by By Dan Ninham
Sidney Raine Cheromiah, 17, is from Acoma, Laguna and Jemez Pueblo and her clans are Big Bear and Little Oak. She is a senior at Laguna-Acoma (LA) HS in New Mexico.
“I run cross country and track,” said Sidney. “My sophomore year I ran track and got my first state medal for the 3200m, my junior year I ran at the jamboree and got 1st place for the big schools, also my junior year I won districts, and I got 2nd at state. Since I was seven years old, I’ve made USATF National’s while running with the Acoma Running Club and Hakuu Running Club.”
“I’m a good athlete just like anyone else,” said Sidney. “I’ve always been taught to have integrity, know what’s right from wrong. I know that if I’m hit in a race I won’t hit the girl back, I’ll just simply move on from it. Always have respect for everyone around you, no matter where I go that’s a key thing to me, but if you don’t then it’s a whole different story.”
“Responsibility is a big thing,” said Sidney. “When I’m running, you always have to be on time to catch the bus, be on time for your race. That’s my responsibility just like my education is, because it always comes first. And good sportsmanship taught me well, even when I lose or don’t get it back in return. It’s always a good job to me never a ‘I hope you lose next time’ because I know in the end there is always someone faster than you but you want to be better. You shouldn’t ever be satisfied with running. I learned that along my way of running.”
“As a runner, I run with my heart and mind, and being an athlete is the greatest thing, I wouldn’t change a thing, my life is running. In a race you fall, but you get back up and start running again, I see my life like running, no matter what I’m always going to finish the race,” added Sidney.
“My grandpas are Aaron and Gordon Pino,” said Sidney. “I’ve always looked up to them as runners. My grandpa Aaron was actually my coach. And they also ran for LA. They were so fast back in their time it’s crazy as I think about it. I wish I was that fast, back then they ran two miles but my grandpas either did it in 8 or 9 minutes. They both were state champions, I can’t remember but it was either twice or three times.”
“I’m glad I had them both because they always believed in me and never doubted me. Even when I lost they were there to pick me and tell me ‘it’s okay, yes. We’ve all lost races but you always come back stronger.’ My grandpa Pat has passed away but I will never forget him or his running. It’s a legacy I choose to live on with. He was my heart and I know he is always running by me. I love my grandpas and I thank our creator for blessing me with them and handing me their talent as well,” added Sidney.
“Physically I’ve been trying to run and get some training in, eating good drinking a lot of water,” said Sidney. “My daily workouts, I also have to do this on my own due to Covid. Emotionally I’m just sad because of how the season is starting and I can’t practice with my teammates and coach. And also because it’s my last year running, I don’t want it to end but this part of my life has too. Mentally, not so good, I have a lot going on right now with school and applying to colleges, also putting running in my schedule. Mentally it’s hard but I try not to over think things, I just need some time by myself and I’ll be good. Spiritually I’m always in a great place with it, prayer is strong and it should always come from your heart, I believe in our religious way and I know our creator is always looking after me.”
Photo Credits: Deja Lorenzo and Gabby Lewis
