On April 11, the Blue Devils hosted the 36th annual Blue Devil Classic at Kehler Stadium, a meet that has become a tradition for the Westfield track and field program. Over 40 teams from Union County and beyond board their buses and return year after year for this monumental event that not only brings the county together, but also gives all Westfield competitors a space to leave their marks on the track and field.
A meet that was originally started as an idea 37 years ago as a way to raise money for the Friends of Westfield Track and Field has expanded beyond that. “It is the biggest day of our spring as a program,” head coach Christopher Tafelski said. “It’s a flex on the facility. We take pride in running a really efficient meet, attract a lot of the best teams and hire the best officials.”
Given the level of preparation that goes into the Blue Devil Classic, the Westfield track program is very proud of the event it puts on each year and of the fact that other schools continue to compete in it. Tafelski said, “Teams keep coming back because they know if they come here, they are going to get a good meet that’s well run with good competition, and their kids are gonna come back better.”
Senior Griffin Bach, who competed in the 4x100M Relay, agreed, saying, “The anticipation of this event gets bigger every year, and the stakes are very high. Not only is it how we run and compete important, but also how we run the meet itself. It shows schools across the state that a public school like us can host such a big meet and have it run so well that you have over 40 teams come back each year.”
The Blue Devil Classic featured a variety of events, from relays to throwing. This year, boys track and field competed in the morning, starting with shuttle hurdles at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 12:00 p.m. with the 4x400M. Girls track and field took to the track in the afternoon, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and ending at 4:36 p.m.
Westfield students find this meet to be one of their favorites every year. Last year, the Blue Devil Classic was completely derailed by pouring rain, sleet and freezing temperatures, making it difficult for the runners to enjoy. This year, however, had high temperatures and sunny skies. Senior captain Claire Sewald, who competed in the 1600 in the Distance Medley Relay as the anchor leg, said, “Last year, the weather was terrible and a lot of teams dropped out, so seeing how many teams are here, and how many teams have the opportunity to run is really nice. I think this year is a much better portrayal of the Blue Devil Classic.”
In agreement, senior captain Maya Nair, who competed in the 4x100M and the 4x400M, said, “The Blue Devil Classic is a great meet because almost the whole team competes, we congratulate each other, we talk to new people on the team, and it’s overall a great environment, especially this year with the great weather.”
In between the boys and girls meets, the Flyers Track Club Mile is hosted. “It’s so fun watching future blue devils run. I’m a Flyers coach, and I think it’s awesome because they can get the experience of running on such a big track at such a big meet,” said senior 5-captain Vanessa Larkin, who ran the Jack Martin Mile. “Something that I loved seeing was seeing everyone here in the stands cheering them on, and it’s great to bring that energy and encouragement so they can feel it at a young age, and want to join the team when they get to high school.
At every track meet, the mile is a staple event. This event, however, is dedicated to Jack Martin, retired WHS boys cross country and track and field coach. After spending 40 years with Westfield athletics, starting in 1972, coaching EIS soccer, he retired in 2012. According to Hi’s Eye, Martin always advocated this piece of advice for runners: “Have passion for whatever it is you do. And, of course, keep it real.”
As stated, teams from all over the county come to participate in this prestigious event and are truly impacted by its scale and level of competition. Oratory Prep senior co-captain Jack Ebert said, “I’ve seen [the Blue Devil Classic] grow in the past few years, and I look forward to it more every year. I’ve met so many people and made friends here who live around the county and state. You really get a feel of the competition here.”
Oratory Prep senior co-captain and Richmond commit Connor Bassolino agreed. As he also grew up in Westfield, he has a special place in his heart for the Blue Devil Classic. Bassolino said, “I love seeing all the Westfield people here. As a Westfield-native but Oratory student, the two worlds mesh well here, and it’s always a great and competitive meet.”
The Blue Devil Classic continues to grow each year, bringing more and more athletes in from across the state while showcasing the strength of the Westfield track and field program. This event is more than just a competition; it is an annual tradition that stands as a testament to the program’s pride and dedication to growth and excellence.
