The Sparta Bulldogs did not run their best race at the IHSA 1A Cross Country State finals Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria, but it was still good enough for seventh place overall as a team.
“It wasn’t a bad day for us, but we could have run better,” said Sparta coach Matt Blair. “It wasn’t what we were hoping for, but anytime you can place two runners on the All-State team, it’s a good year.”
Mt. Zion led all teams with 76 points, followed by Tolono Unity (88), Monticello (122), St. Thomas More (187), Tremont (200), Rochester (225), Sparta (232), Elmwood (237), Aurora Christian (265), and Ottawa Marquette (293) to round out the top 10. Chester finished in 25th place with 648 points.
For Sparta, Wes Bradshaw placed 12th overall, and Jon Hill finished 25th to earn their All-State honors. Trevor Morgan finished 83rd, Kenny Heaton came in 100th place and freshman Dylan Huether took 119th place.
While Sparta didn’t capture a trophy at the state meet, the team can look back at conference, regional and sectional titles.
“My first year as head coach went really well,” said Blair. “Next year, we lose our top three runners but return our fourth through seventh runners. It all depends on whether they are willing to put in the miles to be competitive.”
For Chester, Devin Valleroy finished 105th overall, followed by Link Cushman (164th), Verne White (175th), Kyle Landon (181st) and Zach Sternberg (194th).
Marissa-Coulterville junior Chass Phelps finished 141st at the state meet.
On the girls’ side, Red Bud junior Brittney Burmester took 154th with a time of 20:34.