D-C's Manfrin 3rd at Palatine
York doesn't really need to make too much of a statement. After all the Dukes' 26 state cross country titles speak volumes.
But after finishing second in Class 3A last season, York felt the need to clear its throat.
And the Dukes did that in their retro-uniforms storming to the Palatine Invite title on splendid Saturday morning with 59 points at Deer Grove East.
Senior Steve Sulkin (14:20.2) and senior Jordan Herbert (14:21) gave the Dukes a winning 1-2 punch as York easily outdistanced second-place Lyons (117 points), and third-place Palatine (135 points).
Sophomore Anthony Manfrin (14:26) was impressive in taking third place to lead Dundee-Crown (192) to a sixth-place finish. Manfrin kept the York duo in sight for most of the race and finished strong.
"The competition was there," said Manfrin, whose team generated some excitement with its 10th place finish in Class 3A last season. "This is the first year we've been ranked in school history. We're just trying to come out every week and prove that we belong there."
Junior Phil Fairleigh (15:09.3) and senior Bill Roth (15:12.3) took 26th and 28th place respectively to lead Cary-Grove (212) to seventh place.
"I thought I ran well today, but there is definitely room for improvement for the team," said Roth of the Trojans, who fielded their full team for only the second time this season.
Sulkin and Herbert worked stride for stride down the home stretch and in the process made quite a statement in a field that featured 7 of the top 15 teams in state.
Palatine had 3 runners in the top 25 in securing third place. Junior Chano Bernardo (14:39.2) took 8th to lead the Pirates charge.
"I think we have a lot of work to do," said Bernardo of his team that finished 2nd at the Peoria Notre Invite last weekend. "The plan was to do well, but it didn't work out, but I think we'll improve."
Junior Alec Bollman (14:57.6) and senior Tom Laskowske (15:08.8) added a 14th and 25th place finish for a developing Pirate squad.
"We ran O.K.," said Palatine coach Chris Quick of his teams performance. "It's good to get third in a loaded field, but our kids always want more. All these teams are pretty close to each other in terms of ability and talent, we're trying to emerge from that mix."
Senior Max Clink (14:51.4) finished in 11th to lead St. Charles North (154 points) to fourth place. Senior Steven Miller (15:07.1) and senior Todd Vankerkhoff (15:07.6) added to the North Stars attack by taking 21st and 22nd place.
Clink sat out last season due to a broken left ankle but the senior looked strong on Saturday.
"To be honest I'm just starting to feel strong again," said Clink who led an impressive North Star performance. "I'm definitely happy especially with the amount of points we scored. We're really satisfied with the results, but I think the best is yet to come."