In a “normal” year, we would be getting ready for another trip downstate to Detweiler Park in Peoria for the IHSA state cross country meets. Since the state tourney is not in the cards in 2020, let’s instead take a trip down memory lane as we look back at one of the area’s best distance runners to lace up a pair of shoes.
Naperville North girls cross country is one of the strongest program’s in Illinois history, regardless of sport. With ten state championships and 19 state team trophies, it is not always easy to stand out amongst so many great runners. But 2018 graduate Sarah Schmitt spent her four years as a Huskie becoming a team leader one of the most decorated athletes in program history.
A varsity runner even as a freshman on the 2014 state championship team, Schmitt finished in the top 30 at the state meet all four years. She was an All state performer in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and is one of only two North runners to have two top six finishes at state. The Huskies won three state championships during her tenure, in 2014, 2016 and 2017 with a second place finish in 2015.
Picture Source: Naperville Community Television
