Inspiring Thode runs amazing race to win title

PEORIA - Talk about recoveries.

The U.S. economy can certainly learn a lesson from Conant's Jeff Thode.

Thode entered Northwest Community Hospital the first weekend in October with a collapsed lung. A little over a month later, the Conant senior capped a sterling recovery by crossing the finish line in 14:18 to win the Class 3A state boys cross country title at Detweiller Park on Saturday.

Thode hung with the lead pack of six for 21/2 miles before making separation the final 800 meters. Those held off a late charge by York's Steven Sulkin to capture the first individual title in Conant history.

"I'm not that surprised," said Thode, who finished 15th at last year's state meet. "It was a goal of mine since last year. I wanted to try and win it."

Throw in one major detour - his four-day hospital stay - and Those won his crown in spectacular fashion.

"Quite a race, the best ever," said Conant coach John Powers of Thode's title run. "This is a big day."

Naperville North won the team title with 84 points, nipping York by 1 point. Geneva took third with 95 points. Defending champion Neuqua Valley (146 points) took fourth, followed by Lyons (254 points).

But on a chilly day draped in a gray slate overcast, Thode was a one-man stimulus package that sent shivers down the backs of the open-mouthed spectators who lined the finish.

That was the farthest thing from the mind of Thode's mom, Teresa, in early October when she was sitting beside his hospital bed.

"At that point we were more concerned about him healing," Teresa Thode said. "We didn't think he'd be able to race at all, but he started getting antsy."

Thode was cleared to run on October 23rd, the Thursday before regionals, and the senior made a triumphant return with a third-place finish the following weekend at the Schaumburg sectional.

"He didn't run it full out," said Powers of the sectional race where Thode covered the final mile in 4:59 to move up from ninth place to third. "Right then I knew he looked pretty good to me."

But to come back and win the state title?

"I credit it mostly to my will power to get my mind and body set to get back in shape as quick as possible," Thode said. "After sectionals I thought I could go a little bit harder with one more week of training."

"We weren't 100 percent sure, but we had a feeling he'd be back," said teammate Tyler Fuch, who finished 70th to help Conant secure ninth place. "We never doubted him."

But there was a bit of doubt in the final 200 meters, when Sulkin made his last-gasp move, whether Thode could hold his lead.

"With 200 meters remaining, my legs started to get really, really tired," Thode said, "I was trying to fight through that. I made sure I kept my mindset on the finish."

And with that, Thode's recovery was complete.

Gerardo Perez made his own comeback for Lake Zurich. The senior overcame injuries the past two seasons to capture 10th place in 14:38.

Perez had led the Bears to their first state team appearance, and the senior paced LZ to 13th place Saturday.

"I had my goals since freshman year, what I wanted every year," said Perez, who kept the lead pack in sight the entire race. "I wasn't expecting to be where I'm at now after my injuries. I was happy with how the season ended."

Schaumburg's Pat Lesiewicz also ended the season on a high note, taking 13th place (14:45).

"I got off to good start, it went out really fast," said the junior, the Mid-Suburban League individual champion. "I was just trying to hang on, but after awhile they dropped me. It was a great experience, looking forward to improving my place and time next year."

Prospect senior Chris Hayek, who finished 32nd last year, improved to 15th place in 14:48 as the Knights took sixth with 290 points.

"It's the state meet, so you always want to go out and compete your best," said Hayek, who ran as an individual last year. "We had a chip on our shoulder. Last year we took sixth at sectional. We put it together this year."

Chris Spudic aided the Knights by taking 49th place (15:17).

Junior Chano Bernardo capped a strong season by taking 21st place (14:58), helping lead Palatine to 10th (317 points).

"It was fast," said Bernardo, who finished 36th last year. "It's amazing to make all-state. There are a lot of good runners, and to be a part of this I think is really good."

Fremd's Aaron Ferst (15:09) finished 34th.