IHSA Class 1A 

Cross Country Sectional Championship 

hosted by Lisle H.S.

Talk about pins and needles...we definitely had our share of those today as we waited for the calculations of the final results.  Not willing to wait for the awards ceremony, Coach Goffron decided to check on the results for himself.  Upon coming out from the school, he appeared to be walking with a much more spirited stride than he did going in.  Then he said it, "Pack your bags, boys; we're going to State!"  What a beautiful way to close out our season.  We are so proud of you, and you should be proud of all that you've accomplished, both athletes and coaches.  Go, Broncos! 

 

Something about this picture that makes me smile.

In spite of it being one of the more difficult courses, Lisle really is a beautiful setting for a cross country meet.

 

We had several alumni cheering us on today.

Steven did a great job of decorating "the box."

 

We are ready!

 

Final words of encouragement and direction.

 

 

 

A rare shot of Luis actually looking at the camera...it almost looks as if he's worried that guy will get in the way of my shot!!

Luis pushed hard all the way through and still had some at the end to pass a few more runners.  He earned himself an 8th place medal overall with a time of 17:29.  Had the team not qualified for State, Luis would have qualified as an individual.  Great run, Luis!

Jack and a photo bomber???

 

 

Jack put everything into this, wanting to make it to State since he had been unable to be part of the team last year due to an injury.  Jack's persistence has paid off.  Finishing in 25th overall (out of 150 runners total), he crossed the finish line in  18:11.  And what a great birthday gift for his mother! (Happy Birthday, Mrs. Simzyk!!!)

  

 

Julio was our third runner to cross the finish line and he finished in 31st place overall in a time of 18:22.  Last year he went to State as an observer only, but this year he earned it with flying colors!!!

Jaylin's finish of 36th with a time of 18:30 was instrumental in achieving the team's goal.  Like Luis, this is his 2nd time being part of the team that made it to State.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going...and "Big D" showed how tough he was today by helping to close a gap that was vital in getting this team to State.  He finished 69th overall with a time of 19:29. 

 

 

Gus was actually the only runner today to beat his time from last week's race.  He took 2 seconds off his time, finishing in 20:11.  With a field of 150 runners, that's not an easy feat to accomplish!

Nate showed his toughness by sticking with it all the way through to the end, in spite of fighting a terrible cramp.  That's the spirit, Nate!  He finished with a time of 20:50.

There were 20 teams in total competing today.  We knew we had done well overall, but had we done well enough to be in the top 5?  The minutes felt like hours while we waited.

But then the waiting was over!

Relief and celebration replaced the anxiety for both runners, parents, and coaches alike!

 AWARDS TIME:

Top Ten Runners

Our 2 seniors picking up the parking pass as State qualifiers

                          PICTURE TIME!!!

Final words from Coach Goffron

 

Actual placing by team for top 5 qualifiers:

1. Niles (Northridge Prep)                        98 (1  10  15  30  42  55  71)
2. Peotone                                       124 (5  13  14  39  53  80  86)
 3. Chicago (DePaul College Prep)                 126 (11  16  19  31  49  79  92)
 4. Elmhurst (Timothy Christian)                  138 (17  20  32  34  35  54  57)
5. Melrose Park (Walther Christian)              152 (7  23  29  33  60  84  96)

              See you next weekend in Peoria!!!!