Being underestimated is nothing new for the Westfield girls cross country team. Last season, the girls were unranked going into the season. This year was no different, as the girls were predicted to “keep pace” in Group 4. However, what the critics did not account for was the determination and the grit of the Blue Devils.
Their historic season began at the Bernie Magee Memorial Class race. Despite just beginning their high school careers, the Freshmen captured a landslide victory, winning by 32 points. The Seniors would also capture silver in a field of 32 teams, an incredible feat for only their first race of the season.
The girls then traveled to Holmdel for the Shore Coaches Invitational, a historically difficult course packed with high hills and tough terrain. The Freshmen once again stepped up big in the two-mile race, capturing bronze as a team. The varsity squad captured a sixth-place finish amongst the largest schools in New Jersey.
After a slight disappointment at Shore Coaches, the girls opted not to run their Conference Race, and instead attend the XC Fall Classic. Although it was a choice that surprised many, it paid off. Both varsity and JV got first place in the meet by large point totals, and helped the girls gain confidence for the rest of the season.
At the Union County Championships, the girls hosted their first annual Senior Day and celebrated the Seniors who have contributed to the team for the past four years. Although the course was slightly longer, the girls paced well and captured a silver in a difficult field. For junior Vanessa Larkin, this race was the highlight of her season, and “It was really fun getting to celebrate my teammates.”
The long-awaited sectional meet had now arrived. For the first time this season, the girls finally got sophomore Anna Youssef back from injury, but knew that defeating Ridge would be a difficult task. Despite personal records and a sectional title win from senior Anna Kylish in a time of 18:55, the girls fell just short, losing by three points. Although it was a disappointment, the girls held their heads high. “Even though we didn’t win, everyone had an amazing race,” said sophomore Violet Hughes. “It was a bittersweet moment because we were so close.”
The girls returned to Holmdel for the Group 4 Championships. Everyone ran a tough race, and the team placed seventh place among the biggest New Jersey schools. Although the team did not win a wildcard spot, Kylish and Youssef ran fast enough to qualify individually for the Meet of Champions, which is a formidable achievement.
At the Meet of Champions, Kylish ran a blistering time of 19:29 and Youssef followed closely behind with a time of 19:59.
Although the season was filled with highs and lows, the girls had great performances across the board and were able to show New Jersey that they would not go down without a fight. Going into winter track, head coach Joseph Berardi continues to hold high standards for the girls. “We have never won a sectional title indoors. We came really close last year and lost by five points to Ridge” said head coach Joseph Berardi. “[Our goal would be] to win the Section for the first time.”
