(OLNEY) — It was the largest gathering of Little Illini Conference cross country teams to date this season. Six LIC teams were a part of the 23-team boys and 17-team girls field at the Olney Invitational, held Saturday, Sept. 20th on the Olney Central College course.
The host Tigers came up just short of a complete sweep on the day, winning the girl’s race, finishing second in the boy’s race, and capturing both individual titles.
GIRLS
Josie Ginder and Isabella Stevens led a 1-2 Olney finish in the girl’s race. Ginder crossed the line in 19:12.7, 22 seconds ahead of Stevens. That led the Tigers to a team total of 56 points, but on their heels was LIC rival Newton. The Eagles finished second with 85 points, led by fourth-place finisher Layna Marshall (19:55.54).
The race was yet another indication that when a strong Marshall team is added to the mix for the Little Illini championship meet on Oct. 14 in Terre Haute, Ind., the eventual winners could be anyone’s guess.
Casey-Westfield’s Kayla Clark was eighth overall with a time of 20:21.98, two spots and 16 seconds ahead of Newton’s Avery Geier.
Robinson finished eighth in the team standings (222 points). Casey-Westfield was 13th with 300 points.
Other top finishers for LIC teams were: Terryn Loftus of Robinson (13th in a time of 20:54.51), Lexi Brooke of Lawrenceville (18th in 21:26.29), and Zoie Randoll of Mt. Carmel (72nd in 25:34.48).
BOYS
Herrin won the team title with 54 points, with Olney landing a close second with 66. However, Quaid Berger recorded a 57-second win in the boy’s race to lead the host Tigers. His time of 14:55.10 led a 1-3-4 finish for the hosts.
Berger is ranked third among IHSA Class 2A boys, according to the latest edition of Illinois Running News.
Newton finished in seventh place (211 points), followed by Robinson in eighth (223) Lawrenceville in 10th (242) and Casey-Westfield in 14th place (317).
Other top finishers for LIC teams were: Braydan Morrison of Lawrenceville (12th in a time of 17:16.38), Jayson Tingley of Robinson (19th in 17:55.91), Eli Richardson of Casey-Westfield (24th in 18:03.88), Tanner Whitaker of Newton (35th in 18:23.26) and Wyatt Rooney of Mt. Carmel (103rd in 21:11.01).
There were 162 runners in the boys race, 101 in the girls.
ELSEWHERE IN LIC CROSS COUNTRY
Paris won a three-team meet the Tigers hosted on Wednesday, Sept. 17th. The Tiger boys finished with 25 points, followed by Riverton Parke (42 points) and Oblong (66). Harrison Hayes won the boys’ race with a time of 17:31. Paris does not field a full girls team, but Hellie Barrett was the girls race winner with a time of 22:46.
