Flyers Compete at Snowy National Junior Olympic Championships

On December 13, 2025, Flyers Track Club athletes took on the nation’s best at the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships under some of the toughest conditions of the season. A heavy snowstorm blanketed the course throughout the day, with temperatures hovering around 25°F and strong 10 mph winds creating a true test of grit, strength, and resilience.

Despite the challenging weather, Flyers athletes rose to the occasion, racing against hundreds of competitors from across the country. The top 25 finishers in each race earned All-American honors, making every position fiercely contested from start to finish.
In the 7–8 boys 2000m race, James Bedara delivered an outstanding performance, placing 24th overall and earning All-American status. James also ran a new personal best of 8:14.16, capping off a remarkable national debut. Teammate Jackson Sarvey battled through the snowy course to finish 167th out of 206 athletes, gaining valuable national-level experience.

The 9–10 boys 3000m race featured strong efforts across the board. Greyson Dunleavy with an impressive 27th-place finish, while Grayson Van Dyk placed 88th. Hudson Dunleavy showed determination throughout the race, finishing 263rd out of 314 runners in a deep and competitive field.

In the 11–12 girls division, Flyers athletes demonstrated perseverance against one of the largest fields of the meet. Sandra Jakubiuk led the group with a 91st-place finish out of 300 athletes, followed by Katalyna Aguilar, who placed 218th, and Sarah Licata, who finished 222nd after powering through the demanding conditions.

The 11–12 boys race saw Flyers well represented, with Leo Anspach placing 100th out of 368 runners in a highly competitive field. Slater Centeno rounded out the group with a strong effort, finishing 303rd out of 368 athletes.

Competing at a national championship in severe winter conditions is no small feat, and every Flyers athlete demonstrates toughness, focus, and heart on race day. The experience gained on this snowy national stage will serve as a strong foundation as the team looks ahead to future seasons and continued success

The Westfield Area YMCA Flyers Track Club is led by USATF-certified coaches and serves hundreds of athletes ages 7-15 year-round. Athletes learn the fundamentals of distance running and techniques unique to off-track running, with more experienced runners building on fundamental skills through conditioning and in-depth training. The Flyers Track Club Winter Conditioning program is open for registration and begins on Friday, January 2. For more information, visit www.yflyerstrackclub.com or contact Michelle Almeida at malmeida@westfieldynj.org 908-301-9622 ext. 279.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area YMCA and Cranford YMCA programs. Financial assistance is available for YMCA memberships and programs to those who qualify.