Davis, Davidson eye titles for Bulldogs at state track meet

SANDPOINT — Led by seniors T.J. Davis and Hannah Davidson, each of whom figure to seriously contend for a pair of state title, the Sandpoint track team opens the 4A Idaho State Track and Field Championships today at Donna Larson Park in Boise.

Davis missed most of his junior season with an injury, but has bounced back for a stellar senior campaign, including a personal best and SHS school record 14.99 in the 110 high hurdles, the No. 1 4A time in the state to date. He also has the third fastest 300 hurdles time in 4A at 40.54, and figures to challenge for that school record as well at the state meet.

Davis recently signed to run track next season at Spokane Falls Community College, where the 6-6 hurdler can continue to drop time. Bulldog head coach Matt Brass said Davis will be right in the mix for titles in both, but state titles are always hard earned.

“Remembering those little things, attack the ground after each hurdle, keep the head still,” said Matt Brass of the key for Davis. “His regional races were smooth, he looks good.”

For his part, Davis just wants to run his race and let the chips fall where they may, knowing he’s the guy to beat based on times.

“Being the No. 1 see, people are coming after me. I have to go after myself,” said Davis, who is gunning for the double in the highly-technical races. “The 300 times are so close, I’m hoping I have that extra push and can use it to my advantage.”

For Davidson, state meets are old hat, as she already owns a runner up and third place finish in the 800 from past years. She currently has the second fastest 1,600 time in 5:10.74, and the second fastest 800 time in 2:18.55. She’ll also compete in the pole vault during a busy meet, where she’ll be in contention for a podium spot as well.

She has a great perspective, focusing on the task at hand and what she can control rather than the end results.

“Since it’s my last time competing in high school, I want to make sure I have no regrets, know that I’ve gone as hard as I can,” she said, noting she’ll rely on a wealth of state experience in her final go. “State is a lot more competitive and fast, it’s good that I know what that feels like.”

Whether it’s cross country or track, one of the biggest strengths of Davidson’s is her strong kick, nearly always reeling in the runner ahead of her. Because of that weapon, she might try and push the pace of the races early, keeping the No. 1 seed in her sights throughout.

Davidson owns the SHS school records in both the 800 and 1,600. Distance coach Angie Brass said the key will be running to her strengths.

“She’s improved by leaps and bounds every season, and this is an exciting culmination,” said Angie Brass. “There’s good competition in both, which yields good results.”

Senior Julian Barajas qualified in four events, and will run a leg on the 4x100 relay team with Ammon Ollerton, Tyren Witthaus and Davis. Their seed time of 44.0 is fourth in the 4A ranks, and on Wednesday the group was confident they can crack the top three with some seamless handoffs, no easy task under the pressure of state.

The state meet starts with the 3,200, most field events and all of the prelims today, then concludes on Saturday with all of the finals at Donna Larson Park.

SANDPOINT STATE EVENTS

Victoria Aylward — Shot Put.

Ciera Bailey — 400.

Niah Brass — 3,200.

Hannah Davidson — 800, 1,600, Pole Vault.

Paige Davidson — Pole Vault, 300 hurldes.

Elaine Huang — High Jump.

Maddie Morgan — Triple Jump.

Jazmin Stockton — 100.

Bionce Vincent — 800.

Kyle Almeida — 400, Medley Relay.

Julian Barajas — 100, 200, 4x100 Relay, Medley Relay.

Nikolai Braedt — 1,600.

T.J. Davis — 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x100m Relay.

Seth Graham — 800.

Robbie Johnson — Pole Vault.

Gabe Merithew — 3,200.

Ammon Ollerton — High Jump, Medley Relay, 4x100 Relay.

Garrett Pierce — 1,600.

Kieran Wilder — 3,200.

Tyren Witthaus — 4x100 Relay.

Sloan Woodward — Medley Relay, 800.

n Hathaway to represent Wampus Cats at state

Clark Fork sophomore Sara Hathaway is the lone representative from her school to qualify for state, but it’s definitely quality over quantity for the talented athlete when the 3A/2A/1A state track meet starts today in Middleton.

Hathaway will be busy in the 100, the 100 hurdles, the 300 hurdles and the long jump, and figures to score plenty of points in the process.

Her 5-0 mark in the high jump ranks second in the 1A disvision, her time of 16.82 ranks third in the 100 hurdles and her 48.9 ranks fourth in the 300 hurdles. In short, she’ll be right there in the mix for a bevy of podium spots.