It was apparent from the moment they stepped onto the Detweiller turf that Dixon was destined to win a state title.
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The sport of Cross-Country running and its participants have often been labeled as boring and bland to the general sports fan. In most cases, that is a true statement. But here comes the Dukes of Dixon, a collection of happy-go-lucky teenagers who chose the sport of long-distance running. When you enter their team camp, it's usually dance or uptempo music on the dial. Maybe it's the confidence or bravado the Dukes exhibit that catches your attention, but it makes this sport fun to watch
The starting seven of Dean Geiger (Jr), Averick Wiseman (Jr), Keegan Shirley (Sr), Ethan Carter (Fr), Westin Conatser (Sr), Abram Garcia (Fr), and Alonzo Bautista (Fr) were not preseason #1 by MileSplit IL. This talent, but unproven, made their angst known through a series of trolling, send-off men mentions, and social media fan messengers to let the powers that be know that the Dukes were the kings of 2A. It was the fiery hot second half of the season that propelled them into the top spot.
Coming into Peoria, the eyes were on the Dukes as well as several other teams by way of Deerfield, Morton, Mahomet-Seymour, and Peoria (Notre Dame).
Geiger and Wiseman got out well and established the tone for the rest of the scoring pack. The Dukes led at the first mile with 87 points. It was a 12-second scoring spread, which is a coach's dream!
Among the massive pack of runners that traversed through the first mile were Max Weber (Sr., Civic Memorial) and Carson Kaiser (So., Maple Park Kaneland) in 4:41.
The pace stayed comfortable through the next checkpoint, which was the 1.5-mile breakpoint. Quaid Berger (So., Richland County) was the official leader in 7:07.
At the second mile, it was still anyone's race; this time, Thomas Jochum (Jr., Glenbard West) was in front at 9:30.2. He was hardly in control as nearly a dozen runners were within six seconds.
Geiger, Shirley, and Wiseman were among the top 25 in the scoring department for the Dukes. Their team score ballooned slightly to 106 points. Fortunately for them, it didn't hurt them as Mahomet-Seymour remained at 147 with one mile left.
Weber indicated that his final launch zone was the 1000m, but he was not comfortable with that plan. He called a mental audible and moved with 600m. He ditched Kaiser, Jochum, and Berger but not Gabriel Greer (Jr., Marion). Greer is a quiet guy with a big heart.
Weber's kick proved too smooth as he darted up the incline and checked his shoulders for reassurance. The victory was his in 14:08. Greer enjoyed an excellent consolation prize- 14:10. Kaiser was third in 14:12. The fourth finisher welcomed Jochum in 14:15, and Berger closed out the top five in 14:18.
Dixon executed their plan like a masterpiece, with all five scorers among the top 50, ending the show with 115 points. Geiger and Wiseman were 14th and 20th overall to earn all-state honors.
It was apparent from the moment they stepped onto the Detweiller turf that Dixon was destined to win a state title.
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The sport of Cross-Country running and its participants have often been labeled as boring and bland to the general sports fan. In most cases, that is a true statement. But here comes the Dukes of Dixon, a collection of happy-go-lucky teenagers who chose the sport of long-distance running. When you enter their team camp, it's usually dance or uptempo music on the dial. Maybe it's the confidence or bravado the Dukes exhibit that catches your attention, but it makes this sport fun to watch
The starting seven of Dean Geiger (Jr), Averick Wiseman (Jr), Keegan Shirley (Sr), Ethan Carter (Fr), Westin Conatser (Sr), Abram Garcia (Fr), and Alonzo Bautista (Fr) were not preseason #1 by MileSplit IL. This talent, but unproven, made their angst known through a series of trolling, send-off men mentions, and social media fan messengers to let the powers that be know that the Dukes were the kings of 2A. It was the fiery hot second half of the season that propelled them into the top spot.
