Gabriel Chistman
Gabriel Christman, a senior Sandpoint High School cross-country runner, is a busy young man with both school and sports. Running on the cross-country team in the fall and the track team in the spring, Gabe keeps his grades up and is a member of the National Honors Society.
As a sophomore, an injury occurred that put a halt to the rest of Gabe’s cross-country season, as his ability to train at his full capacity was put on hold until this past summer. “I was out for two cross-country seasons, and track, unable to race to my best ability,” he said.
Upon his return to the current fall season, his coaches were impressed of the presence he made within the team. Cross country coach Matt Brass said, “He trained smart and hard this summer, which put him into the top three of the fastest team the boys have had up to this point.”
Gabe also made an impactful decision, not only to himself but to his entire team. “At that point, I stopped training for myself and started training to be an example to those around me. If I showed grit and perseverance, I knew my teammates would match it and they would perform greatly.” Gabe has demonstrated true leadership as a captain that is felt by everyone around him.
“My team is by far the best part of this sport. It is amazing to know that you have a bunch of people who are always there for you no matter what. For me, my team is the reason I keep pushing myself.”
Hattie Larson
Jason Duchow Photography
A multisport athlete, Hattie Larson makes her presence known on the soccer field this season. Hattie, who is a junior at Sandpoint High School, stays incredibly busy both on the field/court and off. Throughout the school year, she participates in soccer, basketball and golf, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in school. She is a member of the National Honors Society and plays the violin. Hattie has also debuted her instrumental talents in the Youth Orchestra performing at the Festival at Sandpoint.
Hattie is the stand-out goalkeeper for the Sandpoint High School Bulldogs. Being on the varsity squad for two years now, she has impressed many people on her journey. Alan Brinkmeier, girls’ varsity assistant coach, raves about Hattie’s ability to train to her fullest capacity day in and day out. “She is one of the most naturally gifted athletes I’ve ever trained,” Brinkmeier said, “and she deserves to be recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the state of Idaho, if not the region.”
As Hattie approaches the end of her high school journey to take her next steps after graduation, she is interested in pursuing both environmental science and art at Eastern Washington University. “I enjoy learning about the Earth, the life that lives on it, and the great outdoors. And I enjoy art because it is fun and very relaxing to me.” She has also verbally committed to the women’s soccer team at Eastern to continue pursuing her passion in soccer.
Hattie said that her goal in life, and advice for others, is to “always aim to be the best version of yourself at practice and everything you do.”
Hattie is looked up to greatly by her peers, teammates and aspiring youth soccer players within the Sandpoint community. “Beyond being a great athlete and a good student, she is also one of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met,” Brinkmeier exclaimed. “I look forward to following her career after high school and beyond.”