Running With Lyons: Westwood Boys Cross Country Team Ready to Roar

By: Morgan Donahue: @WW_Calls, Photo by Michael Mao

Westwood Boys Cross Country enters the 2025 fall season with confidence and experience, led once again by head coach Ed Lyons, who begins his 13th year at the helm for the Wolverines. With a remarkable 73% career winning percentage in cross-country over the last ten years and 23 years of prior coaching experience at Bentley University, Lyons continues to be a cornerstone for the program, bringing knowledge, wisdom, and passion to his athletes.

Leaders of the Pack

The expected top five runners this fall will feature captains Owen Cocchi and Liam LaCroix, alongside Jayden Pillard, Roman Grilli, and Skyler McCaskill.

Cocchi, Westwood’s top runner, is coming off his most successful track season to date. His dedication during summer training has positioned him for a breakout senior campaign. His co-captain, LaCroix, a four-year contributor, provides veteran leadership and consistency, giving the Wolverines a steady presence at the front of the pack.

Dual-Sport Stars Bring Winning Pedigree

Track and field standouts Pillard and Grilli bring championship experience to cross-country. As half of the state champion 4×400 relay team last spring, both athletes know what it takes to compete under pressure. The team’s time of 3:22.48 in the 4X4 is an all-time best for TVL teams. While long distance isn’t their specialty, their speed, toughness, and competitive spirit make them dangerous contributors in any race.

New Faces Making Noise

One of the biggest surprises out of preseason has been senior Skyeler McCaskill, a newcomer who impressed coaches during tryouts. With further training and development, McCaskill is expected to be a key factor in the Wolverines’ success this fall.

Depth and Resilience

Senior Henrik Ligurs is working his way back from injury but remains a leader both on and off the course. Known for his dedication to the program, he was a vocal supporter during last spring’s track title runs and continues to set an example of commitment and team spirit.

Beyond the veterans, Lyons is excited about the team’s depth, pointing to juniors Henry Harlan and Hayato Moy, along with freshmen Shunya Moy, Ian Lawrance, Jonas Denmark, and Colin Hennessy as runners to watch as the season progresses.

Building More Than Runners

Coach Lyons emphasizes not just performance, but also team bonding and racing techniques, noting that cross-country is a vital training component to prepare his athletes for success year-round — in both cross-country and track.

With strong leadership, championship-caliber athletes, and promising new talent, the 2025 Westwood Boys Cross-Country team looks ready to make its mark this fall.

Click Here for the Westwood Boys Cross Country Schedule

Click Here for Printable Roster