H-ton Girls’ Cross Country Will Return Entire Team

The Huntington varsity girls’ cross country team made strides this fall with increased interest and improved performances. The Blue Devils were led by Emma Boyle, Kiley Barch and Julia Goodwin and coached by Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School physical education teacher Elizabeth Andersen.

Barch was Huntington’s top runner. Her season best time in a 5K (3.1 miles) race at Sunken Meadow State Park came at the divisional championships when she clocked 21:03. The teenager claimed All-League, All-Division and 2nd Team All-County honors.

“Kiley Barch is a lead by example kind of girl,” Andersen said. “It’s clear she has a unique balance of strength and grace, which inspires those around her. Her consistent drive for excellence sets a powerful standard for the whole team, pushing everyone to reach their full potential.”

Barch placed No.11 in Suffolk Division II and 27th among 355 runners in the merged (combined) results of all divisional races.

“At the state qualifier, Kiley finished 12th in the Class A race in a time of 21:18.8 and 19th overall for merged results (Classes A,B,C,D),” Andersen said.

Among runners in Huntington’s league, Barch turned in the seventh fastest time on the Belmont Lake State Park 5K course and the tenth fast on Sunken Meadow’s 2.5 mile course.

Boyle held down the No. 2 position in the Blue Devil lineup. “Her season best 5k time at Sunken Meadow was 22:24.20, which earned her a spot at the state qualifier meet,” Andersen said. The junior garnered All-League recognition.

“Emma Boyle is a natural leader and dedicated team player,” Andersen said. “Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while staying passionate about running is really admirable. She is a great role model for her teammates, inspiring them with both her work ethic and guiding them through cross country, providing support when needed.”

At the state qualifier, Boyle placed 26th in the Class A race in a time of 22:45. She was 54th in the field of 355 in the merged results. Boyle ran the 8th fastest time in the league at Belmont Lake and 13th fastest on the Sunken Meadow 2.5 mile course.

Goodwin maintained the No. 3 position in Huntington’s lineup throughout the season. She notched a personal best time of 24:14 at Sunken Meadow. “Julia is the kind of teammate who lifts everyone around her,” Andersen said. “Her positive energy and passion for the team are key to creating our strong, supportive team culture. Her enthusiasm has been such a driving force in making the season more enjoyable and motivating for everyone.”

The Blue Devils placed 12 among 26 teams in the Jim Smith Invitational and 10th in the St. Anthony’s Invitational.

“We didn’t have any seniors this season,” Andersen said. “Our roster consisted of nine juniors, three sophomores and one freshman. Of that group, we had six first timers. This group was by far the nicest team I have had and our team atmosphere was very welcoming.”

The Blue Devils want to be among Suffolk’s best. The competition is fierce among the top teams. It will take year round training to accomplish such a heady goal.

“Some returning juniors that always have such a strong presence on our team are runners Kiera McGuire and Mabelin Maldonado,” Andersen said. “They take on leadership roles that never go unnoticed. Our most improved runner, from last year is sophomore Kaylee Mata. Her hard work shines through every day. Rachel Huth is also a returnee and is always putting in the extra work to excel. Newcomers, Belinda Velasquez, Mildred Hernandez Veliz, Erika Hernandez Veliz, Amani Huq and Emma Marsala and Brianna Mata have fit in exceptionally well and have contributed so much over the past few months.”