Leddy: Former Falcon all-stater now at helm at Scituate

By  BOB  LEDDY
R.I. Track & Field Foundation

She was a successful cross country and track star while a student at Cranston High School West, and now Arianna Colella is introducing her brand of enthusiasm to the Scituate High girls’ cross country team as its new coach. She joins a number of former prep distance runners in the state who are giving back to the sport in the capacity of coach.
 
“I’m really excited,’’ said Colella, 22, who graduated the University of Rhode Island this past spring. “I love coaching. My girls are hungry to get a P-R. They’ve trainer very hard over the summer. [Team] is comfortable with the idea that I‘ve been through this.’’

While a Falcon runner. Colella was a three-time Providence Journal All-State harrier. As a freshman, she finished 32nd at the State Championship, moving up to seventh across the line as a sophomore. She placed in the top six the following year, and finished third in the state as a senior in 2009.

Colella, who earned her degree in kinesiology from URI, is an associate exercise physiologist at the Care-New England Wellness Center’s cardiac unit.

“She’ll make a great coach,’’ said Sheila Lagasse, the head Falcon cross country and track mentor who guided Colella‘s cross country and track career. “She has a lot to offer. I’m excited to hear this [Colella’s new positon].’’

Colella takes charge of a Scituate squad that numbers 10 girls. Senior Veronica Northup is the Spartans’ No. 1 this season. Northup finished 17th at the season-opening Injury Fund race. Freshman Julia Grudenza has promise, as does senior Jamie Bannon. Sophomore twins Abby and Liz Kaye join first-year runner Alexis Fidas. 

“The girls bring me 500 percent,’’ the coach said. “It’ll be interesting to see quicker times.’’

Mike Nehring, the veteran Scituate High coach, handled the boys’ and girls’ program. “I needed [girls’ coach],’’ he said. “It got to where I couldn’t do it all. I had several applicants, found out about Ari and met her. The girls took to her immediately.

“She a second set of eyes and observation,’’ Nehring said. “which is really good. Her input is great; a breath of fresh air. She comes in with a smile on her face. And she has wonderful running experience. She’s a phenomenal coach, and we’re very lucky to have her.’’

Colella entered coaching with some trepidation. “I was extremely nervous at first,’’ she said. “I’m so thankful to have Mike with me.’’

Lagasse sees her former runner as a perfect fit for a new career as a high school coach.
 
“She’ll be a huge success. She was great at understanding herself, and she learned well. She was a great role model. I could leave the younger kids with her, and she’d guide them. Arianna learned the sport very well, and I know she’ll impart a lot of understanding.’’