Hoffman Estates' Worman, Schmidt team it up

It's easy to get lost at the girls cross country state meet.

With more than 200 runners pounding the Detweiller Park course, it doesn't take much to lose one's way.

But on a cold and overcast day last November, Hoffman Estates' Hannah Worman and Melissa Schmidt not only found each other, but the two pushed each other to all-state honors.

Schmidt finished the 3-mile course in 17:35 to finish in 18th place with Worman matching her step-for-step in taking 20th with a time of 17:36.

Hoffman had not had an all-state runner since it won the Class AA state title in 1987 with Rachel Lyons taking 12th and Dawn Barefoot finishing 18th.

Now Worman and Schmidt, both seniors, are hoping to lead the Hawks to greater heights.

The pair connected halfway through the state race in the back loop of the course and they never looked back.

"We found each other in the back part," said Schmidt, "and we were pushing each other until the end."

"Different parts of the race we'll feel better," added Worman, "She'll be pushing me for one part, and I'll be pushing her for another part."

It all adds up to a winning combination.

Worman was the experienced runner entering the 2008 season. She had finished sixth at the 2007 Mid-Suburban League meet as a sophomore in helping lead Hoffman to its first league championship since 1987.

"It was one of the few races where I was completely satisfied," said Worman of the MSL title. "There was still more, I could have caught the next person, but I was really happy with that race."

It was a breakout season for Hoffman and coach Kirk Macnider's squad. The Hawks not only took first at conference, but also won the Lake Park regional.

Hoffman's season ended at a brutally competitive Schaumburg sectional, but it left a lasting impression on Worman.

"Our goal was state that year," said Worman of the 2007 season. "It just didn't work out. It was disappointing because we expected to get to state.

"We knew we were getting there, but we just had that one more step."

Schmidt came out of nowhere in 2008 to add to the Hawks' attack. In her debut season the junior opened a few eyes by taking first at a Palatine dual meet and then coming back to take first at the Libertyville Invite.

"It was surprising," said Schmidt of her early success and budding confidence. "It helped a lot, I knew I could stay in the front pack and keep building to the leaders."

Worman knew early last season the pair could be something special.

"At the time trials before the season we ended up running together," said Worman, "We realized that there was something in that."

Worman and Schmidt really started to click together at the 2008 conference meet. Worman finished second and Schmidt took fourth in leading the Hawks to third place.

Schmidt then took second and Worman took seventh in leading host Hoffman to second at its regional. Then Schmidt took second and Worman took 11th in helping Hoffman secure fourth place and qualify for its first state appearance since 1993.

"It started at conference when we found each other," added Worman. "For most of the season we were running together, but the goal at conference was for me to take it out slow."

Together the pair has lifted Hoffman to heights it has not seen in quite some time.

But both Worman and Schmidt are quick to give credit to the past runners, including Gaby Duenas and Kathy Kenley, who helped build the Hawks' foundation.

"For me it feels like the team really hasn't changed - looking back, it has," said Worman of Hoffman's building process. "Seems like people are more excited and positive. They know what success feels like, but they know they want more."

"It was just exciting to be part of that team," added Schmidt.

The two have become fast friends since Schmidt joined the squad last year and are even considering continuing their running careers at the same college.

"She's just a positive person," added Schmidt of Worman.

"She's just a great person to talk to you," said Worman of Schmidt.

The MSL is stocked full of returning all-state runners, including Palatine junior Sarah McIntosh (fourth), Rolling Meadows junior Christina Gastfield (eighth), Schaumburg junior Colette Falsey (ninth), Prospect senior Annette White (13th) and Palatine senior Ruth Allen (25th).

Both Worman and Schmidt understand they have their work cut out for them, but the pair is ready for the challenge.

"We all have around the same times," said Schmidt of the conference's elite runners. "It's fun to have someone to run with."

On a cool and sunny Saturday morning in late August, the Hoffman team gathered for team pictures. Worman and Schmidt had no trouble in finding each other on this day.

Both spoke, and echoed each others' thoughts about the impending season.

"The goal is always to run the best you can," said Worman, "and if you don't get what you want, you always know you did your best - you can't be upset."

"The goal is to run with no regrets," added Schmidt.