Christian Pineda
Former Dalton High School runner Christian Pineda, 21, is coming home to run cross country for the new Dalton State team.
Pineda signed this week in the James Brown Center on the DS campus.
The 2011 DHS graduate has been running track and cross country for Bryan College, an NAIA school in Dayton, Tn.
“I know Chris very well because I helped coach him at Dalton High,” said Roadrunner coach Margie Bruner. “He is a quality runner and a fine young man.”
Pineda has two years of college experience. Both DS coaches believe he will help provide experience and leadership to a talented young squad.
“Chris is the signee we actually needed most,” said coach Andy Meyer. “He will provide the leadership needed to mentor all of our young talent.”
“He has been part of a very good college program and now brings his fabulous talent and work ethic to our program,” said Meyer. “It is one thing to hear a coach say something; it is another thing to hear an upperclassman say the same thing. That is what Chris provides our program.”
Pineda is Dalton High’s record holder in the 800m with a time of 1:57. He was on an All American Distance Medley Relay Team at Bryan.
An Advance Placement Scholar winner at Dalton High, Pineda was also a President’s Scholar at Bryan. He will major in business at DS.
Christian is the son of Rosalinda and Orlando Pineda of Dalton. His siblings are Brandon, 17; Julian, 10; and Camila, seven.
Christian Pineda signs while coaches Bruner and Meyer watch.