Kendall County Times

The Joliet City Council met on Jan. 17 where they recognized athletes from the Plainfield South boys’ cross country team for winning the state cross country championship in the fall.

“I want to congratulate you guys,” said Councilman Larry Hug. “We’re very proud of you. I tried cross-country at junior high one year and I have a lot of respect for you guys. I lasted almost that entire year and said, 'I'm done with that. I need to slow down.' And I've been slowing down ever since. You guys are top athletes.”

The Cougars beat Tinsdale Central 88 to 89 to take first out of 28 teams on Nov. 5 to win the IHSA Class 3A state title. This was the first time the Plainfield South Cougars won a boys’ cross country championship. The team went undefeated against all Illinois high schools in the fall.

Hug, who is also a football referee, said Plainfield South falls under some of its city limits and they have always had a close relationship between the two schools and municipalities. He brought the team to the podium alongside them and commended them for their hard work. Hug also read a mayoral proclamation that honored the team for their state title and the dedication it took to achieve the honor.

“We thank them for the positive publicity they have brought to the city of Joliet and we are all very proud of you,” Mayor Bob O’Dekirk wrote in a conclusion to the proclamation.

Hug honored each of the top seven athletes who led the team to victory, while acknowledging their All-State and sectional honors. This year Coach Jason Crowe was named Class 3A Coach of the Year by the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association. Crowe has now won the award twice, with the other time being in 2012. The players on the team spoke highly of the coach and also thanked the city council for being there. 

The athletes were also awarded commemorative challenge coins to remember the event and know that the city council appreciates their hard work representing their area of Illinois.