Westford runners compete at Boston Marathon; Westford Academy girls win Division 2 indoor title

The program covered Westford’s presence at the 130th Boston Marathon and high-school track successes this spring.

The Boston Marathon drew 32,494 athletes and, the broadcast said, included 26 competitors from Westford. Gerard Ataviano completed his 41st consecutive marathon, and Westford runners Jocelyn McDonald and Brad Cassidy ran for charity causes; Cassidy told Westford Cat he ran to support Fisher House and described veteran peer support as central to his motivation.

In high-school competition, the Westford Academy girls track team won the MIAA Division 2 indoor title — the program’s first state championship since 2008. The Ghosts finished with 65 points, edging rivals and ending an 18-year drought. Coach Ashley Smith credited athletes who outperformed seeds, and senior Abby Hennessy won the 1,000-meter and two-mile titles. Freshman Maline Oler and Caitlyn Boakai delivered top finishes in the high jump and long jump, respectively. Coach Smith said the team’s depth and attention to athlete health give the program a strong outlook for the spring season.

The broadcast included athlete and coach reflections about training, motivation and plans for the upcoming season.