Westhampton Senior Trevor Hayes Places Fifth in State Class B Cross Country Race

Eliminating the pressure proved a useful tool for Westhampton Beach senior Trevor Hayes, who remained consistent out of the gate to cruise to a fifth-place finish in the Class B boys state cross country championship at Vernon Verona Sherrill High School on Saturday.

“When it comes to championship racing, I don’t really pay attention to the time,” said the senior, who has participated in the event the last three years, with his time of 16 minutes, 25 seconds being his best performance to date. “I try not to waste energy on things I can’t control. It’s really about putting yourself in a position to win, and a good time usually follows.”

Competing on the same 5K course as last year was also beneficial to Hayes, who was bouncing back from a hamstring injury at the end of last season, which led him to finish 10th. He concluded the November 11 run less than 15 seconds behind the first-place finisher, knowing this time the number of tight turns and narrow paths that added some difficulty his first time around.

“Despite the conditions being a bit colder and windier than last year, it was still pretty good conditions to be racing in,” said Hayes, who would have ran at states all four years of high school had the event not been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic his freshman year. “This by far was the most electric state meet that I have competed in.”

First-year head coach Hannah Martin called the student-athlete the kindest and most hard-working runner she’s met. She’s been working with Hayes on remaining calm and composed after his last few races. He’d finished the Suffolk County competition in fourth place after earning second the year prior, when he finished behind former teammate Max Haynia, who went on to place first in the state. Haynia had followed in the footsteps of Gavin Ehlers, who finished second in the state his senior year.

“I think that he was in his own head for a few races — overthinking and stressing,” Martin said of Hayes. “I’ve talked with him about the pressure that normally comes along with sports, and I reminded him to think of all of the hard work he’s put in to get to this point.”

While Martin was unable to attend the state championship, she said as soon as she saw the results, a huge smile was plastered on her face.

“I was very confident that he was capable of improving his time. He was right there the past few races,” she said. “States was a perfect day for him to relax, feel confident and attack the course, which he did.”

Hayes’s father, Ray, said his son had a strong finish out of the pool of 116 runners. The senior’s personal-best time was indicative of that.

“I’m happy with my fifth-place performance, but I know I have more in me to do even better the next time I race,” Hayes said. “And it’s always nice to have another race to look forward to — it means that you are competing at a level high enough to extend your season.”

The Hurricanes standout will compete at the federation championship next, which includes runners in private and Catholic schools statewide. That race will be held at Bowdoin Park in Wappinger Falls at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 18.

The head coach said she knows her runner will be ready.

“He does not let his competition ever get to him. He stays focused on himself and his own performance,” Martin said. “He has the talent and the work ethic to keep improving, and absolutely loves what he does — the perfect combination for an athlete who wants to win and will chase after success.”