A bright red wristband sits on the right arm of Sandpoint High School cross country head coach Mike Ehredt that holds the motto of his team heading into the 2026 season. 

"If not now, when?" 

Ehredt wants his team to remain present throughout the season, following through on their process no matter what the result. 

"I think for young adults, that's an important lesson to be that person that is going to follow through with what they say. Instead of the person that says, 'You know, I'll be there tomorrow, or I'm busy,'" Ehredt said. "You get one shot in high school. It's a very brief window." 

So far in the Bulldogs' window, they've been excellent, with both the boys' and girls' teams taking home back-to-back 5A Inland Empire District titles in the last two years. With this group and the right mindset, Ehredt doesn't see that slowing down. 

Sandpoint only lost one senior from the district title team's top seven, Paul Kent, and are hitting the window where Ehredt sees his thumbprint on the program taking shape. 

"What do I expect out of this team? I would say both of them could very well be state champions," Ehredt said. "Do I put that pressure on them now? But I always tell them with a straight face. There's no reason you can't." 

For the girls, Ehredt is expecting an impact season from senior Elizabeth Storms, who set a new school record en route to taking home the state title in the 800-meter dash at the 5A State Championship in May. The head coach described Storms as the team's most valuable athlete in the last few years. 

"I remember her from the very beginning, and she wanted to hit a home run the first day," Ehredt said. "I said, 'You got to take little bites. Patience, good things will come.' And so, this year, she wins State." 

Right next to Storms will be rising juniors Delaney Barron and Ruthie Laughridge, who Ehredt believes can form an outstanding trio. The team also returns Lillian Grant and Sophie Brubaker, who put together solid runs at the state championship. 

"Any of those three could win on any given day," Ehredt said of Storms, Barron and Laughridge. 

On the boys' side, they'll be led by star senior Jack Lovin, who is fresh off a double medal performance at the 5A Track State Championship in May, not to mention a 16th place (15:44) finish at the 5A Cross Country State Championship a year ago. The Bulldogs also return juniors Kai Budensiek, Wyatt Lemon and senior Trace Evans. 

"Everybody on this team serves each other," Ehredt said. "And when you suffer together, during a race you can do well."  

Ahead of the season, Ehredt said he felt his team was ready to be pushed and did so with the team's schedule. One of the most important meets for the team will come on Oct. 10 when the Varsity A team travels to Seattle for the Nike Hole in the Wall Invitational, which will put them up against the best of the best from the region. 

"I don't expect us to win or anything, but they will run their best at this meet," Ehredt said. "There's no reason Sandpoint can't be feared every year in 5A downstate." 

FUN FACT: The Sandpoint boys are seeking their 14th consecutive Inland Empire League district title while the girls are seeking their 13th title in the last 14 years. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: BOYS — Jack Lovin, sr.; Kai Budensiek, jr. GIRLS — Elizabeth Storms, sr.; Delaney Barron, jr.; Ruthie Laughridge, jr. 

MOST ANTICIPATED MEETS: Nike Bob Firman, Sept. 25, and Nike Hole in the Wall, Oct. 10. Ehredt said these meets will put his top runners to the test, pitting them against some of the best in the Western United States.  

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