prepares for State Tournament
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