On Sept. 20, the MCHS fresh/soph boys cross country team placed 4th overall in the Minooka Flight Invitational out of 14 teams.

“I think it is very good compared to last year, there were a lot of fast teams there,” sophomore Thomas Zbranek said.

Zbranek finished 24th in 17:57.

“The teams that beat us have strong programs so they are always competitive on the Fr/So level as well.  I think the boys ran well and will continue to improve over the course of the season,” coach Jessica Hopkins said.

Huntley won the race. Their top five runners had an average time of 17 minutes and 8 seconds opposed to Minooka’s top five averaging 18 minutes.

“This is our home course, so it is always nice to have that advantage that we are familiar with the course,” Hopkins said. 

Knowing the course was definitely a big help for the Minooka runners helping them place higher as individuals.

“I am proud but as a team, I think we have room for improvement,” sophomore Samuel Kies said.

Kies finished 18th in 17:39 scoring 18 for Minooka.

“Our kids should know where they are at during every part the race and can focus on the areas that we talk to them about when discussing a race plan,” Hopkins said.

Knowing the course and having a race plan is helpful for the runners and probably plays a big role in placement.

“The back loop of our course is lonely and quiet. There aren’t many spectators that make it out that far so it is tough mentally to stay focused there, but it’s a challenge we always give our kids on this course,” Hopkins said.