All of the hard work Kaneland’s Cross Country team has been putting in since the summer, finally paid off when both the boys and girls team qualified for state.

The team shared a common goal– one that’s motivated the team since last year’s sectionals– to make it to state this year. Since the team placed third in sectionals, they were able to advance to state.

The event was held Saturday November 7 in Peoria, IL. The team had to leave the high school at around 9 a.m., and traveled down to Detweiller Park, getting there by 3 p.m.

Many of the runners felt a mixture of feelings during the day.

“It’s crazy. You’re nervous, but at the same time, you’re confident. You’re excited to see what you can do,” junior Andrew Kantola said.

Kantola was a runner for the state competition. His time was 16:23, one that placed him in the top 150 runners in the state.

The boys team as a whole did very well, placing in 17th overall.

Kaneland’s own sophomore Matt Richtman placed 18th in the entire state, while breaking the Kaneland record too.

He accomplished his own goals with the help of his coach.

“He’s always helping us out, making sure we’re doing what we need to do, he’s really a big inspiration,” Richtman said.

Along with Richtman, senior Brianna Bower became an All State medal holder due to her ninth place finish with a time of 17:35.

As a team, the girls placed 10th overall.

The cross country team’s hard work paid off this season and they plan to work just as hard for the next, hoping to qualify for state, yet again.