Area runners ready to tackle Detweiller for state cross country meet

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The state's best high school cross country runners are headed to Peoria this weekend.

The Illinois High School Association state meet is at Detweiller Park on Saturday. Area runners are hoping to help bring home state trophies.

"Just because you are seventh or sixth, you still count for the team. You have to give it your all," said sectional champion Maxwell Kirby of Notre Dame.

Elmwood-Brimfield is peaking at the right time and could be a big factor in the boys 1A race. The Irish hope to be in contention for a state trophy, too.

"If we make a big push I think we can place," Kirby said.

The U-High girls, led by Zoe Carter and Natalie Bierbaum, have their eyes on a state trophy. Washington figures to be in the mix for a 2A girls trophy as well.

"I think it's just exciting to see where this team is. We always hype each other up and tell each other to have a positive mindset," said Washington junior Sophia Ramirez. "It's fun to get to go to Detweiller and see all the people. The experience is unlike anything I've ever seen."

Thousands of spectators typically pack Detweiller to cheer on hundreds of state qualifiers. There are six three-mile championships races starting with the girls class 1A state final at 9 a.m.

"We have a lot of races at Detweiller this year. So I think it really helps, getting to see the course a lot," said Dunlap senior Abby Tudeen. "Tapering and working together as a team always works at the end."