By Bobby Narang
Patrick Hilby didn’t need any motivation to perform at a high level at the Class 2A state track and field meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Saturday, May 27.
Throughout his junior season, the Aurora Central Catholic (ACC) athlete had shown why he was considered one of the top runners in the State. Brimming with confidence, sporting a stronger physique, and filled with knowledge following a third-place finish in the 800-meter run at last season’s State meet, Hilby was ready for a big weekend at State.
But he couldn’t shake off the feeling of just missing out on a State championship in his sophomore season, even though he was primed for a memorable showing last weekend.
“At the end of last year’s race, I kind of fell and stumbled, so I was thinking about that all offseason and it paid off this year,” Hilby said. “I was thinking about it during workouts.”
All of his hard work showed, when Hilby blazed to a 2A State record time of 1 minute, 50.49 seconds to win the 800 race. His teammate, Armando Acosta, added to the program’s big weekend by earning sixth place in a personal-record (PR) time of 1:56.49.
Hilby said it was a special moment to share his State championship with his training partner.
“It’s great Armando did so well, because he really pushed me all year and to see him succeed is special,” he said.
Hilby won the race, thanks to a strong showing throughout the two laps on the blue track, but his strong kick propelled him to a PR time.
“When we came through the 600, I saw the time and pushed it for the last 200,” Hilby said. “Last year I didn’t do cross country, so that definitely helped with 300 to go when I made my big move. I feel a lot stronger than last year. I just tried to go for the win and the time would take care of itself.”
- Neuqua Valley nearly earned the team championship in 3A behind numerous memorable showings by individuals and relays. The Wildcats finished with 42 points to earn second place, with Homewood-Flossmoor winning the State championship with 58 points.
Senior Austin Belle helped Neuqua Valley by turning in several inspiring races, most notably finishing in second place in the 200 in a time of 21.72 seconds and third place in the 100 (10.89).
“I just tried to make sure my legs felt good because I was in little bit of pain,” Belle said. “I ran through the pain and happy with the way I performed and gave points to my team. It’s been a good season, had some good times. Last year I wouldn’t have believed I would compete in the 200 at State, or even dream of doing the 100 in the finals.”
- Hinsdale Central senior Dan Watcke, an Oregon recruit, showed why he’s among the best in the State, and he added to his family’s storied history in the sport. He captured the State championship in the 800 in Class 3A in a time of 1:52.16 to win the event for the second time in three years at State. He placed second at State in the 800 in his junior season.
The Red Devils’ 3,200-meter relay team of seniors Michael Skora, Grant Miller, Kyle Doorhy, and Watcke started the final day at State by winning the challenging 3A relay. Hinsdale Central junior Aden Bandukwala had a race to remember by winning the 1,600 race in a time of 4:10.39.