Runners make long trek for state meet

Perhaps this is why they call it cross country.

North Idaho high school runners make the long trip to Soda Springs – located practically in Utah – for the state cross country championships Saturday.

The best chances for state titles among area individuals and teams will be in 5A. Lake City senior Breanna Sande and Coeur d’Alene sophomore Michael Armon will be among the favorites in their respective races.

There’s much on the line for the Coeur d’Alene girls, who should challenge for a trophy (the top three teams earn trophies). Make that, there’s a lot on the line for Vikings coach Cathy Compton.

Taking a cue from an assistant coach, Compton and assistant Kathy Salvadore will allow their heads to be shaved if CdA’s girls capture a state championship.

Assistant coach Don Walters lost his locks when the Vikings boys won the Region I title.

“I think the girls can win state,” Compton said. “They’re running at a caliber that I haven’t seen at Coeur d’Alene. I definitely think they can place in the top three. But they’re on a mission. They’re not done yet.”

Leading the girls pack are junior Kristin Palmer and sophomore Anna Stone.

Sande, second as a freshman, state champ as a sophomore and second last year, is seeking another state title. Sande has been ranked in the top three in state all season.

Armon surprised himself when he finished a distant second at state last year. He said he thought he was winning the race after running most of the 3.1-mile course trapped in a pack of taller runners.

When he broke free late, he discovered that he was trailing eventual state champ Adam Follett of Idaho Falls.

Follett graduated, and Armon has been ranked as high as first in the state this season. He expects a sprint-like race to the finish.

“I’ll definitely have a strategy,” said Armon, who won by more than a minute at the Region I race. “(State’s) not going to be a cakewalk at all. There are probably six or seven guys who could win state, and I definitely think I’m up there. It’s going to be a dogfight until the end.”

Kelly Park in Soda Springs is located 5,777 feet above sea level.

Both Armon and Sande aren’t concerned about the altitude, which is about 3,500 feet higher than they normally run.

Eight races are scheduled, starting at 10 a.m. and wrapping up around 2 p.m.