Bulldogs seeking sixth straight regional XC titles

Seniors Brass, Weisz, Wilder lead mostly young squads

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

SANDPOINT — The Bulldog boys and girls cross country teams have won five straight 4A Region 1 championships, both at the varsity and JV levels, as Matt and Angie Brass have built one of the top 4A programs in the state in the process.

But if they’re going to make it six in a row, it will be with a host of new varsity runners, as both teams graduated a lot of strong seniors.

The Bulldog girls program has brought home trophies in four of the past five state championships, including a pair of state titles, but six of their top eight runners from last year’s third place team are long gone. The lone returning runner with any state experience is Niah Brass, and she’s got plenty of it, having finished 31st last year in her third straight trip to state.

She’s hoping to lead a another charge at a state podium, this time as a senior leader on an otherwise young squad.

“We lost an amazing group of seniors,” admitted Niah Brass. “This year girls are willing to step up to the challenge. We’re unified to work hard and see what we can get.”

Once again she’ll be coached by mom Angie Brass, who handles the coaching duties on the girls team. She’s seen first hand the work her daughter has put in over the years, including this summer when Niah led the team by pounding the pavement with 391 miles of training.

She missed a medal spot by six places last year, and will have her work cut out to medal as a senior, as the 4A ranks have expanded with more new teams down south. Angie will lean heavily on Niah for leadership on a team of mostly underclassmen.

“She’s committed, does the training, loves her team and puts in the work. She brings a fierce competitiveness and is very positive. Keeping the team united is a priority,” claimed Angie of Niah. “She’s been part of the program since she was 3 years-old. She’s learned from some great leaders.”

Senior Chloe Braedt brings leadership and positivity to the team, according to her coach, and behind her is a group that includes Paige Davidson, Bionce Vincent, Corina Wallace, Megan Oulman, Chloe Pierce, Mesa Keating and Mackenzie Suhy-Gregoire.

All will be pushing for one of the coveted seven varsity spots, as well as trying to uphold the high bar set by previous teams. Angie lauded the unit’s commitment.

“They love a challenge, and they’re united,” said Brass, noting the new varsity runners are hungry. “This year’s goal is to get to state and have that experience.”

Leading the boys team is a pair of strong seniors in Ephriam Weisz, who was 60th at state last year, and Kieran Wilder, who is eager for his chance to compete on the biggest stage. The two posted the fastest times in the annual time trial, and will give the Bulldogs representation at the front of races.

Longtime Bulldog boys coach Matt Brass called Weisz dedicated, noting he’s only missed two practices in four years.

“He’s always there, making sure to get his work in,” lauded Matt Brass of Weisz, noting he’s a very unpredictable racer. “You don’t know what to expect. Sometimes he goes out hard from the start, sometimes he waits to make a surge. As he’s matured, he’s learned to read races well.”

Wilder possesses a skill-set that will serve him well on some of the area courses, which per cross country tradition, will feature some climbs and descents.

“Kieran is a machine on the hills,” claimed Matt Brass. “He’s taking huge steps forward in his improvement.”

Besides Weisz, the only other Bulldog with state experience is junior Brady Nelsen, who led the Bulldogs with a 58th place finish last year, as the team finished 12th overall. He’ll join a young group including Nikolai Braedt, Jett Lucas, Seth Graham, Keegan Nelson, Sloan Woodward, Gabe Merithew and Tyler McNamee all vying for varsity run.

“The boys have a strong pack. Even the guys below are trying to catch the pack. They challenge each other, and support each other,” said Matt Brass, lauding their depth and unity. “They have some lofty goals. They have the work ethic and talent to make a run at their sixth regional title and get on the podium for a state trophy.”

Weisz, who had a disappointing state meet by his standards after battling sickness, is hoping to end with a much higher finish this time around, possibly challenging for a top 25 medal finish.

In cross country, where your team score isn’t complete until the final runner finishes, it’s important to get along as teammates, and draw from each other’s strengths. Weisz is more than happy to run with the current crew.

“The guys are very open, don’t judge people, want to have a good time,” he said of the boys team. “We work hard, because we know it will get us what we want.”