by Jeremy Borling
LaVern Gibson Championship XC Course, Terre Haute, IN
November 17, 2013
States Included: IL, IN, OH, MI, MO
Weather: 67 degrees, cloudy, WINDY (29 mph winds)
Not-So-Quick Thoughts
Before we even knew how the individual or team results netted out, the coaches were very proud and impressed by how this team competed. The competition was tough and the weather and course conditions were even tougher. With an uphill start run through standing water and into a 30 mph headwind, times as an indicator of performance went out the window. The only thing you had to rely on was each other. You fought your way through a crowded field to establish your positions, moved up in the middle of the race, then fought once more to maintain your ground. Man for man, you ran with purpose and showed your grit.
We arrived with three goals: to have fun, to gain experience, and to compete hard. Those missions were accomplished in impressive fashion.
Most importantly, the coaches could not have been more impressed with how this team conducted itself throughout the entire week, and especially the weekend. You had fun, maintained your focus and made the experience count. You represented the CSHS cross country family with great pride and respect.
Results
Open Race
· Matt Benz-Weeden, 20th, 17:52.7
o Notes: Maybe the gutsiest race of the day. You set the tone for the rest of the team by putting yourself into contention and very nearly bridged the gap to the lead pack by mid-race before ultimately grinding out an impressive top 20 finish. As mentioned, this was not a typical Open race, as there were a number of “A” teams who stacked the deck to go for a team win.
· David Gleisner, 78th, 18:24.8
o Notes: You gained valuable big meet experience and laid it on the line. Ran a great team race by keying off of Benz early in the race and battling all the way to the finish.
Championship Race:
1. Carmel Distance Alliance 103 pts; 2. AMDG TC 120 pts; 3. The Dale (Hinsdale Central) 199 pts; 4. Columbus Thorn Distance Club 207 pts; 5. Celtic Running Club 246 pts; 6. Kroy (York) 251 pts; 7. Davidson XC 251 pts; 8. Northern Grove Distance Project (DGN) 282 pts; 9. Mason Track Club 332 pts.; 10. LTRC (Lyons) 341 pts; 11. Sheridan Athletic Club (New Trier) 395 pts; 12. O’Fallon Running Club (O’Fallon) 399 pts; 13. Sandburg XC 399 points; 14. RunHersey (Hersey) 423 pts; 15. Naperville South (Neuqua Valley) 486 pts
· Will Becker, 56th, 17:04.5
· Sean Torpy, 80th, 17:18.0
· Justin Adams, 82nd, 17:18.7
· Chris Torpy, 93rd, 17:22.1
· Tom Brennan, 108th, 17:25.2
· Martin Skucas, 147th, 17:44.0
· Dan Laskero, 188th, 17:57.1
· Max Lehnhardt, 214th, 18:09.8
o Notes: In a race that Illinois dominated with 9 of the top 15 teams, we were in line with our State meet finish (7th IL school), albeit with a shuffled lineup. You perfectly executed the strategy by getting out hard (but smart), establishing your position and keying off one another, moving up in the middle, and fighting all the way to the finish. Will, you were a leader all week long and you continued that role on race day by running as a strong point man for the team. Your teammates and your NXN coaches benefitted greatly from your leadership. JJ, you were a man on a mission all weekend and it showed in your race day performance. It was the performance of the day, and a great way to cap of your senior XC campaign! Returning runners, you gained incredible experience for the future. This year you were in the hunt. Next year you will lead the hunt.
Here are the complete race results.