DHS runner looking to run “down under”

Douglas High School cross country runner Ricky Melendez is trying to raise funds that will allow him the opportunity to represent the West Central Conference Cross Country team when they run in the Down Under Sports Tournaments this summer in Australia.

Melendez, a freshman at DHS and the son of Juan and Nidia Melendez of Douglas, has been actively running for about seven years running with the Thunder Mountain Running Club of Sierra Vista as often as time allows.

Melendez said he was among three other local runners invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournament hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia. The other two athletes turned down the invitation but after talking it over with his family, he decided to set out and try to raise the money along with the help of his brother David, a former DHS runner himself who is now a volunteer assistant coach to head Coach Nicole Gomez Mariscal.

The course Melendez will be running in Australia is 3.7 miles slightly longer than the 3.1 he runs for DHS during the season.

Melendez is kind of quiet and doesn’t say much. He says he enjoys running and is hoping he can take advantage of the opportunity given to him.

Melendez has three other brothers and a sister all of whom are active not only runners but also participate in other sports as well.

Dad Juan says between the kids schedule and his both he and his wife have been “hopping” taking the kids to various athletic events around the area.

Melendez is looking for sponsors to make donations which are tax deductible.

“Your sponsorship will be a very important part of fundraising for me and my team,” Ricky said. “This donation will help us fulfill this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Checks may be made out to “Down Under Sports” or paid online as www.downundersports.com.

Anyone wanting more information may go to the above website or contact David Melendez at (520) 353-5670.