Westfield HS girls cross country: A season of grit, growth, and Shamrock pride
WESTFIELD, Ind. — At Westfield High School, the spirit of excellence runs deep, and this fall, the girls’ cross country team proved it with a season full of milestones, determination, and community pride. Under the leadership of Coach Scott Lidskin, the program has built a legacy not only of athletic achievement but also of character, grit, and teamwork.
Coach Lidskin brings a wealth of experience to the program. This is his 29th year as an English teacher at WHS and his 21st year as head coach of the girls’ cross-country team. Beyond the classroom and the track, he credits much of his balance to his family life. He has been happily married for 22 years and is a proud father to two daughters. But ask anyone in the Westfield community about the hallmark of his coaching, and they’ll quickly mention his emphasis on values, consistency, and passion.
At the heart of the WHS girls’ cross country program are four guiding pillars: Treat Each Other Well, Pursue Excellence, Be Prepared, and SISU. “Sisu is the keyword in our program,” Coach Lidskin explains. “It’s a Finnish word that doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it embodies courage, determination, grit, and guts. That’s what we want every athlete to carry with them on the course and beyond.”
This season, the Shamrocks showed that SISU in action can lead to historic achievements. The team captured the HCC Conference championship for the first time since 2011, followed by victories at the Noblesville Sectional and the Shelbyville Regional, marking the first time wins had been achieved since 2007. Their performance earned them a 9th-place finish at the IHSAA state finals, a milestone that marks the 14th time the team has placed in the top 10 since 1998. “This season has been about more than titles,” Coach Lidskin says. “It’s about the daily grind, the hard work, and the way our athletes support one another every single day.”
Individual achievements also shine. Junior Alivia Lozier earned first team all-state honors for the second consecutive year, a testament to her skill, dedication, and leadership on the course. Yet, Coach Lidskin is quick to point out that the team’s success is never about one individual. “We had tremendous leadership from our senior class this year,” he notes. “Their positive spirit and strong performances guided the team and set a standard for everyone to follow.”
Being a part of the WHS girls’ cross country team is about more than winning races. “Our team is close-knit,” says Coach Lidskin. “Everyone goes out of their way to treat each other with respect and courtesy. We are extraordinarily hardworking, often practicing eight to nine times a week. It’s intense, but the shared commitment creates a bond unlike any other.”
For students across the district interested in joining the sport, Coach Lidskin emphasizes the life lessons that distance running teaches. “It’s a great sport! It teaches discipline, hard work, teamwork, and toughness. Above all, it’s a truly shared experience for all team members. There is no bench in cross country; everyone goes through the same workouts and races. You learn what it means to be part of a team in the truest sense.”
The program also has a vision for the future, hoping to grow interest district-wide. “Community support is huge,” Coach Lidskin says. “Attending competitions is one way to help, but we also have a youth program, WYSI cross country, for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It’s a place for kids to train, learn the sport, compete, and improve. This helps build a strong foundation for future Shamrocks and strengthens the culture of running in Westfield.”
At its core, the WHS girls’ cross country program embodies the spirit of Westfield: hardworking, resilient, and united. From the early morning practices to the thrill of race day, the team shows what it means to run with purpose, courage, and Shamrock pride. This season has been about more than titles and finishes; it’s been about growing as athletes, as leaders, and as a community.
As the team looks ahead, Coach Lidskin and his athletes know that the lessons learned on the course will extend far beyond the finish line. With SISU as their guide, the Shamrocks are ready to tackle any challenge, inspire the next generation, and continue to make Westfield proud, one stride at a time.
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