To cross country runners throughout the state of Illinois, November 4th marks an important day: the IHSA State Final will take place at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Illinois. Coaches and runners alike have spent their summer and fall seasons preparing for the chance to run at this statewide gathering.

For Coach Kelli Wosick and the Saint Viator Girls Cross Country Team, the dream of heading down to state has become a reality.

DyeStat Illinois Editor Mike Newman projected the Saint Viator Girls Cross Country Team to place a never-before seen 24th at state. After sending only then-sophomore Payton McDonnell to last year’s State Final, the team has clearly made large improvements.

Not surprisingly, superior coaching remains an essential piece to the girls team.

“The coaches expect the best from us at all times” said senior Maddie Fitzpatrick.

“Their support is always there, and they expect our best everyday.”

The boys and girls cross country teams have decided to collaborate on workouts this year and both teams have seen positive results. Most recently, both Viator teams won the Pat Savage Invitational, an indicator to the progress of Lions Cross Country. Personal bests have become a force of habit each week, and the Lions do not plan on falling short of their season expectations.

Now, running their last season as varsity runners, the senior class looks to pass the torch to the new class of runners. Freshman Katie Castelli has already left an impression on IHSA competition. Having placed 14th in state her eighth grade year, she has an idea of what to expect for the weeks to come.

“Viator Cross Country has definitely been a step up from last year” said Castelli. She knows that the work that she and her team will put forth the best effort possible in the upcoming races. “With the support from my teammates, I believe we’ll go far.”

The team’s dedication to one another has allowed them to prevail week after week. The Saint Viator Girls Cross Country team continues to prove that the best results come from hard work and devotion to the team.

Conference, regionals, and sectionals signify the last attempts to secure a spot at the state meet. Both the coaches and runners affirm that the work they have done has been the work necessary to succeed. On November 4th, the IHSA will face a new threat on the starting line.