Hersey High celebrates cross country success

Thanks in part to an individual performance that was second to none, Hersey High School students on Monday celebrated their boys cross country team's runner-up finish over the weekend in the state Class 3A cross country finals.

With junior Josh Methner leading the way by taking first place overall - becoming the Arlington Heights school's first state cross country champ in the process - the Huskies claimed the second place trophy at the meet Saturday in Peoria.

The trophy was on display Monday when the accomplishments of Methner and his teammates were celebrated by classmates at a school pep rally. Methner carried the trophy into the rally and presented it to Principal Gordon Sisson.

"It is very difficult to bring back a state trophy in this state of Illinois," Assistant Principal John Novak said. "It takes a lot of dedication, a lot of commitment and a lot of effort to do what you need to do to bring that trophy back and that's exactly what this team did."

Methner timed a personal best of 14 minutes, 11.5 seconds to take first overall. Fellow junior Max Svienty earned all-state honors as well, placing 20th overall with a personal-record time of 14:46.09. Ryan Buch notched 32nd and Colin Safford took 54th for the Huskies.

The team's performance is among the best in the school's history. The 1972 squad also placed second in state.