Tatum David Goes Coast To Coast In 2A Girls Final

The action began to heat up throughout each successive race at Detweiller Park

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Peoria IL-

The 2A classification has always been a gumbo sort of deal since the addition of a third class in 2009. It seems as though the middle of the road talent and teams get shuffled around quite a bit once they taste success. The great Yorkville programs started here and then dominated before being elevated to 3A. Some other schools due to enrollment or success factors have either came or depart. 

Such was the case for Lisle (Benet Academy), Chicago (St. Ignatius), and Oak Park (Fenwick)- all who have competed in 3A. The regulars such as Chicago (Latin), Belvidere North, and Vernon Hills were all looking to earn a trophy. And even emerging power Lakes, Prairie Ridge, and Crystal Lake South wanted in on the action.

Benet Academy went to work against the field putting four runners near the front of the pack in the opening half-mile. St. Ignatius also did the same with three of its own. From that point on, it was hard to see who was coming and going with the array of diversion tactics played (new uniforms for the occasion) or some others not playing well. Defending champ Belvidere North was a considerable distance off. Latin had some issues with the back of its pack nowhere near the top half.

But as always it comes down to how all five to seven runners perform under the stress of the final mile and Benet Academy was marvelous. The Red Wings took control as Emily Spellman (Jr.) and Meaghan Andrews (Jr.) with all-state performances, but more importantly, they placed in the top 10 scoring-wise to thwart any attack from Lakes or Prairie Ridge. It was a comfortable win for the Redwings who placed 12th in 3A last year and will be participating in that top shelf league along with Lakes and third place Prairie Ridge for track and field. 

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