XC Weekend Recap: National and State Elite Rule the Weekend

The Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, Indiana, showcased exceptional performances from both individuals and teams in the boys' and girls' championship races with the best of the best of the midwest clashing for midwest glory and berth to Nike Cross Nationals. 

In the Boys Championship, Ben Crane of Winnetka (New Trier) claimed the top spot with a time of 14:46.03. This marked a significant improvement for Crane, who finished 9th in this race last year. He also remained undefeated this season, having lost only once so far. Sam Quagliaroli from Fishers High School finished as the runner-up with a time of 14:47.33, a remarkable improvement from his 28th place finish a year ago. Noah Bontrager from Westview High School secured third place in 14:52.42, followed by Landon Kimmel of Tippecanoe in fourth with a time of 14:52.91. Rounding out the top five was TJ Hansen of Freeland, who placed fifth with a time of 14:57.42, marking his second straight top-five finish.

In the team competition, Downers Grove North continued their dominance, winning for the second year in a row with 109 points. Their team improved on last year's performance, surpassing their previous score of 115 and beating their average time of 15:35 from 2023, with a strong 15:33 average this year. They were led by 7th place finisher Philip Cupial (15:05.52) and 10th place finisher Grant Schroder (15:09.84). Rockhurst High School finished second with 205 points, securing their spot at Nike Cross Nationals after placing 8th at this meet last year. Their top runner, Henry Acorn, finished 6th this year, improving from his 25th place finish in 2023. Plainfield North claimed third with 220 points, averaging 15:49.

In the Girls Championship, Midland Dow's Victoria Garces took the victory with a time of 16:52.97, staying undefeated for the season. Garces' performance was a remarkable turnaround after finishing 48th at this same meet a year ago. She ran approximately 1 minute and 21 seconds faster this year. Barrington's Mia Sirois finished as the runner-up in 16:57.32, improving from her 27th place finish last year. Helen Sachs from Holland West Ottawa took third in 17:04.33, following her victory in 2022 and not running at last year's meet. Mallory Weller of Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran finished fourth in 17:10.32, while Daniela Scheffler of Uniont. Lake rounded out the top five with a time of 17:11.85.