Westmoore: Time for Noemi Hernandez to shine...

By Justin Hite

Westmoore senior Noemi Hernandez has waited patiently. She’s seen the success of her predecessors. She watched Katelin Cherry and Taylor Painter go before her and lead the Jaguars to conference, regional and state championships.

Now, it’s her turn.

“For this to be her standout year, it’s been really exciting for her and for us,” Westmoore coach Laura Clay said.

Hernandez is fresh off a Mid-State Conference individual title and is ranked as the fifth-best Class 6A runner by OHStrack.com. She’s never finished worse than sixth in a race this year, Despite this being her first win of the season, Hernandez has finished second three different times. What makes this year that much more impressive for the 2009 all-stater is that she’s getting better.

Hernandez has dropped time in each of the last six races including a career-low 11:37 in her conference championship run.

“Ever since we ran at Mustang, she broke 12 and hasn’t looked back,” Clay said. “It’s been real exciting for her. She’s a very coachable kid. She’s gaining confidence in herself and believing in herself.”