Coaches
Claire Keller (Head Coach)
Claire was a distance runner in high school (Hackensack high school) and in college (TCNJ). Her kids have been part of the Striders program for four years, and in the last three years she's helped out with coaching. Her philosophy is getting kids to enjoy track and field!
Kelly Clark
This will be Kelly's first year coaching Westwood XC/ T&F. She was previously a coach of both sports for 15 years at Paramus High School. Kelly was also a competitive distance runner on the youth, high school, and collegiate level. She look forward to working with our young athletes as well as the other coaches.
Orly Jackel
Orly has participated in marathons and ultra marathons. She has crossed Europe on her bike and hopes to do so again one day.
Dee Kalman
Dee is a middle school computer science teacher in Hackensack, NJ. Last season, her daughter, Toby, participated in track and loved it! This is Dee’s first year coaching track & cross country and is excited to support her daughter and the rest of the athletes. Previous athletic experiences include coaching field hockey for Westwood Rec and playing field hockey during college.
Alexandra Lewis
Alex was a medal winning long jumper in middle school and high school.
Alex is excited to pass on her knowledge and passion to the team as a coach. She will focus on helping our athletes with the fundamentals, like proper form and technique. More than anything, she wants them to enjoy the sport and have a great time with their teammates.
Heather Martinez (Manager)
Raluca Musteata
Raluca competed in Track & Field as a kid, and as she was growing older, she started to enjoy better running through the woods. Her son, Eric, started to run with her about 2 years ago, and he enjoys long distance running through their neighborhood and through the woods. They did a few 5k together in towns close by. This would be her second season of Cross Country.
Tracy Silvera
Tracy ran XC and track in HS and college. She's been helping with Westwood XC/Track for the past 4 years, starting when her daughter, Abigail, was in 6th grade and continuing with her son, Jacob. She trains and runs half marathons and marathons now. Tracy's experience is with mid-distance and distance.
Gideon Sims
Gideon has been coaching youth sports since his son Nathan starting participating in sports. He's coached everything from track to soccer to T-ball. Gideon enjoys helping young athletes achieve their potential.