Lemont came within four points of claiming its first state trophy in girls cross country last year, and the Indians are preparing this fall to improve on that fourth-place finish.
Gabby Voltarel provided early-season proof she’s ready.
A lightning delay that pushed back the start of the varsity races Saturday at the Plainfield Central Invitational didn’t slow down Voltarel, who ran to the individual title (19:59) in a 13-team field that included 3A power Lockport.
“It was really tough. It was hot out and a lot of the girls were affected, even me,” Voltarel said. “But I stayed strong through the second mile. I wound up having energy at the end, which was a surprise, because I was a little sick.”
Voltarel, one of three seniors, was Lemont’s fourth finisher at last year’s Class 2A sectional and state meets.
“You just keep improving on your times,” Voltarel said. “That’s basically the four years. You train hard and your times improve through the years.
“Hopefully, we’re going to do well at state. As long as we train hard enough and stick together, then we can do it.”
Taylor Campos, Bridget Kunkel, Claire Gagen, Beata Drozda and Celine Ratulowski also are back.
“We want to gradually even get better, so we can make it to even first or second at state,” said Kunkel, who was Lemont’s No. 2 on Saturday, finishing fifth individually. “That’s what our goals are for this season.”
“The girls are focused and motivated, which is always great to coach,” Lemont coach Tim Plotke said.
“They are quietly confident. I don’t think there’s any arrogance among them. They put the time in over the summer, and that’s the important part of the season. Once races happen, it’s race after race after race. You have to have that solid base.”
Lockport, led by runner-up Alicia Ary, claimed five of the top 10 spots to edge Lemont 26-38 Saturday for the team title.
Just getting started: Shepard’s Caleb Washington placed a strong 36th in the 3A state meet last year as a sophomore, but first things first when it comes to 2015.
“This year, as a team, we’re hoping to win conference (South Suburban Red), take back our conference championship,” Washington said. “We lost it last year to Oak Lawn. We’re hoping to get a streak started with that.”
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Washington and Young’s Clayton Mendez were neck and neck to the finish Saturday at Plainfield Central. Mendez barely beat Washington to the chute, 15:56.53 to 15:56.66.
“I just really wanted to concentrate on my form, and try my best to finish the race,” Washington said. “At that point, I was in a lot of pain. It was a hard race, but I left it all on the field.”
Shepard (73) finished second in the 14-team meet to Young (31). Paul Milkus (4th), Garrett White (13th), Kevin Callahan (26th) and Joey Iaquinta (28th) also scored for the Astros.
“We have really high expectations set for the season,” Milkus said.
Defending the title: Senior Steve Raybould and junior Diego Arana are expected to be top runners for Oak Lawn in its bid to retain the South Suburban Red championship. Raybould placed 11th among 92 runners Saturday at Plainfield Central.
“Our goal is to repeat as conference champions,” Raybould said. “Myself and Eric (Sciaky) are co-captains this season. There’s definitely a leadership role for us.”
“I’m hoping we can hold the conference for the second year in a row,” Sciaky said. “It’s been back and forth the last seven years. Most of it this year is getting the younger guys up to speed because we graduated a big chunk of our guys.”
Tim Tierney is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.