On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Central Bucks West seniors Claire Dalsass & Maile McFadden were recognized for continuing their cross country/track careers at the collegiate level.
Claire Dalsass – Loyola University (Md.) (Cross Country & Track)
Major: Business/Mathematics
Final list of colleges: Loyola, William & Mary, Lehigh, Holy Cross, St. Joe’s
Reasons for choosing Loyola: “Being on campus, I felt like the community and the faculty, staff and kids – they were all very welcoming. They also have a really good business program. I’m in the business honors program too, so that will help.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country and track at the collegiate level? “I’ve been running since fourth grade, and it’s just been a part of me, so I can’t imagine just stopping. I know my transition into college will be easier continuing doing something I love.”
Coach Kevin Munnelly says: “The most impressive thing about Claire is that she always wanted to get better. She ran cross country because she knew that would make her better in winter track and spring track. I know she didn’t like it, but she persevered, so I have a lot of respect for her doing that sport just to make herself better in winter track and spring track, and she has done that. Claire excelled in the 400 and being in the state championships and using the blocks for the first time in a major race – she had the courage to do that. She got better and better as a 400-meter runner, and her contribution to the team can’t be overestimated. She was someone who brought it in track, so in both winter and spring track, her contribution in the 400 was really important.”
About Claire:
Favorite food: Seafood & Pancakes
Favorite movie: Mulan (Cartoon version)
Favorite music: Christmas Music
Maile McFadden – Rider University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Communications
Final list of colleges: Rider, Lehigh, Delaware Valley, Delaware
Reasons for choosing Rider: “The location and the price. The coaching staff is nice, and the team seems like a good environment.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country & track at the collegiate level? “I’ve always known that I wanted to run in college. I started talking to recruiters and the coach from Rider about a year ago.”
Coach Kevin Munelly says: “Maile’s first contribution was in track, but once we were able to see she’d be a lot more successful if she did cross country, that really helped her grow as a track athlete. Maile is a gritty runner, and her senior season as a cross country runner was her best. Her contribution in her senior year in cross country was exceptional. She became a middle distance runner in indoor and outdoor track, and her 400 and 800 contributions were important in all the relays, but my most impressive moment for her is going to be the 2:13 800-meter run she did at the league championships. Maile dropped her time six seconds in that championship race. She came back in the 4x4 and ran a 57.03. That’s impressive only an hour apart. A drop of six seconds in the 800 and down to a 57 in the 4x4 to win the league championship was really important. She has a lot of heart, and she grew into that role. We really will miss her contributions.
About Maile:
Favorite food: Mother’s Shepherd Pie
Favorite movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite music: Mac Miller
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