The in-depth report right here tells it all
RESULTS I VIDEOS I PHOTOS
Peoria, IL-
The final girls' race of the day was by default to be a set up for history and greatness. First, Naperville North would be going for a record tieing fourth team championship in a row. The great Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West would be only the second big class girl to win four titles in a row if she completed the feat. The Mercury was at its apex which meant some serious times were about to unfold.
It was a happy occasion and swan song for the Hart as she finally got her race underway. She indicated that she knew that Tatum David (Fr.., Olney Richland County) ran a sizzling time from the morning. Many people may not know that they share some off-season coaching. But it didn't seem to matter to Hart who has been in hyped-up situations many times before.
Hart hit the first half-mile and mile in 2:30 and 5:09- reserved and smooth as she was already controlling the narrative.
As Hart began to pull away from the talented field, she did not seem concerned about any record-breaking process. Hart was not even on pace to run the fastest time of the day. She was five seconds off of David's 16:03 time half-way through in 7:50. With the state title in hand barring a complete breakdown, Hart strolled right along until she got over on the other side of Highway 29 with less than 3/4 of a mile remaining.
Hart shifted into another gear with about a half-mile to go when she realized that she might as well give the victory tour fans something to be excited about. Hart was in full stride along with some anguish on her face, she hit the finish line in 16:05- the second-fastest time of the day but it didn't matter because she won by over a half minute and approximately same margin as David did over her competitors in 2A.
Hart's competitors should be commended for stepping their game up as well. Sam Poglitsch (Jr., Wheaton-Warrenville South) is not just a miler- she has grown accustomed to being a great cross country runner. All season she put it out on the line for her team. The reward was a fleeting runner-up finish in 16:37.
1 | Katelynne Hart | 12 | Glenbard West High School | 16:05.80 | 1 | ||
2 | Samantha Poglitsch | 11 | Wheaton Warrenville South High School | 16:37.70 | 2 | ||
3 | Katrina Schlenker | 10 | Batavia High School | 16:40.30 | 3 | ||
4 | Aly Negovetich | 10 | Grant High School | 16:42.90 | 0 | ||
5 | Maggie Gamboa | 11 | Naperville North High School | 16:45.00 | 4 | ||
6 | Erin Reidy | 12 | Downers Grove South High School | 17:01.70 | 5 | ||
7 | Emma Watcke | 12 | Hinsdale Central High School | 17:02.50 | 6 | ||
8 | Audrey Mendrys | 11 | Naperville North High School | 17:03.80 | 7 | ||
9 | Kate Jortberg | 12 | Glenbrook South High School | 17:04.40 | 0 | ||
10 | Mckenna Revord | 12 | Hinsdale Central High School | 17:05.00 | 8 |
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One of the nation's best programs Naperville North came in with a purpose and job to do. Before any talk of going back to Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon next month, this team needed to take care of business here. Coach Dan Iverson has been at the helm for the entire length of this dynasty that has lasted virtually 10 years or more. The program was poised to win its fourth consecutive title and tenth overall.
The gun sounded off and the Huskies pack got into position right away. Maggie Gamboa (Jr.) has been the team ace all season long and she was at the head of the lead pack. Gamboa would hold on to place fifth in a time of 16:45. The team's second runner Audrey Mendrys (Jr.) came back alive at the right time to place eighth in 17:03- her best performance of the season. It was an easy money victory over Yorkville 90-142. The scoring average was 59 seconds which is national level stuff.
Yorkville stepped up at the right time squeezing past a good but surprising Hinsdale Central squad. The Foxes only got one all-stater in Helena Kleronomos (Jr.) who placed 17th in 17:10. The scoring spread of 41 seconds was the biggest difference.
Hinsdale Central was powered by its two-headed senior monsters Emma Watcke and Mckenna Revord. Both girls placed in the top ten to earn all-state honors.
1 | Naperville North High School | 90 | 4+7+22+25+32 (51+80) | 0:59 1-5 Split | 17:19 Avg | ||
2 | Yorkville High School | 142 | 12+29+30+35+36 (47+49) | 0:41 1-5 Split | 17:39 Avg | ||
3 | Hinsdale Central High School | 183 | 6+8+46+59+64 (69+150) | 1:08 1-5 Split | 17:41 Avg | ||
4 | Batavia High School | 207 | 3+19+37+70+78 (89+152) | 1:40 1-5 Split | 17:41 Avg | ||
5 | Downers Grove South High School | 226 | 5+9+38+71+103 (120+156) | 1:38 1-5 Split | 17:48 Avg | ||
6 | Glenbard West High School | 246 | 1+13+31+87+114 (134+164) | 2:41 1-5 Split | 17:38 Avg | ||
7 | Barrington High School | 251 | 14+18+41+79+99 (110+167) | 1:25 1-5 Split | 17:53 Avg |