After Sectionals at Busse Woods in Schaumburg this past weekend, both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams will be going to the State competition this Saturday, November 8.

Even though the boys’ team qualified for State, they were disappointed with fourth place at Sectionals, according to Justin Shim, senior, said.

“It wasn’t our best race. We got beat by two teams that we beat earlier in the season, which are McHenry and Barrington,” Shim said. “But despite that, our coach reminded us that we should be glad that we have a box at State and that we should look into the future instead of dwell on the past.”

Being a senior, Shim said he is glad to have the opportunity to go to State and watch the program develop.

“My goal, and the team’s goal, is to run the best race of the season at State,” Shim said. “Despite the Sectional results, we are still a dangerous team. Looking into the future, I think the team will be really good. I like leaving knowing that the program is stronger and will continue to build.”

Similar to the boys’ team, the girls’ team also got fourth at Sectionals and will be competing at State.

“Palatine got first, Schaumburg got second, Fremd got third, and Hoffman Estates and our team tied for fourth,” Nicole Syverson, senior, said. “We knew we had the opportunity to make it to State and overall we were happy that we pulled through.”

Knowing that this will be her last race, Syverson said she wants to leave knowing she ran her best.

“My goal is definitely to race my best,” Syverson said. “It is a fast course and it would be great if I could beat my Personal Record, which is 18 minutes and 21 seconds. Our team goal is to be in the top 10 team because last year we got 15th.”

Being on the team for four years, Syverson said she will miss the team, but know they will continue to grow stronger.

“It is going to be sad considering it is my last race. It will but fun at the same time because the seniors and myself have done everything we could to leave on a good note,” Syverson said. “The ream has a lot of depth and will continue to have a strong varsity team that will continue growing and improving.”