Hall of Fame 2016

1991 Girls Cross-Country Team

 

For only the second time in Williston’s history, the 1991 Girls Cross Country team took first place in the Division II New England Championships, capping an undefeated season. Out of seventy runners at the championships, Williston finished with five girls in the top twenty, led by Seana and Suzanne Zelazo, who finished third and ninth respectively. Priscilla Fusco Kanzer finished 12th, Tara Sheehan finished 18th and co-captain Natalie Munk crossed the line in 19th place. Other members of the team included Catherine Saint Louis, co-captain Mecina Bottaro, Lissy Neumann, Megan Ross, Jodi Ryder and Amanda Patterson.

As Coach Greg Tuleja stated at the time, “This is the best team I’ve ever coached. The girls are also some of the nicest young people I have met at Williston.”

After college, Seana Zelazo continued to race, winning the 2003 Philadelphia Marathon, placing 4th as the first American at the 2006 Hartford Marathon, and qualifying for the 2004 and 2008 Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials. Her twin sister, Suzanne Zelazo, competed as a professional triathlete from 2009-2014, placing 6th at the 2011 Lake Placid Ironman and raced as a Category 2 elite cyclist. Tara Sheehan passed away in February 2002. In her memory and to benefit eating disorder programs, the family organized the annual “Run/Walk for Tara” on the Williston Northampton cross-country course. The Tara Sheehan Fund gives a grant each year to support eating disorder programs.