COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Sherrill wins five matches, wrestles to third-place finish at home tourney

Shane Sherrill, Doane University Wrestling

A 2024 Sandpoint High graduate, Shane posted a 5-1 record and placed third in his weight class at the Conner Oppenheim Open hosted by Doane this past Saturday at Fuhrer Field House in Crete, Neb. Wrestling in the amateur 133-pound bracket, Shane won by a 19-11 major decision over Cody Vandermark of Grand View in the second round before winning four straight matches in the consolation bracket. He defeated Brandon Clark of Dickinson State by medical forfeit, Aaron Ohnoutka of Iowa Western CC by an 8-5 decision, Evan Fuchs of Briar Cliff by a 13-5 major decision and Dariuz Black of Briar Cliff by a 9-7 decision in the third-place match. Doane, which is 3-0 in dual matches, travels to Concordia (Neb.) this Friday.

Savannah Rickter, Dickinson State University Wrestling

Also at the Conner Oppenheim Open, Savannah, a 2024 Bonners Ferry High graduate, still wrestling up a weight class at 180 pounds, went 1-2 overall. In the consolation bracket, she defeated Tambria Wilson of Central Methodist University (Missouri) by a 12-2 technical fall. Dickinson State returns to action Jan. 5 for a dual with Minot State in Glasgow, Mont.

Brandon Casey, University of Montana Football

In his 44th career start at right tackle, Brandon, a 2020 Sandpoint High graduate, helped the Griz, which finished 9-5, to 16 first downs and 306 total yards of offense — 231 passing and 75 rushing — in a 35-18 loss to South Dakota State in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Under his leadership, Montana, which has made the playoffs 28 times in its history, made at least a second round appearance every year during the last five years. Brandon's 44 starts were a team-high, having started every game since the beginning of his sophomore year.

Asha Abubakari, Fresno State Track & Field

A 2024 Bonners Ferry High graduate, Asha made her collegiate debut at the Silver State Invitational & Multis meet held Dec. 5-7 at the University of Nevada. In the shotput, she placed 21st with a throw of 10.17 meters (33 feet and 4.5 inches) and 27th in the weight throw with a mark of 11 meters (36 feet and 1.25 inches). Fresno State will head north for the Spokane Sports Showcase, set to be held Jan. 17 at The Podium.

Jerzie Bair, College of Idaho Volleyball

Jerzie, a 2019 graduate of Bonners Ferry High, officially finished her career with the Lady Yotes, which finished the 2024 season with a 22-14 record. Between a 3-0 loss to No. 8 Corban and a 3-1 win over No. 9 Aquinas (Michigan) in pool play at the NAIA National Tournament this past Wednesday and Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa, Jerzie had three kills, four digs and a block assist. An opposite side hitter, she finished the 2024 season with 69 kills, one assist, 39 digs and 55 total blocks, three of which were solo. For her career at the College of Idaho, she finished with 128 kills, five assists, 66 digs and 104 total blocks, eight of which were solo, across 147 sets played.

Arie VanDenBerg, Chapman University Football

Arie, a 2023 Sandpoint High graduate, finished his sophomore season with the 7-3 (6-1) Panthers, who fell just shy of Pomona-Pitzer, 37-34, in the 2024 SCIAC Championship game. Primarily used in two tight end formations, Arie played in all 10 games, averaging roughly 20 offensive snaps per game, and posted a win-loss block rate of over 90 percent. Arie, who also plays on special teams for the Panthers, which won the SCIAC title in 2023, will look to help Chapman reclaim the conference title over the next two seasons as his role in the tight end department continues to evolve.

Matyus McLain, University of Idaho Football

Matyus, a 2023 Priest River High graduate, recorded a solo tackle in the Vandals' 34-13 second round FCS Playoffs win over Lehigh this past Saturday at the Kibbie Dome. Idaho, which is 10-3, will now make the trek to Bozeman to face top-ranked Montana State on Friday. The game, which starts at 6 p.m. PST, will be broadcast on ESPN.

Caleb Norling, Olivet Nazarene University Swimming

A 2023 Sandpoint High graduate, Caleb helped the Tigers to a fourth-place team finish at the Wheaton Invite held this past Saturday at the Chrouser Sports Complex. Caleb competed in five different events, including two relays. He ultimately exceled in the 500-yard freestyle (4:55.62), placing seventh out of 16 competitors, and in the 1,650 freestyle (17:27.47), placing sixth out of 11 competitors. Olivet Nazarene will return to action Jan. 11 for a home dual with Millikin.

    Brandon Casey

    Arie VanDenBerg

    Caleb Norling