Sandpoint Bullpups Swim Team Turns in Strong Showing at Moscow Middle School Invitational
MOSCOW, Idaho — The Sandpoint Middle School Bullpups swim team delivered a standout performance Friday at the Moscow Middle School Invitational, held at the University of Idaho Swim Center, collecting multiple individual event victories despite competing at a significant numbers disadvantage against the host Bear Cubs.
Sandpoint brought just 16 swimmers to the meet, facing a Moscow roster of 46. Though the Bullpups fell in the combined team score, 136-110, several individual swimmers made a clear mark on the competition.
Jensen, Jackson, and Ballard Lead Individual Winners
Eighth-grader Myelle Jensen was among the most dominant performers of the day, claiming first place in the 100 individual medley with a time of 1:05.63 and the 50 butterfly in 29.31. Jensen also anchored two relay victories, contributing to the 200 free mixed relay (1:54.06) and the 200 medley mixed relay (2:08.18).
Fellow eighth-grader Josh Jackson matched Jensen’s relay success, swimming on both winning relay squads while also taking first place individually in the 50 fly (37.73) and the 100 free (52.15).
Seventh-grader Allyson Ballard added a pair of wins for Sandpoint, topping the field in the 100 free (59.42) and the 50 free (26.28). Another seventh-grader, Vienne La Fountain, captured first in the 50 breaststroke with a time of 40.15, placing second overall in the 100 IM as well.
Coaching Staff Credits High School Assistants for Season Success
Head coach Emily Renzini credited a trio of high school swimmers serving as assistant coaches — Addison Tyler, Summer Loutzenhiser, and Oliver Leavitt — with helping shape the team’s competitive spirit throughout the season.
“Their leadership and example have made a strong impact, helping create a positive and energetic environment where swimmers can thrive,” Renzini said. She noted that the energy generated by the coaching staff carried directly into race results, pointing to team sprints as a moment when enthusiasm translated into fast times.
The involvement of high school athletes in mentoring younger swimmers reflects a growing tradition of peer-led development in North Idaho youth sports programs. Similar examples of student leadership have emerged across Sandpoint-area schools, where students are increasingly recognized for workforce readiness and hands-on skill development both inside and outside the classroom.
Full Results Highlights
In the girls’ events, Sandpoint swimmers occupied multiple podium spots throughout the meet. Addison Gordon placed second in the 50 back (38.17), and McKinley Hull took third in that same event (39.44). Penelope Gall finished third in the 100 IM and second in the 50 breast. Savannah Ferris collected second-place finishes in the 50 fly and the 100 free. London Leavitt rounded out the podium in the 50 free with a third-place finish.
On the boys’ side, Finn McDonald placed third in the 50 back, and Nolan Tuohy finished second in the 50 breast and third in the 50 free. Moscow’s Ryan Rooke swept the boys’ backstroke and 50 free, while Royal Rauch led the Bear Cubs in the 100 IM.
Season Finale Set for This Friday
The Bullpups will close out their season this Friday at the Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint, with the final meet scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. Coaches and athletes are welcoming community members to attend and show support as the team wraps up what has been a competitive and high-energy season.
Youth athletic programs in Bonner County continue to draw community attention, with local athletes earning collegiate opportunities in part thanks to the foundation built at the middle school level. Friday’s season finale provides a chance for Sandpoint residents to see that pipeline in action firsthand.
What Comes Next
The Sandpoint Bullpups swim team concludes its 2026 season this Friday, May 8, at the Litehouse YMCA. The meet begins at 5:00 p.m., and the program encourages community attendance to celebrate the team’s accomplishments heading into the offseason.