STAYING THE COURSE: BHS cross country team eyes practice opener

Back in 2006, David Ayres’ knowledge of running didn’t extend much beyond his own experience as a competitor for Bartlesville High School.

But, that year, Ayres decided to take a plunge into coaching

Bartlesville’s cross country program when an opening appeared.

Ayres proved to be a quick learner in how to put together a successful distance crew — from 2014 through 2017, Bartlesville bolted to five state championships — three by the Lady Bruins (2014, 2015, 2016) and two by the Bruins (2016, 2017).

In addition, in the Bruins grabbed second place in 2015 at state and finished fourth at state in 2014 and 2018.

Even though the team has experienced a lot of reloading — and bad luck, such as injuries — the past three seasons, one gets the feelings Bartlesville runners are on the verge of doing something special again.

That could happen as soon as this coming fall, especially on the Lady Bruins’ side.

Ayres returns all seven of his girls that competed in the 2021 state meet, plus welcomes a couple of stalwart stampeders that will challenge for a varsity spot.

The next phase is the opening of practice Monday, at which Ayres will be able to observe for the first time the progress his veterans have made since last year.

Following are Ayres preliminary previews for the squads.

GIRLS

Leading the pack of battle-honed starters is junior-to-be Gentry Turner, who finished 11th last season in the Class 6A state meet to earn All-State recognition.

“Five seniors that finished ahead of her have graduated,” Ayres noted. “She should be right up there this year. … We’re expecting a break-through in her junior year.”

Two other returnees are seniors-to-be Ledi Mull and Rachael Landers.

Junior-to-be Emily Lechuga ran Bartlesville’s second-fastest race at state, and sophomores-to-be Emma Perry, Kailey Malcom and Lacee Jenkins garnered invaluable experience in the Big Show.

Providing an infusion of competition for top seven spots are freshmen-to-be Reese Savage and Kate Manley.

“They’re both accomplished runners in cross country and track,” Ayres said. “We’re expecting them to jump in there.”

Bolstering Bartlesville hopes to do something special is the wave of graduations off the defending Jenks High state championship crew.

“We’ll expect our girls with all the spirit they have to push for one of those podium spots,” Ayres said.

The regular season is set to begin Aug. 25 at Owasso.

BRUINS

The situation is nearly flip-flopped compared to the girls.

The Bartlesville boys graduated four starters — including their only two state qualifiers — off last year’s team.

The most notable returnee is senior-to-be Tanner John.

“John had a much better junior year,” Ayres said. “He improved throughout the year. He’s a g really great athlete.”

Another promising varsity runner last year was Pawhuska transfer Tehi Chibitty.Chibitty proved to be especially gritty when it counted during last spring’s track season.

He hurt hi foot shortly before the state meet and Ayres considered replacing him in the boys 4x800m run with alternate Reed Gorman.

“We left it up to him (Chibitty),” Ayres said. “The night before he could hardly walk on it. But, on the next morning he had a lot of adrenaline and he ran one of his best times and pushed through for us.”

Ayres expects Gorman — a multi-year veteran — to also be capable of a strong cross country season.

Among the less-experienced looking to earn a varsity spot are sophomore-to-be Russell Miller, freshman-to-be Jackson Boudreaux and senior-to-be Jack Wahl, who is the defending Class 6A high jump state champion, and Jesse Espinal-Cruz.

One of the major concerns going into Monday’s practice is are the soaring temperatures.

Ayres said Bartlesville is blessed by being able to run on the shaded Pathfinder walkway, which extends for several miles.

He plans to emphasize hydration and make sure plenty of water is available on the path.

But, beyond that, the team begins its runs at 7 a.m. when the weather is still cooler, Ayres noted.

“We want to make sure they’re safe,” he said. “I’m looking for the starting practice and to make sure we hit the ground running.”

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville High cross country runners set for Monday practice opener