The Villanova women's cross country team took a big step toward continuing its national-caliber program when New Jersey high school state champion Megan Venables committed to run for Gina Procopio and the Wildcats.
Venables is one of the nicest people you'll meet, but also one of the toughest when it comes to competing during races. Venables comes from a solid program at Highland High School in New Jersey. Led by Bill Collins and Bob Wagner, Highland has produced several good runners and some national-level runners over the last 25 years. However, they each said that Venables was the toughest runner they've ever had.
Give credit to Collins and Wagner for knowing the kind of talent they had in Venables, bringing her along slowly and progressing her training each year. She set the course record in New Jersey at the difficult Holmdel State Park course in 17:28 by seven seconds in November. It had been held for 27 years.
A lot of credit goes to Venables as well. She not only does what she's told, but does the workouts with conviction and determination. She's not just a good listener, but someone who takes her training to heart.
The Wildcats have been NCAA champions each of the past two seasons. They just got a champion runner and person. It should be a good fit.