Dunedin XC and track & field: Running as a team, finishing as a family
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Currently coached by Maria Morrison, Evan Gardiner and Judy Deeley, the Dunedin High School Track & Field and Cross Country team has been training and teaching outstanding athletes for over 60 years here in Pinellas County. The traditions instilled in them from the 60s and 70s are still alive and well in the morale of their team today, with many runners qualifying to compete at the state level throughout the years.
In December, the team suffered a huge loss when the head track and field coach, Ryan Vaught, died unexpectedly in a car accident. “He was highly instrumental in conditioning sprinters and football players in Dunedin,” says head girls’ coach Maria Morrison. “We are trying to move forward and continuing to build the team and honor his legacy here at Dunedin High School and in the community.”
Evan Gardiner, who held the assistant coaching position for several years, has now stepped up to the plate of head coach for the coming season. Coaching by the philosophy, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t want to work hard,” he has high hopes and aspirations for his team’s success this coming season.
This past year, both cross country teams performed very well, and the girls’ team even made it to Regionals for the first time in a decade. In 2021, a student from the boys’ team made it to State and he now runs for Bard College in New York.
“We plan to continue to improve this year and to increase the amount of student athletes we have in the community,” adds Coach Morrison. “Our goal is to ensure all of our athletes reach their full potential.”
The boys’ cross country team is captained by senior, Alexander Prothero, who is described by his coaches and peers as a wonderful, incredibly gifted young man. Alexander is fully enrolled in early college at St. Petersburg College, is an Eagle Scout and plans to attend West Point. “The students respond to him really well,” says Coach Morrison. “He is a true student leader in our program as well as on campus.”
Captain of the girls’ cross country team is senior Monse Evaristo-Cruz, who has been on the team for three years. Coach Morrison adds, “Monse is such a kind young lady and is well-respected by her peers.” While they have no team captains for the track and field team yet, they are in the process of determining those roles in the coming weeks.
Freshman Luciana Valentino currently holds the school’s record for the 5K run. At only 20:33 as a freshman, her running time will only continue to improve as her training over the next few years pursues!
The team’s traditions include an annual pumpkin patch team picture during cross country season. This past year, they purchased pumpkins and after winning districts, had a blast smashing them in celebration! Coach Morrison has also incorporated a favorite tradition from her own cross country and track days in high school – the end of season “Ice Cream Run”, where the team runs to Downtown Dunedin for ice cream and then back – a round trip of over four miles! Of course, each season ends with a banquet for the team and their families, usually catered by the school’s culinary department. This past year, due to the head chef unfortunately being injured, they had catering from one of their faithful community partners, Juan’s Restaurant.
The team also takes pride in the Scottish heritage here in Dunedin and is adamant to include the culture in what they do as often as possible.
Coach Morrison’s mission as head cross country coach is to bring cohesiveness to the entire team. Warm ups for all athletes are done as a team before they break out in their respective elements and practice. “We are ONE team,” she says. “We are not divided by our specialties.” She also adds that taking over for Coach Todd Howsare, longtime Dunedin High School Coach, alumni and previous runner himself, has motivated her to continue to help the team improve in the years to come. “He is a wonderful man who coached here for many years, and I feel honored to follow in those footsteps. We are always looking to bring Dunedin’s reputation of being track and field stars back to this community, as many out there don’t know about our team which consists of some of the most incredible, diverse student athletes.”
Assistant Coach Judy Deeley adds to Coach Morrison’s strengths in her own words. “She is certainly the motivating factor in our students wanting to rise to the occasion. She is always passionately cheering for her team and she has so much fun doing it!” she says. “Last year, a student wanted to participate in track and field that was not quite as competitive but loved to run and possessed so much joy. Coach Morrison encouraged to her to keep going and always stayed by her side. She is just so great about ensuring everyone is included and everyone has success.”
The future is bright for the team as they are working diligently to put together an event for cross country that is far-reaching across the state to bring in other athletes and schools and to increase their exposure. This destination type event will be held at Hammock Park where visitors can see the beauty of Dunedin and will bring in runners from all over to participate in this highly competitive event.
Upcoming Tag Days for Dunedin High School Cross Country and Track & Field Teams:
Saturday, March 25th 10am-2pm @ Publix
Saturday, April 15th 10am-2pm @Ace Hardware
The team encourages the community to come show support for the track and field athletes!
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