The Schaumburg High School Girls Cross Country team returned home from state competition to celebrate their impressive journey. After a thrilling season of racing, girls cross country accumulated sufficient points to attend state, performing extraordinarily during their races.
Prior to the state competition, the team placed 4th at the Mid Suburban League Cross Country Conference Championship on October 19. Following this accomplishment, they advanced to the IHSA Class 3A Sectional Competition on November 2, placing 6th. Due to their impressive performance, Girls Cross Country proceeded to state, where they placed 22nd with 540 points.
Fueled by the early morning practices, intense training, and a competitive spirit, the road to state was a challenge, but the team faced it together. The Girls Cross Country team spent countless hours each week training. When the time came to run at state, they relentlessly attempted to beat their times. Competing against some of the best runners in Illinois, Schaumburg represented the school with pride.
Starting off strong, the team succeeded in working together as a unit, only falling short toward the end. Although Barrington prevailed, Schaumburg’s grit and perseverance shone through their attitudes. When asked about the team’s performance, senior Milana Pisto concluded, “All our hard work and off season training paid off. I am very proud of how well everyone competed this year and how we made it to state after a long season!”
The team’s success this season can be attributed to their strong teamwork, determination, and the impact of veteran runners. Schaumburg’s cross country was largely effective due the leadership roles and team dynamic, creating a supportive environment for new runners. Senior mentor Pisto added, “Cross Country is an amazing sport regardless of experience. Running creates lifelong connections with others and is truly an inclusive and fun community.” Leading the stats for the team, she placed in the top 100 in the state tournament.
The runners returned to a warm welcome, with students, faculty, and teammates congratulating them on their accomplishments. For now, the team is taking a well-deserved break, but they’ll be back, ready to start training for next season and even bigger goals. Congratulations to the cross country team on an unforgettable season and a fantastic finish!
When asked about season highlights, Dilana Kowaczek mentioned, “‘Fun Run’ days when games or objectives were incorporated into the practice. It was a great way to still continue training but also make time for team bonding.” The team hopes to rebound from state positively, experiencing an even higher level of success next season. While the season may be over, the legacy of this year’s team will continue to inspire the next generation of runners at Schaumburg High School.