Cross Country comes to an end after an amazing season for both the girls and boys teams. The girls’ record was 4-0 and the boys was 3-1. These scores do not include the invitationals, which make up most of the season. The boys’ team did not advance to the sectional meet, but the girls’ team made it not only to the sectional, but to the state meet as well. This achievement has not happened since 2004. This was only the third time that the girls’ team has ever qualified for state, the first being in 1990. The state meet was held in Peoria at Detweiller Park on November 8.
The girls prepared for the state meet by keeping their legs fresh but continuing to work hard. This means that Coach VanBebber tapered the workouts. The amount of distance was decreased, but the intensity remained at a high level. They also mentally prepared for the meet. Emma Chelsvig, a senior captain, placed an impressive 19th place in the state race. She says that being all-state was the best part of her last cross country season with JHS. She said, “I knew I had the potential to be in the top 25, but I had doubted my ability after a bad race at sectionals.” Chelsvig also holds the school record for the girls’ fastest time in the three-mile race.
Overall, Coach VanBebber is “very pleased and proud” of their season. He mentions that the team put in hard work and has improved immensely. He is looking forward to next season despite the fact that they will have to replace eight seniors (five girls and three boys). He has several good runners returning next season, and the team has potential if they work hard over the summer. The question of next season is who will step up and fill the leadership role.