Defending champ Palatine is off and running

Posted August 31, 2010 11:00 pm

Michael Eaken

Palatine's girls cross country team had pretty special year last season, capping it by winning its seventh state title and running in the Nike Nationals in Oregon.

But the Pirates are ready to turn the page, and they did just that Tuesday in an impressive 15-45 opening Mid-Suburban League crossover victory over visiting Buffalo Grove on the newly configured Deer Grove East course.

Palatine swept the top six spots in extemely warm conditions, with senior Courtney Brown leading the charge by taking first on the 3-mile course in 18:28.

"Last year's team was last year's team," said Palatine coach Joe Parks of the Pirates' state title charge. "Right now we're a good team, but we have a ways to go before we become a great team."

Still, with six of their top seven runners returning, the Pirates have all the ingredients for another title run.

Brown took first, but the Palatine senior had plenty of company. Junior Emily Schulte (18:36), senior Sarah McIntosh (19:01), sophomore Tess Wasowicz (19:26), senior Becca Sund (19:31) and junior Ellen Smith (20:25) went 2-through-6 in powering the Pirates to the victory.

Brown (19th place) and McIntosh (15th place) both made all-state in helping the Pirates to the state title last season.

"I think we'll build off last year," said Brown, who looked comfortable in leading the Pirates. "But we just want to take every meet one by one. Obviously you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself."

"I don't feel like there is pressure," said Schulte of defending the title. "It's more motivation to do just as good, if not better this season."

Buffalo Grove's Olivia Jones finished 12th in Class 3A last season, but suffered a pinched sciatic nerve during the off-season, which wiped out her track season. The junior is easing herself back into competition this season.

Caitlin Kelley (21:32), Katie Geraghty (21:42), Katie Donnewald (21:59), and Brittney Recht (22:20) picked up the slack by finishing 7-10 for the Bison.

"Everyone is training hard," said Kelley of the Bison attack.

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