Harriers welcome new generation of runners

The Dodson-Whitewater Harriers start an almost brand new chapter in team history, after having one lone returnee.

That lone returning athlete is junior Shawnee Kill Eagle, who was a state performer. The team had four state performers last year including graduated seniors Jeret Warren and Jacina Doney and transfer student Teal Martell.

Though Kill Eagle is a state performer, the team may have a young standout in freshman Tyrese Messerly, who has been strong in basketball and track and field in his eighth grade year.

"He ran a seven minute mile the other day," Coach Tiana Bloomer said. "His goal is to get down to six and a half minutes so that he can run the course in under twenty minutes. He never walks, he's a beautiful runner. He's very pretty to watch actually."

Coach Bloomer said she wants to see how he does in his first meet, but she also believes he may give former Dodson standout Nick Bear's time a challenge.

"He might be up there for state contender," Coach Bloomer said.

Many of this year's runners are running simply to get ready for basketball season, which isn't offensive to their coaches.

"They showed up on the first day of school ready to practice with all their physicals handed in," Coach Bloomer said. "They said to me, 'the reason I'm doing this is because I want to condition for ball season.' I didn't have any input on that. It was all them."

The team welcomes two juniors from Whitewater, Serena Sanguins and Karly Santillan.

Sanguins started taking running seriously in track last spring for the Whitewater Penguins, when she took on the 400 meter run.

"She's enthusiastic about it," Coach Warren said. "She's not the fastest runner but she's learning. They're all learning. I expect good things out of her. She's got good determination."

Santillan was in track and field during her freshman year and ran with the Penguins short relay team. The long three mile run is a brand new thing for her; however Coach Warren is encouraged by her effort.

"She has real good motivation," Coach Warren said. "I think she is going to do well with it."

The sophomore class consists of Kyla Racine, Donna Dale and Jasper Doney.

Racine played most of the basketball season before a knee injury slowed her down.

"She has a knee issue that we're working on so hopefully she won't hurt it while running," Coach Bloomer said. "She seems to be doing pretty well right now. She's got a good stride."

Dale is also in her first season of cross country, but she has been making strides in the teams' first two weeks of practice.

"She also has a knee problem that we're working on but she's improving her running," Coach Bloomer said. "She's been jogging and running without breaking."

Doney played post for the Coyotes in basketball last season and is looking sharp in his first season.

"Jasper's got a pretty good pace," Coach Bloomer said. "He ran an 8:30 mile last week. He's been able to continue jogging without breaking or walking. He's done really well."

Coach Bloomer spoke well of Doney's summer conditioning.

The freshman class consists of Bella Lawless and Messerly.

Lawless, has been under the watch of Coach Warren, who enjoys the positive attitude she brings.

"She's really enthusiastic about it," Coach Warren said. "This summer she called me a couple of times to learn things about cross country. She and the team are looking forward to give it their all. They are looking forward to running."

The team's first meet will be the Malta Invitational on September 12.