Yohanes Van Meerten, who was perhaps the best D4 runner as a freshman for Northland Prep Academy last year, switched schools last week, going from NPA to Flagstaff High.
But AIA rules mandate that Van Meerten must sit out all of cross country season. To give an example of Van Meerten’s potential, he ran unattached in the college race at the George Kyte Classic after the high schoolers had left and finished 12th in 22:54.
Asked afterward his reason for the sudden departure, Van Meerten said: “NPA is a great school but it’s at a smaller division, and I want to race at a higher level and (eventually) make Nike Cross Nationals. So, that’s why I wanted to move. I just felt like Flag High had a lot (to offer), great coaches, too.”
Flagstaff High coach Trina Painter said Saturday she was aware Van Meerten has enrolled at Flag High, but declined to comment further. NPA coach Pam White-Hanson said she was surprised by the move.
“Yesterday, I hear he showed up at Flagstaff High,” she said. “I think (Van Meerten) is trying to find his place, and I hope he finds a safe space for him to go.”
Look for Van Meerten to run some unattached races this fall before joining the Eagles for track in the spring.
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