The boys cross-country team has achieved 10 trophies and finished in the top 10 26 times in the state tournament history of the sport. The team is searching for greater success this fall season. 

“We seem to have some kids ready to fill the roles as a top finisher for us, replacing some graduating seniors,” head varsity coach Mike Danner said. 

Before the season began, the team participated in a summer running program. They started at 7 a.m. and ended at 9 a.m., six days a week. They ran eight miles each day, and on Saturdays, they pushed themselves further.

“During the summer, I would usually get around 60 miles a week,” varsity runner Tyler Gantt ’26 said. 

Gantt started running as a freshman and could not even run a mile, he said. As an underdog, he worked extremely hard over his freshman summer, continuing his efforts into his sophomore year. Halfway through Gantt’s track and field season, he was moved up to varsity due to his significant improvement. This earned him a spot on the varsity team during his junior year. 

“I wasn’t as good as most of them,” Gantt said. “But I just practiced with people who are better than me.” 

Varsity runner Sean Tilles ‘26 was a soccer player for two years until his junior year, when he got cut. He decided to try out cross-country. 

“The team is light-hearted and fun,” Tilles said. “But when it comes to meets and races, it becomes more serious.” 

On Aug. 26, the team held its first meet against Downers Grove South, Morton, and Glenbard West. The team finished strong with four runners reaching the top 10 in the two-mile race. Gantt had the best performance on the team, placing sixth with his time of nine minutes and 50 seconds.

“Danner really pushes the team to the best,” Gantt said. “Also, the team has been incredible and more tight-knit.”

The team’s upcoming events are all away meets except for the state regional at SC on Oct. 25. State finals will be on Nov. 8 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.