The cross country program at Sedona Red Rocks High School is under the guidance of a new coach.
Ben Scamihorn, who’s also in his first year as a teacher at the school, brings a wealth of experience in the sport. He ran both track and cross country in Division 1 at Southern Illinois Edwardsville. He also worked with his school’s team as a student teacher and was mentored into coaching by his college coach. He hopes to have a successful season in his first year as coach. More importantly though, he wants to lay the foundation for the future of the program.
“My main goal is to get more kids out on the team,” Scamihorn said. “I’d like to have a solid group out and then with those kids that I get out, start to create a culture of family on the team. A culture like that is going to attract more students to want to run.”
Getting a good number of kids to participate in cross country has been an issue in past years for the Scorpions. Despite that, the cupboard isn’t exactly bare for SRRHS.
The boys and girls squads have solid returning stalwarts. For the boys, it’s sophomore Shota Yabuuchi. For the girls, it’s senior Cheyenne Javey. Both are expected to be the frontrunners of their respective teams.
“There are a few kids on the team with some potential,” Scamihorn said. “I’ve also heard that the junior high program last year was really strong; so I think that a lot of those kids are going to be freshmen now. I’m really looking forward to that.”
Scamihorn noted that since seven times are taken in postseason meets, a minimum of 8-10 participants for both the boys and girls would be ideal. What’s best for anyone interested in participating is that Scamihorn is willing to take on anyone, regardless of what their experience or skill level might be.
“Cross country is a sport anyone can do,” he said. “No matter where you’re starting. If you can only run three minutes at a time, you can work from there, that’s a starting point. If you have any desire to run, no matter where you are, I’m willing to meet you wherever you’re at.”
