After winning the West Division title for the second consecutive year, the Hoffman Estates High School Boys Cross Country Team continues a positive trend. The team recently won its first IHSA Regional in over a decade.

The Hawks put five runners in the top 27 as they beat conference rival Prospect 56-62.

“We wanted to get out in a solid first mile to prepare for sectionals. The boys did a nice job of doing that while working together,” said Head Coach Brenden Mariano.

Junior Varsity captain, Rich Millo said the JV team is working diligently this season.

“Watching the team run the plan from a spectator point of view and seeing all the work being paid off is exciting. We are still working hard to reach our potential,” he said.

Before the race started, however, the course was bombarded by rain showers, making the task of going out in a solid mile a bit more challenging as the dirt turned to mud, making it harder to gain traction. The Hawks had a great crowd to support them as Wayne Oras, engineering teacher, organized the Hoffman drum line to perform before and during the races.

“Oras has been an unbelievable supporter for us all season long. We can not thank him enough,” said said Matt
Petersen.

By winning the regional, the Hawks qualified for sectionals for the fourth consecutive year and are now looking to qualify for State finals this Saturday. If the team qualifies for State, it would be the second year in a row.