Whether it is their first year or fourth year, Sahuaro Cougars Track Seniors have shown up ready to work and become role models for their underclassmen. This year there were only three seniors: Iyannah Tolliver, Destiny Lappit, and Izaia Rodriguez.

Iyannah Tolliver, a 400 and 800-meter runner, is going to NAU to study psychology and business, as well as run for their track team. Since her freshman year at Sahuaro, she has been running cross country, playing basketball, and running track. From her years she has learned, “Patience is key to a successful life.” Along with her athletic endeavors, she likes drawing, hanging out with her friends, and being outside enjoying nature.  “I would say thank you to all of my coaches and my friend Krystal Orehek. Krystal did track with me my freshman year. She was the one who pushed me to go out and run with her and it was one of the best decisions that I’ve made for myself. She taught me to try something new.”

Destiny Lappitt, a 100 and 300-meter hurdler and soccer player, is going to Pima Community College. From there she will transfer to a university to study forensic psychology. She is hoping to walk on and play soccer or run track. This year is Destiny’s first year running track but nonetheless, she has worked hard to get where she is right now. It first became an interest to her to get in shape for soccer, but she also turned it into a new passion. Her other hobbies are spending time with her friends and family and being out making memories. Destiny’s words of wisdom for her underclassmen are, “Just Yolo life, live every moment possible without any regrets.” She also said, “I would like to thank all my parents for helping push myself to be the best version of me and push myself to accomplish my goals and dreams. Also, my friends for supporting me every spare moment they have and cheering me on.”

Izaia “Izzy” Rodriguez, a sprinter, hopes to attend Pima Community College as well. He hopes to study music theory and become a music teacher or, “In a general sense, I just would like to do something impactful with my music abilities.” Izzy also has played football, but due to a broken arm, missed most of the season. He also started off the track season as a manager with a broken back, but soon healed up enough to compete.

His passion for music is his main hobby, specifically playing the piano and guitar. But, he also enjoys spending time with his loved ones. If he so happens to stay in one piece, he will try to run track in college and become a walk-on for football. His advice to those around him is, “Never sell yourself short or undeserving of something good. Everyone has the same and equal chance and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the past. It all led to you wanting to become and do something bigger than yourself and nothing and no one should ever tell you any different.” Izzy would like to thank his teachers and friends for helping him have such a great experience in high school, and for making so many memories with him.

We wish you all the best in the years to come. You have made such a difference to not only the track team but the entire school. Remember to always be you, and never give up. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar.