Jon Davis got the desired results he was looking for in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO-
Jon Davis (Sr., Oakwood) led a strong Illinois charge Thursday night at beautiful University of St. Louis High School. Prior to the meet Davis had several sit downs and thoughts on how he wanted to approach his post-IHSA season. He has two more races: St. Louis Festival of Miles and Brooks PR meet are the choices. First up is the Festival of Miles where he ran extremely well.
Davis stayed in the lead pack and stayed patient even though it appeared that Conor Lundy (Sr., Fordham Prep, NY) took off mid race and looked as though he was going to win. If there was a cause of concern for Lundy it was understandable. He has had a great season thus far with a personal best 4:08.25 (full mile) indoors. So when Lundy motored through 1200 in 3:03 it seemed as though the race was for second place. But Davis has run well when healthy and he was healthy Thursday night. Davis put a charge of his own and departed from the friendly pack with 300 to go. He caught Lundy with about 150 remaining and stormed home for the big race win in a personal best 4:05.29. Davis also split the camera set up at 1600m at 4:03.97. The great performances did not end with Davis though. Jack Aho (Jr., Grayslake Central) clocked 4:08.79 to cement himself as a top returner for 2016-17 season. Soren Knudsen (Jr., Minooka) could be the top 3A runner in xc this fall. He leg speed and endurance on the track has been impressive. Knudsen ran 4:10.17. Heath Warren (Sr., Springfield) 4:11.82, Corey Landon (Sr., Carlinville) 4:12.42
The stream of quality performances from in state was solid. Charlie Kern (So., York) ran in the first mile section and ran well. Kern closed well like he normally does and hit 4:15.67 to place second. Vince Zona (Jr., Lyons Twp.) 4:18.27. Nathan Hill (Sr., Hinsdale Central) 4:20.96, and Ben Flowers (Jr., Jerseyville) 4:21.50 followed suit.
Girls-
Madison Ronzone (Sr., Aurora Rosary) ran in the first race and clocked 5:09.56... the second race featured Judy Pendergast (Sr., Naperville North). Pendergast appeared to be getting back to form after missing time with a foot injury. She could not respond to the second half charge. Pendergast's time was 5:03.91