Badgers Triumph in Track and Field

Competition has been at the bedrock of every society since the beginning of recorded history. Whether it was throwing a knife at a target or proving your army was able to win, competition was at the heart of the matter. History is rich with grand competitions dating back to the first Olympic games in Athens, Greece. Contests of strength, stamina and agility would see the best in any category rise to the top and receive the best prize.

This track and field season proved no different in fierce competition, aside from the grandiose spectacle that large events boast. Each student from the various communities put forth their best athletes on the field to compete in discus, shot put, long jump, triple jump, pole vault and high jump. On the track the various dashes, hurdles and relays provided an exciting platform for runners at every level. As each event unfolded, the athletes were being honed by coaches and fellow students to do their best and push for higher goals. One such goal was going to the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) State Championship in Middleton, Idaho. The athletes of the Intermountain League District, from freshmen to seniors, prepared and gave their all at both daily practice and each succeeding track and field meet. The hard work paid off. At the district competition twelve of the Bonners Ferry Badger athletes threw far enough, ran fast enough, jumped high enough and pushed through to go to the State Championship.

Heading to State were: freshman Jordan Young running the medley relay and the 800m; freshman Haley Wenk throwing the shot put; sophomore Natasha Webster running the medley relay and the 200m dash; sophomore Isaac Lavala pole vaulting and running the medley relay; junior Victoria Smith pole vaulting; junior Jack Wade running the medley relay and throwing the discus; junior Warren Carle running the medley relay and the 300m hurdles; senior Tucker Cavender running the 3200m; senior Kendra Urbaniack pole vaulting and running the medley relay; senior Chase Dinning running the 800m; senior Jacob Perkins running the medley relay, the 800m and the 1600m; and last but not least senior Mackenzie Mendenhall who ran the 100m hurdles, the 300m hurdles and the long jump.

Out of this magnificent group of young people several made it to the podium. Before I tell you who they are, let me say that there were at least 30 teams from all over the State from 1A to our level, 3A. The competition was really at a high level, and for our athletes to succeed took hard work and determination. Did the runners, jumpers and throwers who didn't make the podium exhibit any less dedication, determination and fortitude? Not at all. Each of our students had an amazing work ethic, and we are proud of each one. Six of our twelve took medals, and one, Mackenzie Mendenhall, took the honor of State Champion in two of her three disciplines.

Before we get to the actual placements and what events the six placed in, let me set the stage for the event itself. Down south they have really nice weather this time of year, and every track and field event that many of the schools have attended for the past month and a half have been met with warm and sunny days. As the kids from Bonners Ferry, Kellogg, Priest River and Timberlake rolled into town, so did the wind and the rain. The temperatures dropped significantly, and all of a sudden we were right at home. Everyone knows in North Idaho that track and field season means wind, rain and even snow at some meets! So day one was rainy with a touch of wind and a bit chilly for some not used to our normal track meet weather. As the day went on, however, the rain settled down and the wind died down. Many of the finals were on Friday, but for some of the running events, such as hurdles, there were only prelims and the finals would be on Saturday. The meet started at 9am and lasted on Friday until after midnight. The next day would find the weather a bit nicer, and the finals ready to yield State Champions.

Special congratulations go to Mackenzie Mendenhall winning gold in the 100m and 300m hurdles and silver (second place) in the long jump. The other five athletes finding the podium were Jacob Perkins winning fifth place in the 1600m and the medley relay team (Jacob, Isaac Lavala, Jack Wade and Warren Carle) getting sixth place.

So until next season, keep pushing yourself, believing in yourself and going for the win!

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