Dylan Jacobs become the fourth Illinois boy to win a Footlocker title with an impressive finish
On paper it look like a great report for the Illinois kids going into the final cross country race of the season at beautiful Balboa Park.
It would be a great day to say the least.
The girls championship preceded the boys and as expected junior Claudia Lane of Malibu HS, CA repeated with ease in 17:03. Sophomore Katelynne Hart from Glenbard West has represented herself, her school, and the state of Illinois well during the state championship series. Hart continued her upward surge with a runner up finish over senior Olivia Theis of Lansing Catholic, MI. Hart edged the Midwest regional champ 17:22.5-17:22.6. Naperville North senior Sarah Schmitt completed her great cross country season with another top 10 finish by placing 8th in 17:56. Schmitt earned her second high All-American award for the second weekend in a row.
Sandburg senior Dylan Jacobs got the job done on the boys side Saturday afternoon when he executed his plan perfectly just after the midway point. He fought off a tough challenge from his friend and future U of Notre Dame teammate Danny Kilrea of Lyons Township. Jacobs dug deep inside the final mile to win comfortably in 15:19. 10th grader Graydon Morris of Aledo, TX was second in 15:23. Kilrea took third with a time of 15:27. The Illinois gravy train continued as Chicago Whitney Young senior Clayton Mendez closed with a furious kick to place 9th in 15:45.