It was a banner year for Bonners Ferry athletics. From state championships to milestone moments and hall of fame inductions, local athletes delivered performances that many will remember. Here are 10 stories that highlight the best of Boundary County sports in 2025. 

PREP BASKETBALL: In early March, Bonners Ferry clinches back-to-back state titles with convincing win over Snake River  

Bonners Ferry 65, Snake River 51 

This team will be remembered well into the future for their achievement of two back-to-back state titles, including its second in March 2025. 

Senior Asher Williams scored 12 of his game-high 24 points in the first quarter, senior Thomas Bateman added 17 points and a team-high three steals and the No. 1 Badgers led for 30 of 32 minutes, defeating the No. 2 Panthers to capture back-to-back 4A (previously 3A) State Championship titles on Saturday at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. 

Senior Brody Rice had 13 points, which included half of Bonners Ferry's 12 points in the fourth quarter, and senior Eli Blackmore drained three 3-pointers for all nine of his points off the bench for the Badgers, which led 42-27 at intermission. Sophomore Peyton Hinthorn tied Bateman for a team-high five rebounds and Rice for a team-high four assists. 

Bonners Ferry finishes the season with a 24-1 record and won all three of their games at the 4A State Championship tournament by an average of 15.33 points per game. Described as a legendary team by many, and with a senior class that will go down in history, coach Nathan Williams, who now holds a 90-26 career record, showed his thanks to "Badger Nation" in his postgame speech. 

Williams then went on to thank his coaching staff, which includes Jed Bateman, Greg Kissee and Josh Hawks, and thanked the families that have trusted him with their sons over the last 10 years. 

"Being coached by the same guy for 10 years can be challenging," he said. "Your support of me and your love for this team will always be remembered. To my players, playing for three state championships in three years, it's not easy. You guys grinded, you showed effort every single day in practice and it was remarkable. Your tenacity, faith in me, faith in the process, and love for each other is a joy to be around... thank you to Badger Nation; it's been a great ride." 

Rae tosses two state title throws to lead Badgers at 4A State Championship.

For Helene Rae, her senior year couldn't have ended any better. 

The Bonners Ferry High phenom and College of Idaho commit picked up state titles in both the shot put and the discus at the 4A State Championship held in May at Middleton High, leading the Lady Badgers to a fourth-place team finish out of 19 scoring teams. 

Rae finished with a mark of 43 feet, 11.5 inches in the shot put, a new personal best by over two feet, and with a mark of 123 feet, 6 inches in the discus to grab the two golds.  

Junior Hana Hartman and Hallie Hartman didn't trail Rae by too much. Bonners Ferry's throwing prowess was on full display as Hallie finished second in the shot put (40 feet, 10.5 inches) and fourth in the discus (108 feet, 4 inches), while Hana placed third in the shot put with a new personal best toss (40 feet, 2 inches) and fifth in the discus (105 feet, 10 inches). 

Capturing silver medals at state were junior Makenna Baisden, who was second in 400-meter dash with a season-best time of 59.28 seconds, and sophomore Eva Willis, who was second in the high jump with a new personal best clear of 5 feet, 2 inches. The two were also a part of the Lady Badgers' 800-meter sprint medley relay, which included sophomores Taren Bateman and Ireland Grady, that finished in a new personal best time of 1:53.40 for a bronze medal. 

For the boys, senior Asher Williams posted the top finish for the Badgers in the high jump, placing fourth with a season-best clear of 6 feet, 2 inches; he also placed eighth in the triple jump with a personal best leap of 41 feet, 11 inches. 

Junior James Morgen was fifth in the discus with a new personal best toss of 144 feet, 5 inches, sophomore Riley Beggerly placed eighth in the long jump with a mark of 20 feet, 9.5 inches, and Gio Faroni, Ben Middleton, Conrad Hiatt, Spiro Petras combined to grab fifth in the 4x200 relay with a new personal best time of 1:33:69 for the Badgers, which finished 15th out of 20 scoring teams. 

PREP WRESTLING: In March, Dodd grapples to silver, Brown to bronze at State Championship meet  

Bonners Ferry High sophomore Taylor Dodd capped off a terrific sophomore season at the 4A State Championship, held at Idaho State University's ICCU Dome, grabbing a silver medal in the heavyweight division. 

Dodd, who finished the season with a record of 29-8, won his opener with a pin in 24 seconds, by a 5-2 decision in the quarterfinals, and by a third-period pin in the semifinals to punch his ticket to the title match. Dodd, who finished fourth in the heavyweight division as a freshman at least year's state championship, went up against Gabe Finley of Buhl, who was 54-1 on the season entering the match. Dodd fought hard, but Finley used a 9-2 third period scoring advantage to register a 19-3 technical fall victory. 

Bonners Ferry High's lone senior Sofia Brown finished her season with a bronze medal in the 138-pound weight class at the All-Class State Championship held this past Friday and Saturday at Idaho State University's ICCU Dome. 

Brown, who placed fifth at 132 pounds at least year's state championship and won five different tournaments and districts this year, won four of her five matches to finish off the season with a 35-5 record. She won her first two matchups by pin, and after falling in the semifinals, won her first consolation match by pin to clinch the third-place match. It was there where she went up against Courtney Hunt of American Falls; Brown scored three points in each period to post a 9-5 win by decision. 

From last-place projection to league champions: Bonners Ferry football's memorable 2025 season

Two years ago, the Bonners Ferry High School team scored 115 points but gave up 301 en route to a 3-6 overall record.   

In 2025, Bonners Ferry was projected to finish last in the 4A Intermountain Conference. Instead, the Badgers scored 348 points, only giving up 217 as they finished the season 7-3. Unbeaten in league play, the Badgers qualified for the state playoffs. It was Bonners Ferry’s second winning season in the last 20 years.   

BFHS head coach Danny Swift said the team entered the year with a simple approach: stay focused on the present.  

“We never talked about the playoffs; we never talked about the league title,” Swift said. “We went to camp and just worked really hard to execute every day, every rep.”   

Swift said he aims to build sustained success by strengthening the entire program, including youth football.  

“Everywhere you go, you see our middle school and our youth kids wearing Badger football jerseys,” Swift said. “If we can generate that excitement and we can give these young people an opportunity and show our community that we’re committed to the longevity of the program; we’re hopeful we can stay on top.” 

Swift said football is only one part of what he hopes his players will carry with them.  

“They’re going to grow; they’re going to do amazing things,” Swift said. “The most important thing to me is that they become faithful husbands and loving fathers.”  

“My hope and dream is, as these young men grow, if the opportunity arises, they come back here and do special things in our community.” 

Bonners Ferry Special Olympics athletes shine at 2025 state games in June 

Three athletes from the Bonners Ferry Special Olympics team brought home multiple gold and silver medals after strong performances at the State Games in Nampa, held June 6 and 7. 

Seven athletes from the team qualified for the state competition at the northern regional event in Moscow last month. Of those, three were able to make the trip south to represent Bonners Ferry.  

Ladonna Gaston brought home two gold medals in cycling, winning both the 250-meter and 500-meter sprints. This marks the second consecutive year she has claimed gold in these events.  

Dylan Black earned a silver medal in the softball throw and captured gold in two walking events — the 200-meter and 400-meter races.  

Gavin Lee also took silver in the softball throw and finished fourth in both the 50-meter and 100-meter dash.  

PREP FOOTBALL: Bonners Ferry cruises to 49-7 win on homecoming night against Kellogg on Sept. 26, 2025.

While Bonners Ferry did not score in the second half of their homecoming game against Kellogg, it did not matter. By the end of the first quarter, the Badgers were already ahead 35-0 and the game was all but over.   

Twelve minutes later, the score was 49-7 and it became a half that head coach Danny Swift called the best he’s had as a coach.   

In the second half, both teams were scoreless as the Bonners Ferry defense stopped Kellogg time and time again.  

Keenan Maas, Bonners Ferry’s leading rusher this season, rushed just twice the entire game. He still ran for more than 140 yards rushing with one score. On the defensive side, Maas scored two touchdowns to complete a stellar all-around night. 

Conrad Hiatt was impressive, scoring two touchdowns and intercepting a pass. Risten Allred was a force defensively, intercepting a ball and recovering a fumble. QB Alex Stolley was efficient in passing the ball, with two passing TD’s and one TD run. 

Bonners Ferry High inducts four individuals, 1975 football team into inaugural 2024 Hall of Fame class

Feeling a need to recognize the accolades and accomplishments of the many great athletes, coaches, teams, and supporters of Bonners Ferry High over the years, community members established the Badger Athletic Hall of Fame this past year and inducted four individuals and the 1975 Bonners Ferry High football team into its inaugural 2024 class, which was announced this year. 

Board members of the Badger Athletic Hall of Fame include Travis Hinthorn, Annie Swift, Danny Swift, Wendy Hawks, and Andy Rice. 

Ron Smith 

Ron Smith’s journey began in Bowling Green, Kent., before serving in the U.S. Air Force, where a posting to Fairchild AFB in Airway Heights, Wash. led him to Bonners Ferry and the love of his life, Evelyn Hittle. 

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he's coached numerous youth teams and has become a devoted supporter of Bonners Ferry High Athletics, earning the beloved title “Mr. Badger.”   

Bill Hayden 

In 1969, Hayden moved his young family to Boundary County, where he taught science and coached football and track & field — helping lead Bonners Ferry High to its first-ever state championship in any sport as a coach of the track & field team. He was also a coach of the 1975 Bonners Ferry High North Idaho state championship football team. Twice named a Coach of the Year in the state of Idaho, Bill played an instrumental role in building the district’s track & field and football facilities. 

Janis Tucker 

A 1976 graduate of Bonners Ferry High, Janis excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track & field — holding the school record in the discus throw for nearly 30 years. 

Janis returned to Bonners Ferry to teach and coach, dedicating 37 years to Bonners Ferry High before transitioning into a mentor role for new teachers. Over the years, she's coached multiple sports, including 31 years as a varsity volleyball coach and 10 years as the junior varsity girls basketball coach. 

Tim Mercer 

He was a two-time state champion in the 100-yard dash — once setting a state record — and a key member of both the 1974 North Idaho state championship football team and 1975 state championship track & field team. A "Golden Gloves" boxing award recipient, Tim was named the North Idaho Athlete of the Year and Prep Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 1975.  

Known for his athleticism, kind heart, and dedication, Tim tragically passed away in a car accident just before his senior year. His jersey number, No. 30, was retired, and the Tim Mercer Award continues to honor his memory at Bonners Ferry High. Tim is remembered not just for his incredible talent but for the joy and sportsmanship he brought to every arena. 

Bonners Ferry Badger Athletic Hall of Fame announces class of 2025 in November

This year, five individuals and the 1990 and 1991 cross country teams have been inducted into the second class of the Badger Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Gladys Richardson  

Nicknamed “Gramma Badger” Gladys was born in North Dakota and attended school in Potlatch, Idaho, before moving to Porthill in 1949. 

Her unwavering support of grade school and high school athletics earned her the nickname “Gramma Badger.” Everyone knew to keep her seat behind the home bench open in the gym, and she spent countless days at the fairgrounds watching summer baseball and youth county sporting events.   

Gladys, who passed away in 2017, will always be remembered as Bonners Ferry’s first true super fan. 

Roland Hall   

Roland grew up in Paradise Valley, Idaho, where life on the farm helped shape him into a champion. Milking his cow, T-Bone, every day gave him legendary grip strength — a skill that became his secret weapon on the wrestling mat.   

Roland was a two-sport athlete at Bonners Ferry High School, playing football on the 1970 District Championship team and excelling in wrestling. In 1971, competing at 171 pounds, he became BFHS’s very first state wrestling champion, back when Idaho had only one division.   

Tom Wofford   

Tom came to Bonners Ferry in 1975 with his wife, Eva, and began teaching math while coaching football, basketball, wrestling, and eventually leading the boys’ track program. 

Coach Wofford guided the Badgers to back-to-back state track championships in 1990 and 1991, earning recognition as Idaho’s Track Coach of the Year. 

Judith “Judy” Linehan High   

In the fall of 1972, Judy began her career with the Boundary County School District, teaching girls’ physical education, serving as cheerleader advisor, and coaching girls’ track — the only girls’ sport at Bonners Ferry High at the time. 

Over her more than 35 years with the district, she coached volleyball, basketball, and track at both the junior high and high school levels. 

Kathy (Tucker) Zech    

Kathy was born and raised in Bonners Ferry, graduating from BFHS in 1978. She was a standout multi-sport athlete, participating in band, volleyball, basketball, and track, with track as her true passion. Kathy was state champion in the 220-yard dash, setting the Idaho state record with a time of 25.55 seconds, and also state champion in the 440, in addition to anchoring state championship relays. She was named Track Athlete of the Year four years in a row.    

1990 and 1991 BFHS Boys Track State Champions    

The 1990 Bonners Ferry Boys Track team captured the school’s first state title in 15 years, since the football and track championships of 1975. That season, out of 146 possible points in a dual meet, the Badgers scored at least 117 points in every meet. 

The 1991 Bonners Ferry Boys Track team successfully defended their state championship, capturing back-to-back 2A state titles.    

PREP TENNIS: Becker becomes first player to represent Bonners Ferry at state championship in May 2025  

Freshman Kaitlyn Becker may not have finished how she hoped to at the 4A State Championship, held May 16 and 17 at both Ridegvue High and Owyhee High, but she still made history. 

Becker, the only freshman who qualified for state, fell in her two matches to ranked opponents. Despite the losses, she officially goes down as the first player to ever represent Bonners Ferry at an official state championship tennis event — an impressive feat in itself. 

In July, Globetrotting biker makes pitstop in Bonners Ferry

Since April, a German man has been biking from the Atlantic Coast in Newfoundland across the country before heading north to the Arctic Ocean in the Northwest Territories. Last week, about halfway through his 6,000-mile journey, Klaus Lüttgen stopped in Bonners Ferry.  

Lüttgen travels with an egg-shaped trailer that weighs over 100 pounds, signed by various people with whom he has crossed paths on his vast journey across North America. The egg contains Lüttgen’s tent, sleeping bag, clothes and other essentials.  

Lüttgen has been traveling from Cape Spear, one of the easternmost points on the continent, since April. His stop in Bonners Ferry came en route to Bellingham, Wash.