Illinois Collective Finishes XC Season Well At FL Nationals

San Diego, CA-

The pinnacle of a long prep cross-country season ended at the legendary Balboa Park for 40 girls and boys. The land of Lincoln was well represented by Kate Foltz (Jr., Tuscola), Ben Crane (Sr., New Trier), and Philip Cupial (Jr., Downers Grove North).

Foltz kicked things off in the girl's race, participating in her first national-level competition. Taking part in the lavish festivities leading up to the championship must have been a joy for Foltz. She got out well, positioning her among the elite crop at the first mile in 5:24.

The second mile became tough for Foltz as a series of rugged hills, twists, and turns dropped her from fifth to 19th over the next final. Foltz could have disappeared like so many first-time performers have in the past, but she persevered. 

The result was a very respectable 16th place in 18:20.

How would the boys do? 

Crane and Cupial had competed in the Nike Cross Nationals a weekend before, and certainly, they would be tired from back-to-back weekends of traveling.

Crane had an advantage over opponents in non-Pacific time zones, as he could train on the West Coast before the race. Cupial went home to rethink and recharge.

Crane started extremely well, leading the charge in a comfortable opening mile, 4:48. Cupial was considerably back, in 35th place, with a time of 4:53.

Crane dropped three spots in the second mile to 10:04, and Cupial picked up three runners to run 10:18. 

The grueling last mile captivated everyone back home who watched the two young men compete at the top level. 

Crane strolled home in sixth with a time of 15:42 and earned first-time All-American honors.

Cupial ran one of the best cross country races in his career, picking up 22 places in the final mile to finish 10th in 15:46!

Great job to the IL contingent!