2A-
[Girls]
The talk was about the individual race and how the match-up between Becca Heitzig (Sr., Lincoln) and "Sunny" Sundara Weber (So., Sandwich) could be the day's race. There was a pack of about seven girls in the opening half-mile in 2:35, and later, with Natalie Bierbaum (So., Normal U) joining them, the first mile was 5:37.
Heitzig, Bierbaum, and Weber entered the back loop in unison and exited similarly. Heitzig and Bierbaum surged away from Weber right before the second mile in 11:19. The team battle was too close to call with a mile remaining.#1 Grayslake Central was in a vicious dogfight, and it appeared too close for comfort.
In what turned out to be the slowest race of the day, but perhaps more methodical, Heitzig was able to churn out a victory and hold off a pesky Bierbaum for the win 17:01-17:05. Weber, who ran on an island inside the final mile, took third in 17:24.
It was a mild upset, but #2 Chatham-Glenwood won with a strong push 117-126.
[Boys]
This race featured some unknown qualities coming in. The last time Ethan Hogan (Sr., Columbia) and Dale Johnson (Sr., Sterling) faced off, Hogan won 9:02 to 9:08 in the spring spectacular state 3200m championship. Johnson was lathered after winning his first two competitions easily. Hogan, on the other hand, had yet to compete. The field team battle would feature the top three teams, led by #1 Chicago (St. Ignatius).
As expected, Hogan and Johnson bolted out to a fast and furious start, hitting the opening half-mile close to 2:10. The first mile was just as fast in 4:33, 4:34- Hogan and Johnson- more than 12 seconds ahead of the field.
Entering the "Bermuda Triangle," Johnson and Hogan had their horns locked together. Johnson took the lead over Hogan just before the second mile, but it was clear that Hogan was a bit gassed. On the other hand, Johnson had one more surge left in him. It was just a matter of time before he would unleash it.
The final 1200m of the race was all Johnson and Hogan began to fade badly. Johnson trotted home in a big PB 14:28 (#2 merged time of the day). Trey Sato (Sr., Grayslake Central) took second in 14:43. A disappointed Hogan came home in fifth place with a time of 14:59.
St. Ignatius did not have two starters, but they did finish seventh. Even if the Wolfpack were fully loaded, overcoming Glenbard South's strong effort that netted 112 points would have been difficult.