Coaches reflect on successful seasons!
Montini Catholic Cross Country Teams have much to celebrate now that their seasons have come to a close. Both teams advanced to the IHSA 1A State Championships on November 4th at Detweiller Park in Peoria. The teams received a victorious all school 'clap out' by students, faculty and parents as they left for State on Friday, November 3rd.
Varsity coaches Eric Brechtel (Boys) and Alex Zasso (Girls) reflected on their great seasons upon returning from Peoria.
"The boys had their best finish in school history, placing 18th," said Brechtel. Earlier in the season, his team finished 4th overall out of 18 teams at the Bishop McNamara Sectional on October 28th. At the regional championship (October 21) they finished 2nd place as a team with junior Nolan Ferris ‘25* claiming a regional champion title. "Our Broncos also saw regular success finishing strongly at most meets," added Brechtel. "Our future looks bright for the Broncos as our freshman team secured a first place finish at the Pat Savage Invitational at Niles West High School and a second place finish at the CCL Championships! It's been a great year."
"Our Girls Cross Country advanced as a team to the State Meet for the first time in 8 years - finishing 21st overall," said Coach Zasso. "Sophomore Sydney Gertsen finished 8th, earning her 2nd All-State designation!" Her time of 17:27 was the second fastest Bronco finish in the school's history (Ericka Laviste '12 currently holds the record of 17:25.)
The girls finished 5th overall at the Bishop McNamara Sectional, with top 10 finishes from sophomores Sydney Gertsen ‘26 (2nd) and Ashlynn Lindt ‘26 (7th). Also running for the state qualifying team were Annalee Defeo ‘25*, Rosie Callaghan ‘27, Naomy Gonzalez ‘25, Maryfaith Considine ‘27*, and Yeon Park ‘27.
At the previous week's Westmont Regional, Sydney was regional champion for the second straight year, Ashlynn placed 4th, and the team finished second. Sydney and Ashlynn both earned all-conference honors at the GCAC Championship meet, placing 2nd and 11th, respectively.
Regular season Girls Cross Country highlights included a team 3rd place finish at the Elmwood Park Tiger Invitational (October 7th), a team 5th place finish at the Jim Connelly Invitational (September 2), and a team 16th place finish out of over 40 teams at the biggest cross country meet in Illinois, the First to the Finish Invitational (September 9th).
Individually, Sydney Gertsen placed 2nd in 3 invitationals and top 10 at the First to the Finish Invitational. Ashlynn Lindt also recorded 2 top-10 invitational finishes.
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