Host of Bulldogs win awards at North Idaho Sports Banquet
—Courtesy photo Representing Sandpoint at the banquet, from left to right: Kris Knowles, Duane Ward, Satini Puailoa, Will Love, Madi Schoening, Davan Norris, Chris Lassen, Carlos Collado, Paul Sundquist, Claire Pierce, Rainey Woodward, Niah Brass (front), Angie Brass, Hannah Davidson, Matt Brass, Katherine Kaul and Dana Beatty.
—Courtesy photo Madi Schoening, left, and Paul Sundquist, right, pictured with Sandpoint athletic director Kris Knowles after winning prestigious awards. being named the Female Athlete of the Year and the Male Athlete of the Year, leading a host of Bulldogs winning honors.
SANDPOINT — It was a banner day for Sandpoint athletics on Saturday at the 54th annual North Idaho Sports Banquet at the Best Western in Coeur d'Alene, as a host of Bulldog athletes and coaches were recognized with awards.
The three biggest winners were Madi Schoening, who was voted the 5A/4A Female Athlete of the Year, Paul Sundquist, who was voted the 5A/4A Male Athlete of the Year, and the Sandpoint girls cross country team, which was voted the 5A/4A Female Team of the Years.
The Bulldog girls just missed a 3-peat by the narrowest of margins, but were thrilled to receive the award, putting in year-round work and running for each other. Bulldog girls coach Angie Brass was rightfully proud of Sharon Rowe, Katherine Kaul, Claire Pierce, Rainey Woodward, Dana Beaty, Niah Brass, Cori McClelland, Hannah Davidson and Farli Boden.
“The team is a dedicated, hard-working, close-knit group that has continued to challenge each other and compete at a high level,” she said. “It is so great to have the recognition for their work and success.”
Schoening was arguably the top girls basketball player in North Idaho, and one of the best defenders in the state on the soccer pitch. She won individual awards for both of those sports as well at the banquet, claiming a whopping three awards, and will take her talents to the University of Montana to play basketball next season.
Sundquist, a multi-year starter on the football, basketball and baseball teams at Sandpoint, most likely earned the award for his all-state play at middle linebacker. Sundquist, who will play football next fall at Montana Tech, called the award surreal.
“There's a bunch of really good athletes in North Idaho, it makes me feel proud. I had to work hard,” said Sundquist, who was proud to win the award with his girlfriend, Schoening. “I thought it was sweet, pretty cool for both of us.”
Winning individual honors were two of the most dominating athletes in the state in their respective sports, as sophomore Payton Bokowy won in girls swimming and junior Casey Randles won in wrestling.
Bokowy, who has never lost a high school race, defended her state titles in both the 100 and 200 meters at state, beating every swimmer from every classification in the process. Until somebody beats her, she'll hold the mantle as fastest swimmer in the state.
Equally dominating was 182 pound wrestlers Casey Randles, who went undefeated on the season to win both the prestigious Tri-State title, as well as his second 4A state title. He'll enter his senior season as not just one of the top wrestlers in Idaho, but in the Northwest.