National Track Champion From Aurora Honored By City Hall

AURORA, IL — An Aurora Central Catholic High School senior who holds state and national records was honored Tuesday by City Council.

Patrick Hilby claimed the national title in the 800-meter race at the New Balance National Indoor Championship Meet in Boston with his 1:48:47 finish time. He is also the current state champion in his signature event, an achievement he clinched last year with his 1:50:45 finishing time.

The city honored Hilby with a trophy, a street sign and a proclamation naming his birthday, July 23, as Patrick Hilby Day in Aurora.

He was also surprised by National Collegiate Athletic Association and Olympic athletes who sang his praises on a stellar high school career. Among those who gave cameos were Shaun Maswangany, the 12-time NCAA All-American from the University of Houston; Nick Mayhugh, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time world record holder; Kori Carter, 400-meter world champion and nine-time All-American; and Ajee' Wilson, the world indoor Champion in the 800-meter run.

Hilby committed to run at the University of Wisconsin in the fall and signed a name, image and likeness deal with New Balance.