Bulldogs primed for success at 4A state track and field championships
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER Pictured from left to right are Valerie Lickboldt, Claire Keener, Jazmin Stockton and Jaelyn Martin, each underclassmen who will race in relays at state.
—Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Jacob Graham is looking to end his high school career on a high note at state.
Lund-Andersen, Graham set to battle in 1,600
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor
SANDPOINT — Save for relays, track is one of a small handful of sports that is distinctly singular in nature, often just one person running, jumping or throwing as far and fast as possible. But that’s not to say teammates can’t play a huge role, and such could be the case when they run the 1,600 at state on Saturday in Boise.
Senior Jacob Graham and sophomore Fin Lund-Andersen will be racing for state titles, and that includes running against each other. While both want to win, both are also good teammates, and realize the advantage to be gained at the front of the pack if they play it smart.
“It’s a lot easier to push the pace when we’re up there leading, drafting off each other,” concedes Lund-Andersen, as each can take turns in the lead to help control the race.
Lund-Andersen has the second fastest time in the state in the 4A ranks at 4:29.08, exactly one second off of state leader Josh Corgatelli of Moscow. Graham is fourth in the state, at 4:29.83, and knows a good race could net a state title for either him or Lund-Andersen.
“It kind of makes you feel a little more comfortable, a competitive edge knowing what your teammate can do,” said Graham, who like his teammate is seeking a top three finish. “Show the underclassmen what you can do with a lot of training. I’m hoping for a PR and a hard third lap.”
Bulldog head coach Matt Brass feels either of his runners could win with a strong race, a rarity at state from the same team.
“It’s great because they’re really good friends,” described Brass, who said Graham has embraced Lund-Andersen coming up on him. “It’s been great watching them get closer.”
The two will be among 24 Bulldog athletes competing today and tomorrow at the 4A state track meet at Donna Larson Park. A number have state podium aspirations, including sophomore Hannah Davidson, who has the third fastest state seeding time in the 800 at 2:23.
Davidson will team with Claire Keener, Jaelyn Martin and Paige DuMars on a strong medley relay team, and will join Dana Beaty, Niah Brass and Rainey Woodward on a strong 4X400 relay, each of which is seeking to land on the podium with a top six finish.
Senior Carlos Collado has been on a steady incline in the discus, and uncorked a couple of 150 foot plus throws in practice this week, the likes of which at state could land him on the podium.
“Every meet has been a big jump forward. Every week he’s throwing better and better,” said Brass, who feels Cole Hooper could also fare well in the pole vault, where his 12-6 PR is just one foot behind the 4A state leader and a pack 13-0. “He’s been PRing all season, if can go 13, he’ll be in the range of a medal.”
Sophomore T.J. Davis, who at 6-foot-5 can chew up the track quickly, currently owns the fourth fastest time in the 110 high hurdles, and will gain valuable state experience.
The boys medley relay of Jackson Diercks, Davis, Mark Kennaly and James Bradley could also make some noise, with Kennaly also holding the fifth fastest 800 time in the state at 2:01.
Brass feels the team has an outside shot at a team trophy, but it will take a yeoman effort to get there. The majority of the 24 heading to state are underclassmen, who will gain valuable experience to help the program moving forward.
n Girls state qualifiers: Janice Aylward- Shot Put; Niah Brass- 4x400; Hannah Davidson- PV, Medley, 4x400, 800; Paige DuMars- Medley, Shot Put; Jezza Hutto- Long Jump; Claire Keener- Medley; Jaelyn Martin- Medley; Cori McClelland- 1600, 3200; Lacie Redding- Pole Vault; Jazmin Stockton- 4x200; Valerie Wickboldt- 4x200; Rainey Woodward- 4x400; YeoWon Yarnell- 800; Dana Beaty- 4x400, 4x200.
n Boys state qualifiers: Zach Alamillo- Shot Put; Spencer Basset- Long Jump, Triple Jump; James Bradley- Medley Relay, 800; Carlos Collado- Shot Put, Discus; T.J. Davis- Medley, 110 hurdlers; Jackson Diercks- Medley; Jacob Graham- 1600, 3200; Cole Hooper- Pole Vault; Mark Kennaly- Medley, 800; Fin Lund-Andersen- 1600.