On Sept. 21, the Minooka varsity girls cross country team placed second at the Minooka Flight Invitational.
They finished with 14 points at the meet held at Ron Lehman Community Park in Channahon. Huntley won with 13.
“The biggest challenge was balancing training, recovery, and the excitement of Homecoming 2024 festivities,” head coach Kevin Gummerson said. “I want these athletes to enjoy the week, but at the same time stay focused. They managed to do that without a doubt!”
Gummerson was helping the girls get ready for their races by getting them excited and helping them with training.
“I think I ran better with different competitors compared to other races,” sophomore Natalie Nahs said. “I think we did really well as a team.”
Nahs placed 2nd in the second flight and ran a great race.
“Sam Hulick starting off with a big win in the 7th flight was a standout,” Gummerson said. “Taya Gummerson in the 3rd flight, and Maya Ledesma in the 1st flight also had impressive victories. Their performances were beyond impressive.”
Hulick, Gummerson and Ledesma were all winners of their respective flights.
Another outstanding performer from Minooka was senior Courtney Murphy, a senior who has been running for 8 years. She ran the open race.
“I rolled my legs out, I was walking around, and stretching to get ready for my race,” senior Courtney Murphy said.
Murphy finished 9th in the open out of 196 people.
“The girls really ran well, and I was pleased with the way they competed. This meet is set up to teach the athletes how to stay engaged in a race the entire way,” Gummerson said. “Sometimes an athlete can get lost in the middle of the pack, but with this format, many athletes were battling for an individual victory, and they find out that they are tougher than they think.”