Lowther wants a repeat

After sixth grade, Sandpoint’s Chase Lowther decided to hang up his soccer cleats.

A year ago, after some encouragement from teammates and coaches, he put them back on and helped the Bulldogs win a state championship.

For Sandpoint, loaded with seniors this season and gunning for a repeat title, the timing couldn’t have been better.

Lowther, a left midfielder who coach Randy Thoreson said plays with as much heart as any player he’s coached, has been integral in the Bulldogs’ return to the top of 4A state soccer.

“The season is going pretty well so far – the team chemistry is great and we didn’t graduate too many starters,” said Lowther, who also plays basketball for the Bulldogs. “We did lose a controversial match to Nampa down in Boise, though.”

The way he tells the story, it becomes apparent that Lowther and the Bulldogs not only harbored hopes of another state title, but also those of an undefeated season.

“We thought we might be able to do that,” Lowther says of going unbeaten. “But it’s not something you can dwell on.”

For Thoreson, who has seen more than his share of talent at SHS, Lowther embodies the desire and work ethic he expects from all of his charges.

“He’d literally run through a wall for you,” Thoreson said of Lowther, one of four team captains. “When the match is over, he can barely crawl off the field.”

With Lowther, it’s strictly business.

“I made honorable mention (on the all-Inland Empire League team) last year, but none of that matters to me,” said Lowther, who’s found the net seven times this season. “All I care about is going out there and getting the job done.”

He thrives on the competition.

“I like how hard you have to play for all 80 minutes,” Lowther said. “We play extremely hard – we’re a really fit team.”

As for what he’ll do after high school, Lowther said he’s keeping his options open.

“Right now, I’m just focusing on winning another state title,” Lowther said. “I think we’ll do pretty well in basketball, too.