By Heath Kalb ’18

Anyone walking the halls of West Essex who’s unaware of junior Reanda Richards should get used to her name—because they could be walking the halls with a future track-and-field Olympian.

Richards put her name on the map at the Penn Relays in late April when she came in third place in the 400m hurdles. She amazed and dazzled spectators as she proved to be one of the fastest high school female runners in not only the state, but also the country.

Richards attributes her success to the practice she puts in six days a week throughout the year.

“My passion for running and hard work seemed to pay off that day and I hope it continues into the future,” Richards said.
Richards developed her love of running while growing up in the small dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, where she was surrounded by runners, including her older brother. Unfortunately, his brief yet successful track career came to an end after an injury.
Richards will be representing Saint Kitts and Nevis in the world under 18 championships for track and field in Kenya this summer.

Her accomplishments aren’t limited to the 400m hurdles; she considers herself a middle distance runner and has unprecedented success in multiple events. Since she moved here with her family two years ago, Richards has claimed eight school records to her name.
These records include the 4×400 meters, the 400 meter Intermediate Hurdles, the Long Jump and the Sprint Medley (200, 200, 400, 800), in which Richards ran the 800 meter anchor leg. In particular the Jump and the Sprint Medley team including Richards set a meet record at The New Balance National Championships and therefore are the reigning national champions.

Long time varsity track Coach Emering had high praise for the rising senior he playfully nicknamed the “St. Kitts killer.”

“She has zero ego and is very coachable,” Coach Emering said. “She was able to adapt and thrive here at West Essex even after recently moving here from a different country.”

Emering said how after Olympian Sydney McLaughlin, from Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, Richards is shaping up to be the next biggest name in the state for female track and while it may be astronomically hard to qualify for the Olympics, Richards has a legitimate chance.

In addition to her coaches, Richards teammates also enjoy their time running track with the star.

“Reanda might seem shy but she really is funny and nice and probably one of the hardest workers I know,” junior Christina Cammarata said.

Richards’s 4×400 teammate, junior Alexia Perez, felt fortunate to be her teammate in relay events.

“She helps us with our relay times and makes us all look better because she’s so fast,” Perez said.

Richards feels the same way about her teammates and is appreciative to be on track with them.
“I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such welcoming and talented teammates,” Richards said. “They’ve made my time here very enjoyable.”
Richards’ achievements have garnered a great deal of attraction from colleges across the country.

“I get letters from colleges all the time, as well as coaches coming to see me essentially every time I run,” Richards said. “All of the attention brings pressure because I have to start looking into my future and what I really want.”

The coaches and players around Richards are expecting another great year next year with her being one of the leaders of the team.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she keeps breaking more and more school records through next year” Mr. Emering said.

Richards is grateful of her time here at West Essex and hopes to continue adding to her already illustrious high school track and field career.