Plainfield North Grad Cliches State Title For 3,200-Meter Run

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield North High School student-athlete who just walked across the graduation stage capped his high school career by clinching the state championship title in the 3,200-meter run.

Aidan Connors won the Illinois High School Association Class 3A State Championship May 30 at Eastern Illinois University by crossing the finish line in 8 minutes and 55.923 seconds, setting a school record. The time also marked the fastest winning time in the event at the state meet since 2007.

At the same event, Connors also placed seventh in the 1,600-meter run and set a school record in the preliminary race with a time of 4:10.33.

The experience of winning was especially meaningful after years of competing alongside his teammates in the program, Connors said, per a news release from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

"It feels amazing to finally be an individual state champion, especially after becoming team state champions in cross country this fall," Connors said. "I was so happy to cross that finish line first and look back and see my teammates cheering me on."

Having "one of the best coaches in the country" also helped, Connors said.

"Before the season, Coach [Andrew] Derks and I mapped out my race schedule to make sure I was fully prepared by the time the state meet arrived," he said. "The training plan was tailored to me, including stretches of 70 miles per week and consistent 60 to 65 mile weeks throughout the season."

The coach shared how the team supported Derks' win.

"He has been a leader within our program, and everyone understands how much this moment meant to him," he said in a statement. "The genuine excitement and happiness his teammates shared with him made this victory even more special."

Connors will continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana University Indianapolis, where he participate in cross country and track and field while studying history.