Running strong

Ganado’s Haven resets meet record

LAKESIDE, Ariz.

With the tall ponderosa pine trees serving as the backdrop, Ganado senior Daangoiina Haven considers the Blue Ridge Invitational as one of her favorite meet.

“I like the scenery with all the trees,” Haven said. “It makes me feel at peace running here.”

The pristine landscape may not be the only reason why she likes to compete there. In fact, she is the owner of two meet records, including one that she reset last Friday.

Haven shattered the meet record in the 1600-meter run she set last year by eight seconds with a time of 5 minutes, 15.07 seconds. Her time was 34 seconds faster than second place finisher Nikesha Eagleman of Chinle High School.

In addition to the one-mile race, Haven had the meet record in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:25.46. On Friday she finished in first place with a time 2:29.41.

“I didn’t know I held those records,” said Haven, who also placed first with the 4×800 relay team.

With less than a month left until the Arizona Division III state meet, Ganado assistant coach Lynette Lookingback said Haven is looking strong despite some early setbacks at the start of the track season.

“I am so proud of her and I can’t say enough about her,” Lookingback said. “I’ve seen where she has come from and she is doing real well.”

During the offseason, Haven admitted that she did too much training and as a result she suffered a stress fracture that sidelined her for a couple of weeks.

“I think the rest really helped,” she said. “I’m doing really well and I’m actually improving on my times from last year.”

Ganado head coach Julian Chee said he’s impressed with how Haven has bounced back. He said her ability to overcome her injury reinforces the work ethic she has.

“She’s really come a long way this season,” he said. “She’s already qualified for state in four events so I think she has found her stride.”

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