Ben Crane navigates through the throngs of fans after winning his first state title
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2024 felt different than in past seasons.
Maybe that's because many of us knew Ben Crane was the prohibitive best distance runner entering the fray. After all, many great runners had graduated, and he enjoyed a stellar track season. He was ready to take the mantle. The New Trier senior chose his races accordingly and was awarded the spoils that come with victories.
The Brigham Young University-bound Crane clocked 14:03 to cruise to his first 3A title. In addition, he earned two All-American honors: NXN and Foot Locker, cementing his name among a select few from the state to earn accolades from both national championship meets.
The rest of the best: Finn Richards (Sr., Benet Academy), Chaz Oberkfell, Nicolai Martino (Sr., Winnebago), "Goob" Gabriel McLain (Sr., Benton), Thomas Jochum (So., Glenbard South), Evan Nosek (Sr., Kaneland), Grant Schroder (Sr., Downers Grove North), Philip Cupial (Jr., Downers Grove North), Joe Bregenzer (Sr., Barrington), Dylan Maloney (Sr., Plainfield South), Quinn Davis (Sr., Plainfield North), Rory Gaan (Sr., Palatine Fremd), Liam O'Connor (Sr., Oak Park-River Forest), Alexander Krieg (Jr., Palatine), Thomas Czerwinski (Jr., Plainfield North), Josiah Narayanan (Sr., Wheaton-Warrenville South)