The girls side of the ledger was solid no matter how final sheets turned out. I watched with delight of the progression of the Midwest teams and individuals. I must say I was pleased with Carmel, Indiana getting some redemption in placing eighth despite finishing fourth at regionals. There were many naysayers upset that one regional receiving two at-large bids. Carmel was in a very tough region but nonetheless proved they were among the elite teams at the end of the day. The Lady Greyhounds top runner junior Sarah Leinheiser placed seventh in 17:20. Individually, the Midwest got busy with Madison Troy (So., Grandville, Mi), Anna West (Sr., Lafayette Wildwood, Mo) earned All-American plaques placing 12th and 13th respectively. Lindsey Payne (So., Glen Ellyn Glenbard West) made good on her national championship experience placing 30th in 17:50. Fellow sophomore Jocelyn Long (Barrington) ran well despite having to train for several weeks in the wing in that she got an at-large bid. Long took 57th in 18:18.
Centerville, Ohio, the regional champion placed a solid 11th place.
It was equally great to finally see a Michigan team compete in the championship. Northville went through a lot of unnecessary stress in earning the right to race. The Mustangs took 17th place.
Naperville North may have not reached their ultimate goal of bettering last year's fourth place finish. The Huskies copped 14th this time around. Things looked very promising for top runner senior Judy Pendergast early on as she hung with the meet favorites and hit the first mile around 5:14. It wasn't until about the 3k that eventual winner Katie Rainsberger of Colorado took control for good amid tough conditions. It rained throughout the competition but that did not stop Rainsberger from breaking the two year old course in 16:56 at the Glendoveer Golf Course. Pendergast was able to hold strong and finished eighth in 17:20. I can tell you first hand that despite the course being soft and eventually chewed up from the races, it is much better than the former venue Portland Meadows, which was a boring horse race track. Glendoveer is a real course than meanders from one end of the park to the opposite side. It is an exciting course that I hope stays for awhile.
| 14 | Naperville North High School | 336 | 3+26+94+106+107 (114+127) | 2:02 1-5 Split | 18:44 Avg | ||