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They’re not immune to their surrounds though. On such a nice morning, there are plenty of people walking along the bike trail, or sitting on their deck enjoying a cup of coffee. There are also other kids on the bike path that weaves its way around Gilbert Elementary and the construction of the new building. Almost all of the onlookers smile at the trio, and many of them wave or offer some encouraging words. Squiers, Bleich, and Tallman are not strangers to these paths and these streets. They’re always running, and com- munity members find comfort in seeing them enjoying and excelling at their craft. The boys are equally warm. They offer their own waves and their own greetings to those they pass. Their obvious appreciation tells you plenty about them as people. Everyone knows them. And, yeah, they’re not ashamed
admit they enjoy that. “It’s a privilege to be in the position we are,” Bleich said when asked about it post-run. “Cross country is a sport that isn’t the most recognized, but we’ve been able to help bring some bright lights to it around here. The fact we have great coaches and great support from our families and community, that’s just awesome.” • That notoriety only intensifies when the three hit the com- petitive circuit. It was that way a season ago and that spot- light will only be brighter this fall. Bleich, the only Gilbert runner ever to finish a 5K in under 15 minutes (14:58 is his school record), has had great ex- pectations — perhaps sometimes excessive expectations — placed on him since he dominated in the seventh and
FALL 2025 | GAME ON 9
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