Three Striding to Sectionals
Karim U
With three runners continuing on to sectionals on Oct. 31, the varsity boys cross country showed their post-season grit, led by a trio of seniors: Adam Gorcyca, Joe Langridge, and
Jesus Vallejo, who placed 13th overall.
On Oct. 24 at regionals at Hoffman Estates, Gorcyca, Langridge, and Vallejo finished in the top ten. Vallejo placed fourth with a time of 15:59.31, Gorcyca placed fifth with a 16:04 time and Langridge placed eighth with a 16:10.54 time. As a result, the boys took 2nd overall, with seven runners competing.
Senior Lucas DaSilva and junior Andrew Stutheit finished in the top 35, with senior Jacob Diaz and junior Joseph Thalackan rounding out the Maine West competitors. Overall, the team posted a 16:29 average. The team had some outstanding runners at conference as well, and the team finished third overall in the tough CSL North pack.
“Our three top runners, Gorcyca, Langridge, and Vallejo got all conference,” said junior Cody Letts. All three of these runners also finished in less than 16 minutes.
“The team is looking strong this year. We got three guys that have ran sub-16 (minute) three miles, and our number four and five guys aren’t too far behind,” captain Gorcyca said.
The boys had an impressive show out at conference, where the team had “most of our runners finishing with new personal records in that race,” captain Langridge said.
Varsity coach Andrew Trotter said that, like in all sports, the team had to adapt to new circumstances this year, making their achievements all the more remarkable. “The biggest difference is the wearing of masks when the athletes are not running. If they had to wear one while running, I don’t know what we would do,” Trotter said.
Cross Country was more than just about running at Maine West; it created a bond between the athletes. “The cross country family is so close! You see, cross country isn’t just a sport, it’s really a way of life and all of the team members who have subscribed to this way of life are practically blood brothers, held together by a bond stronger than that of an actual family,” Gorcyca said.
Leave a Reply