The boys track and field team ended its season on May 25 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston for the IHSA Boys State Championship. Eight students had advanced to state after a strong showing at the 2A IHSA Sectionals a week prior. While no one advanced to the state finals, the team members are still pleased with their results.

Sophomore Nyel Khan, who competed in the 300m hurdles, felt that the team exceeded their own expectations.

“There were these kids that had times that, like, I didn’t even know were possible. They actually ran so fast, it was crazy,” he said. “I don’t think we have the reputation for being too good at sports, but I feel that we did a lot better than people thought we would.”

Sophomore Simon Lane set new personal records in the 3,200m and 1,600m. Simon placed 18th in the 3,200m with a time of 9:49.28, and he placed 30th in the 1,600m with a time of 4:36.14.

Ben O’Donnell also ran the 1,600m. William Montague ran the 400m, and Ben ran on the 4×800 relay team with Ellis Dominick, Leyton Mueller and Frederick Pytel.

Frederick participated in the 4×800 despite a shin injury and difficulties balancing his other extracurriculars.

Frederick said, “With track, it’s always a set amount of time, so it was easier just to go to practice. I feel like sometimes it was difficult making sure I had enough time to do my May project, but I think I did an OK job balancing it out.”

After state, the team went to a restaurant to celebrate their performance and hard work, as well as the end of their season. 

“I mean, obviously you would’ve wanted to perform better, but at the end of the season it’s still like fun looking back at all of the experiences you had,” Frederick said. “Even though we weren’t the fastest in state, it was still a fun experience having a couple of days just to hang out with all of the guys on the team. It was pretty fun.”