Woodward, Merril lead host of Bulldogs to podium at state

SANDPOINT — Led by senior Mikhaela Woodward, who earned her 10th state medals with a second place finish in the 800 and third in the 1,600, the Bulldogs sent a host of athletes to the podium at the state meet last weekend in Boise.

One of the biggest surprises of the meet came courtesy of junior Kaleb Merril, who nailed far and away his best long jump of the season on the biggest stage, sailing 20-7 to finish fourth in the long jump. Madi Schoening, who won a soccer state title and finished third at state in basketball, capped a great sports season with a fifth place finish in the long jump.

“I was pleased with the long jumpers. It was exciting to watch Kaleb and Madi, both juniors, compete at the highest level of the state,” said Sandpoint head track coach Dave DeMers. “The conditions of the meet were anything but ideal. Overall I thought all the kids did a good job of competing and staying focused on their events.”

Merril joined Mark Kennaly, Kenny Kovalchuk and Kyle Perry on the fifth place sprint medley relay team. Perry and Merril ran the 200 legs, Kovalchuk the 400 and Kennaly the 800.

Junior Jacob Graham showed that he’ll be someone to be reckoned with next year, setting personal bests in the 3,200 (9:59) and 1,600 (4:34), finishing seventh and eighth, respectively.

Freshman Hannah Davidson finished fifth in the 800 and Kennaly fifth in the 400, each earning the praise of distance coach Matt Brass.

“Mark showed his excellent balance of endurance and speed, competing in a tough double with the 400 and 800 open, an exciting place to be for his upcoming senior season,” said Brass. “Davidson has continued to improve all year, from earning a spot on the state champion cross country team to bringing home a 5th place medal in the 800 this weekend.”

Janice Aylward finished seventh in the shot put, Sam Palmer finished eighth in the discus, Janice Aylward seventh in the shot put and Carlos Collado 13th in the shot put.

“These three throwers have shown what hard work and dedication can do,” said throwing coach Sean Lyon. “They did a great job this year.”

The 4X100 team of Jackson Diercks, Colton Engel, Perry and Merril shaved time all season, but their chances at a podium spot suffered when Perry strained his hamstring in the prelims of the 100.

Freshman Claire Keener set PR’s in both the 100 and 200, finishing 11th in the latter, and gaining valuable state experience in the process.

“Claire has an incredible stride and strong running form,” described sprint coach Crosby Tajan. “She looks to be a force in years to come as she develops her explosiveness and strength.” 

Pole vaulters Lane Rasmussen and Cole Hooper each received a no-height at state after failing to clear the opening height, but both will return under the tutelage of pole vault coach Rod Dosher to possible make some noise at state next season.