With York Boys Cross Country heading to state on Sat. Nov. 5, at Detweiller Park in Peoria, the boys have been preparing for their most important and anticipated meet of the season.

“Preparation has been months in the making…” said Mr. Kern, teacher and cross country coach. “Do we have enough talent and ability to beat the other teams in the state? That’s why we run the races to find out.”

After being given the same amount of training, the boys compete for one of the top seven spots in the varsity level.

Mr. Kern mentioned that the coaches send the top seven runners to compete at state, “We may not be good enough to win it, but we’ve got it whittled down to seven guys that are going to give it all they’ve got.”

York Cross Country has gone to state for the past sixty-two years and has obtained twenty-eight state championship titles–how this is made possible seems quite simple.

“Believing in their training, not making the race any bigger than it is, ultimately it’s just running,” said Mr. Kern. “If they’re able to believe in their training and trust in themselves and go out there and be comfortable with being uncomfortable, there’s going to be a good result.”

With this being the runners’ biggest meet of the season, fan support is greatly encouraged by the runners.

Danny Honquest, junior and XC runner, says, “Having fans to support us always helps us to run at our top potential and we enjoy it when people come out to watch.”

So be sure to make your way out to Detweiller Park in Peoria on Sat. Nov. 5, to cheer on the Dukes as they run towards their goal of state champs!