Immanuel Lutheran Boys Win National Cross Country Title

Perfect weather conditions greeted runners from Immanuel Lutheran School, Palatine, as both the girls’ and boys’ cross country teams traveled to Concordia University-Wisconsin, in Mequon, Wis., to defend their 2010 Lutheran Sports Association national titles.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the boys’ team secured another national boys title, while the girls finished national runner-up. Eighth-grader Matt Ulrich won the boys race with a time of 11:02.58. On Saturday, Oct. 15, the two teams captured both Illinois Lutheran Sports Association state championships in Bloomington, Ill., earning spots at the national meet.

“It was unbelievably exciting to return both of our teams to the national championships this year,” stated Ken Heinrich, head coach for both teams.  “Seeing our boys repeat as national champions and the girls placing second was thrilling. Our kids will remember this day for the rest of their lives.”

With a flat and fast two-mile course along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, the Immanuel boys’ team scored 23 points in the final team standings, while the Lady Bobcats posted a team score of 50 points.

Participating in the national championships were 217 runners, representing 31 Lutheran schools. 

Eight Immanuel Lutheran runners were named 1st Team All-American.

Boys’ 7th & 8th Grade 1st Team All-American

• Matt Ulrich (1st Place overall, 11:02.58)
• Nate Rathe (3rd Place overall, 11:31.38)
• Nate Izewski (4th Place overall, 11:36.42)
• Britt Sease (7th Place overall, 11:49.82)

Girls’ 7th & 8th Grade 1st Team All-American

• Nadya Lloyd (2nd Place overall, 12:04.50)
• Danya Lloyd (4th Place overall, 12:25.93)
• Anna LaValle (8th Place overall, 12:49.31)

Girls’ 6th Grade and Younger 1st Team All-American

• Jane Smith (26th Place overall, 13:45.38)

The final boys’ team results at national were: Immanuel Lutheran-Palatine (23 points); Peace Lutheran, Sun Prairie, Wis. (90); Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Waukesha, Wis. (127); First Immanuel Lutheran, Cedarburg, Wis. (129); St. John’s Lutheran, Wauwatosa, Wis. (129); Trinity Lutheran, Bloomington, Ill. (140); Trinity Lutheran, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (161); St. Peter Lutheran, Arlington Heights, Ill. (163); Hales Corners (Wis.) Lutheran (182).

The final girls’ team results at nationals were: Cross Lutheran, Yorkville, Ill. (35 points); Immanuel Lutheran-Palatine (50); First Immanuel Lutheran, Cedarburg, Wis. (96); Immanuel Lutheran, St. Charles, Mo. (111); Mt. Calvary Lutheran, Waukesha, Wis. (116); Bethel Lutheran, Morton, Ill. (157); Peace Lutheran, Sun Prairie, Wis. (183); Christ Community Lutheran, Kirkwood, Mo. (185); and Christ Lutheran, Big Bend, Wis. (212).

In addition to Heinrich, the Immanuel Bobcats also are coached by assistants Marcia Mathes and Kim Schneider-Mores.

This information was submitted by Immanuel Lutheran School.