The future of York boys cross country precluded the varsity boys competition (Colin Boyle photo)
Coming into Saturday's blockbuster meet, all eyes were on two-time defending 3A state champion and #4 Hinsdale Central. Though the Palatine Meet of Champions would be their first trip to Deer Grove East Forest Preserve in Palatine, the Red Devils were looking to dominate the deep field.
No one told York about it.
York is the most successful team boys or girls at the Palatine Invitational. Coming into Saturday the Dukes had won 11 titles. Make it 12 after defeating WSC Silver League Foe Hinsdale Central 88-97. It seems like York is deploying a team approach and Charlie Kern Jr. for now is abiding by. One would suspect that Kern could handle the 5:00 race pace that the leaders were running with ease. He led his scoring group with a 6th placed team score and 31 seconds later it was over. The Dukes looked so methodical in their racing approach as all seven runners stayed in the passing lanes and out of jams. It is the Dukes way for sure. Assistant coach Jim Hedman reminded us all that the state championship was 42 days away after figuring out his team had unofficially won the race.
Hinsdale Central on the other hand looked well early to the middle portion of the race led by junior Blake Evertsen. But as the race entered the final stages, the pack was spread out well. Perhaps, the Red Devils were not as adapt to the landscape as York. Is this an excuse? Maybe so, but they will meet several more times leading up to state. The conference rematch will tell a lot about both potential trophy teams leading into November.
New Trier beat out their CSL conference opponent Maine South 196-203. It was good upfront pack running from both schools but the Trevians were a little better.
Prospect quietly took the fifth spot with 238 points. The Knights might be a team to watch when sectionals arrive. The 33 second scoring split led by senior Matt Corzine did the job.
Lake Zurich was 6th and severely hurt by their fifth scorer who gave them 171- the worst of the top 20 finishing teams. The Bears are going to be in critical trouble if they don't find someone to close the gap. Junior Matt Pereira ran well and he may be running as an individual at state.