BFHS Head Cross Country Coach
The Badgers cross country teams were able to enjoy some time closer to home after a long week at Priest River and Moscow. On Saturday, October 10 the Badgers raced at Traver’s Park in Sandpoint for the William Johnson Invitational hosted by Sandpoint High School. 17 schools from as far as Colville, Washington and as large as Lake City showed up to test the flat 5k course. Three 1-mile loops with little variation made for a tough mental challenge, but made for the possibility for fast times.
The boys JV were the first to take on the speedy course. Freshman Sam Gorton was the first Badger across at 20:54 for his best time so far. Louis Balcaen, a senior, ran his best time of the year with a 21:02. Sophomore Bradley Corson ran close behind Louis, finishing at 21:12. Fellow sophomore Ryne Rae battled down the stretch with Bradley to finish just behind him at 21:13. Juniors TJ Smith and Alex Urbaniak would cross the finish at 22:57 and 25:20.
The girls varsity team would also see some successes. Finishing 16th overall, first year competitor Jordan Young would post a 20:49, another season best. “Jordan continues to work hard and gets better every single week as she puts all the pieces together,” said Coach Tyler Warner. “Hannah Lysne is another one who is really putting pieces together. I love seeing seniors continue to work hard and improve their times.” Hannah would post a career best 22:33 at the course. Nicole Donn continues to gain momentum as well, posting her season best 23:15. Ada Bonnell and Lauren Stidham would cross at 24:20 and 25:29 respectively.
Finishing out the day for Bonners Ferry was the boys’ varsity team. Senior Nolan Stidham would lead the way with an 18:23, while not a season best it was still a successful trip for Nolan. The Badger pack would be in effect in back-to-back meets. After owning 9-11th places at Moscow, Jack Wade, Dawson Thomas, and freshman Jamin Bontrager would come in nearly all together with times of 18:45, 18:47 and 18:51 respectively. Dawson and Jamin would have career bests with those times. Junior Eric Ellis would also have a season best time of 19:41 followed by Sam Smith at 20:35. Nick Magdaleno, a late varsity addition, would post a 20:49.
While it was not the best race for the Badger teams, there were great individual performances. “They did very well overall,” said Coach Catherine DelSalle. “A lot of them had personal bests and received some good competition. They’ll continue to work towards districts because that is their goal.”
The Badgers will next travel to Kellogg on Thursday, October 15 to race at Pinehurst Golf course. The District 1 3A Championships will be held on October 22 at Farragut State Park at Scott Field. Girls will race at 12:30 p.m. and the boys will race at 1:15 p.m. at Districts.