565 state high schools converge on Eastern for IHSA boys track
Hundreds of athletes came to Eastern this weekend, trying to accomplish the nearly impossible — placing first at the IHSA Boys spring track meet.
To those that succeeded, the event was filled with pride and joy. To those that failed, the event was filled with disappointment and hopes for next year.
Peter Genta, head coach for Carlinville High School’s boys track team, was emotional during the event. Genta has coached track for a number of years and has had two sons, both of which are now in the military, compete at state.
“You can’t deny that a disappointment is a disappointment that will live with you for the rest of your life, in the same way a glorious victory will live with you for the rest of your life,” Genta said. “The things that happen here, they’re big. It takes a little while for it to sink in until you know how big it is.”
Most of the competitors were focused on their races and didn’t seem to grasp how large the event truly was.
Matt Sommer, a junior from Herscher High School, placed sixth in the 800-meter run. He joined track because it was a fun sport he thought was good at. Sommer was using his nervousness to focus on his race.
“There’s nerves shooting, but I’ve got to be ready for my race,” Sommer said.
Other athletes had different reasons for running track.
The 4X800 meter relay team from United Township High School in East Moline said they ran track because of friendship and competition.
“I run track to beat York,” said Jordan Jennings, a junior who ran the first lap of the race.
Senior Kyle Cameron, who ran the third lap, said he runs because of the friendships he has with the guys on his team.
“The guys around here are great,” Cameron said. “I found something I love. I feel unbelievable right now because we just took third place in the state track meet.”
