Old Quarry Girls Cross Country Team Takes 10th Place At State

LEMONT, IL — At the IESA Class 4A state cross country meet on Oct. 14, the Old Quarry Middle School girls team placed 10th. The state meet was held at Maxwell Park in Normal, and included runners from middle schools across Illinois.

Head coach Taylor McCormick said the team had a great season, with the girls finishing second in conference, and the boys team finishing third.

Last year, McCormick said the girls team had two runners qualify for state, and both girls, Hannah Farley and Lizzy Rupsis, were determined to qualify again.

"With returning runners Hannah Kupiec and Mia Janowicz in the mix, plus newcomers Amelia Sinnett, Kaida Mescher, and Taylor Thorsness, we knew this was our year," McCormick said.

Alternates Marisa Abad, Audrey Briski and Olivia Glomp also brought "enthusiasm and energy all season and state weekend to keep us going," McCormick added.

The Old Quarry team qualified for the state meet due to their performance at sectional competition in New Lenox. The top three teams advance to state, and Old Quarry placed third.

Although the state meet had chilly, rainy weather, Old Quarry finished in 10th as a team with two top 25 finishers. Hannah Farley finished third, and Amelia Sinnett finished in sixth place.

"The girls really bonded together and showed how much they can accomplish when working as a team. We are so proud of them," McCormick said.

The Old Quarry girls team had not qualified as a team for the state meet since 2011.

Although the boys team did not qualify for state, two individuals, seventh grader David Wojciak and sixth grader Vaughn Rutan competed at the state meet.

"David passed 23 people from mile 1 to the finish and Vaughn passed 53," McCormick said. "We cannot wait to see all the growth they make next season."