Sedona Red Rock High School’s star distance runner has signed with one of the top junior college running programs in the nation.

Mykala Seresun, a state champion runner, will join Central Arizona University this fall after receiving a full-ride cross-country and track and field scholarship to the two-year program.

“I am very excited. I knew I wanted to continue running after high school, just wasn’t sure where,” Seresun said. “Running has become a part of my life, I’ve wanted to compete [in college] ever since freshman year. I wanted to go somewhere that will push me above and beyond.”

Central Arizona University is the perfect place for her.

The women’s cross-country team was national champion four years ago and has been the runner-up in the nation the past two years. The men’s team is the current National Junior College Athletic Association cross country national champion. The program has a long streak of being conference champion and consistently produces numerous All-Americans.

In track and field, the women have won the conference 15 years in a row.

“We have very high expectations for cross-country as well as track and field,” Central Arizona College women’s cross-country Head Coach and assistant track and field coach Paul Tavares said. “Our women’s cross-country team is one of the elite teams in the country in regards to the NJCAA. I feel that [Seresun] will fit in very well, and make an immediate impact in our attempts to have another successful season.

“Mykala is one of our standout recruits this year, and I feel she will fit in as a leader of the freshmen squad. Mykala is not only athletically gifted, but a very hard worker. She is a person with very high values, and will be a very positive addition to the school, as well as the team. Mykala will be an important part of continuing Central Arizona Colleges success in cross country as well as track and field.”

For the full story, please see the Friday, June 7, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.