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COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: Norling makes a splash for ONU during freshman campaign

MAX OSWALD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 1 month AGO
by MAX OSWALD
I grew up in the small town of Orwigsburg, Pa., where I resided all of my life before moving to Sandpoint. I attended Blue Mountain High School, where I participated in cross country and track and field, a sport that I ended up falling in love with. I went on to attend and run for DeSales University (with other brief stints at Susquehanna University and Elizabethtown College) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport communication with a minor in sport management. I remember just how great it made me feel when I was mentioned in my hometown newspaper. I want to be able to give that feeling to every athlete in Bonner County, no matter how big or small their accomplishments are. As an athlete myself, I know how many hours of work are put in on a daily basis, and that hard work deserves to be recognized. It is my goal to cover as much of the Bulldogs, Spartans and Wampus Cats as I can. I want to work with every athlete, parent, coach, administrator and the community to ensure the best stories are published. | November 1, 2023 1:00 AM

Caleb Norling, Olivet Nazarene Swimming

Sandpoint’s Caleb Norling, in his freshman year, has made a big splash for the Tigers. In a recent invitational held at the University of Chicago, Caleb swam to a fourth-place finish out of 13 swimmers in the 200-yard IM (2:05.86), and to seventh-place finishes in both the 100 (49.02) and 200-yard freestyle (1:47.95) out of 20 and 18 swimmers, respectively.

Gabby Hicks, Point Loma Volleyball

Sandpoint’s Gabby Hicks recorded a season-high seven kills in a match against Dominican University (California) recently. The Sea Lions (17-4) are ranked first in the PacWest conference and No. 9 in the Division II West Region.

NIC vs. Walla Walla Boys Soccer

A total of five Sandpoint boys soccer alumni saw action in a recent soccer match between the Warriors and Cardinals held at NIC, which ended in a 1-1 draw. For NIC, Randall Lane, Roman Jiles, Nolan Angell and Tyler Bangle played a majority of the contest against fellow former Bulldog, Evan Dickinson, who plays for Walla Walla.

Riley Walkington, Concordia University Irvine Soccer

On CUI’s senior night against Fresno Pacific, Sandpoint’s Riley Walkington scored a goal and recorded an assist in a 4-1 win over the Sunbirds. In another recent game against Hawaii Hilo, Riley scored another goal, her fifth of the season, to help propel the team to a 2-1 win. The Golden Eagles (11-1-1) are ranked first in the PacWest conference and are ranked as the No. 5 Division II team in the nation.

Eli Larson, Carroll College Football

Sandpoint’s Eli Larson continues to contribute for the Fighting Saints, who have a 7-1 record and are the No.11 ranked NAIA team in the nation as of Oct. 23. Eli had five total tackles, including one for a 5-yard loss in a recent game against the No. 9 College of Idaho. He also had six total tackles in a recent win over Southern Oregon. Eli, a redshirt sophomore, has 32 total tackles so far this season.

Luke Butler, Pacific Lutheran Golf

Priest River’s Luke Butler shot his lowest round of the season, 76, in the Lutes’ final match at the Whitman Confluence Classic. Overall, Butler shot a 156 over two rounds and tied for 38th place out of 57 golfers.

Connor Alexander, Lewis-Clark Cross Country

Bonners Ferry’s Connor Alexander ran a new personal best 8k time of 26:28.9 to finish 143rd out of 429 runners (Blue Race) at the Live in Lou XC Classic held in Louisville, Kent. Alexander has proven to be a top runner this season for the Warriors, who are currently the No. 21 ranked NAIA team in the nation.

Sierra Petesch, Dawson CC Volleyball

Bonners Ferry’s Sierra Petesch finished the season with 106 kills, 48 block assists, 56 digs, and 13 assists. Recently, Sierra had a career-high seven block assists in a 3-2 loss to Miles Community College. The Buccaneers season ended after falling, 3-0 to Bismarck State College in the Region XIII West Sub Region Semifinals.

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