning his Lake City opponent at a rock-solid 135 pounds, is to understand what it means to be an athlete — in the purest sense of the word.

When asked what his best moment was to date he said placing at a JV tournament his sophomore season. While it doesn’t sound like a lot on the surface, it meant a lot to Book personally.

“It was more of a respect thing,” said Book, who plans to enter the Naval Academy upon graduation. “People realized I was an athlete, instead of just someone who participated.”

Book also played football for the Bulldogs, winning the Will Stoll Award this year, one of the Bulldogs’ most prestigious awards as voted on by the players. Head coach Mike Mitchell said Book was one of those kids you want your program to be.

“He always gave everything he had in everything he did,” said Mitchell of Book. “He’s the kid who was the first one there when you needed something. He was our wedge-breaker.”

A burning desire to out-work his opponent and a hunger to improve have put Book in a position to possibly wrestle at the state tournament as a senior. Randles said that whether Book wins or loses, he can’t wait to get better, and that his work ethic and enthusiasm are as genuine as it gets.

The coach and wrestler share a mutual respect for each other. Book was recently asked what the highlight of his senior year has been and he wasted precious little time in answering.

“Being back with Randles, where I started,” said Book, alluding to Randles taking a year off from head coaching duties last season. “He’s pushed me harder than anybody else has. He made me an athlete.”