Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
The Bullock Creek girls cross country team has experienced some injuries early on this season, but coach Shelly Drisch feels it is important for the team to understand that it’s possible to recover from those injuries and do some things of which they can be proud.
“We have some goals for our next Jamboree for the girls to shoot for, and I think if they really believe and work toward those goals, they’ll be happy with the results,” Drisch said.
Drisch said a positive element of the team is the quality student-athletes she has. She believes the team and coaching staff can work on pushing one another in a race more and not be content to run where it feels comfortable.
“It’s so encouraging to be around young people that have such a dedication to their sports and academics,” Drisch said.
One thing Drisch feels the team needs to work on is the awareness and the belief of what they can do in a race.
“They [the girls] have a tendency to think they “belong” in a certain place in the pack and are afraid of pushing too hard for fear they’ll die by the third mile,” Drisch said. “I think it’s a healthy thing to have fierce but friendly competition with your teammates, and that’s something I’ve been trying to impress on the girls. We’re working more on pacing in practice and really learning to push through that last mile with a negative split.”
The Lancers are led by Amanda Valliere, but unfortunately for the team, she hasn’t been able to run since their first meet because of some hip issues. Drisch is hoping to have her back by the end of the month.
“Amanda’s absence has left a hole for others to step into; unfortunately, some of my other top runners have also been battling some nagging injuries, too. I’ve seen girls consistently bringing their times down across the board, though, and that’s been a good thing.”
One of those runners is senior Amber Frank, who started running for the Lancers a year ago and has showed tremendous potential from the start.
“A season ago, Amanda was still figuring out what cross country was all about and how to race,” Drisch said. “This season, she’s really taken some strides forward and is in a leadership position on the team. It’s neat to see how she’s grown.”
As for what Drisch expects from the rest of the teams in the Tri-Valley Conference Central Division the rest of the season, she feels the league is wide open.
“You have a team like Alma that has three girls finish in the top seven in our first Jamboree, but still place fourth, and Swan Valley who didn’t have any girls in the top 15 finish third. Meanwhile Shepherd’s Kaylie Rhynard has run some impressive times overall. It’s just neat to see all of the talent in the TVC Central.”