The Pat Savage Invite Looks To Put Positive Stamp on September

Two​ ​Race​ ​Divisions:​ ​Each race is split into two divisions: Red and White. RED:​ ​1A & 2A schools WHITE:​ ​3A schools

Girls-  Maine South, Northside Prep, Payton, Evanston

Boys- #20 Chicago St. Ignatius, Loyola, Evanston

9:00​ ​am Freshman​ ​Boys​ ​ ​(2​ ​Miles)

9:30​ ​am Frosh/Soph​ ​Girls​ ​(3​ ​Miles)

10:00​ ​am Varsity​ ​Boys​ ​ ​(3​ ​Miles)

10:30​ ​am Varsity​ ​Girls​ ​ ​(3​ ​Miles)

11:00​ ​am Sophomore​ ​Boys​ ​(3​ ​Miles)

11:30​ ​am JV​ ​Girls​ ​ ​(2​ ​Miles)

The long standing 47th Annual Pat Savage Invitational hosted by Niles West High School will be one of the last big invitationals as we head into October. At one time, the "Savage" was considered the biggest high school cross country meet in the country. It is still a huge draw for many teams in the immediate area and some outstanding schools will be there. One school in particular that will be there is St. Ignatius of Chicago will be competing. "We had considered not doing so," said head boys coach Ed Ernst. "But our guys want a chance to run in the cooler weather!" The much cooler weather will be welcomed with open arms as climes will hover in the upper 50s and lower 60s throughout the day.

The boys will be the first to get things started and look for St. Ignatius to run a superb effort. The Wolfpack have enjoyed a resurgent season thus far and would like to continue it as the conference championship season looms. Top runner Michael O'Brion is ready to bounce back after finishing 15th at the Palatine MOC Invite last weekend. His key competition may be Chicago (Francis Parker) senior Jack Mcnabola if he runs. Mcnabola beat O'Brion at Palatine with a strong second half race when he finished 5th overall. Another key key figure to watch is Oswego East senior Matt Blanco. He ran among the top five at Palatine for much of the race before slipping to 22nd in last mile.

The girls race should be more defined as Maine South, Evanston, and Payton are the teams to watch. Evanston took the title over Oswego East last year. In that rainfest affair, it was a coming out party for Enyaeva Michelin (Sr., Evanston). The then little known Wildkit took a strong second place. Though she faded a bit toward the end of the season, a trip to the state championship served as an eye opener. Michelin went on to have a great track season and summer and now is on a rampage so far on the cross country circuit. Michelin has run 16:48 which is the second fastest time in Illinois for three miles. Her only loss has been to #1 sophomore Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West. Look for a very fast time on the pancake fast Niles West High School circuit.