If you were a young adult in the late 60's - early 70's, it was always a thought in the back of your mind. Save some money. Get a van and fix it up. Gather your 8 tracks and cassettes and "go cross country." That's not exactly the way the 10 student-athletes from the Lady Daler Varsity Cross-Country team picture it. Their take is slightly different, as the cross-country venture they are undertaking starts with runs of twice a day, in excess of eight miles or more. Then it's hill running followed with interval running at quicker than race pace. Don't forget the form running coupled with some serious weight and nutrition training. Now, you're talking' about their kind of cross-country endeavor.

Coach Katie Dunne is at the head of the pack, providing inspiration and instruction to the Daler X-Women. "The girls have been running all summer," she stated, "building a mile base enabling us to compete with some of the more established teams." Several members of the team attended cross-country camp in August. The veteran runners are more conditioned than they were at this time last year. Many of the newcomers have worked hard to improve their endurance.

Senior sensation Tia Wofford is the seasoned runner, lending her invaluable experience to the rest of the team. Impressive juniors are Tara Bernot, Laura Cook, Caitlin Morrison, Milena Restrepo and Stephanie Simon. Ann Butehorn, Ann Marie Russo, Sunni Berlin and Krystal Cantos are the fleet-footed freshmen. The progress of this group has not gone unnoticed. "There have been the summer runs and camp," Coach Dunne mentioned. They all have great attitudes and a lot of patience that have brought them together as a team. "They help each other and draw strength from one another," she commented. The team is always open to people who enjoy running. You don't need to be an experienced runner. All you need is a desire to work hard and have fun. "I am not saying that hard work will be easy," Coach said. "I am saying it will be worth it." As Ms. Dunne always says, "Extra effort is the key to success." Get ready to travel cross-country with the Lady Daler X-Women ... it will be a fantastic trip.

Residents, elementary and middle school runners and anyone who is interested are encouraged to cheer on the Lady Dalers at the conference championships that will be held at Bethpage Park on Saturday, Oct. 25. Race time is 9:30 a.m. Go Dalers!

Tia sets the pace for the Lady Dalers. She has run varsity for the past five years. Her interest was sparked at the middle school level and she is first to acknowledge those who gave her guidance. "My coach, Ms. Dunne, my parents and my Uncle Kevin helped me be strong and stay motivated," she said. Tia has not taken any shortcuts when it comes to her education. "English is one of my favorite subjects," she noted. "I enjoy writing." She finds creative crafts helps her "relax while expressing my creativity." Tia plans on attending college and taking advantage of her running game while there. She likes to play basketball and soccer, enjoys camping, and loves to sit in her room and listen to music. Running and Tia make a great partnership. "I feel I bring leadership, sportsmanship, a positive attitude and my sense of humor to the sport," she stated. Always looking to improve her skills, Tia continues to analyze her game. "I have been working on improving my form, increasing my mileage and decreasing my times," she explained. Tia exhibits the Daler work ethic at its best.

Coach's Corner: Tia has developed into a fine athlete over the years. She has competed at the State Cross Country meets twice. She has competed in many local road races. As a captain of the team, I look for her to be a leader and a motivator. Tia will be leading her team into the county championships this season.

Caitlin has been a Daler-delight when it comes to the long distance run. She's a part of the cross-country scene since the 7th grade. "My brother influenced me," says Caitlin. "He was a very good runner himself." She hits the books and likes math where she enjoyed Ms. Alterman's class last year and pre-AP art with Ms. Danza, which she is taking this year. Caitlin is a member of the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the Varsity Leaders Club. She participates in the Key Club as "it offers a variety of service projects." Caitlin enjoys listening to music, biking and camping. After high school, her plans will involve running for college. Her cross-country adventure gives her a special perspective of the sport. "I try to set an example with a positive attitude," she mentioned. "I motivate everyone (on the team) to give their all at practice." Training is an important part of her program. "I've tried to do more speed work, since I'm better at distance," Caitlin said. This Lady Daler is 5K focused.

Coach's Corner: Caitlin is an extremely passionate runner. As a captain, she is self-motivated and an example for the entire team. She is equally serious about her studies and her running. She is somehow able to excel in both. I expect Caitlin to have a great season.

As the commercial says, Milena keeps on running and running and running. She has been part of the varsity cross-country team for the last three years. She had an early exposure by participating in the PAL program in elementary school and from there continued her career when she entered the middle school. Milena hits the books. "My two favorite subjects are foreign language and creative crafts art class," she relayed. "I enjoy learning a different language because it will be useful in the future." The art class provides a great outlet for her. "It's an opportunity to express my creativity." She belongs to the Italian Honor Society. Milena helps her father train pigeons, enjoys drawing and going for runs. Milena finds time to read to students at East Memorial Salzman Elementary School. She plans to attend college and possibly study languages and become a teacher. Milena realizes the absolute value of dedication in this sport. "One should always think positive and come to practice with that attitude," she said. "I set goals and work to achieve them." There is always some part of her game she tries to improve on. Her form is one of them "such as picking up my knees more and developing my breathing and endurance." The Daler community should take some notes from this long distance runner.

Coach's Corner: As a team captain this season, Milena has competed at the State Cross-Country level once before and I expect her to have her best season yet. She is very goal oriented and an extremely hard worker. She is a team leader ... kind, helpful and patient with all her teammates.