In Detweiller Park in Peoria, on Saturday, November 5, the Riverside Brookfield boys cross country team competed in the state competition. The seven runners who had the opportunity to run included Mateo Nunez, Connor O’Brien, Jacob Wardzala, Jack Sagan, Matt Zamudio, Nick Allegretti, and Ryan Hahn.

The RBHS team finished in 11th place with the time of 1:19:26. One of their top runners, Mateo Nunez, placed 16th overall, which earned him all-state honors with a time of 14:57.

In a three mile race cross country race, not only do times matter, but endurance and strength matter as well.

“Taking out times, the team definitely got stronger and we are now able to obtain more consistent times and maintain sustain certain paces,” said cross-country teammate Jack Sagan.

Although RBHS did not win the state championship, head boys’ cross country coach Larry Forberg believes that the boys team will continue to succeed in the future.

“We have a lot of talented runners coming back. I have taken them so far. I have to make sure that I can continue to help them progress as runners. Next year we plan to be in top-ten for state,” said Forberg.

The overall energy of state was nervous-yet-exciting as the runners prepared for their race.

“The overall atmosphere was very exciting: thousands of fans, hundreds of runners, and it was just a great day. Everybody was just very excited,” said Forberg.

Overall the boy’s team was incredibly successful at their state meet.