The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON -Coach Dan Nechedom says he tends to avoid setting early expecta­tions for his Bulldog cross- country team since his is such a small and ever-changing team. Unsure of just who was going to turn out until the season actually began, Nechedom is pleased with his team of five: three girls and two boys.

"I have a fun group of tough-minded runners," said Nechedom, noting that abili­ties vary widely when it comes to speed and endur­ance. "With most of the team fairly new to racing, they con­tinue to make big gains, and are working to get a handle on pacing. Each one steps out there, both in practice and in races, and gives it what they know they can do, and usually at least a bit more."

According to Nechedom, freshman Alexis Walker has shown a talent for running since he noticed her "smooth and easy stride" in seventh grade. "She was unable to run for the first few meets but came with us to provide encouragement and camara­derie for her teammates. She also provides much of the team's comic relief, some­times intentionally and some­times not," he said.

Caitlin Robins joined the team this year with the ex­pectation of getting in better shape. Robins ran two miles for the first time in early Sep­tember and last week ran 4.5 miles. "Her pace is trending downward and her confi­dence is really growing," said Nechedom who describes Robins as "rock solid."

"Kiara Biggar is one of the toughest runners I know," said Nechedom. I've seen her run herself into the ground, too stubborn to give up even when it might have been more prudent to back off. Even with some health setbacks recently, she puts everything she can into practices and meets, seeming to relish the physical punishment."

Tyler Cooper is another runner who enjoys pushing himself and looks forward to a hard workout. "Tyler enjoys thinking through the best strategy for each course and pushes himself to see what his limits are. Some important personal business has kept him from some early practices and meets, but he's looking forward to being able to rejoin his team," said Nechedom.

"Levi Laib has an excep­tionally big heart, both sym­bolically and physically. One of the most humble and kind young men you'll meet, he will run you into the ground and make you lick dirt, all while enjoying his company. He's conscientious about preparing to do his best and is very mentally tough."

Nechedom says he consid­ers it a privilege to coach and train with these developing athletes. "We push each other hard and all of us come away strengthened and encourage.