Van Dyk, Johnson, Pfeifer in hunt for medals

SANDPOINT — A host of Bulldogs will be vying for podium spots today and tomorrow as the Sandpoint track team sends 18 athletes to the 4A state track and field championships in Boise.

Bulldog head coach Dave DeMers believes his girls team can fare well, especially Melinda Van Dyk, who is entered in the 100, 100 hurdles, 4x100 relay and medley relay. Elli Kiselica is also entered in four events, competing in the high jump, medley relay, 4x100 relay and 4x200 relay, as the Bulldogs loaded up in the relays.

“Melinda could be in the hunt for four medals and I believe she will be disappointed if it doesn’t happen,” DeMers said. “I feel our girls relays will do well and we’re excited to see them run.”

Christina Johnson returns to state looking to medal in both the shot put and the discus, and improve upon her third place showing in the discus last season. Susan Kovalchuk also stands a good shot to place in the pole vault based on her qualifying marks.

Leading the boys team will be distance ace Danny Pfeifer in the 3,200 and 1,600, Brandon Hawkins in the 800 and Mike Hubbard in both the high jump and long jump. DeMers believes while he only has eight boys at state, each stands a chance to nab a podium spot.

“Mike should do well in the high jump and Danny should do well in the distance races,” said DeMers. “The coaching is complete, the conditioning is complete and the kids are excited to get after it in Boise.”

Joining the aforementioned athletes at state are Jimmy Mathews (1,600), Dillon Gingerich (triple jump), Sean Hogan (300 hurdles) and Shane Kidd (shot put) from the boys side, and Cymbre Martin (4x200 relay), Mikaila Bristow (4x100 and 4x200 relays), Jennie Meulenberg (long jump), Anna Guida (4x200 relay), Maddie Suppiger (high jump), Emma Carter (medley relay) and Blake Plaster (4x100 and medley relays) on the girls team.