Reese Fahys, who emerged as one of the best young distance running stars in the country when she put together a phenomenal freshman season last fall at Middletown South, won't be returning to the school this fall, Middletown South girls XC Coach Bill Clifton said on Saturday.
Clifton said that Fahys, the State Group 3 XC champ last year, and her family are moving to Rhode Island, where her parents have roots. Fahys also confirmed she will attend and run for East Greenwich High School, after announcing the news through her Instagram.
Fahys took NJ by storm last year, burning up the trails as she turned in several sparkling performances on the way to earning First-Team All-State honors.
Career Stats For Reese Fahys
The biggest individual highlights for Fahys came when she won the North 2 Group 3 title in 18:31, captured the State Group 3 title in 18:49, placed fifth at the Meet of Championship in 18:41, and she finished sixth in 18:56 at the Northeast Regional meet to qualify for the Team Cross Country Nationals. At the National Championships in Portland, Fahys finished 64th in a field of 201 in 18:52.
Led by Fahys, the Eagles captured the team titles at the Monmouth County, Shore Conference, North 2 Group 3 Sectional, and State Group 3 Championships, and placed third-place at the Meet of Champions.
Clifton said it's tough to see someone as talented as Fahys leave, and that her passion for the sport is what will be missed the most.
"It is never easy to lose a young state champion,''' said Clifton. "But what we will miss the most about Reese is her enthusiasm and pure love of running. Our team will continue to run and laugh and play and compete, and we honestly wish Reese a happy, healthy and glorious career. She and her family will always be a part of us.''
In Fahy's Instagram announcement she offered these words, "All good times come to an end but open doors for new beginnings...it's been a real 15 years here in NJ but I'm excited to announce I will be continuing my high school athletics and academics in Rhode Island. Excited to be a Rhody girl but will always be a NJ girl by heart and don't worry NJ I'll be visiting ALOT."
