The Lakes Community High School Girls Cross Country team has had impressive results as they dash their way toward the end of the season.

“I believe our team improved a lot. We grew closer as a team with team bonding, making us a stronger team altogether,” sophomore runner Simone Lippmann said. “I think our mindsets are only positive in ending the season,” Lippmann said.

On Sept. 3, the girls competed in the Racine Horlick Invite. The Varsity team tied their all time best finish, and ended in third place out of 22 teams. Freshman Olivia Schmitt took first, gaining her second victory in two out of three races. Lippman also earned a medal finishing in 14th place.

Lakes Cross Country also hosted Antioch and Round Lake in a Tri-Meet on Sept. 13. This was another victorious outcome for the Eagles, defeating Antioch 18 to 41, and Round Lake 15 to 50. Freshman Olivia Schmitt placed first once again, with Sophomore Rae Dwyer in second, and Senior Alyssa Stromsland in fourth. Sophomore Hannah Grant continued her personal record streak, lowering her time by another 20 seconds.

“I’m very impressed with the consistency that’s also been much better than I expected,” Head Coach Keith West said.

Another outstanding accomplishment this season is the team’s fourth place finish out of 60 in a Class 2A meet in Peoria. Half of the schools in Illinois attended this meet and Coach West was very pleased with the outcome.

“Immediately we became recognized as a force,” West said. “We were definitely off of everyone’s radars, and then now we’re definitely on everyone’s radars, and people are starting to latch on to our girls as a race strategy.”

The conference meet was on Saturday, Oct. 15. All six varsity runners from Lakes received All-Conference, an incredible accomplishment for the girls and a great way to represent Lakes Community High School.