Boys first, girls third at Priest River Invite
September 4, 2012
The Badger boys savor their win at the Priest River Invitational.
Photos by Karen Perkins
The Badger boys edged Timberlake by one point to claim the invite trophy at the Priest River Invitational August 30. Luke Reoch won the individual championship handily, looking "solid," according to Badger coach Paul Bonnell.

Each point was up for grabs, which turned out to be a Timberlake-Bonners battle. In the final 200 meters, Bradley Thompson held off a Timberlake contender, and Collin Cossairt unleashed a stunning kick to pass a Timberlake opponent right at the line, swinging the score in the Badgers' favor. 

Tyler Warner, who ran for the Badgers and who is assisting with the team while he completes his student teaching at BFHS said, "The guys ran well. Let's keep it up!"

The Badger girls were third at the Priest River Invite, which was essentially an IML quad, with Timberlake, Priest River, and Kellogg in attendance.

Timberlake girls were first, followed by Priest River and Bonners Ferry. Kellogg did not have a complete girls' team.

Badger senior Aimee Sayers placed a solid fourth.

"Our girls raced well, particularly given their relative inexperience," Bonnell said. "We have a competitive group out, and they are keen to learn. Sayers ran a tactical race."

The course, which started and ended on the Priest River track, climbed a steep dirt hill behind the high school and then made numerous turns through Priest River neighborhoods. It was under five kilometers.

"That was tough," said Badger freshman Hannah Lysne," but I did it!"