On Bluhm Park’s Tough Trails, Blackhawks Discover Their Rhythm

The third meet of the season brought both challenge and opportunity for the Westville High School cross country team. Under a bright sun and in front of an energized home crowd, the Blackhawks embraced the punishing hills and winding paths of Bluhm County Park — and came away with their most confident performance yet.

Girls Race: A Team Taking Shape

The Blackhawks’ girls showed a promising blend of new faces and steady leadership. Freshman Abagail Barbahen continued her strong start to the season, charging through the course’s toughest climbs to claim second place in 27:53. Her ability to handle a demanding layout so early in her career highlights her poise and potential.

Sophomore Allyson Martin delivered a well run, earning fifth place in 31:49, while senior Myleigh Weaver leaned on experience to cross just behind in sixth at 32:50. Freshman Annalisa Popp, competing with grit over the hilly backstretch, rounded out the scoring with a ninth-place finish in 36:09. With all four runners inside the top 10, the Blackhawks left a clear stamp on their home course.

Boys Race: Pack Power on Display

For the boys, the story was all about pack running and progress. Sophomore Sebastian Smolnicky led the charge in 24:04 for sixth place, just ahead of teammate Jayden Couture, who finished seventh in 24:13. The tight margin between the two reflected the Blackhawks’ commitment to running together.

Not far behind, sophomore Brydon Weaver clocked 24:37 for eighth, and junior Connor Keen secured ninth in 26:45, giving Westville four consecutive top-10 finishes. On a course designed to test both fitness and mental toughness, the Blackhawks’ unity and resilience stood out.

Building Momentum

Three meets into the season, Westville is starting to discover its rhythm. From freshmen making an immediate impact to veterans steadying the lineup, the Blackhawks are turning tough courses into stepping stones.

Next up is the 421 Run at West Central High School on Saturday, August 30th, where Westville will look to transform steady improvement into breakthrough performances.

Bluhm Park may have thrown hills and tough terrain, but the Blackhawks responded with grit — and the sense that each stride is bringing them closer to something bigger.