5A
Meridian looks to be favored to repeat as 5A State champs.
In 2001 they pulled of the sweep and look good returning a strong young
nucleus. Individually in 5A Matt Knoff looks to make it 3 individual titles
in a row, but will be pushed by David Jankowski (Skyline) and R. Harrison
(Meridian) last years 1600m State champ. On the girls side two Sophomores
should duke it out with the move of Karley Meikle's school (Hillcrest) down
to 4A ranks. Rilee Buttars (Skyline) and B. Sande (Lake City) will not probably
race each other until the State meet in Coeur d'Alene, but when they do
it should be a great race.
4A
Bishop Kelley also completed the sweep last year, and
look very strong this year. However with the move of Hillcrest to the
4A ranks they should be pushed a little harder. There are 3 teams that
could win it all in boys: HillCrest, Bishop Kelley, and perenillal tough
Vallivue. On the girls side 4 teams will battle for top spot: Bishop Kelley,
Vallivue, Bonneville, and Hillcrest. Individually Paul Thomas (BK) is
the early favorite with Arron Wolfe (Century) and A. Woodland (hillcrest)
to challege. The girls race will be one to watch. Two State Champions
will square off: Karley Meikle (Hillcrest) and Tarynn Trapp (Vallivue)
will battle to see who can hang on to her crown.
3A
Preston rules 3A with sweeps in 2000 and 2001. Their
girls are strongly favored once again, but should be chased by Snake River,
and Salmon. The boys is not so clear cut. Preston brings back a tough
group but will be challenged by Snake River, Middleton, and Declo. Individually
with the graduation of Forest Braden (Bonners Ferry) the boys race is
wide open A. New (Kellogg) is the top returner with sophomore Dallas Eborn
(Bear Lake) ready to take the reins. Danielle Allen (Teton) will try to
win 3 titles to finnish her career. She should have plenty of girls pushing
her wanting that title.
2A
Firth Boys are seeking 6 in a row. They return top individual
finisher Nathan Clayson who should lead a young group back to the top.
Pushing them will be Malad runner-up in 2001 and Soda Springs which moved
down division this year. On the girls side Alana Price and Bobby Wangsgard
look to lead Malad girls to their 4th consecutive. These
two have never been beat in their State careers. Looking to finally knock
them of the top will be Ririe, Firth and McCall-Donelley. Individually
Nathan Clayson (Firth) leads the returners but will be pushed by Sophomore
K. Shuler(Soda Springs) and Cody Fowers (Hansen). State champion Amy Collins
(Kootnei) returns to defend her title against Bobby Wangsgard (Malad),
Ashley Puga (Nampa Christen), and Lidsay Williams (Firth).
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