Westlake Girls XC Team Places 3rd at State Meet: Sarah Peer is State Runner-Up

On a warm and windy day in November, the Westlake Lady Demons XC team ended their season as they competed against the most talented cross-country runners in the state and came out near the top placing 3rd behind Mason (1st) and Hilliard Davidson (2nd) and ahead of Perrysburg (4th). This is the 3rd consecutive year competing in the state competition and many are returning athletes including Junior Co-Captain Sarah Peer who placed 2nd overall. The 3rd place achievement is the best the team has done in the history of the program (1997, 1996, and 1987 Westlake placed 9th).

Senior Co-Captain Sydney Peer placed 21st and was named All-Ohio for her performance at the State Meet. Freshman Julia Richards, running the course for the 2nd time this year, but her first time as a state qualifier came in 49th. Junior Ellie Irwin came in 64th and Junior Co-Captain Christina Ware, 89th to finish the scoring for the Demons. Sophomore Maggie Hennessey (119) and Senior Co-Captain Sarah Colman (134th) also competed in the meet, both passing several runners on their way to the finish.

The team was supported by alternates Junior Marissa Cutter and Sophomore Ashley Spreen, along with injured athlete and former state qualifier Junior Stephanie Nivellini who has been helping with post-season training and capturing split times.

The entire team, along with Coach Sullivan, would like to thank all those who have been supportive on their path to get to the state meet especially retired coach Travis Haselswerdt who set up the program for success 3 years ago when many of these same girls first qualified for states. They would also like to thank WHBS for the continued coverage and AD Ranallo, Principal Woods, WHS Cheer, and the WHS Marching Band for the memorable send-off.