MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho track and field team is riding high after a dominant showing at the Sam Adams Classic in Spokane this past weekend, and two Vandals – Keenan Kuntz and Blake Sturgis – are being recognized for their individual performances. Both athletes were named Big Sky Athletes of the Week, marking a sweep of the men’s awards and signaling a strong start to the outdoor season for Idaho. The recognition highlights not only their talent but also the program’s growing momentum as it competes within the Big Sky Conference.
Kuntz, a Richland, Washington native, continued his impressive form from a record-breaking indoor season. He blazed to a personal best of 10.36 seconds in the 100-meter dash, becoming the eighth Vandal in program history to break the 10.40-second barrier. This achievement builds on a successful indoor campaign where he also earned weekly honors from the conference. His speed and consistency are quickly establishing him as a key competitor for Idaho in sprint events.
Javelin Thrower Sturgis Makes Immediate Impact
For Sturgis, the honor came in his very first meet representing the Vandals. The senior transfer made an immediate splash, winning the javelin throw with a remarkable distance of 66.62 meters (218 feet, 7 inches). This throw not only secured him first place but also ranks as the third-longest javelin throw in University of Idaho history, according to the Idaho Vandals Athletics website. It’s also currently the best javelin throw in the Big Sky Conference this season, setting a high bar for his competitors.
What makes Sturgis’s performance even more impressive is that he’s only the fifth athlete in Idaho history to surpass the 66-meter mark. He fell just shy of his personal best of 68.25 meters (223 feet, 11 inches), achieved in April of a previous season, suggesting even greater potential as the season progresses. His addition to the team provides an immediate boost to Idaho’s field event roster.
Building on a Successful Weekend
The Sam Adams Classic saw a total of seven Vandals secure event victories, demonstrating the overall strength and depth of the Idaho track and field program. The team’s performance was a testament to their training and preparation, and the Athletes of the Week awards for Kuntz and Sturgis are a well-deserved recognition of their individual contributions to that success. The meet served as an important early-season test, allowing athletes to gauge their fitness and refine their techniques before more significant competitions.
Looking Ahead: West Coast Relays
The Vandals will continue their outdoor season next weekend at the West Coast Relays, hosted by Fresno State in Clovis, California. This meet will provide another opportunity for athletes to compete against a diverse field and further hone their skills. The West Coast Relays are known for attracting strong competition from across the western United States, offering a valuable experience for Idaho’s athletes as they prepare for the Big Sky Championships later in the season.
The team’s schedule, as outlined on GoVandals.com, is designed to build towards peak performance during the championship season. Coaches will be looking for continued improvement and consistency from all athletes as they navigate the challenges of the outdoor track and field circuit.
Fans can stay up-to-date with Idaho Cross Country and Track and Field by following the team on Instagram (IdahoTrack) and X (IdahoTFXC). Regular updates, results, and behind-the-scenes content will be shared throughout the season, providing fans with a closer look at the team’s progress.
The success of Kuntz and Sturgis, along with the strong overall performance at the Sam Adams Classic, sets a positive tone for the Idaho Vandals as they embark on their outdoor season. The team’s dedication and talent are evident, and they are poised to make a significant impact in the Big Sky Conference, and beyond. The West Coast Relays will be the next opportunity to witness their continued growth and success.
What’s next for the Vandals? The Fresno State-hosted West Coast Relays in Clovis, California, next weekend. Full results and updates will be available on GoVandals.com following the competition. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and support for the team in the comments below.
