Submitted by Tayloran Atwell
Submitted Photo
On Monday, the Geneseo cross country teams returned to Hoover Park in Sterling for the Sterling JV Last Chance Invite. Unlike the typical three-mile high school race, Monday’s meet featured a 5,000-meter (5K) course, providing runners with an additional challenge as they wrapped up their season.
The Freshman Leafs kicked off the meet on the 5K course, with four Geneseo runners competing. Kellan Courtright delivered an outstanding performance, capturing the individual title with a first-place finish in 20:11. His time was nearly a minute faster than the second-place finisher from Sterling. Hunter Olson followed with a fifth-place finish in 22:21, while Ian McCord placed sixth in 24:12. Adler VanOpdorp rounded out the Freshman Leafs, finishing seventh in 24:14.
The second race of the day was the coed JV 5K, where Fritz Bolme led the Leafs with a runner-up finish in 19:49, earning medalist honors. Seniors Connor Runty and Jacob Berry followed with eighth- and 10th-place finishes, respectively, in times of 21:50 and 21:58. Both seniors closed out their cross country careers as Geneseo Maple Leafs with strong performances. James Mackenzie placed 15th in 23:10, followed by Cole Henson in 23:18 to round out the top five Geneseo finishers. Phoenix Sottos finished 22nd in 27:26.
Submitted Photo
The JV Lady Leafs also had an impressive showing. Sophomore Genevieve Talley captured the overall girls' title with a time of 23:29. Sofia Encabo-Alonso followed closely behind, finishing second in 24:17. Hanna Pirog placed fourth in 25:24, also earning medalist honors. Baylen Poffenberger finished 17th in 30:00, while senior Keely Henry placed 18th in 30:09, completing her final cross country race as a Geneseo Maple Leaf. Senior Tiffany Helton also wrapped up her cross country career as a Leaf, finishing 20th in 32:56.
With the JV season now complete, the focus shifts to the postseason for the Varsity Leafs. Geneseo will host the IHSA Regional at Richmond Hill this Saturday, October 24. The girls' race is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., followed by the boys' race at 11:00 a.m.
The regional marks the beginning of the postseason push, as the Leafs look to advance to the IHSA Sectional at Black Partridge Park in Metamora on Saturday, October 31. From there, qualifying runners and teams will have their sights set on the IHSA State Finals at Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 7.
The Leafs need their hometown behind them this Saturday! Geneseo community members, families, students, and alumni are encouraged to wear their green and gold, line the course at Richmond Hill, and cheer on the runners throughout the race. With a trip to the IHSA Sectional on the line, every bit of encouragement can help fuel the team as they look to conquer Richmond Hill and take the next step toward State. Girls race at 10:00 a.m. and boys at 11:00 a.m. — come early, find a spot along the course, and help us pack the hill with green and gold! Let's make the most of our home-course advantage and show our Leafs what it means to have the entire Geneseo community behind them. Go Leafs!
Hoover Park - Sterling
JV Lady Leafs:
Genevieve Talley - 1st - 23:39 - Medalist
Sofia Encabo-Alonso - 2nd - 24:17 - Medalist
Hanna Pirog - 4th - 25:24 - Medalist
Baylen Poffenberger - 17th - 30:00
Keely Henry - 18th - 30:09
Tiffany Helton - 20th - 32:56
Freshman Leafs:
Kellan Courtright - 1st - 20:11
Hunter Olson - 5th - 22:21
Ian McCord - 6th - 24:12
Adler VanOpdorp - 7th - 24:14
JV Leafs:
Fritz Bolme - 2nd - 19:49 - Medalist
Connor Runty - 8th - 21:50
Jacob Berry - 10th - 21:58
James Mackenzie - 15th - 23:10
Cole Henson - 17th - 23:18
Phoenix Sottos - 22nd - 27:26
