Cindy (Sturm) Menard, a track and cross country star in the early 1980s, is WSC’s first national champion and the only two-time national champion. She captured the NCAA Division III cross country championship in 1981 and placed first nationally in the 3,000 meter run during the 1982 outdoor track season. 

Menard was a five-time All American, two-time New England champion, and five-time All New England during her two years at WSC. She also was the recipient of the Howard C. Smith Scholar-Athlete Award, presented annually to the top senior student-athlete in the Mass. State Conference. 

Menard, a native of Westfield, was a high school All American, placing second in the state to Olympian Lynn Jennings in both the mile run and the cross country state championships. 

Menard transferred to Westfield State after competing for two years at the University of Alabama on a partial track scholarship. She won the Southeastern Conference cross country championship both years. 

Menard resides in Westfield with her husband, Steven, and two sons.