The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced on November 4, 2019 that it is adding 13 individuals runners (8 boys, 5 girls), and one boys’ team, to its field of qualifiers for the 2019 IHSA Cross Country State Finals.
Per IHSA Policy, runners from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) were not eligible to run in the Sectional races held on November 2, because they had been unable to participate in the Regional races (Oct. 25-26) due to a teacher strike. However, the Honorable Neil H. Cohen granted a Temporary Restraining Order on November 1 that allowed for CPS runners to compete in Sectionals on November 2. Thirteen individuals and one team from CPS high schools qualified for Saturday’s state meet. The runners and team that were displaced by CPS qualifiers will be added to the state final field.
The 2019 IHSA Cross Country State Finals will unfold at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday, November 9, 2019.
The added runners and teams include:
Class 2A Girls Individuals
Abigail Kuderna, Carmel Catholic
Isabel Ashley, Carmel Catholic
Grainne Giblin, Oak Forest
Natalia Wrobel, Richards
Class 3A Girls Individuals
Sarah Jay, Loyola Academy
Class 2A Boys Teams
St. Viator Team
Class 2A Boys Individuals
Alexander Speer, Carmel Catholic
Jimmy Palumbo, Fenton
Kamil Kotarski, Elmwood Park
Alex Utsis, Vernon Hills
Adael Jaimes-Sotelo, Thornton Fractional North
Class 3A Boys Individuals
Ray Ure, Maine West
Jack O’Sullivan, Oak Park-River Forest
Dylan Moran, Addison Trail
“After being granted an exemption to run by the courts, the CPS runners and team earned their places in the State Meet,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “However, given that they were not initially eligible to compete per IHSA rules, it seemed like a fair gesture to reward the individuals and teams who lost their qualifier spots to them. We believe this is a fair recourse given the unique circumstances.”