I alway look forward to starting out the season at Lyons Township. My kids ran for LT from 1996 to 2004, so I've spent many mornings running around LT South cheering on runners. Unfortunately, my knee swelled up after our team run on Friday, so I hobbled around the course this year. The only disappointing thing on the day was that, due to new construction, the LT course had to undergo a major revision - resulting in a shorter course - with no way to compare to all those previous races.
The first boys race of the day was the Open race. We always tell the guys that this race sets the tone for the rest of the day - and the Sandburg boys did not disappoint. Setting the pace right from the start, Brady Walter was determined to win the Open race. He led from early on to bring home the first place medal in 14:59. Fellow senior Mike Brower was equally aggressive, shadowing Brady nearly the whole way to grab second place in 15:02. Matt Benz-Weeden overcame some earlier season struggles to finish 4th overall with a time of 15:06. Right behind in 5th place with a time of 15:08 was junior Anthony Lifonti who also ran tough despite some earlier issues. With the team needing a fifth scorer, the coaches & teammates were exhorting a pack of Sandburg runners to make a move. Senior Kyle Lahucik answered the call "big time", moving up from mid-race til the end to finish in 9th place overall with a time of 15:34.
With those great efforts, the Eagles outdistanced the field with a first place team total of 21 points over Lyons Township (34 points). Complete results are here.
The team scoring was equally impressive with the Eagles taking first place with 29 points over a strong Lyons Township team in second with 49. Varsity results are here.
Overall, the Frosh team was the runner up with 58 points - just edged out by Lyons Township's 51 points. Frosh results are here.
Wrapping up a very successful day (two teams in first & two teams in 2nd) the sophs took home the second place trophy with 87 points - with Lyons ahead with 46. Soph results are here.