Idaho prep runners make long trek to state cross country meets

It seems appropriate that North Idaho cross country runners are headed to southeastern Idaho for state meets on Saturday.

It’s about as far a trip as they can make.

The state meets are at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello.

Here’s a look at teams and individuals from the region that could fare well:

5A: The Post Falls girls team snapped Coeur d’Alene’s seven-year reign as regional champs, and the Trojans captured their first title since moving up to 5A in 2006.

Post Falls is led by freshman Sydney Shanahan and junior Ida Mae Brooks.

Coeur d’Alene senior Caitlin Conway, eighth a year ago, figures to challenge for a higher place.

Lewiston senior Austin Byrer finished second last year and will contend for a state title. He has the best time statewide.

The Mountain View boys and Eagle girls are the defending state champs.

4A: The Sandpoint girls, runners-up last year and state champs two years in a row prior, will again challenge for a trophy.

Sandpoint is led by juniors Katherine Kaul and Hannah Davidson.

Moscow senior Katherine Ruck is seeking a third straight state title.

In the boys, Moscow senior Josh Corgatelli has the third-best time this year and will contend for a state title.

Sandpoint is led by junior Finan Lund-Andersen.

The Pocatello boys and Century girls are defending state champs.

3A: The Timberlake boys and girls each took third last year.

But the Coeur d’Alene Charter boys, up from 2A, knocked off Timberlake at district last week.

The Timberlake girls are led by sophomore Abigail Peightal, who finished sixth last year, and the Timberlake boys are led by senior Brayden Menti, who was ninth.

Peightal has the second-best time statewide and Menti the sixth. Teammate Landon Davis, a senior, has the second-fastest time.

CdA Charter is led by senior Landon Chang is ranked No. 1 headed to state.

The Sugar-Salem boys and Shelley girls are the defending state champs.