Saint Gilbert Cross Country Looks to Repeat their Winning Ways

Saint Gilbert Cross County began the year almost right where they left off last fall. Last year, the Boys Varsity team won two conference titles, their old conference, the Northwest Catholic Conference and their new conference, the Northern Illinois Catholic Conference. The JV Boys placed second and first respectively as well and the JV girls took Second in the NICC.

This year began with a bang at the Saint Viator Invitational where the Varsity Boys took Second Place and, although the girls JV team didn’t have enough runners available to score as a team, two of its four runners finished big, taking first and second place.

(IMAGE ONE: Boys Varsity Team with Trophy – Charlie M., Mario D., Nate S., Connor S., and Jon B. Not pictured – Sean B. and Tyler T.)

In examining the season ahead, Coach Debra Day was excited at so many returning runners and the number of new participants. “Every season is new and it is a privilege to watch each runner grow and become stronger. As coaches, we want to instill a love for running by making it fun at this age. Running is a sport that will provide lifelong benefits to each runner from the fastest to the slowest. Each runner's goal is to continuously try to get a personal record. By bettering themselves, they are bettering the team. Based on our short 6 year record, our philosophy seems to be working.” She is joined again by Clare Mottola and Stacy Krzywanos as assistants.

The team’s competition begins in earnest after Labor Day and continues through October. Come out and watch the team if you can! The meets are every Tuesday from September 5 through October 3 beginning first at Adler Park in Libertyville, Cook Park in Wauconda, returning to Adler Park in Libertyville in week 3 and then at Diamond Lake Sports Complex in Mundelein for the final meet. The NICC Conference Championship is tentatively set to return to Diamond Lake Sports Complex.

IMAGE 2: Saint Viator Team Picture – the 2017 Runnin’ Rebels!