Boys cross country: Huntley's Smith a 3-time medalist
PEORIA - Huntley senior Keagan Smith is no stranger to the IHSA state cross country meet, in fact he is very familiar with Detweiller Park, the home to the state meet.
Smith had earned two consecutive state medals the past two seasons and the Red Raider kept his streak going by adding a third with a 20th place finish on a cool and sunny day at the Class 3A state finals.
Smith navigated the state course crossing the finish line in 14:44 in securing his third consecutive medal.
"It's definitely an accomplishment," said Smith of his three-year run. "It's nice for the school and it's kind of cool to leave a legacy."
Smith entered the meet with a bit of momentum after winning the West Aurora sectional last Saturday despite two falls in a driving rain.
The Red Raider senior hung close to the lead pack heading into the final mile, but couldn't quite switch gears when the leaders made their separation. He closed hard in the final 400 meters to cement his state medal.
"I've had better days," said Smith, who entered the meet as one of the Class 3A state contenders. "I just didn't have the same close. I wished it would have ended differently, maybe a little higher up, but it happens."
Sandburg won the Class 3A title with 79 points, followed by Lyons Township (188 points). Neuqua Valley (171 points) earned the third place trophy on a sixth-place tiebreaker with York (171 points) settling for fourth place followed by Lake Zurich (207 points).
Buffalo Grove senior Kevin Salvano won the Class 3A individual title crossing the line in 14:20, with York sophomore Charlie Kern (14:22), Sandburg senior Sean Torpy (14:25), Hinsdale Central junior Blake Evertsen (14:26), and Lake Zurich junior Matt Pereira (14:29) rounding out the top five.
Mike Gerkin (15:08) and Mark Sciurba (15:13) finished 53rd and 67th in help St. Charles East secure 11th place with 320 points.
Sophomore Michael Ronzone (15:06) finished in 50th place aiding Marmion Academy's push for 14th place with 384 points.
Class 2A: Kaneland sophomore Matt Richtman made good in his first appearance at the Class 2A state meet, earning a medal with an 18th place finish.
Richtman used a solid start and then held his position tight in crossing the line in 15:04 for the Knights, a new school record.
"I went out there pretty fast," said Richtman of the first mile. "I was a little surprised with my mile time, but I stuck with it. It was really enjoyable to come down and compete with my teammates."
Kaneland finished in 17th place with 390 points.
Grayslake Central cruised to the Class 2A title with 54 points, followed by Mahomet Seymour (121 points) and Yorkville (150 points).
Grayslake Central junior Jack Aho won the individual Class 2A title in 14:25.
Hampshire junior Jacob Oury (15:14) looked impressive finishing in 31st place for the Whip-Purs.
Class 1A: Andrew Dobrescu (16:05) finished in 53rd place in leading Harvest Christian to 10th place with 317 points.
Aurora Christian's Tanner Chada finished in 31st place.
Oakwood senior Jon Davis won the Class 1A title with the fastest boys time of the day, denting the finish line in 14:00.
Tolono won the Class 1A team title with 30 points, followed by Shelbyville (124 points) and St. Joe-Ogdon (145 points).