Cary-Grove’s pack shines at county
On the surface, cross country seems to be the ultimate individual sport with little team ramifications.
Cary-Grove girls cross country coach Mark Anderson certainly doesn’t adhere to that philosophy.
“We’ve had one all-stater since I have been here, but we usually have great depth great leadership and great team chemistry,” said the 11th-year Trojans coach. “We believe in pack running and the girls buy into that..”
Cary-Grove’s team concepts were certainly on display at Saturday’s non-team scoring McHenry County meet held at Huntley High School.
Junior Sarah Englund was the Trojans’ top runner with a 14th place finish in the 3-mile race.
Then, the Trojans’ pack running took effect as they grabbed places 20 through 25. Talia Duzey placed 20th, followed by Kathie Wollney, Anne McGarrigle, Natasha
Geiger-Powell, Paige Freund and Gretchen Price.
“For a first race of the season the girls really ran well and we ran well as a pack,” said Anderson. “We have a lot of depth again this season and we will improve as the season goes on.”
Crystal Lake Central’s Kelly McNeely grabbed individual honors with a 3-mile time of 18:08.5, which is a course record.
Huntley freshman Kelly Meehlieb didn’t let the nerves of her first varsity race hinder her performance. Meehleib was fifth in a clocking of 19:22.5.
“I was very nervous being my first varsity race,” said Meehlieb. “The weather was a little warm, but I felt I ran well.”
Teammate Emily Kahl joined Meehlieb in the Top 15 with a 13th place finish. Other Red Raiders who were in the Top 50 included Sara Scarbro (17th), Amy Kahl
(26th), Beth Parks (27th), McKenna Moffett (35th), and Delaney Loprieno (47th).
Jacobs placed three runners in the Top 10 with Lauren VanVlierbergen (7th), Samantha Baran (9th) and Kayla Giuliano (10th). Tiffany Johnson (32nd) and Courtney Eubanks (33rd) were also in the Top 50 for the Golden Eagles.
Crystal Lake South’s top runner was Sara Lejsner with a 39th place finish while Alyssa Walker placed 43rd.