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Cross Country team does well at Districts,
prepares for State Tournament |
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Perkins claims District Championship, Warner
named Coach of the Year |
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October 28, 2014 |
by Tyler Warner,
Head Coach, BFHS Cross Country team
The rain let up just in time for the District 1
3A Cross Country Championships to get underway
last Thursday, October 23. In spite of being a
relatively flat course, which started and
finished on Timberlake High School’s track after
taking turns out into the woods and other sports
fields, the wet grass and large rain puddles
kept times a little slow. The temperature was,
however, ideal for racing, and the Badgers ran
some great races.
In the girls race, the Lady Badgers fell just
short of their season goal. Nicole Donn, who ran
well all season, secured an individual trip to
state by finishing in 6th place with a time of
22:26. As a first year runner, Coach Warner is
excited to see her have success. “Just imagine
what she can do with a full summer of training
for running and some experience at state under
her belt.” Victoria Smith ran a personal best
24:19, and finished just 2 places back from
qualifying as an individual. “I’m really excited
for Victoria too,” said Coach Warner. “She came
very close to qualifying in her first year, and
that’s encouraging. If we can get all these
girls back next year, we’ll be in good shape.”
The girls team also wanted to acknowledge Talia
Liermann and Senior Jordan Merz for stepping up
and running the race. Their role was to add
additional runners to the field, since the top
1/3 of the race qualified as individuals. With
Liermann and Merz, 10 girls were able to qualify
as individuals for state.
Led by an inspiring finish from senior Jacob
Perkins, the Badger boys locked up a second
place finish and punched their ticket to state.
Freshman William Colson, who ran a 22:05,
secured his place as an alternate on the state
team. Ahead of Will was fellow freshman Dawson
Thomas, who ran a 21:22. The third freshman on
the team, Neil Martin, ran a sturdy 20:34. Coach
Tyler Warner is particularly excited by the
youth on the team. “With all the freshmen we
have,” said Warner, “we’re in great shape for
the next few years. To have these guys getting
state experience is huge.”
Junior Jack Wade and Sophomore Eric Ellis ran
stride for stride for most of the race. Ellis
pulled away in the last 100 meters, finishing in
19:43. Wade had to outduel a Timberlake finisher
and lean to claim 19:46.2. The Timberlake
finisher was officially clocked at 19:46.5.
Cracking the top ten was Nolan Stidham, running
at 19:24. “Nolan has had really great district
runs,” said Coach Warner. “Last spring in track
he ran a great mile at districts on this same
field. He must just like Timberlake.” Just in
front of him was Senior Tucker Cavender.
Cavender and Stidham stuck together like it was
their job, with Cavender taking 9th place by 2
seconds. Tucker is excited for the chance to end
his high school cross country career at State.
The race of the day, however, belonged to the
front pack. Brayden Menti of Timberlake, Josh
Marks of Priest River, and Jacob Perkins of
Bonners Ferry ran stride for stride for the
first 3 miles of the race. Each took turns with
the lead, feeling each other out. In the woods
just before entering the track for the finish,
however, Perkins made his move. The three
entered the track with maybe 7 yards between 1st
and 3rd, but as they entered 200 meters left,
Perkins turned on the jets. Perkins said, “I
thought he was on me the whole time. I just kept
thinking I can’t let up and let this guy catch
me at the end.” The senior beat Menti by 5
seconds, coming in at 17:22 to claim his second
career overall win and first ever cross country
district championship. “It’s great seeing guys
like Jake, Tucker, and Nolan have success. Not
just them, but the whole boys team worked hard
all season long. To have back-to-back years
going to state is a testament to their work and
commitment,” Warner said.
At the end of the awards ceremony, it was also
announced that Coach Warner had
been recognized as the Intermountain League
Cross Country Coach of the Year, voted on by the
coaches and athletic directors from the other
schools. “When your athlete’s are performing
well, stay organized, do their walk-throughs and
warm-ups together, it looks good for the coach.
But really it’s the kids buying into the program
and taking ownership of those duties that makes
their success possible. I’m honored, but it is
largely the work of these outstanding kids,”
Warner said.
The Badgers will conclude their season at the
State Tournament at Eagle Island on November 1,
departing for state on Thursday October 30 at
7:00 a.m.
Girls Times
Nicole Donn 22:26
Victoria Smith 24:19*
Hannah Lysne 25:52
Makailah Dowell 27:42*
Amanda Bauer 27:58
Talia Liermann 28:02*
Jordan Merz 29:39**
Girls Team Scores
1. Timberlake 15 (Perfect Score)
2. Priest River 63
3. Bonners Ferry 73
4. Kellogg 90
Boys Times
Jacob Perkins 17:22
Tucker Cavender 19:22
Nolan Stidham 19:24
Eric Ellis 19:43
Jack Wade 19:46
Neil Martin 20:34
Dawson Thomas 21:22
Will Colson 22:05
Nick Magdaleno 23:03
Andrew McCoy 23:10*
Alex Urbaniak 24:25
Boys Team Scores
1. Timberlake 24
2. Bonners Ferry 45
3. Priest River 73
4. Kellogg 106
*Personal Best
** Season Best
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