Neuqua Valley adds to hardware collection
By Mike Clark Sun-Times Media November 5, 2011 9:08PM
Mark Derrick of Nequa Valley competes in the 3A boys state finals. Patrick Gleason ~ For Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: January 9, 2012 1:07PM
PEORIA — It’s a measure of Neuqua Valley’s recent success in boys cross country that winning a trophy doesn’t trigger a big celebration anymore.
The Wildcats were on the podium at Detweiller Park for the fourth time in five seasons Saturday after finishing third in Class 3A with 144 points. Palatine won its first state title, edging O’Fallon 114-120.
“It was a great team battle,” said coach Paul Vandersteen, who guided Neuqua to Class 3A titles in 2007 and ‘09 and to a third-place finish last fall. “Illinois cross country came to play again. We ran well. We were very fortunate to be on that trophy stand. Palatine and O’Fallon ran great races.”
Leading the way for Neuqua as usual were seniors Mark Derrick and Taylor Soltys, who finished ninth and 10th, respectively. Derrick ran 14 minutes, 37 seconds for three miles and Soltys finished in 14:42.
“I knew the top guys were going to take it out hard and I was trying to give myself a chance,” Derrick said. “It wasn’t really my day. (But) I gave it my all and that’s all I can ask for.”
He had praise for his fellow all-stater.
“Taylor Soltys did what he was supposed to do,” Derrick said.
“He did his job. But some of the other guys didn’t get out fast enough or just didn’t have good races. ... I think the guys that are returning next year will probably learn from this. And they’ll know what to expect and they’ll definitely run better.”
Vandersteen also was impressed by Soltys’ effort.
“He ran well here last year, too,” the coach said. “He loves this course, he loves this meet.
“Both (top guys), I’m very proud of. We’ll be back. We’ll see what happens next year. ... We’re pretty hungry, but we’ve got some work to do if we’re going to compete with some of these teams next year.”
Junior Alekh Meka was Neuqua’s third finisher, taking 49th in 15:15. Completing the Wildcats’ top five were sophomore Nick Bushelle (53rd, 15:17) and senior Drew Smith (77th, 15:27).
Metea Valley had its first all-stater in Joe Stewart, who was 13th in 14:44.
Naperville North finished 10th with 310 points. The Huskies’ Griffin Haugen just missed all-state honors, finishing 27th in 15:04. Also scoring for North were Jimmy Qiao (67th, 15:23), Dan Emrie (97th, 15:34), Jake Pecorin (102nd, 15:35) and Sam Ceruti (125th, 15:44).
Comments Click here to view or make a comment