Sandpoint cross country teams harbor high hopes for 2017
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Pictured from left to right are Sandpoint team captains Hannah Davidson, Kyle Almeida, Dutton Rogers and Katherine Kaul.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Senior Cole Dillon, right, is the top returning finisher from last year’s state team, and will once again be a key piece of the boys team.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Senior Sharon Rowe returns with plenty of state experience, hoping to end her cross country career on a high note.
Katherine Kaul
Peik Lund-Andersen
Girls team hopes for a return to state podium
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor
SANDPOINT — After a stellar run that included two state titles and a runner up finish, last year’s fifth place finish qualified as a disappointment for the Sandpoint girls cross country team, which struggled mightily to adjust to the 4,500 plus foot elevation near Pocatello.
Led by the rock-solid and highly experienced senior duo of Katherine Kaul and Hannah Davidson, along with a big pack of runners that will vie for the seven varsity spots all season, hopes are high for the Bulldogs to return to the state podium and make a run at a top three finish.
Girls coach Angie Brass has 11 seniors with a lot of state experience who have been consistently strong for a long time, as well as some speedy underclassmen hungry to contribute, which could add up to another state trophy.
“A strong, unified group of girls that are hard working, connected, love a challenge and are excited for the opportunities ahead,” described Brass of the girls team. “This group is stronger and coming in more ready than last year.”
Leading the way will be Kaul, who finished sixth at state as a sophomore before falling off to 15th last year. She consistently leads the Bulldogs, both in times and from a leadership perspective.
“Kat is a workhorse. Super positive, a great leader. She races intelligently, not afraid to take risks,” said Brass. “She pushes pace right from the get-go. She puts it all out there, collapses after almost every single race.”
Pushing Kaul will be Davidson, who finished 12th as a sophomore before falling four places last year. Not surprisingly for someone who owns a second and third place state finish in the 800 meters, Davidson’s strength is the last leg of the race.
“Hannah can set a hard pace, and has an absolutely amazing last 800,” claimed Brass. “Anyone in her sights at the end is going to get caught.”
After that is a strong contingent of runners who will push hard for varsity time, including seniors Sharon Rowe, Kaly Scheel, Ciera Bailey and Farli Boden, junior Niah Brass, sophomores Chloe Pierce and Heather Wallace, and freshman Camille Neuder.
Kaul is hoping to try and bring the team together and see what kind of run they can make at another state title.
“Making sure to put in quality days everyday at practice,” she said of the key. “We have a strong connection, which helps us to run for each other, which is very powerful.”
Pack strength will once again define the Bulldog boys, who could have any of a handful of runners lead the way in a given race. Junior Ephriam Weisz starts the season as the top boys runner, as he continues to consistently drop time.
As praise goes, you could do worse than the comparison Bulldog head coach Matt Brass made when he admitted Weisz reminded him a lot of current Washington State runner and former Bulldog Sam Levora.
“Ephriam reminds me a bit of Sam in drive and work ethic,” said Matt Brass. “He puts in the miles, and has made huge jumps the last two seasons.”
Right behind Weisz is senior Cole Dillon, who brings a wealth of varsity experience and is the top returning runner after leading the Bulldogs last year with a 28th place finish at state.
Seniors Peik Lund-Andersen and Garrett Pierce will be pushing a mean pace as well, bringing a tough attitude to a squad intent on beating last year’s 8th place finish.
“Peik is a four-year workhorse. If he stays healthy, he should be a regional medalist, someone the team can rely on at state,” predicted Matt Brass. “Garrett is another fierce Pierce. A senior who understands what it takes to be successful, pushing that comfort zone to the next level.”
Close behind them is a strong group in senior co-captains Dutt Rogers and Kyle Almeida, juniors Sloane Woodward and Kieran Wilder, and sophomore Seth Graham. Like the girls squad, varsity spots will be hard earned.
Lund-Andersen said the team’s mindset will remain aggressive, from start to finish.
“This year we’ll have some good attacks out there, work well together pushing each other often,” predicted Lund-Andersen. “Knowing each other’s weaknesses, and helping each other succeed.”
Like the girls, the Bulldog boys will be seeking a fifth straight Regional title, and if all goes well a team spot on the podium. If that happens, it won’t be by accident, as the team is very tight knit, which goes a long way in a sport that requires pushing the body to the limit often.
Matt Brass was asked what the strength of the team was, and he had a quick answer.
“Cohesion, they really challenge each other and respond really well as a group, not just individuals,” he said. “Blue collar work ethic and grit. They’re not worried about their own results, but focused on what the team can do.”
Sandpoint hosts Timberlake in a new dual format on Saturday, Aug. 26 starting at 9 a.m. at the University of Idaho extension property on Boyer Avenue.