Huntington Girls’ Cross Country Regroups for 2024

The rejuvenated Huntington High School varsity girls’ country team is regrouping for the fall 2024 season when the Blue Devils will return nine veteran runners and welcome some new members coming up from the J. Taylor Finley Middle School program.

Huntington will return its best runner in Kiley Barch, who was first team All-League and All-County this past fall as a sophomore. First year cross country runner and sophomore Emma Boyle will also be back.

“Kiley is one of the most humble athletes that I have ever coached,” said Beth Andersen, a physical education teacher Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School who coaches the Blue Devils. “She is one of the strongest cross country runners that Huntington has ever had, but you would never hear that from Kiley. She is focused and motivated and always challenges herself to work harder every day. It speaks volumes that she was able to balance not only cross country six days a week, but to also go to ballet after practices and meets and still hold the No. 1 position.”

Boyle was ensconced in the No. 2 position in the lineup in her first year in the sport. “Emma Boyle in my eyes is the unsung hero of the team,” Andersen said. “It’s only her first year and she was able to maintain the No. 2 position. Her positive energy and love for running is contagious. She is a true role model as an underclassman.”

Senior Jessica Kuom closed her high school cross country career by holding down the No. 3 spot. “Jess has been in the program for many years and this was her strongest season yet,” Andersen said. “As a senior it’s very difficult to put up PR’s (personal records), but Jess did just that in both the 2.5K and 5K.

Alternating in the No. 4, 5 and 6 positions were senior captain Jannel Marroquin , freshman Piper Davis and freshman Julia Goodwin. The No. 7 spot alternated between sophomore Mabelin Maldonado and Andrea Mani-Munoz.

“As a team, we came in third place out of 19 teams at the Suffolk Coaches Invitational” said Andersen, recounting one of the highlights of the season. The Blue Devils also qualified for the Section XI state qualifier with its best team average time of 23:07 during invitationals and then again at the divisional championship.

“This year our team chemistry and culture were great,” Andersen said. “They worked hard and improved tremendously throughout the season. On and off the course, they created memorable experiences and a family environment. Out of our seven top runners, five were underclassmen. We have no seniors next year as of now, so we will see how these underclassmen continue to grow. The seniors were role models and taught the younger girls a lot. As a coach, I consistently gave my team support and encouragement along with tough training days. They went above and beyond this year and I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated bunch.”

Current underclassmen Cassandra Guevara Jandres, Kaylee Mata and Kiera McGuire will also be among the returnees next fall.

The Blue Devils went down to Finley and spent an afternoon with the seventh and eighth grade team. “This was such a wonderful and fun experience,” Andersen said.

The coach is striving to “keep the momentum going” by additional recruiting and summer intramural training sessions. Andersen also hopes to retool the schedule, adding the Manhattan College Invitational and possibly some other off Long Island meets.