Lady Firebirds seek to add runners, depth

ROSCOMMON – Samara Sabin, first-year coach of the womens cross country team at Kirtland Community College, is excited to get the upcoming 2009 season up and running.

The Firebirds will hold their first practice Tuesday, Aug. 18. The next key date on the calendar is Saturday, Sept. 5, when both the mens and womens cross country teams head south to Oakland Community College for their season-opening meet.

“This is very exciting, as we look forward to elevating the cross country program to next level,” said Sabin, herself an avid runner. “But we have a lot to do to make sure we get off on the right foot.”

One challenge will be to replace former standout Barb Council of Gaylord. Council paced the Lady Firebirds during her two years at Kirtland, shattering previous school records.

“Barb was a great runner and a great representative for Kirtland,” said Doug Ryckman, athletic director at Kirtland. “She’ll be missed. Still, Samara is putting together a nice team that should be fun to watch.”

Currently, six runners have signed to wear the teal and gold for Kirtland. But, in needing to have five runners to score in team standings, Sabin said she’d feel a bit more comfortable with some added depth.

“I’d prefer to have a few more runners,” said Sabin, who has coached basketball, volleyball and track during her tenure as a teacher for Crawford-AuSable Schools. “For one, it makes practices more competitive and everyone benefits from that.

“It’s also nice to have a good team depth, in case of injury or illness. So, I’m really hoping we can add another runner or two before the season starts,” she added.

One bonus for potential student-athletes is the availability of athletic scholarships.

“We do have some scholarship money still available,” Sabin said. “This is a great chance for a person who loves to run to be part of a team, compete and maybe qualify for some financial assistance to help their efforts in the classroom.”

Current or future Kirtland students who might be interested in the joining the womens cross country team may complete a prospective student-athlete form at firebirds.kirtland.edu/form.asp. They may also contact Sabin via e-mail at sabins@kirtland.edu.

Currently, about 3,200 students attend a variety of certificate and two-year degree programs on an annual basis at Kirtland’s two campuses – at Roscommon, and the Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Gaylord – with the college’s service area including all or parts of Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Otsego, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Gladwin and Alcona counties, and the surrounding areas.

For more information on Kirtland athletics, visit online at firebirds.kirtland.edu or call 989-275-5000, extension 385.