BONNERS FERRY — The Badger track teams have kicked off their season, as evidenced by the many young runners seen jogging throughout town.

This year, there are 39 girls and 40 boys participating in track and field. The girls team is looking to compete for league and district titles.

Victoria Rae is a returning junior who is the reigning 3A State Champion in the shot put. Rae also finished second at state in discus.

Another junior, Abigail Gorton, was a 2018 District Champion in the 3,200, took third at state in the 3,200, and fifth at state in cross country this past fall. She will be bringing the heat this season to beat last year’s records.

Holly Ansley is also a returning District Champion in the long and triple jump, and finished seventh last year at state in both categories.

Senior Jerzie Pluid brings her long stride back to the team this year as a returning District Champion in the high jump.

Newcomer Chloe Kupper is a freshman and she broke the Boundary County Middle School records last year in both the 1,600 and the 800.

“Our number of participants doubled from last year,” said Coach Travis Hinthorn. “We have a fun group, good upper class leadership and our work ethic and attitude have been great.”

The next meet will be Saturday, April 6 at St. Maries, followed by another away meet on Saturday, April 13, at Kellogg High School.

For upcoming dates, visit bfbadgers.com.