Meet Records Outshine Team Hype At Naperville Twilight

Boys-

Out of the dark shadows emerged some new faces to the game of cross country

The foot to the pedal was applied with tremendous force by several hundred boys once the final sound of the race starter's pistol ejected into the air. Zach Kinne (Jr., Neuqua Valley) was joined by two suprise guests in Thomas Shilgalis (Jr., Naperville Central) and Josh Rodgers (Jr., Geneva). Among them were about 8-10 fellows who hit the first mile between 4:43-4:48. There was no doubt this hectic pace was going to hurt the standing of individuals who dared to pace with the elite crop. 

Shilgalis stayed composed just behind Kinne and Rodgers as they toured the North HS sports complex. The second mile slowed down considerbly as the 9:39-40 fcheckpoint proved. That only means the final mile is going to be balanced or fast. It was Shilgalis ahead of Kinne as they entered the stadium track one last time. Rodgers was hanging on in third place with less than 300m to go. Shilgalis would hold off Kinne in meet record breaking form with an IL #4 14:27. Kinne did not mount a hard charging kick but he still ran 14:33 which is a personal best. Shilgalis stated that his performance was not a total surprised based on his great training of late. One wonders if he thought he would run this fast with a month of the season to go. One thing for certain is that he put his name in the name for elite runners. 4th place finisher Rory Cavan (Jr., Glenbard West) had one of the biggest performance upgrades, dropping well over a minute off of last year's performance from the Twilight.

The battle between the state's top two teams Downers Grove North and Neuqua Valley lived up to its billing. Early on around the first mile it was Neuqua Valley with 5 runners in the top 11. But US#4 Downers North would not be deterred. They rose to the challenge of their coach John Sipple who would not allow them to use being "rusty" as an excuse. The Trojans put three kids in the top 10 led by Jacob Ridderhoff (Sr., Downers Grove North) in 5th place. Four other teammates plus the sixth runner were among the top 25.

Neuqua Valley was certainly satisfied with their performance considering they came off of a team win on Saturday at the Locktoberfest. The one point loss was not a big deal considering Downers North is one of the elite teams in the nation who will have something say who will host the NXN trophy in December. It was a wash sort of speak. Neuqua Valley lowered their scoring split down to 30 seconds as Ryan Kennedy (Sr.) stepped up as the second man in 6th place. Alexander Johnson (Sr.) placed 20th overall with a personal best 15:04.

#14 Glenbard West stepped up big with a third place finish. Coach Sipple was quick to note that the Hilltoppers have to be watched closely as they head into the WSC Silver championship next week. Glenbard West put together a great peformance in which several of its runners ran personal bests.

Don't sleep on #5 Hinsdale Central who placed 4th. It may not have been their best performance but it was solid and they will improve once the post-season arrives.