HS TRACK: Sisler hits her stride for Falls

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April 24, 2007

NFHS senior is an NFL favorite in the 400 hurdles.

By Nate Beutel The Niagara Gazette Tue Apr 24, 2007, 10:36 PM EDT

NIAGARA FALLS — Niagara Falls High School senior Dottie Sisler might not be the most physically-gifted athlete at the school, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming one of the Wolverines’ best track and field athletes.

Sisler, a hurdler and the anchor of NFHS’ two relay teams, is the epitome of a hard worker, according to Falls coach Sam Giancola.

“Dottie’s strength is her heart and her work ethic,” the coach said. “She’s not the most talented person on the team, but she overcomes all that with a lot of hard work and dedication.”

Sisler, who spent her seventh and eighth grade years in Oklahoma before moving back to her native Niagara Falls, said she hones her skills while running with the boys team at practice.

“They get mad when I beat them,” Sisler joked.

But Sisler’s not joking around when she hits the track. She was runner-up at last year’s Niagara Frontier League championships in the 400 hurdles and returns as the early favorite in the event this season.

“I think she’s got a real good shot at NFLs,” Giancola said. “She barely got nipped last year and she was an all-league selection.”

Sisler, who’s described as, “a team leader,” said she’s not willing to accept anything short of a league title.

“I don’t want to sound conceited, but I think it’s mine,” she said, while also stating it was her goal to break the city record in the hurdles, which currently stands at 1:04.4. Sisler’s best time last year was a 1:09.9, but she’s confident her offseason training will lead to a major decline in her time.

The only thing that may hold Sisler back is the unfortunate fact that NFHS’ Prom is scheduled for the same weekend (June 1 & 2) as the Section VI meet. But as of right now, Sisler said she’s drifting toward competing in the event, which will be held at Starpoint High School this year, if she earns a spot.

“I’m leaning toward going (to sectionals). It’ll definitely save a lot of money,” she said with a laugh.

Nevertheless, Sisler — an honor roll student— plans to attend Syracuse University in the fall and would like to walk-on to the track team.

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NFHS senior is an NFL favorite in the 400 hurdles.

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