On Wednesday Feb. 19, senior Ryan Daly announced that he was committing to the United States Air Force Academy via Instagram.
The Air Force Academy is an extension of the United States Armed Forces so alongside his education Daly will be training to become a pilot for the United States Air Force. Daly simply said, “It aligns with my career goals and provides me with a great education in the process.”
During his college years Daly hopes to be a contributing member to the team as best as he can. As well as making it to the NCAA meet in some form throughout his career.
Over the past four years if you have paid any attention to the Westfield track and field or cross country teams then Daly’s name has definitely popped up. He has been on varsity all four years which alone is impressive, but what makes it more impressive is for a sport like cross country, there are only seven spots on the roster.
Daly has a laundry list of achievements during his time at WHS, such as being a two-time national champion as well as a Group 4 State Champion his sophomore year. He was a driving force on last year’s team who qualified for the Nike Cross National Meet for the first time in over a decade. Most recently he capped off a perfect indoor season winning individual titles in the county meet, sectional meet, group meet and the meet of champions in the 800-meter run, along the way he also picked up the 11th fastest time in the country.
But anyone who has met Daly would say that his biggest accomplishment is when he is off the track. His senior teammate Cole Varner said, “When he was elected captain I saw firsthand how much he cares for and does for the team, he really stepped it up his senior year even when it came to the little things such as teaching the freshman how to stretch or cheering for me during my races.”
Similarly head coach Christopher Tafelski has also been very proud of the way he has developed over the years, “Over his career he has experienced the most challenging races the sport has to offer at various different levels. He is calm during tough situations which also demonstrates to their teammates how to race well in those big moments as well.”
Before he leaves he hopes to, “Finish out a strong year. I want to place high in the state and national level again. Individually I would like to take another shot at an MOC title and try my best to earn all american on my own.”
