Badger track and field team returns with a state champion and several state placers. The program maintains its size, despite seeing a loss in upperclassmen.

Bonners Ferry head track coach Travis Hinthorn said that when it comes to league competition, the Badgers started the season “light years ahead” as the track was clear of snow in early March, while Timberlake was still practicing inside.

The teams saw a great freshmen turnout, with approximately 60-plus kids coming out.

Hinthorn said he and the coaching staff are excited to see which events will be the best fit for newer athletes.

The Badger girls have strong returns and state contenders in two-event state champion Asha Abubakari and state placer Helene Rae.

Abubakari, a junior, took first in the discus and shotput at the 3A State Championships. Opening the season at the Bonners Ferry Invite on March 18, Abubakari surpassed her state title-winning shot put mark with a throw of 39-0 ½. She surpassed this mark at the Lewiston Invitational on March 23, with a new personal record at 41’ 4.

Her best throw at state was for 120 feet, 2 inches. Abubakari continues to attack that mark and threw 116 feet, 9 inches at Lewiston.

Badger girls throwers are strong in the state rankings compared to other Idaho 3A athletes. Athletic.net shows that Abubakari is ranked first in the shot put, discus and fourth in the long jump at 15 feet, 5.5 inches. She also competes in the triple jump with a best mark of 32 feet, 2.5 inches. In comparison, Riley Sorrell of Parma is ranked fifth in the state at 32 feet, 6 inches.

Last year, Abubakari placed 17th at state in the triple jump at 28’ 03.

Helene Rae, a sophomore, is ranked second in 3A in the shot put at a mark of 35’ 10.5. Hallie Hartman, a freshman, is ranked fourth for the Badgers at 31’ 9.5.

Rae is also ranked third in the state for girls 3A in the discus at 97’ 0. Hartman is ranked first at 87’ 3, from a PR in Lewiston.

MARKYN Pluid Triple

Badger boys also shine in the field events. In the triple jump, junior Riley Petesch is ranked fifth in the state at 39 feet, 6.75 inches.

In the Intermountain league, Petesch is ranked second for high jump at 5’ 8, from a PR earned at Lewiston. Dylin Anderson and Logan Archibald are tied for third in the IML for the high jump at 5 feet, 6 inches.

In the long jump, Aiden Beggerly is ranked fourth for 3A boys at 20’ 0. A PR he earned in Lewiston.

In long distance, sophomore Brooke Petesch is ranked fifth in the state for the Badgers in the 800m with a PR of 2:34.80.

Badger girls relay teams have continued the historic success that was seen the past season. Last year the Badger girls took 8th at state in the 4X200m, 4X400m, and sprint medley relays.

In the 4X400m relay, Badger girls are ranked third in the state with a time of 4:38.80. The team includes, Mia Blackmore, Brooke Petesch, Kimberley Lucas and Alexandra Fodge.

In the sprint medley relay (100-100-200-400m) Badger girls are ranked fifth at 2:06.36. The team includes Lindsey Onstott, Kimberly Lucas, Ellie Lucas and Brooke Petesch.

Last year at districts, both Badger track teams finished second and qualified 24 athletes for the state competition. In 2021 the Badgers were the IML district champions.

This season looks bright for the Badgers, who race Timberlake and Coeur d’Alene Charter in the IML.