Meghan has been on an impressive run throughout her entire high school career. She improved massively each year as a cross-country runner, but in the fall of her senior year, Meghan took competing to a different level. Her commitment and drive for cross country took off at a pace that no one could quite keep up with.
Surprisingly, cross country was not Meghan’s first choice of a fall sport. When recalling her freshman year, Meghan states, “I originally joined the sport because I didn’t want to play soccer in high school, but still wanted to be a part of a team. I ended up enjoying my first cross-country season so much that I signed up for winter track and later, spring track.” Although Meghan’s start to high school sports didn’t go as anticipated, she chose to run down the right path.
Meghan couldn’t be the runner she is today without the help of her coaches and teammates. Although cross country is an individual sport, each member of the team motivates the others through arduous workouts, long runs, or challenging courses. When asked what inspires her most to run, Meghan replied, “My teammates have always inspired me. Coming to practice and watching their determination in every workout has demonstrated to me what hard work is.” She goes on to mention her former teammate and mentor, Brianna Potaki: “My old teammate, Brianna, was a role model for me last spring season. I started to train with her as I shifted into longer distance races, and her consistent running and showing up to practice set an example for me that I continue to follow.” Brianna allowed Meghan to push herself to new levels and get better with every practice, workout, and race.
One of Meghan’s closest teammates and good friends, Lauren Seals, has been running cross country and track with Meghan since their freshman year. When asked about Meghan as a friend and teammate, Lauren says, “The past four years running with Meghan have given me one of my best friends. We have created such a special bond throughout our hard workouts and meets, and I am so grateful for her and our friendship.” Meghan motivates everyone around her with her undying determination and positive attitude in every aspect of Cross Country.
Running has become an integral part of Meghan’s life; it’s something she finds peace in. Whether this be through peace she finds within herself, or from the help of her fellow runners, “My teammates have shown me support through every race, practice, and any drama I bring to practice. I don’t know what I would do without them.”
Meghan also challenges herself with other races outside Ramapo cross country and track. Meghan says, “Outside of Ramapo, I like to run for fun! I’ve done a couple of half marathons with my teammates, both in New York City, which were so fun. I love to go on runs with friends and family who don’t run and try to get them to enjoy it.” Meghan’s hard work and determination from running – whether with Ramapo, or by herself – has clearly paid off. Even with impressive awards such as First Team All League and Third Team All County Honors, Meghan insists that “The real reward has been having such an amazing team to practice with every day.”
Although Meghan’s talent and consistency make running look like an easy task, it is anything but that. Meghan pushes herself every day to be a better runner. Even though she is incredibly skilled, there are always a few bumps in the road. When asked what the hardest part of running is, Meghan explains that sometimes her nerves before races get the best of her. “I can easily overthink and get in my head, which can mess up a race, and that always stinks.” However, she goes on to explain that she always has help from the people around her, like her incredible coaches. Meghan explains, “ Their guidance and advice before races and during practice have been so helpful and have shaped me into the athlete I am today.”
Meghan’s coach for the last four years has been Coach Nangle. He has watched her grow as an athlete throughout high school and has seen her hard work firsthand. When asked about Meghan, Coach Nangle states, “Meghan took a huge leap this year as a runner for Cross Country. Not only was she a captain, but she became one of the better runners in the county this season, improving her personal best time by over two minutes. Because of that, she was named First Team All League and Third Team All County.”
Although Meghan doesn’t plan on running in college, she says that her goal is to run the New York City Marathon. Meghan’s hard work and determination throughout her time as a Ramapo cross-country runner will indefinitely leave a lasting impact on Ramapo High School.
