Jimmy Gildea, senior distance runner for Westfield track and cross country teams, announced his commitment to George Washington University on Feb. 5 via Instagram.
Gildea is the third member of this year’s team to announce his commitment to run in college.
George Washington University is a private university located in Washington, D.C. which was chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress. With an acceptance rate of 49.7 percent, it is seen as a selective institution.
Gildea will join George Washington in the fall of 2024, competing for their Division I track and cross country team. George Washington competes in the Atlantic-10 Conference and has moved into a higher division this season.
As a captain, many of Gildea’s teammates look at him as a leader, something he has done successfully during his four years with the Blue Devils.
Teammate and senior distance runner Graham Korins explained, “As a person who has always given his best effort, not only to get better, but also to encourage others to do so as well, makes him very deserving of committing to a D1 college. I remember talking to him sophomore year and he said that was something he was shooting for so it’s really cool to see it actually happen.”
This past season, Gildea helped the boys make it all the way to the Nike Cross Nationals for the first time since 2011 and has broken countless WHS records. Some records he broke include the DMR for indoor and the five person average at almost every cross country course he has raced at. Although not a record, Gildea placed 4th out of 250 people for his breakout race by placing 3rd all time for Westfield.
Gildea ultimately decided on George Washington because, “I felt comfortable with the team, supported by the coaching staff, and I was able to see myself being successful in the environment.” In addition, Gildea plans to major in Political Science, one of George Washington’s most prestigious programs.
Before Gildea joins the Colonials, Gildea will participate in his final track and field season as a significant team member for the Blue devils.
