Bonners Ferry athletes recognized for achievements

COEUR D'ALENE — High school athletes from districts 1 and 2 were recognized for the athletic achievements on April 17 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort for the 2021 North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame High School Awards.

This year the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame Hagadone High Character Award was presented to one male and female athlete from each high school.

It was named after Duane Hagadone, owner of The Bonners Ferry Herald, who founded the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame 58 years ago. The award honors a student-athlete who excelled in the classroom and as a teammate.

Each finalist receives a certificate, and the winners also receive a plaque. The athlete, coach and team of the year awards receive trophies. Bonners Ferry athletes were recognized at the North Idaho Hall of Fame Banquet.

Sarah Machalski, Emma Pinkerton and Daniel Walker were all awarded the Duane Hagadone Sportsmanship Award for Bonners Ferry High School.

Daniel Walker was also nominated for male soccer player of the year in the 3A-1A division. Walker made headlines for his work on the boys soccer team, scoring hat tricks and helping lead his team to wins.

Pinkerton competed in the Distinguished Young Women program and helped take the Lady Badgers basketball team to state.

Eli Richards was nominated for the 3A-1A wrestler of the year after winning a state title at 170 pounds this year. Richards was nominated for the 3A-1A male athlete of the year. He was also first-team all-league in football this season.

Machalski is an active student participating in soccer and track during her current high school athletic career.

Each finalist receives a certificate, and the winners also receive a plaque. The athlete, coach and team of the year awards receive trophies.