The Sterling Invitational Cross Country Meet showcased impressive performances across all divisions. In varsity boys, Hoffman Estates clinched the team title with Mark Gbadamassi of East Moline taking individual honors. Princeton runners Augustus Swanson and Jackson Drozda finished 47th and 67th. For varsity girls, Zion-Benton led team scoring, while Juliana Gamboa of Oak Park Fenwick captured first. Princeton took sixth, highlighted by Payton Frueh’s personal best ninth-place effort and three top runners earning spots in Princeton High history. In frosh/soph events, Pleasant Valley dominated both team categories, and Princeton’s girls team secured third, with Susanna Bohms and Lily Simpson leading the way.
Sterling Invitational
Link to Full Results: Sterling HS XC Invitational – Results – Cross Country Meet
Varsity Boys
Team Champ: Hoffman Estates 43 pts.
Individual Champ: Mark Gbadamassi-East Moline 15:57 5 km (3.1 miles)
Princeton did not field a full team. Princeton finishers:
47. Augustus Swanson 19:46
67. Jackson Drozda 24:12
Varsity Girls
Team Champ: Zion-Benton 58 pts.
Individual Champ: Juliana Gamboa-Oak Park Fenwick 18:41 5 km (3.1 miles)
Princeton finished 6th with 118 pts. Princeton finishers:
9. Payton Frueh 20:25 Personal Best
15. Ruby Acker 20:44 Season Best
27. Alexandra Waca 21:34 Personal Best
40. Avery Waca 23:17 Personal Best
47. Natalie Meyer 24:22
Frosh/Soph Boys
Team Champ: Pleasant Valley (IA) 25 pts
Individual Champ: Tyler Johnson-Rochelle 17:06 5 km (3.1 miles)
Princeton did not field a full team. Princeton finishers:
29. Brady Gross 20:25
37. Allister Swanson 21:27
Frosh/Soph Girls
Team Champ: Pleasant Valley (IA) 20 pts
Individual Champ: Macey Jug-Kaneland 19:28 5 km (3.1 miles)
Princeton finished 3rd with 70 pts. Princeton finishers:
12. Susanna Bohms 23:41 Personal Best
13. Lily Simpson 24:46 Personal Best
17. Leila Acker 25:12
20. Lenora Hopkins 26:05
21. Emma Dye 26:19
“Our girls had an outstanding day with 6 personal or season bests. Payton had her best race ever and ran some very even splits along the way. Ruby was right there as well with Alex keeping up with them for the first two miles. All of our top 3 female runners are now in the top 40 all-time for PHS. Avery, Susanna, and Lily had strong showings, too, with Lily having the most improvement of anyone today. Our boys were not feeling the best today, but gave some good efforts.” Pat Hodge-Princeton Coach
