Young Bulldogs Look to Build Confidence, Depth this Track Season

Head Coach Monte Jones said the program’s main focus will be developing confidence and building a stronger team culture as the athletes gain experience throughout the spring.

“My expectations going into the season is to build a stronger, Kettle Falls bulldog track and field team,” Jones said. “To get these young athletes to believe in themselves and what they can achieve.”

Jones emphasized the importance of effort and belief each time the athletes compete.

Participation in the program continues to trend upward, however, the Bulldogs remain one of the younger teams in the league.

“From last year, we’re up six athletes, up to 28 total, and we keep growing,” Jones said. “We’re a very young team with only two seniors on the roster.”.

Despite the youth, several athletes return with experience at the state level and on the podium. Those returning athletes include Wyn Edwards, Avery Tobias, Isabella Tiwebemal, Audrey Esvelt, and Owen Rosenthal, along with alternate Sam Lotze.

The Bulldogs also added a strong distance runner to the roster this spring.

“The team also gained state participant in cross country Mason Reeves,” Jones said.

Kettle Falls competes in a league filled with strong programs with the prime squads being Freeman, Northwest Christian, and St. George’s. With several larger schools in the conference, Jones expects Kettle Falls to battle in the middle of the standings.

“Kettle Falls will place in the middle. It’s hard to compete with these larger 2B schools,” Jones said, adding that the team’s effort and attitude have already stood out during the early part of the season.

“These athletes are working extremely hard to better themselves,” he said. “They seemed to enjoy learning every day. One day a week they will go to Colville and use their track for an extra practice.”

Ultimately, Jones said the coaching staff’s goal is to help the young roster grow, both individually and collectively, as the season progresses.

“Myself and the coaching staff are looking to have a great year and helping these young men and women believe in themselves and compete at their highest level,” Jones said.