BARKER — It’s been the longest, most grueling trek of his life-long cross country career, but Paul DeSarkissian has fought his way through the endless uphill struggles patiently, rebuilding Barker High School’s program from scratch into a state powerhouse once again.
Taking over as head coach at the turn of this century, DeSarkissian started with seven boys and a dream — return the program to the glory he knows all too well.
Twenty years ago, DeSarkissian was a member of Barker’s undefeated league championship team, the school’s last solo league champion (the Raiders were co-N-O champs in 2003).
Now in his eighth season and featuring 31 boys and girls, the Raiders program not only anticipates continued growth, but the continued success that helped get them there.
“In the beginning, it was a little difficult being heard,” DerSarkissian said.
“Cross country is not one of the big showcase sports. There isn’t any celebrating in the middle of it — there isn’t the touchdown. You’re out there running three miles — which can be grueling, through the dirt and mud. And when you’re down the stretch, there’s nobody there to cheer you on.
“Despite all that, we’re making it one of the winningest sports at Barker and we’re every proud of that,” he said.
“It’s not all me. My assistant coach, Sharon Lamb, has been instrumental, as has Athletics Director Dave Carson,” DerSarkissian said. “Also, the school system and the parents are very supportive. It’s refreshing to see all the support that’s there to make it work.”
Following a first-place finish at the Beaver Island Meet last month and a fouth-place finish at Rochester’s McQuaid Invitational, the momentum continues to build this fall for the undefeated (4-0) Barker boys team, heading to today’s annual N-O League Meet at Tuscarora Park in Wilson.
Leading the small-school Raiders (currently ranked fourth in the state in Class D) is freshman sensation Tyler Sheving, who posted his best time of 16:45 last month at the McQuaid Invitational in Rochester and is ranked in the top three among freshmen runners in Western New York and top four in the state.
“The first time Tyler ran at a modified track meet he almost broke the school record in the mile,” DerSarkissian said.
“I thought he might have a good future in cross country,” he said laughing. “He was playing a little football at the time, then decided to run cross country and has been doing that ever since. He’s a dynamite kid with all kinds of untapped potential.”
Other top runners who have returned from last year’s Section VI championship team include junior captain Eric Bennes, sophomore Andrew Carmer and junior Ryan Lamb.
They’re joined by three key additions, senior Shawn Thompson, sophomore Matt Sweeney and freshman Mike Lantinen.
Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders are off to a promising 2-2 start in the N-O. They finished third last year at sectionals, held at Elma Meadows.
Also fairly young, the Lady Raiders (ranked 14th in the state in Class D) are led by sophomore Deanna Platt, who went to states last year. Among the talent surrounding Platt are sophomore Jaimie Przybyl , junior newcomer Amber Sweeney and sophomore Margie Zaepfel , who have all posted their best times in 2008 at the McQuaid invite.
Other top Lady Raiders runners include junior captain Hannah McGee, junior Sarah White, freshman Mikayla Jackson (injured) and junior Chelsie Black.
This weekend, the Barker boys and girls cross country teams will travel to defending Class D state champion Beaver River (near Watertown) for a non-league meet.
“Barring any major catastrophe, I think we can win another sectional title,” DerSarkissian said.
“This is a good test for us, going to their house. We’re really looking forward to this.”
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