Bulldog tracksters kick off state today

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint is sending 14 athletes to the 4A state track and field championships in Boise, a handful of which stand a great shot at taking home some state hardware.

Bulldogs head coach Dave DeMers said the team has really only had one month to practice outdoors, but he’s been preaching that anything can happen at state, which begins today with the a few field event and distance races.

“If everybody performs well we could have some surprises,” said DeMers. “It’s a crap shoot who’s going to show up and put it all together.”

DeMers thinks both Freedom Watson and Cody Hecker will vie for a trophy in the shot put, and that Hecker could also make some noise in the 100. David Marienau, Brandon Hawkins and Danny Pfeifer are each peaking at the right time in their respective distance races to lead the boys team.

Christina Johnson has the second best discus throw in 4A this year, and will be one to watch for a potential state title on the girls’ side.

“She could really surprise some people,” said DeMers of his junior. “If she pops one, she could win the whole damn thing.”

Melinda Van Dyk in the sprints, Susan Kovalchuk in the pole vault and Vicky Vardell in the 800 also will be in the mix for a top four finish and state trophy.

The 4A state meet begins today at Boise State University.