But my favorite thing about this meet is that it gives some of our runners an opportunity to step up and run into the spotlight. In recent years, we've taken to resting some of our top runners - "resting" really isn't the right word since they run a very challenging workout of their own on this Saturday morning at the Palos Forest Preserves. This year, we had eight of our better runners sitting out the race. And as part of the tradition, after their workout these runners stop off at Dunkin' Donuts on their way over to the meet and bring coffee and donuts for the coaches. As you can see from the picture, we like coffee and donuts!
The balance of the team was ready to race this morning. It was a bit chilly as the meet got rolling, and the course had a few soggy spots. First up was the Frosh/Soph race. Freshman Nick Gonsch led the Eagles with an eighth place finish in 17:42. Sophomore Danny Papan (14th in 18:00) and frosh Brendan Duffy (15th in 18:01) were next. Soph Alejandro Claure went out aggressively and held on for 18th place in 18:07 and was followed by fellow soph Josh Nolan (18:15) in 21st place. After 5 runners, Sandburg and Libertyville were tied for first with 76 points. The tiebreaker came down to the sixth runner and Sandburg soph Ben Cachares (18:25) finished in 28th position - and ahead of the next Libertyville runner. Freshman Michael Scott wrapped up the race for the Eagles in 30th (18:31). Great job by the Frosh/Soph team to bring home the first place trophy. Complete results are here.
In the final standings, the Eagles blitzed the field with 25 points over second place Hinsdale South and their total of 77. Complete results are here.