The super Eastern Illinois University alumni now shining as coaches in the Illinois prep ranks (DGN photo credit)
It was a brillant idea by a group of Eastern Illinois University alumni who at one time shined on the cross country course and track in their collegiate careers. The congomerate decided to start a cross country meet in their college's honor. After graduation they continued their love of the sport as coaches. The coaches from the above photo include Angie Simone (Head Girls, Shepard), Jillian Blondell (Assistant Boys Coach, Downers Grove North), John Sipple (Head Boys, DGN), Eric Buhot (Asst Boys, DGN), Kevin Christian (Head Boys/Girls, Jacobs), Andy Derks (Head Boys, Plainfield North), Vince Neil (Head Boys/Girls, Burlington Central).
The boys varsity was slow to get going, but then it picked up in the second half of the race. Then from the two mile point, Downers Grove North's star senior Ryan Clevenger asserted himself to run away with the race in 15:30. Then the next two finishers were actually both sophomores, Alec Danner from DGN and Caleb Washington from Shepard, were able to out kick Plainfield North's Jack Sebok. Ultimately, the #13 Trojans was able to get the team victory talling 28 points.
