1A: Unity Girls Repeat, Depaul Prep Boys Win 1st Title

The girls race kicked things off in grand style like the state championship always does

RESULTS I PHOTOS I VIDEOS

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From the opening gun, it was very clear that weather conditions would play a very ominous role in determining the outcome of the races. The girls led off the first of six races and were hit by a deluge of steady rain and wind. For those that were able to survive, it will be a moment etched into their conscience for years to come. 

After an opening mile that was not very fast followed by a sluggish first half in 8:30. Among the leaders were Mabry Bruhn (Sr., Monticello), Sundara Weber (Fr., Sandwich), Ahry Comer (Jr., Pope County), Molly Farrell (Fr., Marshall), and Louisa Wilson (So., Williamsville). 

Over the next quarter-mile, Bruhn put on a surge and opened up a slight gap against her peers. With just the "S" turn remaining and a sea of umbrellas en route to the finish line, Bruhn coasted home in 17:08 for the win. It was a significant jump from last year when she placed ninth in 17:56. Weber passed Wilson a few meters before the finish line to take second 17:26-17:27. Kennady Anderson (Jr., Kewanee-Weathersfield) moved up from seventh inside of the final mile to finish fourth in 17:45. It was a huge drop for Anderson who was known more for her middle-distance prowess on the track. Farrell closed out the top five in 17:47.

The team battle was as academic as it could get. The top-ranked Rockets were hardly pressed in the race, leading big through the first two miles. Mackenzie Pound (Fr) led the way in 11th place

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