The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams represented Plainfield North with distinction this season, with both earning spots at the prestigious Nike Cross Regionals (NXR) Midwest Championship.

The boys’ team clinched a third-place finish, marking their second consecutive year in the top three and qualifying them for state where they would later place second. Meanwhile, the girls’ team made history with a strong showing in their first ever NXR Championship race, placing 19th out of the 30 teams. Both accomplishments highlight the hard work, resilience and team spirit that have defined the Tigers’ season.

For both teams, the memories extend beyond the races. Junior Kashan Baig highlighted moments “that make the season unforgettable,” like the energy of the pre-race huddle and the camaraderie of cheering for teammates. 

“It’s not just about running hard in practice it’s about being mentally prepared and bonding as a team,” junior Sawyer Sammarco said. “From pasta parties the night before to pre-race huddles where Coach Derks fires us up, everything contributes to how we perform on the course.”

Even in the face of fierce competition against Downers Grove North, Head Coach Andrew Derks keeps things in perspective. 

“If you’re going to get second, it might as well be to the fastest team in state history,” Derks said.

The road to state-level performance isn’t without its hurdles. Competing against teams like Downers Grove North, one of the strongest in state history, presented an intimidating challenge. 

“There’s definitely anxiety when you’re up against such a high-caliber team,” junior Baig said. “Even when nobody’s cheering for us, we continue to push ourselves, stay accountable and deny any team access to us.”

This season for North’s cross country teams has been a testament to hard work, resilience, and unity. 

“It’s a special feeling to be part of something this successful,” Sammarco said. “We’ve set a standard that we’re all proud to uphold.”