Overrun

40 kids turn out for Newcomb cross-country

FRUITLAND

Guila Curley has often wondered what it would be like to have options many schools have when it comes to selecting the top runners on her cross-country team.

The Newcomb head coach does not have to wonder anymore.

Curley said the team has seen a bump in interest, which she’s grateful for but has required her to add to her coaching staff.

“This has been my biggest team,” she said. “I had to bring my husband (who has coached in other capacities at Newcomb) in to help. We’ve got 40 kids between middle school and high school. I’ve never had a team that big.”

Curley said she’s spent many previous seasons roaming the cafeteria and the hallways at the school in hopes of getting some new athletes for the boys and girls cross country teams.

She said she’s excited to see many of the new faces come from different backgrounds and interests.

“I have kids from all parts of the school: basketball players are coming out, that I never thought would have come out,” Curley said. “They finally decided to try it out.”

Curley said she will look to some returning runners to help guide some of the young ones coming in.

The girls’ team returns junior Aaleigha Ashley and few other runners, but the majority of the team will be young runners coming in.

Curley said the young runners were more committed over the summer and she hopes it will carry into the new season.

“I did hold summer workouts and the funny thing is is it was mostly middle school kids,” she said. “This was my first year doing summer workouts all summer.”

The boy’s team will be led by senior Shannon Bitsilly, who is in his fifth season on the varsity team.

Curley said he has put in a lot of effort for his final season.

“He’s a big leader in our school, all over the place. He’s an awesome basketball player; he’s spent a ton of time practicing. Cross country’s kind of his way to get into shape for that,” she said. “I think this year he’s really embracing that role.”

---