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'I was super excited': Natick's Julianne Kelly named MASCAC Rookie, Runner of the Week

tommy cassell, metrowest daily news
·2 min read

WESTFIELD — Julianne Kelly isn’t wasting any time.

The Westfield State University first-year cross-country runner earned Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Runner and Rookie of the week honors for her run in the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Saturday.

Kelly, a 2022 Natick High alum, was admittedly thrilled with the result and recognition.

“Once finishing and looking at the clock I was super excited,” wrote Kelly, 18, in an email. “And then watching all my teammates come in shortly after, I didn't realize that I was also the first MASCAC runner!”

Kelly crossed the line with a time of 19:37.99, finishing first among Westfield State University runners, and finishing 78th overall out of a mix of 280 NCAA Division I, II, and III runners.

Kelly is off to a flying start in her collegiate career as she finished fifth in her first meet of the season at the Keene State Invitational on Sept. 3 with a time of 12:04.20.

Natick High alum and Westfield State University freshman Julianne Kelly (center) was named the MASCAC Rookie and Runner of the Week after her performance at the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Sept. 17, 2022.
Natick High alum and Westfield State University freshman Julianne Kelly (center) was named the MASCAC Rookie and Runner of the Week after her performance at the UMass Dartmouth Invitational on Sept. 17, 2022.

“This fall has started off with a great start improving my PR by about 50 seconds is always thrilling!” Kelly wrote. “Adjusting to a new school and lifestyle had its challenges but I am super lucky to have a great support system through my team and coaches.”

This marks the second time this season that a Westfield State University women’s cross-country runner has been selected for the award. Tealei Chandonnet (Dracut) earned Runner and Rookie of The Week for the MASCAC on Sept. 6 for her performance in the Keene State Invitational.

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Kelly and the Westfield State University Owls will compete on Saturday in Williamstown in the Purple Valley Classic meet. The Natick High grad is off to a fast start and she hopes to keep the momentum going this fall.

“The big goal is looking at the MASCAC conference and regional meets and trusting our training through them to do great things,” Kelly said. “Our team is predominantly (freshmen and sophomores), which means we will have a great future ahead!”

(Westfield State University contributed to this report.)

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Natick High alum Julianne Kelly earns running award at Westfield