Central Runner Becomes Cross Country Champ, Teammates Make Huge Strides

While the West Morris Central girls cross country team would have liked a better overall finish, the runners made significant strides and are ready for the next step.

Running at the NJAC Championships this week, the team came in sixth overall, but saw Sierra Castanada win the 5,000-meter race with a stunning time of 18:21. Sarah Bhargava dropped 1:36 from her previous best at the Greystone Park course and was joined by Emma Alai, Brittany Carratura, Ava Lusskin, Corrine Rybarski, and Julia Herms in shaving time off their average course records.

Coach Jay Herrigel said the team is aiming at making a deep run at the state tournament in the Group 3 Championships.

“I’m really proud of this team for many reasons,” Herrigel said. “But I’m particularly proud of how hard the team is working and the positive attitude they carry day after day of training.”

The team will battle its regional counterparts at the Morris County Championships at Greystone Park on Tuesday, Oct. 27.