Never be satisfied until the task is complete. This is an accurate description of Glenbard West sophomore Katelynne Hart. Hart has been a dominate force all season among her instate foes. Nationally, Hart has been just as intimidating with 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 2nd place finishes. In getting second here in California meant Hart needed to exercize continued patience against another incredible field.
Defending champion junior Claudia Lane of Malibu, CA would take no prisoners with a break-a-way from the field just after the first half mile. Lane hit the first mile in 5:17- more than 13 seconds ahead of the field. She maintained about the same margin at two miles in 10:57 before easily winning in 17:03. Hart and Olivia Theis of Lansing Catholic, MI battled together for virtually the entire race. Both girls hit the second mile in 11:13 and appeared to assist one another on the uphills and downhills. The final verdict was track speed to the finish for a narrow runner up time over Theis 17:22.5-17:22.6. Hart's placement equals the best ever finish for an Illinois girl.
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.
"Team scores"
Midwest2-3-7-8-9-10-24= 29
Northeast4-5-12-13-14-15-16= 48
South6-11-17-19-26-27-28= 79
West1-18-20-21-22-23-25= 82
Hart edged MW regional champion Olivia Theis for second (Clark Kranz photo)
