Conant's Dale 2nd in a classic state race
PEORIA - From the start of the boys cross country season all signs pointed toward an epic battle for the Class 3A state title between McHenry senior Jesse Reiser and Conant senior Zach Dale.
And the race proved to be instant classic.
On a clear and crisp fall afternoon Reiser and Dale separated from a cluster of five and locked horns in the final 800 meters, with Reiser using one final surge with 400 meters remaining to secure the state championship in 14 minutes, 10 seconds at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
Dale couldn't match Reiser's uphill sprint, taking second in 14:20 and holding off up and coming Lake Zurich sophomore Matt Pereira (14:21).
Downers Grove North senior Ryan Clevenger (14:23) set the pace early before holding onto a fourth-place finish, followed by Buffalo Grove junior Kevin Salvano (14:26).
"I'm extremely happy knowing I got second to Jesse, knowing I put it all out there," said Dale, who pushed the McHenry senior to his limit. "I had nothing left at the end."
Dale, who finished fourth in Class 3A last season and won his second consecutive Mid-Suburban League title this fall, was in a pack of five after the second mile. The pack included Reiser, Clevenger, Pereira, and Salvano.
But Reiser and Dale made their move with 800 meters remaining. Reiser then showed the same kick that won him the Schaumburg sectional over Dale that closed the deal.
"I knew it was time to go, but I just didn't have the push at the end," added Dale.
"They keep having these battles and to Jesse's credit he keeps coming out on top," said Conant coach John Powers. "We came in with a plan and the goal was to be the top guy. It's kind of tough immediately after the race, but it doesn't slight Zach's effort."
Reiser finished second in Class 3A last season, then won the 3,200-meter title in track last spring. The McHenry senior entered the fall as the favorite, but Dale, who earned two state track medals, also entered the season with expectations that were just as high.
Dale used a strong summer of training eyeing his eventual matchup with Reiser, and despite falling a bit short the Cougar senior was all positive after the race.
"All the work was worth it," said Dale, "I was able to leave it all on the course today."
"It was a classic battle," added Powers. "You have to like what Zach did in the postseason and you have to like his effort today. This race will be remembered down the line."
Hinsdale Central won its second consecutive Class 3A title with 104 points followed by Sandburg (138 points), with Lyons Township (180 points) nipping Neuqua Valley (181 points) for third.
Buffalo Grove's Salvano may have not had the hype of the two front-runners, but the Bison junior didn't back down on Saturday earning his second consecutive state medal.
Salvano clung with the lead pack for over two miles and showed he will be a force in 2015. The Bison junior finished second in the MSL and took fourth at the Schaumburg sectional.
"I stuck with these same guys through the sectional and it was such a cool atmosphere," said Salvano of his top five pursuit. "It was the same thing today. I stayed confident the whole race and I'm already thinking about next year."
Hersey senior David Rodriguez (14:38) was also in hot pursuit of the lead group. The Huskies' senior flowed from the back to challenge the leaders before earning his second state medal with a 10th place finish.
"I'm very happy with the outcome of this race," said Rodriguez, who capped a sterling career including leading his team to two consecutive MSL titles. "This was my last race of the season and I wanted to give it my all."
Palatine senior Graham Brown also finished on a strong note. The Pirate senior finished seventh in Class 3A last season and overcame a broken nose suffered this past Tuesday to earn a 16th place finish Saturday.
"The broken nose did not affect me, maybe just a little in the mental preparation," said Brown, who crossed the line in 14:44. "I was happy with how long I stuck in."
Hersey entered the state meet on a roll after winning the MSL title, Hoffman Estates regional title, and Schaumburg sectional title and the Huskies kept rolling on Saturday taking eighth place with 252 points.
Rodriguez led the charge and was supported by senior Kevin Ziegenhorn (61st), sophomore Jacob Krupa (78th), senior Josh Plischke (88th), and senior Grant von der Lippe (89th).
"Last year we couldn't crack the top ten," added Rodriguez, whose team's 11th place 2013 team finish fueled this year's attack. "This year we came into this meet like it was any other meet. Top ten - we're very happy."
Junior Alex Maher (83rd) and senior Kyle Monahan (85th) powered Barrington to 21st place.
Junior Bryan Gamboa led Hoffman Estates' effort helping the Hawks secure 24th place.
Class 2A: St. Viator qualified for its third consecutive Class 2A meet and the Lions finished in 26th place.
Yorkville won its second consecutive Class 2A title with 105 points followed by Mahomet-Seymour (134 points) and Illiana Christian (172 points).
Yorkville senior Jake Hoffert (14:30) finished one second ahead of his twin brother Luke (14:31) to earn the Class 2A individual title.
Class 1A: Monticello won the Class 1A title with 91 points followed by Elmwood (143 points) and Rockford Christian (157 points).
Fithian Oakwood's Jon Davis ran away with the Class 1A individual title crossing the line in 14:19.