Badger girls headed for state

Bonners Ferry Girls Cross Country team on Saturday, Oct. 27, will vie for the 3A state title in Idaho Falls after winning its seventh District 1 championship last Friday.

The Badgers placed six girls in the top 10, with senior Melody Braden crossing the finish line first in 20:40 during the meet at Mirror Lake Golf Course.

"Melody set the pace and pulled away from Timberlake's (Alex) Turbin within the first mile," said Badger Head Coach Paul Bonnell. "After that, she was on her own, running the race with features in mind, capitalizing on the lead."

Others in the top 10 were Mandy Sandaker finishing third at 22:28; Sam Hiatt, fourth at 22:42; Molly McClintock, fifth at 22:45; Erin Hiatt, eighth at 23:30; and Riley Boorman, 10th at 24:15.

Every girl posted better times than last year's district meet, even with the adverse weather conditions, Bonnell said.

Sandaker is heading to the state meet for a second time.

"She knows how hard she'll need to work to medal a second time," Bonnell said. "She has the focus and the grit."

First year runners and sisters Sam and Erin Hiatt proved their stuff at districts as well, Bonnell said.

"As a senior, Sam knows she has one shot at medaling in state cross country and contributing to a team trophy," Bonnell said.

McClintock ran well beyond her district time from last year on the same course — something like 1 minute and 40 seconds.

"This coming off of a week of illness," Bonnell said. "She has the potential to really surprise some folks at the state race."

Boorman ran one of her better races of the season.

Senior Rayanne McLeish rounded out the seven in the varsity race with a competitive spirit, Bonnell said. She placed 13th in 25:15.

In the girls junior varsity, Camille Robertson led the pack with an outstanding finish, strong racing tactics throughout and a minute-and-a-half step-up in time over last year, Bonnell said. Roberston completed the course in 24:55.

Aimee McLeish, following a season of battling injuries, came out with a strong district race that displayed significant toughness and grit. McLeish clocked a 26:07.

Senior Devri Solomon, a first-year runner, ran one of her best races of the season on a difficult course, Bonnell said. Solomon completed the race in 26:25.

"I wish she were coming back for three more years," he said.

Freshman Marti Wright finished with a strong kick in 30:05.

Bonners Ferry scored 21 points. Runner-up Timberlake scored 46 and earned a berth to state, followed by Kellogg with 65 and Priest River with 106.