Sophomore Jack McNabola and freshman Audrey Shadle wrapped up this cross country season with a wealth of personal accolades. Shadle qualified for the sectional meet with her outstanding times, her best of 21:28 minutes, and McNabola–in his rookie season–led the team with a berth into the DATE State meet in Peoria with a time of 17:22 minutes.

The full group reached “new heights not seen in over five years both as individuals and as a team,” head coach and Upper School history teacher Martin Moran said. While the cross country team enjoys the success of this past season, they are still ambitious for what is to come next year and in the years to come.

“I want to improve on my times and get an overall better finish in state,” McNabola said. “Since this was my first year running, I learned a lot and hope to bring that knowledge into next year.”

McNabola finished sixth in the sectional meet, sending him to state, and finished the season as an all-conference, regional, and sectional runner. McNabola’s year concluded with his 16:40 time in the State meet in Peoria.

Leading up to the state meet, McNabola was battling a cold, coach and Upper School history teacher James Nau said in a Morning Ex following the race.  This set him back from the start.

McNabola attributed his season’s success to the open and encouraging team dynamic. “Having a supportive and positive team is key in Cross Country,” McNabola said. “Although cross country is an individual sport, being able to encourage your teammates and at the same time receiving support from them made it easier and more fun to run.”

Along with McNabola’s success, Parker newcomer Audrey Shadle distinguished herself by qualifying for the sectional meet. Shadle finished 11th overall in the IHSA regional meet, which propelled her to a 24th place finish in the sectional meet.

Although Shadle spent lots of time over the summer preparing, she was specifically pleased with the kind of support and connection she received from those on the team with her.

“I am new to Parker this year, and I made one of my best friends from running cross country with her,” Shadle said. “The whole team is really close…and we can connect with each other’s pain when the coaches tell us we need to go on a long run before school.”

In addition to these individual accolades, the team finished second in the regional meet, which boosted their morale and qualified them for a run in the sectional meet.

“Overall, the team reached exceptional levels of success this year,” Moran said, “and the future looks even brighter.”

McNabola, for his part, is ready to get running once more.  “Next year will certainly bring more success for the Parker cross country team,” McNabola said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”