(Photos courtesy of palatinecc.net)
I just want to start this blog off with introducing myself to those who do not know me. My name is Anthony Gregorio and I am currently a senior at Palatine High School, I placed 18th in the Illinois state cross country meet, 28th at the NXN Midwest qualifier, and 75th at the NXN meet out in Portland. I was our 2nd man that day and our team ended up taking 5th by only 2 points ahead of American Fork XC Club. There were many good teams there and it was nice to finally know where we stood among the best.
About three weeks ago, we placed 3rd at the NXN qualifier in Terre Haute, Indiana. Since only the top two teams are chosen as automatic bids, we had to rely on the committees vote for the second straight year. We believed we had a very good shot at getting an at-large bid to Portland, because we had beat York three times that season and they earned an automatic qualifier. We trained those three weeks prior to selection like we were going to Portland, and luckily we got the call. Though many people doubted what we were capable of due to our close performances in the Illinois state series, we went off to Portland with the thought we could win. The way our coaches told us to approach the race was we had a spot on the line; therefore, we had a chance to win. We were happy to be there, but all weekend long we had to keep our focus on what we wanted and were there for.
Though the race was the main reason we were there, Nike planned out a whole weekend of fun. The day we got there we were able to hang out at Nike headquarters. We were 
fortunate enough to get a quick run in and check out the whole campus. We witnessed the end to a Galen Rupp and Mo Farah workout, ran a few laps on the Michael Johnson track, and talked to Alberto Salazar. It was amazing to be able to meet people at the top of the running ladder, and know one day they were in our shoes. Also, we were able to eat dinner with Simon Bairu, the Canadian record holder in the 10k. The next night, we got to meet and get autographs from numerous pros and hear about what its like to be professionals. Nike did a very good job of distracting us from the pressure of the weekend. After all the fun times we had at Nike and in the hotel, it was finally race day.
fortunate enough to get a quick run in and check out the whole campus. We witnessed the end to a Galen Rupp and Mo Farah workout, ran a few laps on the Michael Johnson track, and talked to Alberto Salazar. It was amazing to be able to meet people at the top of the running ladder, and know one day they were in our shoes. Also, we were able to eat dinner with Simon Bairu, the Canadian record holder in the 10k. The next night, we got to meet and get autographs from numerous pros and hear about what its like to be professionals. Nike did a very good job of distracting us from the pressure of the weekend. After all the fun times we had at Nike and in the hotel, it was finally race day.
We lined the starting line and said our last words. We were going to go for broke and that’s exactly what we did. We went out hard like we do best, and hung on for as long as we could. The race was the most difficult and fun thing I have ever been part of. Placing 5th was unbelievable and I could not be any happier with the outcome. If we can place fifth at the national meet as an at-large bid, it speaks volumes to the strength of Illinois cross-country. Overall it was a great experience and we are proud to bring Palatine to the next level.
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