Even before its first meet, this year’s Westfield boys cross country team has already set two records.
This is the Shamrocks’ biggest team ever, with 53 runners on the roster this year. It also might be the youngest team on record, as 24 of the runners are freshmen. But with such a young team, the good news is that Westfield’s potential is strong.
“There will be ups and downs this year, and a lot of learning,” said Shamrocks coach Roger Wachtel. “Lots of good young runners, with the emphasis on young.”
The young runners do have a leader to look up to: Senior Nick Leahy. One of seven seniors on the team, Leahy was a state qualifier last year, joining now-graduated Aaron Bennett. Leahy finished 99th at state.
Other returners with varsity experience are senior Jon Huntley and juniors James McClure and Luke Tragesser, all of whom saw action last season. Three track and field runners are out for cross country: Senior Jacob Mears, junior Sam Novak and sophomore Joe Barnett.
While they may be young, the Shamrocks will seeing tough competition early. Westfield’s first meet is next Saturday (Aug. 19) at the Bloomington North Invitational, which takes place at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute – the site of the state finals.
ROSTER
Seniors: Jon Huntley, Nick Leahy, Thomas May, James McClure, Jacob Mears, Will Puterbaugh, Ryan Shannon.
Juniors: Gavin Clinkenbeard, Noah Douthit, Max Gutwein, Asa Koch, Duncan McGraw, Sam Novak, Corey Phillips, Luke Tragesser.
Sophomores: Joe Barnett, Gage Baumgart, Mahamet Djour, Robbie Foland, Devin Hiatt, Clay Kipper, Johnny McClure, Bradley McManus, Jackson Mroch, Nik Pensyl, Michael Simpson, Alex Ulsas.
Freshmen: Jacob Beene, Robby Bogdajewicz, Emerson Bostic, Zion Garron Ciberay, Tyler Cook, Josh Dykema, Adam Fineberg, Birch Floyd, Ben Harris, Colin Horner, Jaxon Howard, Hayden Hudnall, Liam Kelly, Kyler Koning, Alex Lefevre, Alex Matthews, Jon Polheber, Evan Rink, Liam Ruddy, Justin Santiago, Ryan Schemel, William Slover, Tyler Smith, Josh Springborn, Lincoln Strong, Tate Wheeler.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 19: Bloomington North Invite, 9 a.m. at Terre Haute
Aug. 26: Noblesville Hokum Karem, 8:30 a.m.
Aug. 29: County meet, 5:30 p.m. at Noblesville
Sept. 2: State Preview, 9 a.m. at Terre Haute
Sept. 9: at Ben Davis Invitational, 9 a.m.
Sept. 9: at Brown County Invite, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 16: Flashrock Invite, 9 a.m. at Northview Church
Sept. 23: Shelbyville Golden Bear Invitational, 10 a.m.
Sept. 30: HCC meet, 9:30 a.m. at Noblesville
Oct. 3: North Central JV Invite, 5 p.m.