Geneva welcomes back two No. 1s
Geneva runners Kevin McDowell and Kelly Whitley haven't competed in any IHSA cross country meets this season.
But that doesn't mean they weren't training.
The duo spent the majority of the fall season traveling the world to compete in triathlons in exotic places such as Budapest, Hungry and Singapore.
Lord's Park in Elgin was no different for the duo as they each took first place in their respective races in Saturday's Upstate Eight River Division cross country meet.
Whitley (17:13.1) defeated teammate Tess Ehrhardt (17:46.5) by nearly 33 seconds, with Geneva's Rachel Hammond (18:02.5) finishing third for the Vikings. Geneva (18) dominated the team standings, besting second-place Streamwood (80).
“This is a little more intense because it's all running, said Whitley when comparing cross country to a triathlon. “There are more of us running. (In triathlons) it was just me and Kevin and we weren't in the same race.
McDowell (15:20.2) was also dominating in his first-place finish over St. Charles North's Ryan Senci (15:28.8). But the North Stars were able to edge out the Vikings as a team with a 33-35 victory.
“This was strength course, said McDowell referring to the creek and hill on the final mile. “We didn't see (the creek or hill) at the beginning, but then we looped around and saw the hill and creek.
Geneva coach Bob Thompson was thrilled to have his No. 1 boy and girl runner back on track and his message was simple as Whitley sprinted out to a hefty lead.
“She ran by me in the race and I yelled welcome back, Thompson said.
St. Charles North coach Kevin Harrington guided his squad to its first UEC conference title, with the North Stars finishing second last season before divisional play.
“Geneva really brought their game, Harrington said. “With McDowell running the rest of the team fed off of that.
After McDowell and Senci, Geneva's Bill Koskiewicz (15:32.5) placed third, followed by North's Billy Clink (15:36.8) and Declan Duggan (15:38.8). Peter Archibald (15:41.4) placed sixth.
“We knew they were our main competition here, Senci said of Geneva. “We knew (McDowell) would be up front. I try to go out and sit on the lead guy.
Streamwood's second-place team finish was led by Amanda Patterson (9th, 19:02.3) and Maria Luna (12th, 19:13.8). The duo was able to pace off one another in order to finish in the top 15.
“Maria was with me, Patterson said. “We were pushing each other. Right when we hit the second mile, we came together. When you run together it's helpful.
East was led by Jessica Evans, who placed fourth (18:19.3), although the sophomore wasn't encouraged by her efforts.
“It wasn't my best race, Evans said. “This course was difficult and I didn't have my best mental race.
The Elgin/Larkin co-op got a strong home-course finish from Fabiola Ortiz. The sophomore finished 13th with a 19:23.4. But even course knowledge couldn't help the rigorous hill during the third mile.
“I knew this course well, Ortiz said. “I was up in the beginning and then n the third mile the hill was a little challenging.