After transfer, Benson runner giving Aztecs a lift

PIMA COLLEGE NOTEBOOK

When Danielle Higgins was running for junior college powerhouse Central Arizona, she remembered being impressed by the talent and camaraderie of rival Pima College.

"Pima was always really close," she said. "They were always cheering for their team."

So when it was time for a change, Higgins, a Benson native, opted to transfer to Pima. Her brother, Luke, ran for the Aztecs, and Higgins has family in Tucson.

She has since blossomed for the 10th-ranked Aztecs, who will compete at the Region I championships today in Coolidge. Sophomore Vivian Reed (Cienega) and Higgins have provided a strong 1-2 punch for Pima. Higgins, a sophomore, recently ran the 5K at the Mesa Thunderbird Classic in a personal-best 18 minutes 22 seconds.

"She's confident and she's happy and she's positive - everything you need to be a good racer, and she's found it at the right time," coach Greg Wenneborg said.

Wenneborg remembers Higgins playing the role of spoiler when she raced at Central - she beat one of Pima's runners to give Central an edge over the Aztecs at nationals.

Higgins said she has found a more positive atmosphere at Pima. Her brother recommended Wenneborg's coaching methods.

"Even if you don't have a good race, he still ... really encourages you," Higgins said.

Last year, before she transferred, Higgins strained tendons in both ankles, forcing her to sit out the cross country season. She joined the Aztecs for the track season and ran on the 4x800 relay that won a regional championship and placed third at nationals.

As Pima heads into the regional and national championships, Higgins said she is fully recovered and at her healthiest. She said she also feels she has completed the long recovery from an ACL tear, which occurred during her junior year of high school.

"Our team so far hasn't had everyone run a good day, so we're kind of underrated," she said.

Other sports

* Ranked third in the preseason national Division II poll, the women's basketball team begins its season today against College of Eastern Utah in Cedar City, Utah. The Aztecs play their first home game Nov. 13 against Odessa College.

* The men's basketball team opens its season today against Colorado Northwestern College in Thatcher. The Aztecs play their home opener Nov. 13 against the Davis-Monthan Stars.

* The football team has lost quarterback Dan Nicholas (Canyon del Oro) for the season to a broken foot. For the final two games, coach Pat Nugent said the team will play multiple quarterbacks, using tight end Doug Steele (CDO), Avante Johnson (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and Lucas Meza (Rio Rico). Pima (0-8) will play Glendale on Saturday at Tucson High School.

* The men's soccer team finished the season 15-6-1 with a 2-1 loss to fifth-ranked Yavapai in the Region I semifinals last week. Yavapai went on to beat Arizona Western 2-0 in the championship.

Originally published by SARAH TROTTO, ARIZONA DAILY STAR.

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