By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
It remains to be seen whether or not the MIAA and the state of Massachusetts will allow high school athletes to compete in fall athletics this season. The MIAA's Board of Directors is still in the process of reviewing the COVID Task Force's modifications and guidelines.
As for the Westwood cross country team, coach Jen Teahan and company are holding out hope that they will be able to compete this fall. For now, TVL cross country is set to begin on September 26, pending any further rulings by the MIAA or Governor Baker. Thankfully, cross country is already a pretty socially distant sport, so it appears that the season is going to be a go.
"They are ecstatic just to be together again," said Teahan about her athletes' excitement for the potential upcoming season. "They truly missed having the spring athletic opportunity and are grateful to the athletic department for making accommodations to make sure the fall works. They will miss having invites and the state meet, and the rivalry with Hopkinton will be bypassed. But the day to day training and runs and laughs will begin, and we feel fortunate for that."
As far as the group Westwood XC has coming back to compete this fall, Teahan says she is lucky to coach such a resilient bunch during these crazy times.
"They’re a positive, realistic, intelligent and thoughtful group that understands we are in a pandemic," said Teahan. "They are grateful for any time they get to train and compete."
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as video highlights of games, follow Mike Flanagan on his own personal Instagram and Twitter handles @flano0.
