State Cross Country |Mahomet-Seymour, Centennial compete at IHSA cross country state finals

PEORIA - In a showcase of endurance and determination, 15 local athletes competed in the Illinois High School Association's Class 2A Girls' Cross Country State Finals at Detweiller Park on Saturday. Among 243 runners, representatives from Mahomet-Seymour and Centennial made their way around the three-mile course on the heels and hip-to-hip with the top harriers from all corners of Illinois. Also with them was Marley Yau, representing Urbana in the season finale.

Centennial and Mahomet-Seymour battle through competitive field

The Bulldogs finished the season ranked 20th overall in the team standings at this year's meet, while the Chargers finished 29th. For both teams, reaching the state finals was a significant accomplishment after advancing from the sectional meet at Olney Central College on November 2, where Mahomet-Seymour was fourth, and Centennial clinched the sixth and final qualifying spot.

The Chargers' top runners hurried along the course at competitive paces. Sophomore Farah Scott led the Chargers with an 18:42.28 finish, placing 65th. Sophomore Brenna Hooper followed, clocking in at 19:52.89 and finishing 160th.

Junior Molly Pate trailed close behind in 162nd with a time of 19:53.85. Senior Kaylee Sweikar rounded out notable performances, finishing in 188th at 20:08.38. Lauren Kleber rounded out the top five scoring runners in 234th place at 21:27.94.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were led by junior Emily Anand, who posted the best time for Mahomet-Seymour, finishing in 18:12.46 to secure 45th place. Freshman Cecily Smith ended her race in 79th place, clocking in at 18:51.97.

Sophomore Taylor Mills notched 104th place with a time of 19:07.02. Kennedy Ashby was not far behind, crossing over at 19:59.86. Seniors Chloe Bundren and Morgan Waisath rounded out the team's state run, finishing 185th and 240th, respectively, with Finley Smith wedged between them, coming in 212th at 20:40.89.

Urbana’s Yau returns to state

Sophomore Marley Yau finished the season strong for Urbana with a second trip to state. The lone Tiger to qualify from Urbana, Yau finished 136th with a time of 19:28.17, capping her journey after a strong sectional performance where she set a personal record at 19:18.7, ten seconds under her best time from the 2023 state meet.

Top Contenders and Final Standings

In a field of fierce competition, St. Ignatius College Prep emerged victorious with a team score of 76, securing first place. DePaul College Prep took second with 177 points, followed by Glenwood in third with 217 points. These teams demonstrated exceptional depth, with St. Ignatius' Annika Swan finishing second individually and contributing to her team's victory.

The top three individual finishers established a remarkable standard for Illinois high school cross country. Sundara Weber from Sandwich High School won the race with an impressive time of 16:11.27. Following her was Swan from St. Ignatius, who finished with a time of 16:27.80. Zoe Carter from Normal University secured third place, crossing the finish line at 16:49.50.

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KEYWORDS: State cross country, IHSA girls state finals, Mahomet-Seymour cross country, Centennial cross country, Urbana state cross country qualifiers