Bulldogs taking love of running off to college

by Eric Plummer Sports Editor
| June 20, 2015 7:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Continuing a positive recent trend, six more Sandpoint cross country runners will be in action in college next fall, as the Bulldog program continues to churn out strong runners with a desire to keep competing.

Mikhaela Woodward has committed to run both track and cross country for Western Washington University this coming fall. Woodward was a 10-time state medalist and eight time regional champion, including four runner up state medals while running track for Sandpoint.

Woodward leaves the school with the second-fastest time in the 800, 1,600 and three mile, as well as anchoring two state champion cross country teams.

Chris Cordova will be running for Santa Rosa Junior College in both track and cross country next fall. As a four-year cross country runner and three year varsity track competitor, he was part of the boys squad that brought home a cross country trophy last fall. Cordova is a two-time state cross country competitor and is No. 10 on SHS all time 5k list with a time of 17:02.

Sam Powell will be walking on to the Montana State University cross country program this coming fall. Powell was a four time state qualifier, earning All-State medalist honors in cross country as a senior. He has the second fastest three mile time ever for Sandpoint High School with a 16:11. Powell was also the co-captain of the third-place boys cross country team this past season.

Kenny Kovalchuk will also be trying out for the Montana State University cross country program this coming fall. Kovalchuk ran two seasons of cross country and one of track, and ended up qualifying for state in both as a senior. He is the 8th fastest 5k runner in school history with a 16:41, and was also the co-captain of the cross country team this past season.

Matt Cloud will be walking on to the University of Idaho’s cross country team this fall. Just 17 years old, Cloud has a chance to get a lot faster. He was a contributing member of the boys third-place team last fall, and has been a four year runner, holding No. 8 on the all-time three mile list.

Andy McGinnis will also be trying out for the University of Idaho. He has also been a four year runner and was a contributing force in the team’s trophy finish. McGinness is No. 9 on the SHS three-mile list.