Bulldog runners try to stay healthy

Bulldog track coach Derek Schulz has just one goal in mind for the team right now — to keep everyone on the team healthy. A twisted ankle in April can linger into May, and that's when results become relevant.

"May is when it matters," Schulz said. "That's our motto. The goal is to take as many kids to state as possible. But right now, the goal is to get into shape and stay healthy. We're trying not to wear them down."

All schools in the Northwest A conference are competitive at the state level and the elite teams are sometimes determined by how many athletes they can keep off the injured list.

"A lot of kids already played two sports this year," Schulz said. "We want to turn them into athletes, but we have to be smart about that."

The 'Dogs will field 93 track and field athletes, 45 boys and 38 girls, including 22 seniors.

"Those are excellent numbers for a school with our enrollment," Schulz said. "Our goal was 100."

The turnout is on par with past years, but because of the school's lower enrollment numbers, the percentage is actually higher.

The long-distance runners will likely be the standouts for the girls team — anchored by cross-country team members Bailey Eaton, Jessica Sagen, Loni Hanson and Jackie Cassidy.

The Lady Bulldog cross-country team won the Class A state title this past fall, and Schulz sees that success carrying over to track.

On the boys side, senior Anto Daoud is likely to be a top competitor in the sprints, while senior Derek Crittenden could dominate in the hurdles.

Missing from this year's team will be senior sprinter Willie Roche, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL during the basketball season. He absence will be a giant blow to the team.

"He's an outstanding track athlete," Schulz said. "It's a real shame he won't be returning."

Schulz looks to the performance of his relay teams as a gauge of how well the squad is performing overall. This year, he has reason to believe good things will happen, saying he's 'really optimistic" about the 'Dogs' chances at sending a big bus load of athletes to the state meet.

The first track meet is slated for noon this Saturday at Bigfork.