The girls cross country team is the CSL (Central Suburban League) North conference champions, winning their first conference title since 1995. They secured the championship after recording the lowest score in their division with 153 points in the three-mile varsity race.
The CSL North conference includes Niles North, Maine West, Highland Park, Maine East and Vernon Hills. Four runners were also named All-Conference athletes, the first time in more than 25 years the team has earned that honor. The milestone victory reflected the team’s dedication and hard work throughout the season.
“It feels really nice being able to win conference, especially because this was the first time in like 30 years,” senior Varsity runner Allison Thannert said. “I felt so proud because the team worked so hard over the season and it really paid off.”
Girls Cross Country Coach Anne Heselton credited the girls’ success to their dedication at practice and in communication with each other.
“The varsity did a great job staying close to each other during workouts, which directly translated to how they raced,” Heselton said. “They stayed in close contact with one another during races and helped them improve as a group.”
Over the past three months, the runners have built strong team chemistry by supporting one another both on and off the course.
“The team encourages each other through cheering during races and supporting everyone equally,” senior Olivia Lazar said. “We do team bonding through pasta parties and playing an annual game of spoons, which brings all of us closer and makes it even more special when those people cheer for you.”
Following their conference victory, the team competed in the regional meet, where sophomore Bella Mohip and junior Antonina Moriczi placed 29th and 33rd, earning spots to advance to the sectional round.
“I’m excited for sectionals, I’m really sad it was my last time running with some girls at regionals,” sophomore Bella Mohip said. “I’m just going to do what I usually do and try to stay positive about the race.”
The sectional meet took place on Nov. 1, and while neither runner qualified for state, the season was still a historic success for the team. For some athletes, it will be their final season as cross country runners before graduation.
“I’m gonna miss my teammates the most. During warm-ups and cool-downs is where we unwind and just talk about everything,” Thannert said. “It’s so refreshing and knowing they have my back, I’ll really miss that the most.”
