Westwood Senior Running Toward the Finish Line of an Incredible High School Career

Michelle Cascio’s father Steve knew she had the desire and determination to run competitively in junior high. Michelle even started running in third grade for the Assumption Academy Road Runners, which just started up at that point in time. Needless to say, her father is proud.

“I am extremely proud of Michelle and her accomplishments,” said Steve Cascio.  “She has progressed over the years into a runner you can rely on to place well in any race she is in. I would be proud of her no matter how she ran.”

Michelle is a senior sprinter and is a major part of the Westwood Lady Cardinals track team, specializing in the 400 meter run and 4x400 meter relay. She also thrives in the 100 meter and 200 meter races coming up in the spring. Michelle said she has definitely enjoyed her time running for Westwood High School.

“Westwood track and field has had a long tradition of success so to be able to add to that tradition is awesome,” said Michelle. “I absolutely love my team. My teammates are some of my best friends. We hang out all the time outside of track and I think having that kind of bond really helps us when it's time to compete.”

The 4x400 relay team at Westwood is the fastest in all of Bergen County. The Lady Cardinals have won the Big North Divisional Championships and are also State Sectional Champs. It has been quite the successful indoor track season.

 Michelle is only 5'3", but she has overcome the size disadvantage over time.

“There's times when three of my strides makes up one of my oppenents,” said Michelle. “Coach [George] Glover and I have worked around it by perfecting my form and really improving my strength and endurance over the years.”

Glover has also played a major role in Michelle’s success.

“I owe everything to Coach Glover,” said Michelle. “He's helped me achieve so many things that I never thought possible. Whenever I'm unsure about my capabilities, he always reassures me and gives me the confidence I need to get out on the track.”

It is hard for Michelle to even pick out a favorite moment running for Westwood High School.

“There's really too many great moments to recall but winning the State Group Championships last spring was especially amazing,” said Michelle. “Also, every April we go compete at the Penn Relays at UPenn. The atmosphere there is so exciting and stepping onto the track to race at Franklin Field is such a thrill.”

Michelle plans to continue her track career in college, but has not decided where yet. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing, watching TV, watching movies, following the latest celebrity gossip and hanging out with friends.

Michelle and the rest of the Lady Cardinals have made many people proud during their careers, especially this season. Steve Cascio sees many strong qualities in his daughter that should bode well for her future in track.

“Michelle's strongest aspect of her running is her determination not to let her team down with a poor performance,” Steve said. “She knows when and where to pass her opponents and how to fend off advancing runners from behind as well as where to use her speed.”