Paul Nieman Sandpoint Year: Junior Sport: Football Position: Quarterback

Another Nieman has cracked the record books at Sandpoint High School.

Alli Nieman’s mug appeared in this space frequently as she rewrote the record books during a splendid four-year basketball and volleyball career.

Now it’s her brother’s turn. The days of Paul Nieman being referred to as “Alli’s brother” may not be over, but he’s on his way to making a name for himself.

He completed 14 of 21 passes for a record 316 yards Friday and tied a record for touchdown passes with four in Sandpoint’s 33-21 victory over Lake City.

A two-year letterman in basketball, Nieman is in his first year as a starter in football. If Friday is an indication, Nieman will break several records before his career is finished.

Nieman appears to be Sandpoint’s next standout in the making. Running back Jeremy Thielbahr (a freshman redshirt at Washington State) started turning heads when he was a junior. And senior wide receiver Caleb Bowman showed his potential last season.

Sandpoint coach Satini Puailoa says matter of factly that there will be two Niemans playing sports in college, but just one in basketball.

“In football he’s Paul Nieman. In basketball he’s Alli’s brother,” Puailoa said.

He’s also the second Nieman to start at quarterback at Sandpoint. His father, Jim, was a starter his senior year.

Dad went on to play basketball at Whitworth. Although son loves basketball as much as football, he knows where his future lies.

He’s 6-foot-3 and still growing. And his growth on the football field in his first five games has been measurable, too.

“He’s going to be really something …,” said Puailoa before stopping in midthought. “He’s already something. He doesn’t look like a first-year quarterback. He’s very poised, unflappable.”

There are some similarities between the two Niemans.

Both are personable and not caught up in their accomplishments. When asked to summarize how he’s played this season, Paul might as well have borrowed a quote that his sister frequently used: “I haven’t had a perfect game. I could always do better.”

The Nieman siblings were never competitive at home. “I’m proud of Alli. We’ve never been jealous or envious of each other.”

But brother is proud of one accomplishment thus far. He sports a 4.0 grade-point average. Alli graduated with a 3.95.

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