The Nansemond River cross country team was simply tired Monday evening. While performing their routine “cool down” drills, the activities the Warriors do after their main workout, under a still looming sun, fatigue had set in on some of the inexperienced runners.

One new team member groaned when doing her lunges. An assistant coach responded to the groaning citing a famous running cliché, “pain is temporary, pride is forever.”

That type of talk is not the usual when it comes to the Warrior cross country team. Yet, this edition of young Warriors looks to change a lot of the usual, starting with their position in the city and district.

“I expect to beat all the Suffolk teams,” said Head Coach Sharon Daly-Williams, who is returning for her third year.

Daly-Williams’ expectations will be hard to meet considering they lost their would-be best runner, Clay Bonney, to football. The Warriors also lost their top runner from last season, Shaquille Howard, to graduation.

Despite the losses, NR returns six runners from last season. Junior Trey Cunningham should be the Warriors top runner. Following Cunningham are: Alex Walton, Harold Rodriguez, Blake Riddick, Warren Beatty, and Ryan Turner whom Daly-Williams says, “will be a key runner this season.” New runners for the Warriors include: Christian Beatty, John Joyce, Torian Moore, Nate Chandler, and Sterling Peden.

Daly-Williams expects a lot out of the latter three stating, “they’ll surprise some people, they want to make a difference.”

On the girls side NR returns one lone senior, Ashley Davenport. Daly-Williams listed her as a key team member. Davenport looks to have assumed the leadership role for the Warriors, leading the team in post practice stretching.

New Lady Warrior members include: Jasmine Cunanan, Kiara Mitchell, Khaya Mitchell, Asdia Moore, and Monique Melchor.

Daly-Williams expects the junior, Melchor, to compete. She also said she expects the Lady Warriors to have two top-20 runners every meet.

The young Warriors looked poised to compete and fight off usual skeptics, and their confidence starts at the top with their coach.