In the best race of his high school career, Illinois Valley Central High School junior David Weber placed second at the Prairie Central Invitational Saturday.

“It was a sunny, cool day, perfect for running,” said cross country coach Mike Themas.

“David (16.08) looked very good from start to finish. I hope this will be his breakout meet. He has the potential to be a very good distance runner.”

Danny Kendzierski finished second for IVC in 17.33 (PR), Corey Gondeck third in 18.12 (PR),
Alex Tarantino fourth in 18.20, Caleb Bjerk fifth in 19.28, Alex Weistart sixth in 20.03 (PR) and Miles Bannister seventh in 20.04.

In the boys open, Richard Mayerhofer finished in 20.07.

At the invitational, the IVC girls’ team finished third and the boys fourth of the 11 schools entered in the meet on the 2.9-mile course.

“I was very pleased with the boys’ efforts, as everyone who ran this course last year set personal records,” said Themas.

“I had hoped that the girls would have run better. They looked tired. Only one girl, Sarah James (21.46), set a PR from the previous year.”

Placing first for IVC was Marci Furuholmen in 21.33, James, Rachel Wargo in third in 21.50, Tawni McGann in fourth in 22.18, Jessica Owdom in fifth in 22.22, Kelsey Thornton in sixth in 22.41 and Cecily Stedwill in 22.50.

For the freshman/sophomore girls, Emily Pence finished in 22.33, Liz Norris in 23.03 and Bethany Espinosa in 27.55.

In the girls open, Lindsey James finished in 23.35 and Mikayla Vail in 25.55.

“We have one more big invitational at Amboy on Monday,” said Themas. “Then the meets we want to peak for begin, that being conference, regional, sectional and state.”

The North Central Illinois Conference-Lincoln Division meet is Oct. 18.