Willowbrook’s Niyork second at regional
Individually, the Class 3A Fenwick boys cross country regional was a battle for second behind Oak Park’s Malachy Schrobilgen.
For York in the team race, it was a matter of retribution.
Junior Scott Milling heard coach Joe Newton’s message loud and clear.
“Take a chance, because last week at conference we won but we didn’t run that great,” said Milling, who finished third Saturday behind Schrobilgen and Willowbrook’s Pat Niyork at the 3-mile Schiller Woods course on Chicago’s outskirts.
“We didn’t go out hard enough, so today we were just kind of focused on taking a chance,” said the tall, slender Milling.
Leading York to its 31st regional title, Milling, Kyle Mattes, Jack Libert, Chris May and Carlos Vega — the sole senior among the group — all placed in the top 10. A hair over 30 seconds separated Milling, at 15 minutes, 7.2 seconds, from Vega, at 15:37.6.
“We wanted to make a statement today and we made it. So we’re happy. That’s the best race we ran and it’s right at the right time,” said Newton, whose goal was a 15-second split but was pleased nonetheless.
“Last week we were awful in the (West Suburban Silver) conference meet — no pack, 45-second gap,” said Newton, seeking York’s 28th state title. “Today, all together, and the last 300 (meters), sprinting like maniacs. I’m happy. First time this year I’ve really been happy.
“Now we’ve just got two more (meets) to go. But we’re in better position now because last week everybody thought we weren’t very good. But we’re pretty good.”
So is Schrobilgen. The Oak Park senior shot out to a big lead on the flat course, nine seconds ahead of Niyork as the top runners bore into the third mile. Schrobilgen won in 14:52.8, a pace of 4:58 a mile.
“He started pulling away and then it was just a mad fight for second,” Niyork said.
The Willowbrook senior entered the third mile at 9:45, two seconds ahead of Milling. Niyork slightly widened the gap by the end, taking second in 15:02.5 to Milling’s 15:07.2.
“I knew it was just a big mind fight going against him,” Niyork said. “I was able to edge him out today, which I’m really happy about.
“Every time we race it comes down to I always end up getting him maybe in the last quarter (mile). But he’s a year younger than me, so I can’t wait to see what he ends up becoming.”
Glenbard West’s Brandon Bonifer placed seventh and Lake Park’s Kevin Jorgensen eighth. Glenbard West’s Mike Lederhouse, recovering from ankle and IT band injuries, finished 12th.
“I had to wear a boot for about four to six weeks,” Lederhouse said. “I still did a lot of cross training but I’m trying to build back up right now.”
York’s 33 points easily outdistanced Oak Park’s 79. Lake Park, Glenbard West, Glenbard East — led by the Booth boys, Vince and Bill — Fenwick and Willowbrook also advanced to next week’s Niles West sectional as will Addison Trail individuals Jose Martinez, David Kielbania, Joe Atria, Conor Rowley and Jose Vazquez.
Lake Park’s Jorgensen swims, too, with the upper-body physique to prove it. Familiarity with water came in handy on a couple boggy patches.
“Toward the beginning I was trying to avoid them,” said the Lancers senior, “but on that last puddle at the end I just went straight through.”