Palatine Boys Cross Country Team Powers to 63rd Consecutive Dual Meet Win

The Palatine boys cross country team turned in a 21-39 win over crosstown rivals Fremd on Thursday night at Deer Grove East.  The boys are now 1-0 in MSL West duals for the season.  Ranked seventh state-wide in the ITCCCA 3A coaches poll, the boys powered to the win in the second mile behind the inspired running of senior captain Christian Zambrano and sophomore star Graham Brown.  Zambrano picked up his first varsity win in a time of 15:44 over the Palatine layout at Deer Grove.  Brown snagged second place in 15:45. 

Fremd's two junior stars, Harry Winter and Nick Vucovich, chased gamely throughout the final mile, but were unable to bridge the gap to the two Palatine leaders.  They finished third and fourth in 16:00 and 16:03.  Behind them, a sea of red jerseys concluded the scoring.  Palatine's Emil Kozakiewicz (5th – 16:11), Argeni Bailon (6th 16:13), Zach Stella (7th – 16:16), and Brian Smith (8th – 16:18) packed together to guarantee a big win for the host Pirates. 

The win continued a Mid-Suburban League winning streak that dates to 2001.  The MSL record for consecutive wins is held by Fremd at 64 straight from 1974-1977.  The Pirates will have the opportunity to tie that mark next Thursday, September 13 versus Barrington at Ron Beese Park.  According to the IHSA web site, the streak now stands as the seventh longest in Illinois history.  The win also extended Palatine's winning streak versus Fremd to 27 consecutive years.  The last Palatine loss came in 1985.

For more information, photos, and videos of the Palatine boys cross country team, visit http://www.palatinecc.net throughout the season.