For decades, York High School has been the central focus of media attention when it comes to cross country running in Illinois.  With the Dukes year after year establishing themselves not only as the best in Illinois, but the best in the country, they’ve certainly earned all their media attention.

However, the past few years have seen Illinois boys cross country reach a whole new level, as teams like Neuqua Valley and Naperville North have not only won state titles, but have finished top three in the nation at Nike Cross Nationals.  With so much success coming out of the Naperville area, Running Times decided this season to track both Naperville North and Neuqua Valley this season, documenting their summer training all the way through to the state meet.

The first installment of this series is posted online HERE.