York turns it on

York doesn't really need to make too much of a statement in boys cross country. After all, the Dukes' 26 state titles speak volumes.

But after finishing second in Class 3A last season, York felt the need to clear its throat.

And the Dukes did that in its retro uniforms, storming to the Palatine Invite title on splendid Saturday morning with 59 points at Deer Grove East.

Senior Steve Sulkin (14:20.2) and senior Jordan Herbert (14:21) gave the Dukes a 1-2 punch, finishing 1st and 2nd to easily outdistance second place Lyons (117 points), and third place Palatine (135 points).

Sulkin and Herbert worked stride for stride down the home stretch and in a field that featured seven of the top 15 teams in state.

"We wanted to make a statement," said Sulkin who finished fifth in Class 3A last season. "We were kind of antsy to run our first invite. I think we're back."

Junior Andrew Smith (14:47) took ninth place to give York three runners in the top 10. Junior Kush Sangha (14:58.9) added a 16th-place finish with senior David Way (15:14.3) adding a 31st-place finish to pace a talented Duke squad.

"Hopefully were headed to the top and bring back state in 2008," added Herbert of the Dukes goal. "We have good team unity and depth, hopefully we'll make it happen."

Palatine had three runners in the top 25 in securing third place. Junior Chano Bernardo (14:39.2) took eighth to lead the Pirates' charge.

"I think we have a lot of work to do," said Bernardo of his team, which finished second at the Peoria Notre Invite last weekend. "The plan was to do well, but it didn't work out - but I think we'll improve."

Junior Alec Bollman (14:57.6) and senior Tom Laskowske (15:08.8) added a 14th- and 25th-place finish for a developing Pirates squad.

"We ran OK," said Palatine coach Chris Quick of his team's performance. "It's good to get third in a loaded field, but our kids always want more. All these teams are pretty close to each other in terms of ability and talent, we're trying to emerge from that mix."

Senior Max Clink (14:51.4) finished in 11th to lead St. Charles North (154 points) to fourth place. Senior Steven Miller (15:07.1) and senior Todd Vankerkhoff (15:07.6) added to the North Stars attack by taking 21st and 22nd place.

Clink sat out last season due to a broken left ankle but the senior looked strong on Saturday.

"To be honest I'm just starting to feel strong again," said Clink, who led an impressive North Star performance. "I'm definitely happy especially with the amount of points we scored. We're really satisfied with the results, but I think the best is yet to come."

Senior Gerardo Perez (14:33.3) took sixth place and junior Andrew Morrison (15:04) added an 18th-place finish, leading Lake Zurich (288 points) to 11th place.

Junior Aaron Ferst (14:58.2) continued his strong season by taking 15th place and leading Fremd (309 points) to 12th place.

Hersey (360 points), Barrington (399 points), Stevenson (431 points), and Maine West (438 points) went 13th through 16th.