Illinois High School Alumni Report: November 22, 2014

This Week In College
Tony Jones

Former Oak Park-River Forest star Malachy Schrobilgen places 10th for the University of Wisconsin in the NCAA D1 Championship

November 22, 2014 - November 24, 2014

NAIA National Cross Country Championships

November 22, 2014 in Lawrence, KS

5,000 Meter Run

8000 Meter Run

NCAA DI Cross Country Championships

November 22, 2014 in Terre Haute, IN

10,000 Meter Run

University of Tennessee junior Chelsea Blaase holds her cherished 10th place All-American plaque (Sam Aziz photo)

-Chelsea Blaase has come a long way from the sleepy town of St. Joseph which has nearly 4,000 inhabitants. Chelsea enjoyed moderated success as a prep runner when you compare her to 2A and 3A counterparts. She won the 2011 1A state xc title (17:12) and placed second in the 2012 Illinois Prep Top Times 1600m (5:06). Many of the girls who were seemingly a light year or two ahead of her then are now in the rearview mirror.

St. Joseph-Ogden superintendent James Acklin weighed in Chelsea:

I began my coaching and teaching career at SJO in 1979 and coached track and cross for over 20 years prior to getting into administration—although I did not have the opportunity to coach Chelsea, I have kept close ties to the program, having coached both Chelsea’s high school coach and the current SJO coach.  I had the opportunity to see Chelsea in action multiple times over her career at SJO.
 
I have watched over 35 years of distance runners come through our program—I have seen a lot of good runners, many who went on to have success at the college level.  Like the others who performed at a high level, Chelsea obviously has talent, a great work ethic, and a competitive spirit, but she is perhaps the most focused distance runner I have seen come through the program since I have been here.  Chelsea is absolutely driven in pursuit of her goals.
 
The 1982 World Games silver medalist in the marathon was SJO grad Marianne Dickerson.  Marianne graduated from SJO in 1978, so I did not see her run in high school.  However, I know both Marianne and Chelsea well enough to tell you that they have very similar mindsets and are very similar in the pursuit of excellence in their sport.  I can’t predict the same level of success for Chelsea, but it would certainly not surprise me.
 
In regard to what Chelsea’s accomplishment means to the SJO community, folks here are of course very proud of her.  The culture of this school and community is one of high expectations, so when someone excels at the level that Chelsea has, she is held up as an example to everyone in regard to what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work.  And, because Chelsea is so humble and down to earth, she is a very easy person to root for.

6,000 Meter Run

NCAA DII Midwest Regional

November 22, 2014 in Evansville, IN

10,000 Meter Run

6,000 Meter Run

NCAA Division III (DIII) Cross Country Championships

November 22, 2014 in Wilmington, OH

6,000 Meter Run

8000 Meter Run