Senior trio leads Palatine

The Palatine girls cross country program is used to success with seven state titles and 12 top-three trophies.

Seniors Courtney Brown, Sarah McIntosh and Becca Sund are looking to continue that tradition this year as they challenge for their second consecutive state title.

Palatine is off to a good start as it recorded its 19th regional victory at Wheeling last weekend.

Palatine heads to the competitive Class 3A Schaumburg sectional at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The Pirates are hoping to secure their 15 sectional title and qualify for their 25th state appearance and a chance to defend their state title.

“This is kind of what they've been waiting for all year,” said Palatine coach Joe Parks. “There is definitely excitement. They've been able to keep things in perspective this season, but from day one, this is where their eyes have been.”

And the Pirates are in good hands with Brown, McIntosh and Sund. The three have combined for 9 state medals and 2 state trophies in cross country and track and field.

McIntosh has finished fourth (2008) and 15th (2009) in cross country, and also has a ninth-place medal in the 3,200 (2008) and pair of 3,200 relay medals.

Brown finished 19th in state last cross country season.

Sund has three medals in the 3,200 relay, finishing fourth in 2008 and 2010, and aiding a second-place finish in 2009.

The three also have won a second-place team trophy in track in 2009 along with their cross country state title.

“They definitely bring a lot of experience,” said Parks of the three that ran at state meet their freshman year. “All three got state experience right away and all three have had varying levels of success at different events.”

Palatine will need that experience this year. The Pirates have only had three blips in the last two years, finishing second all three times by a combined 15 points. But two of those blips happened this year to Schaumburg.

The Saxons and Pirates are currently ranked 1-2 in the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches poll, and will go head-to-head the next two weekends.

Schaumburg edged Palatine by 4 points at the Mid-Suburban League meet. Now the Pirates are hoping to close that gap.

“It was disappointing,” said McIntosh of finishing second in the MSL, “but since it was only by a few points we know we're at their level. We just need to be more mentally there.”

Palatine was in the same position last season when they finished second in the MSL to Prospect by 3 points, but came back to win the sectional and state titles.

“Last year we ran not to lose instead of to win,” added Brown of last year's conference race. “It was the same thing this year. But we kind of like being underdogs.”

One thing Palatine can depend upon is its depth. Parks has carefully shuffled his freshman runners in and out of the lineup to gain valuable experience.

“One of the nice things about the Palatine program is the depth we have,” said Sund, “Most teams have a set order, we're all pretty close. So on any given day someone new can step up. It doesn't limit anyone.”

The three seniors have also done a fine job in setting an example for the young runners that have dotted the Pirates lineup this season.

Sund, McIntosh, and Brown have experienced the state pressure and have had a lot of success. The Pirates younger runners have taken notice.

“Just their experience is where they bring the most,” added Parks of the senior leadership. “The experience of being there, knowing how to handle themselves in pressure situations, and passing it on to the other girls.”

The scene was quiet the Wednesday before regionals. The Pirates had just finished a workout and the three seniors took time to reflect back on a hectic but fun journey.

Brown remembered being almost too scared to take off her warmups before her first state race as a freshman. McIntosh wasn't even quite sure what state was her freshman year.

All three have had their bumps in the road. Brown couldn't finish the state race her sophomore year due to health reasons, Sund missed the state-title ride last season with an injury and McIntosh has struggled early this season due to injuries on both heels.

But the three seniors have had plenty of success and have been a big part of the continuing the Palatine tradition. Now the three seniors are looking to add to their legacy.

The Palatine program has won back-to-back state titles on three occasions and is looking to make it the fourth time this year.

“Winning is winning and it's always fun,” said Brown of the Pirates' success.

“It's always different,” said McIntosh of the Pirates' journey. “It's different people from last year to this year, so it makes it fun.”

“Coach (Parks) will remind us occasionally to take a step back, and realize where we are and what we're doing,” added Sund of the Pirates journey. “He reminds us to take a step back and realize some of the amazing things we've done.”

On Saturday the three seniors will be doing what they do best and continuing a proud Palatine tradition.

“All three of these girls have been there every year,” added Parks, “All three have had their bumps in the road, but all three have been pretty steady and they have definitely been big difference-makers for our program.”