The NWN got a chance to talk to head girls’ cross country coach, Anne Heselton, about the team and how they expect to perform this season.

NWN: How is the team looking so far?

Heselton: Good, we had our first meet(Saturday Aug. 31). It isn’t a traditional race, but it helped us get a good feel for where we are at.  The JV group got rained out, so they didn’t get to run, but so far so good. The team looks strong, but there is definitely room to improve from where we are at right now.

NWN: What are your goals for the season?

Heselton: To have the athletes and top girls working together. We also don’t want a huge split between the no. 1 and no. 7 runner. We also want all the girls to individual improve throughout the season. 

NWN: Who do you expect to be your key runners?

Heselton: Seniors Jamie Rohn, Taylor Genis, Gillian Flippo, and Summer Brunson. Juniors Christine Mujica, Katherine DeLara, and Brenda Guan, sophomores Danielle Karp and Nicolle Camburn.

NWN: What are the teams strengths and weaknesses?

Heselton: A good lead runner in [Christine] Mujica and a string of varsity runners behind her trying to keep up. It’s also a weakness because trying to keep the split between our no. 1 and no. 7 runner small is important and is going to be a challenge.

NWN: How far do you think the team can go?

Heselton: We would like to see someone qualifying for state from our team. That’s what we hope for.

The girls will put their practice to work next bright and early on Saturday, Sep. 7 at 9:00. They’ll see what they’re made of as they race in the Hinsdale South invite at Legge Park. Also, be sure to check out the girls in action right here at Niles West on Tuesday, Sep. 10 as they take off in the Ron Campbell Two Mile Run at 4.