Peoria Invitational puts cap on trilogy series

1A/2A Girls

Expectations on the individual side heading into this race were really up in the air. With no clear favorite, Normal University senior Delaney Fitzgerald would take advantage. Her finishing time of 17:59.8 might not be her fastest effort of the season, but with the humid conditions, it was impressive. Isabella Gonzalez of Crystal Lake South and Bella Daley of Oak Park (Fenwick) would follow closely behind. Team-wise this race was dead even. Crystal Lake South and Chatham Glenwood would tie for the win. Dunlap came into this race ranked second in the state, so a little disappointment with the third-place finish. 

1A/2A Boys

This race was all Carbondale's Alex Partlow. Heading into Saturday the slight favorite was Limestone's Wilson Georges, and it seemed even if someone was able to keep up with him it would be a close race. This proved to be false as Partlow took control early and did not let go. Finishing with a time of 14:23.8, which is good for the third-best time in the entire state of Illinois. Even with the struggles Georges may have had he still finished with a solid time of 14:43.8, good for second place. On the team side, Morton may have regained its crown as the top 2A boy's team with a narrow victory over Fenwick. 

3A Girls 

A big statement win by Downers Grove South as they took home both the team and individual win. Now finally at full strength, this team looked strong. It might not have been the strongest field, but with a win over Maine South, Downers Grove South looks like a top ten team. The Mustangs would not only grab the individual win with the return of senior Sophia McNerney, but they would also grab second with freshman Holly Johnson. Unranked Edwardsville would take home the third-place finish. 

3A Boys

Arguably the main event and it did not disappoint. At mile one the eventual top five finishers were already in position, coming through at around 4:53. By mile two that same group began to pull away from the field, with a time at about 9:45. With 800 to go the race was still up for grabs no one had really taken over. But this would change with the final straightaway as Nick Falk of New Trier would pull away and win with a time of 14:23.1. Warren senior Luke Wiley's big season continues as he grabs second only two seconds behind Faulk. Edwardsville's Ryan Watts would round out the top three with a 14:28.8. On the team side, the competition was a little less exciting as Sandburg would take home a dominant win.