It may take an army of millions to stop Neuqua Valley from winning a state title this weekend (Colin Boyle photo)
Date: 11/5/2016
Location: Detweiller Park; Peoria, IL
Course: 3.0 miles
Race Times: 2pm
Awards ceremonies: 3pm
Weather forecast: It is expected to be partly sunny and beautiful, 66F at its peak and the wind blowing at 8 mph.
Media coverage: Live updates all meet day long beginning at 8am via il.milesplit.com. Follow us on twitter at Milesplit Illinois @milesplitil
Foreword by Neuqua Valley Head Coach Paul Vandersteen:
Wow, this season has flown by. We are finally here - the day we all look forward to more than any other. This Saturday is going to be one to remember in the history of high school cross country in the State of Illinois. It is a special day, for it marks the celebration of a man that has vaulted our great State to a status not possible without him. As a State, we are regarded as one of the best. We are known for great teams and great individual runners, but most importantly, we are known for our enthusiasm, our history, and traditions. These marks of excellence began with a man who taught us to shake a hand, to provide nicknames, to demand hard work, and to care about the young athlete outside the sport. Without him, Illinois would not be the cross country family that we are today. We owe our deepest gratitude to this great visionary. So, as you take the time to soak in the fall colors, and the thousands of fans that run crazily from one side of Detweiller Park to the other, think about the guy that made this all possible - Mr. Joe Newton.