They say there is a movie about this team. 

Movie, smovie. I saw the long green line up close and personal today. 

Perhaps it was the effect of being jaded by all of my high school coach's ranting about how great the state of Illinois and York, in particular, are that I wasn't all that excited to experience Illinois XC until a few weeks ago. I figured it wouldn't be anything too out of the ordinary.

Since my first encounter with Naperville North's destruction of the DuPage Valley Conference meet to today's time trials on the York track I've been in love with the state of XC in this state. The passion on display at meets is beyond anything except perhaps that of the NCAA Championship meet.

These Dukes like to be good at everything and Mr Newton makes sure of it. He quizzed these guys on their grades as well as their heart for the sport in the middle of their session. They went as far as to make sure I knew they were entering the best video in our video contest. I hope you all have something good, cause these guys have a committee the size of a normal xc team working on something.

Well alright gang, I've got to get some rest. I've got a couple more visits this week before I head south to Peoria and Detwiler Park for the Illinois State meet to witness a battle of 4 nationally ranked teams.

Take it easy, dudes.

Chris

(Editor's note: Because my high school coach was raised in Illinois he is highly biased towards all things from the Land of Lincoln, except for sweet tea. It's his one southern vice.)