The Walsh Intermediate School girls’ cross country team achieved a major feat by winning its first state championship in program history last week. After posting an undefeated record of 6-0 during the regular season, the Walsh girls’ cross country squad topped the field when it competed in the Middle School Cross Country State Championship hosted at Wickham Park in Manchester on Nov. 6.

The Walsh girls’ cross country team recorded total score of 101 points on its way to claiming the state crown. Walsh finished ahead of runner-up Smith Middle School of Glastonbury, which scored 118 points, in a competition that featured nearly 100 schools. Coach Rich Biondi said that all of the runners, coaches, and parents affiliated with the program were elated during this historic day.

Cora Wasiolek, a 7th-grade student, finished in third place among a pack of 200 runners to guide Walsh to the state title. Charlotte Kenney, also a 7th-grader, finished in seventh place for the race. Piper Meyran, a 5th-grade student, finished in 12th place to help Walsh rise to the top of the pack at the State Championship.

The other athletes who led Walsh to the state title are 8th-grade student Sarit Juela, 7th-grader Audrey Henkel, 6th-grade student Giulia Esposito, and 6th-grader Alexa Torre. The team was coached by Biondi and fellow coach Kent Jackson.

Information courtesy of Rich Biondi