A memory COVID couldn't steal

Last weekend, I had the great fortune to watch my son's high school cross-country team win a state title. Except it won't show up in the record books because the IHSA declined to sanction an "official" championship race due to COVID. I don't understand why we could have a full season of events, including both regional and sectional playoffs, but then omit the single most important race of the year.

Thankfully, a group of cross-country enthusiasts created an alternative championship race. Twenty of the best teams in the state competed at a challenging course in Chillicothe. And everyone wore masks (except the runners while competing).

After eight months of seclusion, I had forgotten the joy of taking a road trip and watching my son's team compete against the best in the state. The most memorable part for me won't be watching the team's top runners place 1-2 overall, nor the awards ceremony celebration.

The memory etched indelibly is the amazing finish from the team's fourth and fifth place runners who reached deep and came up with their best races of the year. These two young men didn't win their heats, but they finished close enough to set up the championship to be secured by the top runners. The looks on their faces as they finished the last 100 yards - a combination of complete determination, exhaustion, and exhilaration - is something I'll never forget. These were truly gutsy performances.

One journalist labeled the fifth runner's effort as "the race of his life" and I believe it. It certainly was the race of a lifetime for this spectator.

COVID has taken a lot, but it can't take away the memories of a fantastic season. Let's quickly eradicate this virus and all get back to creating more memorable moments.

William J. Connell

St. Charles