Palmer, CdA enjoy title

Coeur d’Alene High’s girls cross country team was thrilled to make it to state this year.

Imagine how thrilled they were when they won it.

The unassuming Vikings traveled to Soda Springs last weekend and junior Kristin Palmer said a state title was the furthest thing from their minds.

Yet, with solid performances, including a fourth-place from Palmer and a solid sixth from sophomore phenom Anna Stone, the Viks realized they just may have done it.

When the announcement was made after several agonizing minutes of results tabulation, Palmer said she and her teammates went from the state of Idaho into the state of euphoria.

“(Coach) Cathy (Compton) was crying, then everybody started crying,” said Palmer, who ran a personal-best 20 minutes, 1.46 seconds. “We were crying, but we were smiling and jumping up and down. It was awesome.”

Palmer said the sense of accomplishment is overwhelming.

“It really means everything to us,” Palmer said. “There is so much talent around the state that I don’t think anybody expected it, and that made it even more special.

“It’s awesome to know that we haven’t done that for 20 years and we were able to do it.”

Palmer’s performance improved from 20th at state as a freshman to ninth as a sophomore, which led the Viks a year ago.

Then Stone joined the team this season and promptly knocked Palmer from the top of the CHS depth chart, an event that may have unnerved some prep athletes.

Palmer, however, said it was the best thing that could have happened.

“Anna’s been up there in front of me pretty much all year long,” Palmer said. “But she really pushed me this season, and it helped me a lot.”

Not surprisingly, the rivalry between the two is a friendly one.

“We really work together when we run,” Palmer said of Stone, who at altitude in Soda Springs finished behind her for the first time. “She’s a great girl and we get along really well.”

After what looks to be a promising senior year ahead, Palmer said she will most likely continue her cross country career at the college level.

“I can’t see myself just quitting after all the work that I’ve put into it,” she said.