2019 ILXCTF.com XC Season Awards - Girls Illinois XC Runner of the Year

By Michael Newman

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Congratulations to Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill. as the ILXCTF.com Illinois Girls High School Runner of the Year. This is the third year in a row that Hart has been selected for this honor.

The senior, who signed her letter of intent to attend the University of Michigan beginning next fall, won her fourth straight state championship in Class 3A. Hart became the fourth Girls runner in state meet history to win four state titles. Hart follows Dana Miroballi (1984-1987), Katelyn Bastert (2003-2006), and Anna Sophia Keller (2013-2016) into the record book immortality.

Hart currently has won 11 state championships (7 in XC, 4 in Track & Field).

She finished fourth at the Foot Locker Nationals earning her seventh All-American honors during the cross-country season.

Hart did not have her best race of the season when she finished 50th at Nike Cross Nationals. She handled it with grace congratulating other runners after the finish though she was hurting inside. That has how Hart has handled her successes or bad races during her four years at Glenbard West. She has honored this sport with her presence. More than the championships that she has achieved, we will remember how she handled those moments the most.

Tatum David was the only other Illinois athlete to be considered. David jumped into the spotlight immediately this fall winning the Class 2A State title running the fastest freshman time ever (16:04) in the process.

David was also the first freshmen ever nationally to earn All-American honors at both the Nike Cross Nationals (17th place) and the Foot Locker Nationals (10th place).

Where one champion leaves for the next level, another champion steps in.