By BOB LEDDY (TAFWA)
R.I. Track & Field Foundation
25 July – – For the past 22 seasons, Mary Ann Janiszewski has been the heart and soul of Westerly High School girls’ cross country. This coming fall, however, she will apply her brands knowledge and enthusiasm to the women’s harrier program at Div. III Castleton University in central Vermont. (As reported by The Westerly Sun, the new girls’ coach is Adam Decoste.)
“I am really excited about my new position,’’ Coach Janiszeski said. “My husband and I have a place in Killington [VT], and we grew to love it. He saw Castleton was looking for a women’s cross country coach and encouraged me to apply. I [applied] thinking nothing would come of it, and, lo and behold, got a call for an interview. I went [to interview] feeling like I was just going through the motions. [But] After meeting with [assistant dean of athletics] and some of the other coaches, I so wanted the job to work out. I loved the atmosphere and the camaraderie . . . everyone was so friendly.
“It was a tough choice, but the opportunity to coach young women at the next level was too exciting to pass up.’’
Impressive runners populate a long career
Mary Ann Janiszewski piloted Bulldog harriers for 23 years; 22 as head coach. She joined Woonsocket High’s George Briggs, South Kingstown’s Sherry Hathaway, Annmarie Marino, of Barrington, and Classical High (previously St. Raphael Academy) coach Debbie Doyle among the longest-serving girls’ cross country coaches in the Interscholastic League
Janiszewski’s teams were state runners-up on three successive occasions: 2002, ’03 and ’04, and her squads captured four Southern Division titles. She compiled a dual-meet record of 152-43. Over the years, Coach Janiszewski guided the careers of nearly 20 RITCA all-staters, including champions Emily Selvidio and Samantha Gawrych. A good number of sibling runners benefited from the coach’s tutelage as well: Jackie and Randi Burr, Amy and Kim Crowley, Kaitlyn, Julie and Allison Stefanski, Kate and Tori Lima and Sarah and Caeles Garvey.
Jackie Burr, a URI junior and member of the Rams’ cross country and track teams, was an all- star harrier under Coach Janiszewski.
“I think she was one of the most memorable coaches because she was the first coach I had . . . for competitive running,’’ said Burr. “She helped me realize my talent, and was always s positive, uplifting and inspiring. She really wanted the best for each and every girl on the team, and there was no doubt she loved coaching.’’
“I will miss Westerly and all of Rhode Island cross country,’’ said Coach Janiszewski, a native of New York state. “I have so many happy memories. There have been so many great student/athletes, parents, coaches and officials and administrative people I have met over the years. I have always loved working with the girls at the high school level, and think it will be exciting to experience working with them [at] four years older,’’ she said.
In Green Mountain country
Castleton University, located roughly 10 miles west of Rutland, is a liberal arts school with an enrollment of approximately 1,900 students. There are a total of 29 varsity sports for men and women. The school competes in the North Atlantic Conference.
Of her new assignment, Coach Janiszewski is anticipatory.
“I have met a couple of the runners, and have been in touch with the team by email, and they all appear excited to be running for a new coach,’’ she said. “There were a lot of graduates last year, so I think I’ll be working with a young team.’’