The last practice before the first sporting event of the fall was a wet one at Big Park Community School.

English Language Development teacher Erin Fagan led 12 fifth- through eighth-graders out Saddlehorn Road before school Tuesday, Aug. 19, for a ride around the Sedona Golf Resort back nine holes.

“No ab exercises this morning,” she said. “As soon as the traffic is clear, you’re going to run up to the ridge, turn around and come back, OK? Go.”

And with that, as quickly as they had arrived, the Coyotes disappeared into the Village of Oak Creek for the final practice run prior to their Verde Valley Conference opener Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m. at Camp Verde Middle School.

“They are eager to run even after we finish practice,” Fagan said. “We would like for all of the kids to do their personal best on Wednesday. We have set the bar high for our runners both physically and in sportsmanship.”

Fagan chose to co-coach the Coyotes this fall with physical education teacher Gabe Holland in the absence of regular cross-country coach Diane Schumacher, who is on maternity leave. Since much of their time outside of school is occupied by care for children of their own, they agreed to team up and share all of the coaching responsibilities.

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Aug. 20, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.