Kaul leads host of Bulldogs on District 1 XC team

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint junior Katherine Kaul was in the lead pack of nearly every race this year, and the hard work paid off when she was named girls Runner of the Year on the 2016 District 1 Cross Country team, as determined by all of the 3A-5A coaches from North Idaho.

Dana Beaty, Niah Brass, Hannah Davidson and Rainey Woodward also earned a spot on the team, speaking to the depth of the Bulldogs, the strongest team in North Idaho for the past few seasons.

Juniors Fin Lund-Andersen and Cole Dillon earned spots on the boys team, which is comprised of the top 12 runners from the region, regardless of classification.

Bulldog head coaches Matt and Angie Brass on what each runner did to earn a spot on the team:

n Kaul: Katherine is an incredibly hard worker, she is dedicated, positive, always embraces challenging her limits and is a reliable, tough teammate. She is a very competitive athlete, humble, kind and with a work ethic that is exemplary.

She has made huge contributions to her team each season. Kat owns a PR of 18:39 and placed in the top 3 in every meet this year, ending the season with a 14th place at the state championships after her regional runner-up title. She led the girls to first place team finishes in all but one meet before State and is a three-time state medalist.

n Beaty: Dana is extremely mentally and physically strong. She brings a grit and strength with her and stays focused to do the work to see long-term goals to fruition. She is a dependable teammate and her ability to push her limits at the end of races is inspiring. She took a huge leap this past year in performance.

She is part of the glue that keeps our girls team solidified and working hard together. Dana ran a PR of 20:03 this season to cap four great years of XC and helped to lead her team as one of our captains.

n Brass: Niah brings a competitive fire and a dedication to strong pack running in training and competition. She is the middle school mile record holder and has contributed to her varsity team since day one of high school.

She is a dedicated, hard-worker who cares deeply about her teammates and embodies the ability to give more for them in races. She is part of a strong core group coming back. Niah ran a PR this season of 20:06.

n Davidson: Hannah is a committed teammate who is a calm, steady presence. She is thorough and reads her competition well in the race environment. She utilizes all aspects of every course and uses her speed and strengths to help her teammates throughout.

She’s always finishing with an incredible kick, which is how she earned the school record last year in the 800 meters. She placed 15th at state and third at regionals this year and 12th at state and third at regionals last year. Hannah owns a 19:41 PR for the season.

n Woodward: Rainey has been a pillar for our girls team throughout her high school career. She has been a contributing part of four consecutive regional titles, two state champion finishes, and a second place and fifth place finish.

She is a four-year regional medalist and three-time state medalist. She brings a fine-tuned sense of pace, helps solidify the packs for our team in races, closes fast and always brings a sting to anyone in her reach when she is racing to the finish. Rainey has a PR of 19:22 and is one of our captains.

n Dillon: Cole moved to the team’s solid No. 2 runner this year, running a 16:47 PR and earning Regional Medalist honors for the second year in a row on the boys Regionals Championship team. He is a very tough runner who does what is asked every day.

n Lund-Andersen

Fin took another giant leap forward this year, coming within two seconds of the school record and leading the boys team during races all year long. He ran a 15:50 PR this year and was third in the regional championships, leading the boys to their fourth straight regional championship.

2016 District 1 Girls Cross Country Team

Runner of the Year — Katherine Kaul, Sandpoint, jr.

SANDPOINT — Dana Beaty, sr.;Hannah Davidson, jr.; Rainey Woodward, sr.; Niah Brass, so. BONNERS FERRY — Abigail Gorton, fr.; Jordon Young, jr. POST FALLS — Sydney Shanahan, fr.; Ida Mae Brooks, jr. TIMBERLAKE — Abigail Peightal, so. COEUR d’ALENE — Rylee Brown; Brooklyn Shell; Caitlyn Conway.

2016 District 1 Boys Cross Country Team

Runner of the Year — Landon Chang, Coeur d’Alene Charter, sr.

COEUR d’ALENE — Alex Walde; Karson Peach; Gabe McCombs; Chad Humphreys. TIMBERLAKE — Landon Davis; Brayden Menti. SANDPOINT — Cole Dillon, jr.; Finan Lund-Andersen, jr. LAKELAND — Cooper Haney, sr. COEUR d’ALENE CHARTER — Jackson Ricks; Jacob Shoup. LAKE CITY — Carter Gordon, fr.