Bulldog track and field team strong in all phases in 2015
SANDPOINT — With more than 90 athletes making it the biggest Sandpoint track team in nearly three decades, and a renewed emphasis on team unity, the Bulldogs are hoping for a banner track and field season in 2015.
Oh, and they possess one other trait that bodes well for any team.
“The one thing I see this year is talent,” said longtime Bulldog head coach Dave DeMers, noting the only time he’s had a bigger team was in the mid-80’s, with 108 kids. “I think we have everything covered to defend our regional championship. The goal is to take 10 boys and 10 girls to state, and hopefully we can get some more.”
One of the strengths of the team will be the girls distance runners, led by senior Mikhaela Woodward, who came within feet of winning the 1,600 at state last year. She finished second in the 1,600 and also claimed a sixth place finish in the 3,200.
As a senior her focus is on two things: Donya Rumore’s school record of 5:12 in the 1,600, which she missed by just four seconds last year, and of course the state title in the 1,600. Last year Woodward battled in the final 200 meters of the premier distance race before falling short.
Bulldog distance coach Angie Brass thinks a title is well within reach after a couple of runner up state finishes.
“She needs to continue her racing intellect,” said Brass. “She has great foot speed and is very competitive. She also has great teammates pushing her.”
Among them are freshman Katherine Kaul (3,200/1,600), a precocious runner also capable of challenging for a podium spot, seniors Lauren Orr (400/800) and Claire Pierce (3,200/1,600) and freshman Sharon Rowe (1,600/800). Unfortunately, sophomore Rainey Woodward likely won’t get the chance to defend her 800 meter title, as she looks to return to health from a foot injury.
Leading the girl sprinters is freshman Claire Keener (100/200), a tall strider with raw speed who was the fastest Bulldog in the first team time trials. Sophomore Taylor Ward, juniors Paige DuMars and Bre Converse, and senior Rebecca Klopman round out the sprinters.
Leading the girls jumpers will be junior Madi Schoening (LJ/relays) and senior Taylor Lunde (LJ/TJ), while freshmen Kaul and Rowe will pole vault, performing the rare distance/pole vault double. DeMers feels Schoening could vie for a podium spot in the long jump.
“She is so much stronger and faster,” said DeMers of the three sport standout. “She loves to compete, and that will be her edge. I see her going into the 17’s (feet) in the long jump.”
Leading the Bulldog boys team will be a host of strong sprinters, led by junior Kyle Perry, who finished sixth at state last year in the 100, and senior Tyler Harris (LJ/TJ/relays). The two could form the backbone of a strong 4X100 relay.
“He’s one of the premier sprinters in our league,” said DeMers of Perry, noting Harris is right there as well. “Tyler’s a phenomenal athlete, and one of our leaders. I’m looking for big things from them.”
Other sprinters that will most likely fill relays at districts include juniors Colton Engel, Jackson Diercks, Kaleb Merrill, Jake Timothy, Michael Plaster and Wyatt Cox.
Junior Mark Kennally will be looking to improve upon his sixth place finish at state last year in the high jump, and after clocking a 52 second quarter mile this year, will also run the 400 and 800. Junior Ravyn Smith will lead the hurdles and junior Lane Rasmussen and sophomore Slade Rucker the pole vault.
Leading the boys distance runners are junior Jacob Graham and senior Sam Powell, each of whom will run both the 3,200 and 1,600. Distance coach Matt Brass lauded the pair’s high endurance.
“They’re guys who have improved every year of high school,” said Brass. “Both are good leaders, and the 3,200 is their best bet for a medal.”
A trio of strong throwers will look to earn a berth at state under new throwing coach Sean Lyon. Seniors Sam Palmer and Josh Suto, and junior Carlos Collado all have potential in both the shot put and discus. Janice Aylward and Paige DuMars will lead the girls throwers.
DeMers has tried to foster more team unity among the many different disciplines and sects on the team, and hopes it all pays dividends at state.
“We get better every meet, keep the commitment strong and go into regionals saying ‘this is ours,’” said DeMers of the key to the season. “The kids are having fun and buying into it.”
The Bulldogs kick off the season today at Coeur d’Alene.