Bulldogs, Bartlett claim second spots

LEWISTON – Nobody was going to pry the State 4A girls cross country runner-up trophy out of the hands of the Sandpoint Bulldogs.

Third a year ago, Sandpoint, with essentially its team back intact, set the goal higher this season. The Bulldogs didn’t disappoint.

Three Bulldogs finished in the top eight as Sandpoint posted 81 points, 12 behind four-time state champ Bishop Kelly at scenic and sunny Hells Gate State Park.

Sophomore Megan Bartlett led the way for Sandpoint as she finished runner-up in a time of 19 minutes, 1.26 seconds on the 3.1-mile course. Bethany McInturff of Century (18:46.76) defended her state title.

Bulldogs twins Kat and Vicky Vardell finished sixth and eighth, respectively.

“They went out and ran so hard. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Sandpoint coach Matt Brass said. “We’re thrilled. They did amazing.”

Bartlett tried to go with McInturff. But the Century runner wasn’t going to have anything to do with a two-person race.

“When I came around the corner (to the finish line), she was already finished,” Bartlett said. “The last mile I really picked it up. I figured there wasn’t anything else left – I’d just go all out and I did. I didn’t catch her, but I did my best.”

McInturff shook Bartlett just before they reached the final big hill – a 1,000-meter climb that finished with a 10 percent downhill grade.

“I have no regrets,” Bartlett said. “I ran my race and I did my best.”

Brass said his team’s strategy was simple.

“We wanted to keep each other in sight,” he said.

With his top three finishers returning next year, Brass said his team will raise its expectations.

Whether that means going for a state title or not he wouldn’t exactly confirm.

In the boys race, Hillcrest and defending state champ Bishop Kelly waged the tightest team battle in any of the races, finishing tied with 68 points. Hillcrest was declared the champion based on its sixth-place finisher taking 39th, 26 places ahead of BK’s sixth runner.

Senior Chio Lopez of Century won the individual title (16:14.88). He finished 9 seconds ahead of teammate Aaron Jenkins.

Sandpoint senior Steve Teran was the highest area finisher, in ninth (16:56.74). The only other area runner to earn a medal (top 20) was Dru Law of Moscow (20th).