Defending champs prevail at less than their best

Font Size

Email

Bookmark

Black Text

White Text

SUGAR GROVE-- Even the best teams can have an off day.

That's precisely what happened to defending 3A state champion Geneva Saturday during the Blackhawk Stampede at Waubonsee Community College.

And while the Vikings were not all together happy with their individual performances, coach Bob Thomson's seasoned squad once again proved depth is the key to its success, by winning the invitational team title with 73 points.

"Some of them are upset about their places," Thomson said. "But for the most part, they had personal bests today. That's what we strive for at the end of the season...I don't ever want them hanging their heads if they have had personal bests."

The Vikings were able to outpace and close the gap on Sandburg, Hoffman Estates and Bartlett -- all of which had strong lead packs -- by finishing strong through the middle of their lineup.

"Everyone finished strong today," said junior Kelly Shogren, who finished 55th.

Geneva was led by sophomore Kelly Whitley, who finished second to Bartlett's Alyssa Schneider, in a time of 17 minutes, 36.2 seconds after picking herself up twice off a slippery course and finishing with a strong kick.

"If you are going to have a little adversity, it is better to have it at a meet like this (not a state-qualifying race)," reasoned Thomson.

But it was the tight Viking pack of Sarah Heuer, Liza Tauscher and Tess Ehrhardt that made the difference by finishing 13 through 15. The trio crossed the finish line within four seconds of one another.

"Our team did awes ome," Shogren said.

Also running for Geneva were Myra Yelle, who scored with her 31st-place finish, and Meghan Heuer (43rd).

Sandburg finished second with 73 points, followed by Hoffman Estates 141, Bartlett 142 and Naperville Central 173.

Proving she could run with the top runners in state, Oswego East freshman Ariel Michalek finished in a time of 18:05.3 to place seventh.

"I am really excited," said a winded Michalek.

"I just paced myself...usually people get tired and I kept passing people trying to get a good place and time."

Also earning a spot in the Top 25 was Batavia junior Alexis Sampson, who finished 22nd.

"I had a little bit left at the end," she said, "and I knew I could catch a few girls at the end. I kept my eyes open and went after them."

Western Sun Conference rival Yorkville was led by Ester Bell's 28th-place finish, while Elisia Meyle placed 41st to pace West Aurora. The top scorer for Rosary was Kelly Keiffer in 54th.

Laurel Skorup finished 81st to pace Sandwich and East Aurora was led by Mary Navarro's 111th place finish.

Many of these same teams will meet here on October 25th for the 3A Regional.

"It's nice to run here," Sampson said. "It's a really great course."

Girls Cross Country: Blackhawk Stampede