New Coach Means New Start for Westwood Boys' Cross Country

This season marks a new era for the Westwood boys' cross country team. They have a new coach, new captains, and a much-improved work ethic.

Tom Davis, last year's outdoor and indoor track coach, will now take over the cross country duties as well, and is ready for a drastic improvement.

"Last year's record was terrible," Davis said. "My goals for this season are simple: I want to win the TVL Championship, State Division Title and have my guys stand on the podium at the All-State Championships."

The team finished 5-3 last season, good for fifth in the Tri-Valley League (TVL). Although Davis' goals are high, they are certainly attainable. His three captains, Pat O'Donnell, Nick Hawes, and Pat Slight, are no slouches, and are some of the best runners in the league.

"We've got some solid talent in our front runners," said Davis. 

O'Donnell finished first with a time of 15:32 at Wednesday's opening win at Holliston. Holliston had three returning runners finish with better times than
O'Donnell at last season's end, but with the new regimen Davis has instilled in his team, not just O'Donnell has improved, but the whole team is looking in the right direction.

"Where do these improvements come from?" asked Davis. "Simple: consistent training, hard work and dedication."

In order to maintain success throughout the season, all Davis feels his runners need to do is train consistently, have confidence in themselves and their coach, and most importantly, dream big.

"If the team is able to come together towards these goals, the results will be positive," said Davis. "It's always been my philosophy that it's better to dream big and fall a little short than it is to never dream big and not try to accomplish something special."

As important as winning is to Davis, implanting everyday values into each and every one of them means more than anything.

"I want to teach them the value of hard work, dedication and sportsmanship," said Davis. "Helping build these kids into competent and confident members of society is as important to me as doing well on the cross country course."

With Westwood already 1-0 and a new work ethic in 2010, there is no looking back for Davis' club. He expects a great season, and a sizable improvement from his team.

Girls' Cross Country

After a 5-3 record last year and an eighth place finish at the D-III state meet, the girls' cross country team will rely on depth and fresh legs for the upcoming fall season. In what is head coach Jennifer Teahan's 13th season, she has huge goals for her girls.

"I want to go undefeated and win the league championship title," Teahan said.

Captains Nicky Pettit, Katie Ginsberg and Yalda Rostamnezhad will lead a squad of 32 girls, which includes 11 freshman and sophomores whom Teahan will count on heavily.

"We have to stay healthy, train hard, come together as a cohesive unit, and not just rely on top athletes," added Teahan.

One freshman in particular whom Teahan feels will make an immediate impact is Shawna Wassmus.

"She is an up and coming athlete who works hard and is both disciplined and driven," Teahan said. "Junior Liz Ralph has also shown dramatic improvements. She came to us as a sprinter and she has put the work in this summer and her endurance and stamina shows."

With not just the help of these runners, but with a line of girls sharing the desire to run, Teahan feels confident in a positive season.

"With 32 girls and only the top five scoring and the next two displacing," said Teahan, "it goes a long way to have encouragement the whole way down the line. We are focused, and driven on a great work ethic and to be there for
every individual's success."