POCATELLO, Idaho – Idaho State track and field and cross country has had a busy offseason. During the summer, the Bengal coaching staff wasted no time finding the next generation of Bengal champions and are heading into this new season with a solid group of new Bengals on the roster. Idaho State Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Hillary Merkley discussed what some of these new Bengals will bring to the program.
"Recruiting during a pandemic with no ability to bring athletes on official visits was a challenge," said Merkley. "I think our staff let out a Roar with recruiting despite these challenges. This is probably the largest recruiting class we have had since I have been here as a head coach."
The Bengal coaching staff found 31 new Bengals this offseason, bringing amazing athletes from as far as South Africa to join the program.
Merkley went on to describe what some of the recruits will bring to the team, first on the men's side.
"On the men's side, we have a lot of local Idaho talent coming in with Axel Sanchez, Brett Bronson, Ryan Spaeth, Michael Shulikov and Kegan Arrington," said Merkley. "These are some of the best athletes to come out of the state of Idaho in track and field."
"Axel Sanchez threw 197' 5" in the discus and is a state champion in the shot put." That mark in the discus would have been good for the Big Sky Championship in the event this season.
"Brett Bronson is a state champ in the 100m, 200m and 400m. Most impressive is his 400m best at 47.59," continued Merkley.
"These other Idaho guys Spaeth an Shulikov have really good stats and are state champs as well and are gamers. They have so much growth potential. They will be able to come in and help, have a positive impact and be key players out the gate."
"We have some out-of-state players as well, "continued Merkley "We have some solid additions to our cross country and distance squad with Eric Christen and Sam Jones. Eric has experience as he has competed at the NJCAA National Championships where he placed 11th in cross country and 9th in the 3k."
The Bengals also added a couple of DI transfers this offseason.
"Minnesota transfer Athlete Ekahardt Van der Watt is an NCAA Regional qualifier in the Pole Vault and Freshman Zachary Cox is out of Indiana and has marks of 14.08 and 37.65 in the hurdles and he should have his eye on the Tanner Conner's records."
Merkley then went on to speak about the additions to the women's squad.
"On the ladies' side, look to some of these freshmen also being some of the top competitors in the conference," said Merkley.
"We have another pole vaulter who looks to keep our strong tradition going with Elliotte Stockham."
"In the women's high jump, we added Olga Ozbaki who jumps 1.73m (5' 8") and she will surprise a few in the women's triple jump as it's a new event for her."
"Kylie Dimick out of Nevada is a 5'6" high jumper. Payton Durocher will be another solid 400m runner and you may see her in some multi-events."
"Cassie Vasquez was a district camp in XC in the mile and two-mile. Scarlett Arredondo Sosa is filling some big holes for us in the short sprints and she's also a great long jumper."
And finally, in the throws.
"Katelyn Dickemore will be one to watch in the short discus and javelin."
Finishing up, Merkley had this to say about the entire group of 31 recruits.
"I feel really fortunate to have such a strong and motivated group of people to add to our team. We are anxious to have them of campus and watch them ROAR!"
2021 Recruiting Class
Scarlet Arredondo Sosa Madrid Spain Sprints/Jumps
Karli Blue Middleton, ID Distance
Aubree Denker Meridian, ID Sprints
Katelyn Dickemore Hamilton, MT Throws
Kylee Dimick Spring Creek, NV Jumps
Payton Durocher Choteau, MT Sprints
Sulette Ferreyra Pocatello, ID Distance
Emily Gertsch Afton, WY Throws
Masaada Johnson Tucson, AZ Jumps
Emrey Maxfield Altamont, UT Throws
Samantha McFadyen Fairfield, ID Jumps/Multi
Allison Nebeker Murtaugh, ID Throws
Doga Olga Ozbaki Turkey Jumps
Cassi Robbins Firth, ID Sprints
Jessica Shepard Nampa, ID Jumps
Darby Soliday Harrington, WA Hurdles
Elliotte Stockham Gooding, ID Jumps
Sophie Stubbs Boise, ID Distance
Cassandra Vasquez Nampa, ID Distance
Kegan Arrington Boise, ID Jumps
Ricardo Ascencio Oregon City, OR Sprints
Brett Bronson Kimberly, ID Sprints
Eric Christen Pleasant Grove, UT Distance
Zachary Cox Carmel, IN Hurdles
Sam Jones Oceanside, CA Distance
Nash Lewis Brigham City, UT Sprints
Axel Tirado-Sanchez Emmett, ID Throws
Michael Shulikov Meridian, ID Jumps
Ryan Spaeth Malta, ID Throws
Lofton Thomas Benson, AZ Jumps
Ekhardt Van der watt Vredenburg, South Africa Jumps
