Immanuel Lutheran in Palatine defends cross country title

Perfect weather conditions greeted runners from Immanuel Lutheran School, Palatine, as both the girls and boys cross country teams traveled to Concordia University-Wisconsin, in Mequon, to defend their 2010 Lutheran Sports Association national titles.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the boys team secured another national title, while the girls finished national runner-up. Eighth-grader Matt Ulrich won the boys race with a time of 11:02.58.

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the two Immanuel Lutheran teams captured both Illinois Lutheran Sports Association state championships in Bloomington, Ill., earning them spots at the national meet.

“It was unbelievably exciting to return both of our teams to the national championships this year,” said Ken Heinrich, head coach for both teams. “Seeing our boys repeat as national champions and the girls placing second was thrilling. Our kids will remember this day for the rest of their lives.”

With a flat and fast two-mile course along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, the Immanuel boys’ team scored 23 points in the final team standings, while the Lady Bobcats posted a team score of 50 points.

Participating in the national championships were 217 runners, representing 31 Lutheran schools.

Eight Immanuel Lutheran runners were named First Team All-American.

Boys seventh- and eighth-grade First Team All-American:

Matt Ulrich, first place, 11:02.58; Nate Rathe, third place, 11:31.38; Nate Izewski, fourth place, 11:36.42; Britt Sease, seventh place, 11:49.82.

Girls seventh- and eighth-grade First Team All-American: Nadya Lloyd, second place, 12:04.50; Danya Lloyd, fourth place, 12:25.93; Ann LaValle, eighth place, 12:49.31.

Girls’ sixth-grade and younger First Team All-American: Jane Smith, 26th place, 13:45.38.

The final boys’ team results at national were: Immanuel Lutheran-Palatine (23 points); Peace Lutheran, Sun Prairie, Wis. (90); Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Waukesha, Wis. (127); First Immanuel Lutheran, Cedarburg, Wis. (129); St. John’s Lutheran, Wauwatosa, Wis. (129); Trinity Lutheran, Bloomington, Ill. (140); Trinity Lutheran, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (161); St. Peter Lutheran, Arlington Heights (163); Hales Corners (Wis.) Lutheran (182).

The final girls’ team results at nationals were: Cross Lutheran, Yorkville (35 points); Immanuel Lutheran-Palatine (50); First Immanuel Lutheran, Cedarburg, Wis. (96); Immanuel Lutheran, St. Charles, Mo. (111); Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Waukesha, Wis. (116); Bethel Lutheran, Morton (157); Peace Lutheran, Sun Prairie, Wis. (183); Christ Community Lutheran, Kirkwood, Mo. (185); and Christ Lutheran, Big Bend, Wis. (212).

In addition to Heinrich, the Immanuel Bobcats also are coached by assistants Marcia Mathes and Kim Schneider-Mores.

For information, contact Immanuel Lutheran School at (847) 359-1936, or visit www.immanuelpalatine.org.

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