In the previous article of the series, Coaches John Steward and Casey Craun from Vilonia shouted out six young, hungry runners they predict will become the next big names.
This week, we'll continue our search for more kiddos that are burning up the track and course, but head west about 150 miles, to just a little north of Fayetteville. Enter: the Shiloh Christian Saints, headed by Coach Andrew Evans. Evans has been coaching at his alma mater for the past thirteen years. But back when Evans was a Saint himself -- I am sure he is still a really nice guy today -- he won seven individual state championships across cross-country, tennis, and track and field. Most notable was his championship in the 2008 Class 4A state cross-country championship, in which he ran a blazing time of 17:04.5 for 5K. Evans furthermore holds multiple state championship jerseys in Category 1 cycling.
Thanks in part to these experiences, Evans understands the sport of distance running and says that he is "blessed to be able to coach athletes as talented as [those in the Saints'] program" at Shiloh. Put these names on a sticky note for your clipboard at the next meet.
Boys:
Brice Allen (sophomore) -- As a freshman, Allen won the 4A state cross country championship, finished 10th at Chile Pepper in 15:15, placed sixth in the freshman mile at New Balance Indoor Nationals, and went on to win state championships in the 3,200 meters and 4x800 relay, while finishing runner-up in the 1600 and third in the 800, with personal bests of 9:08 in the 3,200 and 4:17 in the 1600. It almost feels like cheating to call him a "future star." He's already one!
Coach Evans anticipates great things from Allen: "Brice is looking really strong and [he is] on track for another great season. He always has a great approach and mindset to his training." Evans claims that for Brice, there is no limit; "He's a guy that should be able to compete against the top runners in the country during his junior and senior years." Evans speaks of the pressure and challenge of the sport, especially as those jumps in time drops decrease, but claims that Brice is ready for the battle.
Sebastian Echegoyen (freshman) -- An underclassman who pushes his team, Evans speaks highly of Echegoyen's confidence and says that he is "really competitive." Last year, Echegoyen was a conference champion in cross country, the 1600, 800 and 4x800 relay, while posting personal bests of 10:22 for two miles, 4:50 in the 1600 and 2:12 in the 800. Evans predicts that Echegoyen may develop into an extremely versatile runner in both long and middle distance races on the track.
Sebastian Echegoyen
From the Shiloh Christian girls' team, a set of triplets are stealing the spotlight and people's hearts:
Kaelyn Allen (freshman) -- Kaelyn was a two-time junior high conference champion in cross country and a conference champion in the 1600, 800 and 400 meters, with personal bests of 11:10 in cross country, 5:07 in the 1600 and 2:29 in the 800.
Elizabeth Allen (freshman) -- Elizabeth was a junior high conference champion in the 1600 meters, with personal bests of 11:12 for two miles in cross country, 5:16 in the 1600, and 2:29 in the 800.
Briana Allen (freshman) -- Briana was the junior high 800m conference champion and boasts personal bests of 11:12 in the 2-mile, 5:18 in the 1600m, and 2:31 in the 800m.
Kaelyn, Elizabeth, and Briana finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the 2025 4A Region 1 Junior High District Meet.
Coach Evans says that he is excited to see what the girls can do. They lead a strong team that features multiple ladies who are performing at high levels. Evans believes there's a chance that in a few years, the Saints will take on the best teams and the best runners in the state, and those girls are ready for that.
The team plans to open their season with their home meet, the True Dermatology Saints Invitational on August 29. You can watch the Saints teams perform at Memphis Twilight, Gans Creek Classic, Woodbridge and Chile Pepper.
Stay tuned as we continue the search for the next big names. Our next focus comes from the Bentonville Tigers, with conversations with Coaches Trista McGinley-Crane (Coach "Mc") and Michael Power six young athletes that will go far in the miles and short in the time.
