Leroy Oaks in St. Charles is the site of the cross country sectionals. Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Naperville Central and sectional champs Naperville North all competing as teams while Waubonsie Valley senior Ashley Heidenrich competes as an individual after winning the Oswego East regional.
The Race
A very muddy course after the snow melted and the ground thawed, meaning slower times and difficult footing. But everyone is able to get off to a clean start.
Around the first mile, Maggie Gamboa of Naperville North is right in front with Katrina Schlenker of Batavia and Alica Abbot of St Charles East. Naomi Ruff of South Elgin not far behind along with Heidenrich, Sophia Sandy of Metea Valley and Molly Morton, Lucy Westlake, Sophie Golobitsh and Audrey Mendrys from North around the top 10. Julia Rushing and Annie Amundsen from Neuqua Valley also in the hunt with Althea Foster from Naperville Central, Megan Fichete from Metea Valley and Katelyn Mullinax from Waubonsie Valley.
Maggie Gamboa from Naperville North pulls away from the pack down the stretch, winning the sectional with a time 04 17:44. Heidenrich is 2nd at 18:02 while Katrina Schlenker from Batavia and Sophia Sandy from Metea Valley round out the top 4. Naperville North’s Kate Donaldson rounds out Naperville North’s top five runners as the Huskies win the Naperville North team title as well with a score of 44. Batavia finishes in 2nd and Oswego in third. Huntley and St. Charles East also qualify for as teams.
Check out other post season cross country in our Girls Sports Highlights!