By Yaakov Rosenberg-
After 5 strong races, the running aces were ready for more. Their practices got harder, their track runs got faster, and their core workouts got longer.
Then came the Mather race. Every year, the Mather race yields many two mile personal records; this year was no outlier. Fourteen runners beat their PRs, including a new school record by Micah Cohen: two miles in 10 minutes and 45 seconds, coming in third place of all seniors. This moment in history only made the Aces more motivated in practice, preparing for a potential conference victory.
The next week, the Round the River race came around the corner. For some, this was another chance to set a two-mile PR; for others, it was the only three-mile race to prepare for the conference race. With those stakes, Nineteen runners set personal records, including breakout performances by Ray Goltz and Emma Felix, each running their first three-mile race ever and finishing top two on the team. Astonishingly, Micah Cohen broke another ICJA record, running three miles in 16:30. With the whole team running well and positive attitudes circulating, the Running Aces were ready for conference.
Later that week, the Aces traveled to Lane Tech for their last two-mile race of the season, all on grass. Running a slightly longer course of 2.03 miles on a drizzling day, the Aces toughened up and fought hard through the race. Five runners set PRs, including Josh Goltz, who broke his PR by 2 seconds in his first race since healing from an ankle injury. On a technicality of a longer race, Micah Cohen ran his fastest race ever, running 2.03 miles in 10:52, an equivalent to a 10:42 two-mile time, yet again making history.
With two-mile races behind them, the Aces moved their focus to three miles.
The Aces traveled to Schiller Woods ready to run after a two day Yom Tov during Sukkot. Everyone would run three miles and the varsity squad consisted of the top seven runners from each team. Additionally, the top seven runners from Ida Crown would be selected to run the regional race on the next Friday. The stakes were high, and the Aces were prepared. Unfortunately, the girls lost to Rochelle Zell, and the boys fell to Walther Christian. While each team did not win their race, both teams finished in second place. Overall, seven runners had PRs, ten runners beat last year’s times from the same race, and eight runners ran a three-mile race for the first time. “It really hurt that we worked our hardest and did not come out with the championship win, but I am proud of what everyone accomplished this season. It felt like a big win without a trophy,” Ray Goltz commented.
Despite the Conference loss, the Aces persevered and kept practicing hard, preparing for the first-ever non-Saturday regional race in ICJA history. On a cold, fifty-degree Friday, over twenty teams had arrived at Pooch Park. With this three-mile race being the last one of the season, the Aces knew that they had to run until they had nothing left in the tank. Nine out of fourteen of the runners finished with personal records, including Emma Felix at 23:26 and Isaac Zipperstein at 18:46. Amazingly, in his last race ever, Micah Cohen broke yet another school record, running three miles in 16:18. With each team winning fourth place, the Boys and Girls teams qualified for sectionals, making Ida Crown and IHSA history.
With eleven seniors graduating, including six former varsity runners, how will the Aces retool to return to glory? Until next season, you’ll have to wait and see.
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