Sectionals Bring the Energy

The IHSA Sectional Meet brings a new energy to the season. After a few weeks of meets with 10-12 teams, now the start line is full with 24 teams and 15 more individuals. It feels like the big time. The Wildcats had two athletes earn their spot to the Sectional this year.

Brooke Rochacz had her breakout race last year at Sectionals, finishing her season with a lifetime PR. Lucky for Brooke, this year Sectionals was back at Normal and Brooke was a year stronger as a runner. The plan was get out in a good spot and hold on to her position in the field as the race unfolded. Brooke got out very aggressive and found herself in a very good position relative to the other individual qualifiers she would be racing for a spot at state. As the race continued on, a big pack of 7 runners, who were all battling for individual qualifying spots came together. The second time up the hill they were all within 5 seconds of each other, and that how the final mile played out. Brooke was able to hold on to the 10^th spot and her place at the IHSA State Finals! According to IL Speed Ratings this was Brooke’s best performance of the season. Running her best when it matters the most, that is the definition of clutch. Brooke is the 7^th girl in PHS history to qualify for the State Finals. She will race next Saturday in Peoria.

Spencer Kazak ran his best race of the year at Regionals to earn the last spot at Sectionals. Making the Sectional meet was a big step for Spencer, who is a first-year XC runner. Spencer was confident going into the meet and had a chance to run with a great field and earn some very valuable experience at a high level. The plan was for Spencer to put himself in a good position early and try to move up through the field as the race unfolded. Spencer got out well and found himself in the middle of the pack. Unfortunately for Spencer, his legs just didn’t have the same pop this week as they did last week. Spencer battled to the line in a time of 16:30. Not his best race of the year, but all courses are different and according to the IL Speed Rating of his performance this was Spencer’s 2^nd best race of the season (behind his great run at Regionals). Spencer had a great first year, and should be very proud of this accomplishments.