Alamillo gunning for third state title

SANDPOINT — Regardless of what happens at state this weekend, it’s been a stellar career for Sandpoint senior Nikole Alamillo, the reigning two-time 4A state champion in the discus.

As such, she’ll no doubt have a target on her back from a field of hungry throwers looking to take the title from the champ. There are select few three-time state champions in Idaho, and Alamillo is looking to add her name to the list.

“It’s pretty stressful,” admits Alamillo of the pressure to defend her title. “People are expecting me to get first again.”

It’s been an admittedly tough season for Alamillo, who has struggled to reach the high marks attained in the past. But good news came recently when she signed a letter of intent to throw next year for Carroll College. She’s excited about the opportunity to throw year around, as well as the campus at the NAIA school in Helena, Mont.

Sandpoint throwing coach and mom Laura Alamillo is happy to see her daughter get the chance to continue her athletic career.

“I’m excited she gets to follow her dream, and she picked a great school,” says Laura, who was a standout thrower in high school as well. “When she walked on campus, she looked at me and said, ‘This is where I’m going.’”

Alamillo’s best throw this season is 119 feet and change, while there are several 4A marks at or above 125 feet, so a third state title will be earned. She’s been hitting some nice throws in recent practices, and her career best is 131-4, so all it will take is that one magic throw for the three-peat.

Her mom and coach thinks the first thrower to hit 125 at state will probably win the meet, and likes her daughter’s chances of being that person. Last year, Alamillo won on her final throw, and seems to thrive under pressure.

“She definitely has what it takes, and she usually steps up in competition,” describes Laura. “We’ve been able to correct her form and she’s been hitting 125 in practice.”

There are a lot of three-sport athletes, but not many who participate in the discus and shot, basketball and swimming, as Alamillo has done in high school. She played a large role in the Bulldog basketball team advancing to state, but calls track her favorite.

Making the experience extra special is having her mom as a coach, there to share the state titles, elation and frustration.

“I like it, but sometimes you get frustrated, like ‘I know that’s what I have to do,’” admits Alamillo, who calls her biggest strengths speed and dedication. “Track practices are the best. Everyone has fun, and we’re like a big family.”

The 4A state tournament kicks off on Friday in Boise.