Seniors expected to lead Bonners Ferry girls track team

Track coach Travis Hinthorn is expecting a good year for the Bonners Ferry High School girls team.

“We have a pretty good turnout with 24 girls and have good balance covering all events, and it should be a good year,” said Hinthorn. “We can hopefully get another trophy at state.”

He expects seniors Sam Hiatt, Camille Robertson, Sam Kelly and Melody Braden to lead the team this year.

“They have experience going to states and have done track all four years,” said Hinthorn. “Melody and Camille have done state all four years. All four girls have great work ethics and are great leaders.”

This year's state returners are Sam Hiatt, a state champ in pole vault and third-place winner in high hurdles and intermediate hurdles last year; Robertson, who placed second in states in pole vault and will run hurdles this year; Kelly, who placed at states last year in the pole vault and will run hurdles this year; Erin Hiatt, who took ninth at states in long jump and the 400-meter run, and won districts in the long jump; Braden, who placed in the 1600- and the 3200- meter runs; and Hallie Payne, who was a state participant in the high jump.

“We won leagues, won districts and got third in state last year,” said Hinthorn. “We have won leagues and districts for the past two years.”

Kasie Watt and Alicia Hedrick are expected to lead the throwing events this year.

The team lost a couple of seniors last year, but is gaining several freshmen that have a lot of speed for the relays, said Hinthorn.

The first home meet will be held on April 10 against Priest River and Timberlake.