On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Sophomore Team traveled to Washington Park for the CPS Championships. The Sophomore Team was down to a single member due to the PSAT Exam.

 Northside Sophomore Karly Raber ran an outstanding time of 14:39.98 to place 21st overall. Karly Raber ran a Northside Top 12 Time! and will serve as an alternate for the Varsity for the IHSA State Series.

 Monday, June 15, 2009                     SUMMER PRACTICES BEGIN                                            

Meet in front of the main entrance of Northside College Prep at 6:30 am. Morning runs will be followed by Weight Training. Saturday practices will include Breakfast runs, Ultimate Frisbee, and Capture the Flag.

 Wednesday, August 12, 2009            MANDATORY FALL PRACTICES    BEGIN

Meet in front of the main entrance of Northside College Prep at 3:45 pm.-Athletes must have a new Physical and Players Record Card in order to attend practice:http://www.nscollegeprep.cps.k12.il.us/ncphs/activities/sports/forms.htm 

Wednesday, August 19, 2009            CROSS COUNTRY ATHLETE-PARENTS MEETING

Meet in the Northside Cafeteria at 6:00 pm. - Pasta Party and Information meeting.  

Wednesday, August 26, 2009                TEAM TIME TRIAL     (2.0 Miles)             3:45 PM                Legion Park 

                             
Wednesday, September 2, 2009        ST. PATRICK INVITATIONAL        4:30 PM

Schiller Woods Forest Preserve (Irving Park at Cumberland) 

Sophomore-Freshman Girls (7), Sophomore-Freshman Boys (7)

Varsity Women (7), Varsity Men (7) 

Co-Ed Junior Varsity (Unlimited)

Varsity races will be 3.0 Miles. J.V., and Sophomore races will be 2.5 Miles. Course is all grass with one hill. 

Saturday, September 5, 2009            REBEL INVITATIONAL                     9:00 AM
PARENTS/TEAM TAILGATE PARTY                                                       Kenosha, WI
Varsity Men (7) – 3.1 Miles                        
Junior Varsity Boys (Unlimited) – 3.1 M        
Freshman Boys – 2.48 Miles (4k)
Varsity Women (7) – 2.48 Miles (4k)
 Junior Varsity Girls (Unlimited) – 2.48 M

Saturday, September 12, 2009          GORDON TECH INVITATIONAL    9:00 AM
Varsity Women (12) – 3.0 Miles                                                                      Horner Park
Varsity Men (12) – 3.0 Miles
Plaques to the Top 5, Medals 6th-15th, Ribbons 16th-20th place

Saturday, September 19, 2009          "PRE-STATE" INVITATIONAL          9:00 AM
9:00 AM Sophomore-Freshman Girls                                                                PEORIA
9:40 AM VARSITY WOMEN (7) - 3.0 Miles
10:20 AM Junior Varsity Girls
11:00 AM Sophomore-Freshman Boys
11:40 AM VARSITY MEN (7) - 3.0 Miles
12:20 PM Junior Varsity Boys
1:00 PM Awards Ceremony

Saturday, September 26, 2009          LEYDEN EAGLE INVITATIONAL    9:00 AM
Varsity Men (7)  - 3.1 Miles                                                                             Leyden H.S.
Sophomore-Freshman Boys (7) - 3.1 Miles                                                      Northlake, IL
Varsity Women (7) - 3.1 Miles
Sophomore-Freshman Girls (7) - 3.1 Miles
Co-Ed Junior Varsity (Unlimited) - 2.0 Miles
Coach/Parents Race – 1.0 Mile

Saturday, October 3, 2009                 PAT SAVAGE INVITATIONAL          9:00 AM
Varsity Men (14) – 3.0 Miles                                                                            Niles West H.S.

Sophomore Boys (12) -- 3.0 Miles
Freshman Boys (12) – 2.0 Miles
Varsity Women (12) – 3.0 Miles
Junior Varsity Girls (Unlimited) 2.0 Miles
Sophomore-Freshman Girls (12) 2.0 Miles

Saturday, October 17, 2009               CPS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Saturday, October 24, 2009               IHSA REGIONAL MEET                    TBA

                                                                                                                                 
Saturday, October 31, 2009             IHSA SECTIONAL MEET                  TBA 

Saturday, November 7, 2009             IHSA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS      9:00                                                                                                                                                             Detweiller Park
                                                                                                                        Peoria, Illinois

On Wednesday, August 12, 2009, from 3:45 pm - 5:45 pm, the Northside Mustangs will begin mandatory practices and try-outs for the 2009 Northside Cross Country Team in front of the main entrance of Northside College Prep. All athletes must have a Physical and a Players Record Card to attend practice. If you have any trouble getting an appointment for a Physical, contact Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Jongordon9@aol.com, and he will refer you to a doctor.

This season, we would like to break a school record on the very first day of practice, by becoming the largest TEAM in Northside history! Registration for Northside Cross Country Team Try-outs will begin at 3:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Northside Cross Country is fun, and Professional Juggler Sam Graff will be on hand to entertain athletes and parents during Registration (3:00 - 3:45 pm). Athletes that turn in a Players Record Card and Physical at Registration will receive a FREE Northside Cross Country T-shirt!!! With over 100 athletes planning on trying out for the Team this year, please arrive early to Registration. Thanks.

 Physical and Players Record Card Forms

All athletes should bring running shoes, and a Water bottle to practice. If you have anything to place in storage during practice, please bring a combination lock. Thanks.

Over fifty athletes have covered many hundreds of miles this summer preparing to capture the Regional, Sectional, and State Championships. We certainly hope that you too have been conscientious about your summer training. Remember that in less than 21 days you must be in top condition for our first team practice. We want you to report to the first practice READY TO RUN.

Try-outs will determine our respective Varsity, Junior Varsity, Sophomore-Freshman, and Freshman rosters for the first meet. Only the top 7 athletes on the Team, run Varsity, and only the Top 7 Sophomores and Freshman run on the Sophomore squad, and only the Top 7 Freshman run on the Freshman squad. Everyone else that makes the Team, runs on our Championship Junior Varsity Team. The Top 12 athletes on the Team will get warm-ups and Mustang Duffel Bags. However, it changes after each meet, based on performance. Try-outs will last from August 12, 2009 through August 26, 2009. None of the incoming Freshman or new members of the Team will be cut from the Team provided they work hard, and miss no more than 9 practices from August 12, 2009 to November 7, 2009. Northside Cross Country is fun, and the experience is priceless. 

The most frequent question we have received from Incoming Freshman and New members of the Team is what if they don’t have any running experience? Start now. You are going to be a part of a team where your teammates care about you and depend on you. We will make you great!

2001 National Cross Country Gatorade Will to Win Athlete of the Year, Michael James, could run no further then to his mail box when he started, and he ended his high school career at the State Championships and earned a $5,000.00 scholarship to Harvard.

Northside Captain Cooper Eben ran 18 minutes for three miles as a Freshman. In 2008, as a Junior, Cooper Eben ran a personal best time of 15:50 for 3 Miles! A time drop of over TWO minutes and 10 seconds!

Northside Alumni Patrick O’Connor ran 27 minutes in his first three miles race of his career. A year later, in 2005, he ran one of the fastest times in school history, a 16:12 for 3 Miles at the IHSA Regional Championships!!! A time drop of over 11 minutes in one year!

Northside Alumni Carmen Abelson ran 31 minutes in her first three miles race of her Freshman year. One year later, she ran one of the fastest times in school history, a 19:55 for 3 Miles at the CPS City Championships!!! A time drop of over 11 minutes in one year!

Northside Alumni Adaora Achufusi ran 26 minutes in her first three miles race. At IHSA Sectionals of her Senior year, in 2008, Adaora Achufusi ran one of the fastest times in school history, a 19:59 for 3 Miles! A time drop of over 6 minutes!!!

Many of you have seen unbelievable improvement in some of our runners. This is proof that you also can improve your performance. Remember, the body achieves what the mind believes.

 On Wednesday, August 19, 2009, the Northside College Prep Cross Country Team and Cross Country Parents will be having a TEAM / PARENTS Pasta Party following practice, in the Northside Cafeteria, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 

To help us reach our goal of a roster of 200 athletes this fall, any athlete that brings someone new to practice THIS WEEK will receive a free bottle of Gatorade!!! Our goal is to have 20% of Northside College Prep running cross country this fall, and bring 3-4 buses of athletes to every meet. Friendly reminder, there are no cuts during try-outs for Freshman and/or new members of the Team. Nike said it best, "Just do it!". 

Next Practice: Monday, August 17, 2009, 3:45 PM

Contact Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Jongordon9@aol.com or 773-935-1617 for more information. Thanks.

 On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at 7 pm, after the Mustangs Team Time Trial, Universal Sole will host a pizza party for Northside Athletes and parents. Universal Sole is located at 3052 N. Lincoln in Chicago, Illinois 60657 and specializes in running shoes. Universal Sole was recently purchased in 2009 by former Indiana University Track Star, Joel Feinberg, who was also a High School teammate of Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Glenbrook North High School in 1989-1990. Universal Sole will provide a discount to Northside athletes, and are highly recommended.

 In May 2009, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon and Associate Assistant Coach Joseph Hetland challenged the Northside College Prep Cross Country Team to run 500 Miles this summer in 100 days, on or before September 1, 2009.

 It is one of the most diffuclt and toughest challenges in the sport. Over 200 log books were distributed to each member of the Team to attempt the challenge. T-shirts are awarded to all athletes that run 500 or more Miles over the summer. In addition to 500 Miles t-shirts, automatic Varsity letters are also awarded to all athletes that run 500 or more Miles over the summer.

 In May 2009, over 200 athletes started the challenge, and as of August 20, 2009, two athletes have conqured it, and four more are on the verge of reaching the magical 500 miles barrier before the 100 days deadline. Athletes have showed incredible determination, and guts, by training day and night, on the roads, on the trails, in the heat, and some have even run in swimming pools, rather than miss a single day of training, to reach their summer mileage goals.  

 Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Senior Cooper Eben have accomplished something special that has never been done before by any Northside athlete. Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Captain Cooper Eben have run 500-600 Miles in the summers of 2007, 2008, and 2009, to become the first Northside athletes to run 500+ Miles in their Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years to reach the 1,500 Miles club!

  In addition to receiving a third consecutive 500 Miles+ T-shirt, Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Cooper Eben will be honored by the Team with a special 1,500 Miles T-shirt, with their names on the sleeves.

  During the next couple of weeks, the Mustangs will be celebrating Northside Captain Charlie Mesimore, Junior Fahad Sarvari, Senior Jiasong Yang and Junior Erik Zuehlke 500th Miles of the summer!!! The Mustangs will also be celebrating a record number of athletes reaching the 400 Miles barrier and the 300 Miles barrier!!! This is by far the hardest working group of athletes in the history of Northside College Prep.

 On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, the Northside Mens Cross Country Team had a Two Miles Time Trial at River Park Track to determine the Varsity (Top 7), Sophomore-Freshman (Top 7), and Junior Varsity Teams for the St. Patrick Invitational.  

 The battle for the Top 7 Varsity spots, in a severe rain storm, was the most exciting in Team history. 

Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss BROKE THE TEAM TIME TRIAL RECORD with an outstanding time of 10:00! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran EVEN SPLITS, by running the first mile in 5:00, and then ran the second mile in 5:00, for a new Team Time Trial record of 10:00! 

Northside Junior Wesley Laytham ran a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 10:21! Wesley Laytham dropped 30 seconds off his best two miles time from last Track season!!! Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:10, and then ran the second mile in 5:11 for a personal best time of 10:21! 

Northside Senior Cooper Eben ran an outstanding time of 10:36! Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:11, and then ran the second mile in 5:25 for an outstanding time of 10:36! 

Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore was held out of the Time Trial, and ran an outstanding practice, and will run in his first race of the season on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at the St. Patrick Invitational. 

In 2009, Northside lost former fifth runner, Jonathan Kittaka to graduation. Jonathan Kittaka ran an 11:06 at the 2008 Time Trial. Prior to the 2009 Time Trial, the question remained if the Mustangs new fifth runner would be able to exceed Kittaka’s outstanding 2008 season.

Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari was up for the challenge, and responded by running a PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 11:05! Fahad Sarvari also dropped 33 seconds from last year! Fahad Sarvari also earned his first Varsity letter in Cross Country by finishing in the Mustangs Top 7. 

Northside Senior Jiasong Yang dropped 29 seconds from last year, for a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 11:08!

Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke dropped 50 seconds from last year, for a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 11:17! Erik Zuehlke also earned his first Varsity letter in Cross Country by finishing in the Mustangs Top 7. 

 To put in proper perspective of the significance of the 2009 Time Trial Results, you have to look no further back then to the Mustangs 2005 season, when Northside Alumni legend Patrick O'Connor ran an 11:11 in August 2005. Patrick O'Connor went on to run a 16:12 at IHSA Regionals that year. In 2009, the Mustangs had 6 athletes under 11:11 in the Time Trial.

 The Northside Varsity Men will travel to Schiller Woods in Chicago, Illinois at the corner of Cumberland and Irving Park Road on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 to take on, among others, State powerhouse Fenwick.

ENTRIES FOR ST.PATRICK INVITATIONAL

VARSITY MEN             

(8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss   10:00   (12^th)
2. Wesley Laytham                   10:21    (11^th)
3. Cooper Eben                         10:36   (12^th)
4. Charlie Mesimore                  DNR    (11^th)
5. Fahad Sarvari                        11:05  (11^th)
6. Jiasong Yang                         11:08  (12^th)
7. Erik Zuehlke                           11:17  (11^th)

Sophomore-Freshman Boys (8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Jusuf Skelic                            12:10  (10^th)
2. Pat Duffy                                12:29   (10^th)
3. Nick Parker                             12:34   (9^th)
4. Palwinder Sodhi                     12:39   (9^th)
5. Alex Bologna                          12:40   (9^th)
6. Nathaniel Agharese                12:49   (9^th)
7. Dan Graham                           13:25   (10^th)

Junior Varsity - Top 7             (8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Ed Moreno                            12:22    (11^th)
2. Forrest Cortes                      12:25    (12^th)
3. Luis Gaytan                           12:55   (11^th)
4. Peter Wilk                             13:15    (12^th)
5. Luis Mesa                             13:29    (10^th)
6. Calvin Gang                          13:40    (9th)
7. Nick Hill                                 13:44    (9th)

"IT" AWARD for August 26, 2009 Time Trial:  Wesley Laytham

 On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, the Northside Womens Cross Country Team had a Two Miles Time Trial at River Park Track to determine the Varsity (Top 7), Sophomore-Freshman (Top 7), and Junior Varsity Teams for the St. Patrick Invitational.

 For the first time since 1999, a Freshman not only made the Varsity Team, but won the Varsity Time Trial as well. Northside Freshman Taylor Provax has run close to 300 miles this summer, and attended every summer practice, and it really paid off.

 Northside Freshman Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 6:50, and then ran the second mile in 7:06 for a PERSONAL BEST Time of 13:56 to win the 2009 Mustangs Time Trial!

 Northside Junior Maggie Ivaanova finished second for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 14:12. Maggie Ivaanova ran the first mile in 6:56, and then ran the second mile in 7:16 for a personal best time of 14:12.

 Northside Junior Su Yang finished third for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 14:31. Captain Su Yang ran the first mile in 7:26, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE split of 7:05 for an oustanding time of 14:31.

 Northside Senior Bessie Nolan dropped a second from last year, and finished fourth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 14:37. Captain Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 7:03, and then ran the second mile in 7:34 for an outstanding time of 14:37.

 Northside Junior Karlyn Gehring finished fifth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 14:45. Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 7:11, and then ran the second mile in 7:34 for an outstanding time of 14:45.

 Northside Junior Dava Batjargal finished sixth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 14:51. Dava Batjargal ran the first mile in 7:26, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE split of 7:25 for a personal best time of 14:51.

 Northside Senior Yesenia Valadez finished seventh for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:02. Yesenia Valadez dropped 38 seconds from last year!!!

The Northside Varsity Women will travel to Schiller Woods in Chicago, Illinois at the corner of Cumberland and Irving Park Road on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 to take on, among others, State powerhouse Whitney Young.

ENTRIES FOR ST.PATRICK INVITATIONAL

VARSITY WOMEN             

(8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Taylor Provax                        13:56   (9^th)
2. Maggie Ivaanova                  14:12   (11^th)
3. Su Yang                                 14:31   (11^th)
4. Bessie Nolan                        14:37   (12^th)
5. Karlyn Gehring                      14:45  (11^th)
6. Dava Batjargal                      14:51  (11^th)
7. Yesenia Valadez                   15:02  (12^th)

Sophomore-Freshman Girls (8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Karly Raber                            15:17  (10^th)
2. Claire Scheib-Feeley            15:34   (9^th)
3. Hyunji Ward                            16:06   (9^th)
4. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen        16:07   (9^th)
5. Rory Johnson                          16:34   (9^th)
6. Alaina Stacey                         19:22   (9^th)
7. Eva Stoops                             19:46   (9^th)

Junior Varsity - Top 7             (8/26 - Time Trial - 2.0 Miles)
1. Nina Coomes                          15:21  (11th)
2. Merita Bushi                                        (12th)
3. Simmone Seymour                            (12th)
4. Rachel Trenchard                               (12th)
5. Marlyn Bruno                                       (9th)
6. Mihaela Pop                                        (9th)
7. Ryan Speese                                       (9th)

"IT" AWARD for August 26, 2009 Time Trial:  Taylor Provax

 On Tuesday, September 1, 2009, the night before the St.Patrick Invitational, the Top 12 Northside Varsity Men and Varsity Women will assemble after practice, at 6:00 pm, at the Park Place Towers Second floor Banquet Room for a Pasta Party.

 The Northside Top 12 will be provided with a catered meal from Villa Palermo Catering, including: Shrimp Cocktail, Garden Salad, Spinach Ravioli, Meat Lasagna, Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta, and Bottled Water. All expenses will be 100% paid by the Northside College Prep Coaching Staff. 

 Following dinner, the Northside Top 12 will gather in the Park Place Towers Movie Theatre, for a special showing of the movie, "The Long Green Line". Park Place Towers is located at 655 W. Irving Park Road, on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Irving Park Road.

 The Long Green Line is a documentary on the 2005 fall cross county season where York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois is trying to win their 25th Cross Country Team State Championship. The movie captures the recruiting, training, meetings, the hardships the Team must overcome against all odds, the races, state meet performance, and final celebrations.

 CPS highlights in the film include Northside Alumni Patrick O'Connor racing York at the 2005 IHSA Sectional Championship, and the credits to the film include Whitney Young Girls Head Coach Bob Geiger.

 Thanks to the efforts of Oregon's Matt Dettman, the Mustangs plan to have a special guest from the 2005 York Cross Country Team to eat dinner with the Northside Top 12.

 On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, the Northside Varsity Women traveled to Schiller Woods on the corner of Cumberland and Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois for the St. Patrick Invitational. The St. Patrick Invitational featured 21 schools, including: Little Village, Resurrection, Gordon Tech, Northside College Prep, Lane Tech, Ridgewood, Whitney Young, Mather, Guerin, Notre Dame, Northridge Prep, St. Ignatius, Saint Patrick, Fenton, Proviso West, Marian Catholic, Fenwick, Chicago International, Ellison, and Trinity.

 In final preparation for the meet, on Tuesday evening, the Northside Varsity Women watched the movie "Invincible", at a Team Pasta Party at Park Place Towers. Invincible is the inspiring true story of Vince Papale, a former collegiate decathlete and unemployed school teacher, who against all odds, gets an unprecedented open try-out by Phildelphia Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil, despite never playing college football. Vince Papale keeps faith in himself, at a time when no one believed in him, and makes the Phildelphia Eagles against all odds, and helped his team rediscover its winning spirit, and in the process rallied a city when it needed it most.

 Vince Papale would have been proud of the 2009 Northside Varsity Women's Cross Country Team's work ethic and their performance on Wednesday. The 2009 Northside Varsity Women's Cross Country Team is one of the hardest working, and most dedicated Womens Team in the history of Northside. On Wednesday, they received their first reward by placing 2nd overall at the St.Patrick Invitational!!! It was the highest finish in the history of Northside College Prep at the St.Patrick Invitational!

 Whitney Young won the meet. The Northside Mustangs opened the 2009 season with a record of 19-1, and posted upset victories over:  Fenwick (112), Lane Tech (116), Marian Catholic (126), Mather, Fenton, Resurrection, Little Village, Gordon Tech, Ridgewood, Guerin, Notre Dame, Northridge Prep, St. Ignatius, Saint Patrick, Proviso West, Chicago International, Ellison, and Trinity. Congratulations to Whitney Young and Coach Bob Geiger on an outstanding performance.   

 Northside Captain Karlyn Gehring led the Mustangs with an oustanding time of 21:45. Karlyn Gehring dropped ONE MINUTE and three seconds from last year!!! Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 6:45, and then ran the second mile in 7:33, and ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:28, for an oustanding time of 21:45!

 Northside Junior Maggie Ivanova finished second for the Mustangs, and ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 21:55. Maggie IVanova ran the first mile in 6:49, and then ran the second mile in 7:33, and ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:32, for a personal best time of 21:55!

 Northside Captain Bessie Nolan finished third for the Mustangs, and ran an outstanding time of 22:07. Bessie Nolan dropped 16 seconds from last year!!! Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the second mile in 7:42, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:37, for an outstanding time of 22:07!

  Northside Captain Su Yang finished fourth for the Mustangs, and ran anoutstanding time of 22:14. Su Yang dropped 23 seconds from last year!!! Su Yang ran the first mile in 7:00, and the second mile in 7:38, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:36, for an outstanding time of 22:14!

 Northside Junior Dava Batjargal finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:25. Dava Batjargal ran the first mile in 7:00, and the second mile in 7:40, and then ran the final mile in 7:45, for a persoanl best time of 22:25!

 Northside Senior Yesenia Valadez finished sixth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:50! Yesenia Valadez ran the first mile in 7:00, and the second mile in 7:50, and then ran the final mile in 8:00, for a personal best time of 22:50!

 Northside Freshman Taylor Provax finished seventh for the Mustangs, and overcame abdominal pains, and ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 24:08. Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 6:45, and then the second mile in 8:19, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 8:04, for a personal best time of 24:08!

 The Northside Varsity Women were awarded a Trophy for finishing second overall, and were honored in a TEAM huddle following the conclusion of the meet. The Trophy will be displayed in the Northside College Prep Principal's office during the first week of school, before it is shared with each member of the TEAM.

 The Northside Varsity Women will be honored in practice on Thursday, with a 2009 St.Patrick Invitational T-shirt for each member of the Team.  

 The Mustangs will travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 5, 2009, to take on 30 Teams in the Rebel Invitational!

  WIN = What's Important Now?    

 On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men traveled to Schiller Woods on the corner of Cumberland and Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois for the St. Patrick Invitational.

  The St. Patrick Invitational featured 21 schools, including: Little Village, Gordon Tech, Northside College Prep, Lane Tech, Ridgewood, Whitney Young, Mather, Walter Payton Prep, Guerin, Notre Dame, Northridge Prep, St. Ignatius, Fenton, Proviso West, Marian Catholic, Fenwick, Chicago International, Ellison, Morgan Park, Trinity and host St. Patrick.  

 Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:29 to lead the Mustangs, and finish second overall! Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 50 SECONDS from the 2008 St. Patrick Invitational!!! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss also ran the second fastest time in Northside history!!! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was awarded a Medal for placing second overall! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 4:59, and then ran the second mile in 5:20, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE split of 5:10 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:29!!!

  Northside Senior Cooper Eben ran an outstanding time of 16:05 to finish second for the Mustangs and fifth overall! Captain Cooper Eben dropped 52 SECONDS from the 2008 St. Patrick Invitational!!! Cooper Eben was awarded a Medal for placing fifth overall! Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:08, and then ran the second mile in 5:35, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE split of 5:23 for an outstanding time of 16:05!!! 

  Northside Junior Wesley Laytham ran an outstanding time of 16:21 to finish third for the Mustangs and seventh overall! Captain Wesley Laytham dropped 46 SECONDS from last year!!! Wesley Laytham was awarded a Medal for placing seventh overall! Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:08, and then ran the second mile in 5:42, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE split of 5:31 for an outstanding time of 16:21!!! 

  Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore ran the first mile in 5:20, and then ran the second mile in 5:52 before being forced to drop out of the race due to severe pain in his hamstring. Captain Charlie Mesimore received medical treatment right away, and his status will be re-evaluated at practice on Thursday. 

  Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari, Senior Jiasong Yang, and Junior Erik Zuehlke were given the goal of beating Northside Alumni Legend Jonathan Kittaka’s time of 17:24 at the 2008 St. Patrick Invitational since they were not on the Varsity squad last year.

  Junior Fahad Sarvari ran a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 17:16 to finish fourth for the Mustangs, and 22^nd overall! Fahad Sarvari dropped 40 seconds off his PR!!! Fahad Sarvari also passed Alumni legend Craig Melhuse for 17^th on the Northside All-Time list. Fahad Sarvari ran the first mile in 5:30, and then ran the second mile in 5:55, and then ran a NEGATIVE split of 5:51 for a personal best time of 17:16!  

  Senior Jiasong Yang ran an outstanding time of 17:18 to finish fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 25^th overall! Jiasong Yang ran the first mile in 5:31, and then ran the second mile in 5:56, and then ran a NEGATIVE split of 5:51 for an outstanding time of 17:18! 

  Junior Erik Zuehlke ran a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 17:28 to finish sixth for the Mustangs. Erik Zuehlke dropped 11 seconds off his PR!!! Erik Zuehlke also passed Alumni legend David Zaya for 19^th on the Northside All-Time list. Erik Zuehlke ran the first mile in 5:35, and then ran the second mile in 6:01, and then ran a NEGATIVE split of 5:53 for a personal best time of 17:28!

  The Mustangs were awarded a towering SECOND Place Trophy for their outstanding performance, and it will be displayed in the Principal's office during the first week of classes, and then it will be shared with each member of the TEAM. 

  The Northside Varsity Men will be honored in practice on Thursday, with a 2009 St.Patrick Invitational T-shirt for each member of the Team.  

  On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside Mustangs will travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin for the Rebel Invitational. The meet will feature 30 Teams from Illinois and Wisconsin. It is one of the best race courses in the Nation. The course has been the home of the Footlocker Midwest Regional High School Cross Country Championships, and the U.S. National Cross Country Championships.  A Team/Parent Tailgate party will follow the meet. 

  The State of Wisconsin allows 8 athletes to run Varsity on Saturday. Northside Senior Forrest Cortes ran the 8^th fastest time of the day, with a personal best time of 15:05 in Junior Varsity race! (2.5 Miles). Forrest Cortes dropped 39 seconds off his PR! Forrest Cortes will race in the Varsity division on Saturday, and will also be awarded warm-ups, and a Northside Top 12 Sports Duffel bag.   

WIN = What's Important Now? 

 On Friday, September 4, 2009, the night before the Rebel Invitational, ALL members of the Northside Sophomore-Freshman TEAM will assemble after practice, at 6:00 pm, at the Park Place Towers Second floor Banquet Room for a Pasta Party.

 All Sophomore and Freshman members of the Northside Cross Country Team will be provided a catered meal from Villa Palermo Catering, which includes: Garden Salad, Spinach Ravioli, Penne Pasta with a Marinara Sauce, Chicken Alfredo, and bottled water. All of the expenses are paid 100% by the Northside College Prep Coaching Staff.

 Following dinner, the Northside Sophomore-Freshman will gather in the Park Place Towers Movie Theatre, for a special showing of the movie, "Running Brave". Park Place Towers is located at 655 W. Irving Park Road, on the corner of Lake Shore Drive and Irving Park Road.

 On October 14, 1964, Billy Mills stunned the world by running the most sensational race in Olympic history. But it wasn't how he finished, it was where he started that made him a Champion.

 Mills trained hard, running 30, 40, 100 miles a week - with no talk of quitting. He made the Tokyo Olympics, alone and unknown. Standing in his way was World Record Holder, Australia's Ron Clark, and 10,000 meters of un-relenting gravel, and the knowledge that no American has ever won that race. It was the greatest test of his life, and the most inspirational story of the 20th century.

  A special thanks to Billy Mills and his wife, Pat, for sending members of the Northside Cross Country Team autograph copies of the DVD, "Running Brave." Today, Billy Mills remains an inspiration to runners, and all Americans.

 The Tailgate party provided by the Northside Parents in 2008 at the Rebel Invitational was second to none. It was a special experience for all of the athletes, parents, coaching staff, and guests. We need your help again to make this event a success in 2009. If you could bring any kind of finger food, drinks, paper ware, plastic ware, let Coach Gordon know and he will post a list of items bring brought on our Team website.

 1. Miniture sandwiches - Eben Family 

 2. Finger Sandwiches and Fresh Fruit - Mesimore Family

 3. Sandwiches - Cortes Family

 4. Water, Gatorade, and Snacks - Provax Family

DIRECTIONS to the race course from Northside College Prep: I-94 North, Exit County Road E and go East about 5 miles.  Turn Left on County Road JR. Park in athletic building lots. 900 Wood Road, Kenosha, WI 43131.

Race Schedule

Junior Varsity Girls 4000m   9:45 AM   Medals: Top 10

Freshman Boys 4000m      10:15 AM   Medals: Top 10

Varsity Women (Top 8)      10:45 AM   Medals: Top 25

Varsity Men (Top 8)            11:15 AM   Medals: Top 25

Junior Varsity Boys             11:45 AM   Medals: Top 10

Teams: Antioch (IL), Badger, Beaver Dam, Big Foot, Brown Deer, Elkorn, Highland Park (IL), Kenosha Tremper, Lake Zurich (IL), Lane Tech (IL), Libertyville (IL), Manitowoc Lincoln, Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee Marquette, Milwaukee Thomas Moore, Northside College Prep (IL),  Racine Horlick, Shorewood, Union Grove, Warren Township (IL), Waterford Union, Wauk. Catholic Memorial, Waukesha West, Wauwatosa West, West Allis Hale, West Bend West, and Wilmont Union.

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside College Prep Mustangs traveled to "Cross Country USA" in Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 22nd Annual Rebel Invitational. The Rebel Invitational features the U.S. National Cross Country course. The National Cross Country Course is a permenant 5K Cross Country course, and is only used for Cross Country races and no other functions. A starting line and finish line are the only common elements on the course. The course challenges every athlete with hills, winding paths, sharp turns, and sudden changes in surface. It is one of the greatest cross country courses in the United States. Over 100,000 athletes have raced on the course. The course record belongs to American 5K Record Holder Dathan Ritzenhein. 

 A cannon is fired to start each race at the Rebel Invitational, and the course features a 600 meter uphill start before the athletes turn onto trails in the woods with narrow turns, and more hills. Fans line up on both sides of the first hill, hours before the race to get a good viewing spot to see 150+ athletes charging up the hill in each race. A time clock is at every mile mark, and a countdown timer is centrally located at the starting line of each race as well. A pace truck leads the front runners through the course, and the meet is broadcasted in the State of Wisconsin on the internet. 

  The State of Wisconsin allows eight athletes instead of seven to race at the Varsity level, and the race distance is 3.1 Miles instead of 3.0 Miles. The field at the Rebel Invitational was highly competitive, with 20 Teams and 150 runners in the Varsity division. The field included Illinois powerhouses Lake Zurich, Libertyville,Warren Township, and Antioch. The meet also featured the best Teams in the state of Wisconsin, including: Waterford Union, West Bend, Badger, Beaver Dam, Big Foot, Brown Deer, Elkhorn, Kenosha Tremper, Manitowoc Lincoln, Milwaukee Marquette,  Racine Case, Racine Horlick, Union Grove, Waukegan, and Wilmot Union.

   It has been a tough year for the State of Wisconsin, first, losing Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings, and then today, three Illinois high schools (Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Northside College Prep) traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin to race some of the best Teams in the State of Wisconsin, on the toughest race course in the Midwest, and upset every single one of them.  

   The Northside Mustangs had their best meet of the season, and finished in THIRD PLACE overall  and defeated among others, friendly suburban rival Warren Township 123-125! As a TEAM, the Mustangs improved TWO places from last year (5th place in 2008), by finishing third overall, and were within less than 21 points from second place, and also within striking distance of Lake Zurich, the Rebel Invitational Champion.

   Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss, Waterford Union Junior Aaron Derner, Lake Zurick Senior Andrew Morrison, Lake Zurick Senior Paul Geimer, and Racine Horlick Senior Johnny Binzak formed a tight front pack through the first two miles of the race.

   Waterford Union Junior Aaron Derner and Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss then broke away from the front pack, and after 2.8 miles, Aaron Derner made a surge, and as he passed Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss, Derner yelled, "It was nice racing with you".

   Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss responded by catching back up to Derner, and went through the 3.0 Miles mark in 15:36, with a one second lead over Aaron Derner. The crowd was going nuts as Pineda Youniss and Derner charged up the final hill for the finish line. In the most exciting finish in the twenty-two years history of the Rebel Invitational, Northside Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss outkicked Aaron Derner by running the final 0.1 miles of the 3.1 miles course, in a record 29 seconds to upset Waterford Union Junior Aaron Derner (16:07.8) for the Rebel Invitational Title with a 5k personal best time of 16:05.9!!!

   Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 57 seconds from last year (17:02 5k, 2008) on the SAME 5k course!!! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss is the first athlete in Northside history to WIN the Rebel Invitational. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was awarded a Medal for winning the 2009 Rebel Invitational.

   Northside Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 5:08, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:05 (10:13), and then ran the third mile in 5:23 (15:36), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in a record 29 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 16:05.9!! 

    "In the last 300 meters (Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss) got me," said Waterford Union Junior Aaron Derner to the Milwaukee Journal. "It was a good race and he's a great runner."

    Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs and 11th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 16:58.0! Cooper Eben dropped 37 seconds from last year (17:35 5k, 2008) on the SAME 5k course!!! Cooper Eben was awarded a Medal for placing 11th overall.

   Northside Captain Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:30, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:21 (10:51), and then ran the third mile in 5:37 (16:28), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 30 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 16:58.0!!  

   Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished third for the Mustangs and 21st overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 17:19.8! Wesley Laytham dropped 13 seconds from last year (17:32 5k, 2008) on the SAME 5k course!!! Wesley Laytham was awarded a Medal for placing 21st overall.

  Northside Captain Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:30, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:25 (10:55), and then ran the third mile in 5:53 (16:48), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 31 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 17:19.8! 

  Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore is 100% healthy, but was restricted by the Northside Coaching Staff to running with the Mustangs #5, #6, and #7 runners for the first mile of the Rebel Invitational, and to Tempo pace for the second mile of the Rebel Invitational. Even with the restrictions, Mesimore put the Mustangs over the top, by helping them to their best finish at the Rebel Invitational in Northside history. Charlie Mesimore is an incredible individual on and off the field, and his comeback, through pure hard work, from an August stress fracture is an inspiration to the entire team.  

  On August 7, 2009, as Charlie Mesimore was approaching his 400^th miles of the summer, when a bone scan revealed a stress fracture in his metatarsals. At the time of the injury, doctors didn’t even know if he would be able to run this season. Charlie Mesimore was determined to not only run this season, but also complete his summer mileage goal of 500 miles. Charlie Mesimore showed incredible guts and determination by finishing the final 100 miles of his summer training, by running in the deep end of the Northside College Prep swimming pool at every practice. In addition to pool running, Mesimore added to his training, cycling, and rowing. Charlie Mesimore was also one of the last athletes to leave the weight room every day. Charlie Mesimore didn’t miss a practice, and did the same workouts as the Team did everyday in the swimming pool with the help of a heart rate monitor.  

  In 1984, Olympic legend Joan Benoit-Samuelson spent four weeks running in the pool, while recovering from an injury, and came out of the pool to bring home the Gold for the U.S. in the Olympic Marathon.   

  On August 24, 2009, Charlie Mesimore was cleared by doctors to begin running again. At first, Mesimore had to still do his main workout in the pool, in addition to the small amount of “land” miles he was limited to each day.   

  On August 31, 2009, Charlie Mesimore did his first “land” workout on the Track, and ran an impressive 4:59 “cruise” interval on the Track.  

  On Saturday, September 5, 2009, Captain Charlie Mesimore ran the first mile of the Rebel Invitational in 6:03 with his teammates Fahad Sarvari, Jiasong Yang, and Erik Zuelke. Charlie Mesimore then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE split of 5:39 (11:41), and then ran the third mile in  5:44 (17:25), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 28 seconds for an outstanding 5K time of 17:53 to finish fourth for the Mustangs, and place 33^rd overall!

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside College Prep Cross Country Parents hosted an amazing Tailgate Party for the Team after the Rebel Invitational in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Four picnic benches were filled with food and drink for the athletes, parents, and coaching staff. Pasta, finger sandwiches, Watermelons, Strawberrys, Pretzels, Brownies, and Gatorade were the most popular items. After eveyone finished eating, athletes, parents, and members of the coaching staff played Tailgate Football for hours in the park. A special thanks to all of the Northside parents for providing the Northside Cross Country Team with an amazing Tailgate party. It was by far the best Tailgate party that we have ever had at Northside.

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country Team awoke at dawn to travel to Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 22nd Annual Rebel Invitational. The Rebel Invitational features the toughest cross country course in the Midwest, and the field included 242 runners from: Lake Zurich (IL), Libertyville (IL), Milwaukee Marquette, Warren Township (IL), Kenosha Tremper, West Bend, Badger, Waterford Union, Northside College Prep, Racine Horlick, Racine Case, Waukegan, Elkhorn, Beaver Dam, Big Foot, Maitowoc Lincoln, Union Grove, Wilmot Union, Antioch (IL), and Brown Deer.  

 The Northside Junior Varsity Boys were lead by the one-two punch of Sophomore Jusuf Skelic and Junior Ed Moreno. 

 Sophomore Jusuf Skelic led the Mustangs, and placed 36th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:08.3. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 6:37, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:12 (12:49), and then ran the third mile in 6:49 (19:38), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 30 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:08.3.

  Junior Ed Moreno finished second for the Mustangs, and placed 48th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:30.8. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 6:05, and then ran the second mile in 6:25 (12:30), and then ran the third mile in 7:35 (20:05), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in a record 25.8 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:30.8. 

  Junior Luis Gaytan finished third for the Mustangs, and placed 55th overall with an outstanding 5K time of 20:49.4. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 6:37, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:29 (13:06), and then ran the third mile in 7:10 (20:16), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 33.4 seconds for an outstanding 5K time of 20:49.4. 

  Sophomore Dan Graham finished fourth for the Mustangs, and placed 57th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:06.5. Dan Graham ran the first mile in 6:37, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:30 (13:07), and then ran the third mile in 7:33 (20:40), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in a record 26.5 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:06.5.    

  Senior Peter Wilk finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and placed 65th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:21.4. Peter Wilk ran the first mile in 6:39, and then ran the second mile 6:52 (13:31), and then ran the third mile in 8:11 (21:42), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 39.4 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:21.4. 

  Senior Neal Capapas finished sixth for the Mustangs, and placed 67th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:22.3. Neal Capapas dropped ONE MINUTE and 56 seconds from last year (24:18 5k, 2008) on the SAME 5k Course! Neal Capapas ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the second mile in 7:09 (13:57), and then ran the third mile in 7:54 (21:51), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 31.3 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:22.3.

  Sophomore Pedro Juarez finished seventh for the Mustangs to complete the Top 7, and placed 162nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:58.0. Pedro Juarez ran the first mile in 7:00, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:55 (13:55), and then ran the third mile in 8:27 (22:22), and then ran the final 0.1 miles in 36 seconds for a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:58.0.

  Additional finishers for the Northside Junior Varsity Boys Team include: (188th) Sophomore Luis Mesa 23:40.7, (202th) Sophomore Matt Sugai 24:28.8, (206th) Senior Andrew Czyszczon 24:53.3, (208th) Senior Sam Olver 24:22, (234th) Sophomore Edgar Ortega 28:04.8, (236th) Junior Alfredo Almaraz 28:30.0, (239th) Senior Neibu Tadele 31:33.7.

  The Northside College Prep Junior Varsity Boys finished in Ninth place with 261 points, and posted victories over: Racine Horlick (329 points), Racine Case (349 points), Waukegan (356 points), Elkhorn (369 points), Beaver Dam, Big Foot, Maitowoc Lincoln, Union Grove, Wilmot Union, Antioch (IL), and Brown Deer. The Northside Junior Varsity Boys now have a record of 11-8!

  The Northside Junior Varsity Boys Team will travel to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2009.

  The Gordon Tech Invitational features a Varsity (Top 7), Sophomore-Freshman Boys division (Top 7), and a Junior Varsity division (Top 10). The next Top 12 Junior Varsity Athletes, that are not entered in the Gordon Tech Invitational, will compete on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Mather XC Extravaganza at Legion Park. 

Sophomore-Freshman Boys Roster for Gordon Tech Invitational (9/12)

1. Jusuf Skelic              Sophomore
2. Palwinder Sodhi       Freshman
3. Alex Bologna            Freshman
4. Nick Parker               Freshman
5. Brendan Kelly           Freshman
6. Calvin Gang              Freshman
7. Nick Hill                     Freshman

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside Freshman Boys traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 22nd Rebel Invitational. The Rebel Invitational was the Mustangs first meet that gave Freshman the opportunity to race in a Freshman only division. The race distance was 2.5 Miles, on the toughest course in the Midwest. 

  The Northside Freshman Boys finished in sixth place with 155 points, and posted victories over: Kenosha Tremper (163 points), West Bend (169 points), Waterford Union (195 points), Antioch, Manitowoc Lincoln, Racine Horlick, Union Grove, Elkhorn, Waukegan, Beaver Dam, Racine Case, Wilmot Union, Big Foot, and Brown Deer. The Northside Freshman boys now have a record of 14-5!

  The Northside Freshman Boys were led by Palwinder Sodhi. Palwinder Sodhi finished in 19th overall with a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 16:19. Palwinder Sodhi ran the first mile in 6:46, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:24 (13:10), and then ran the final 800m in 3:09 for a PERSONAL BEST TIME of 16:19.1

   Alex Bologna finished second for the Mustangs and 25th overall with an outstanding time of 16:36. Alex Bologna ran the first mile in 6:47, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:43 (13:30), and then ran the final 800m in 3:06 for an outstanding time of 16:36.0

   Nick Parker finished third for the Mustangs and 32nd overall with an outstanding time of 17:04.2. Nick Parker ran the first mile in 7:10, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:55 (14:05), and then ran the final 800m in 2:59 for an outstanding time of 17:04.2

   Brendan Kelly finished fourth for the Mustangs and 33rd overall with an oustanding time of 17:04.8. Brendan Kelly ran the first mile in 6:53, and then ran the second mile in 7:03 (13:56), and then ran the final 800m in 3:08 for an oustanding time of 17:04.8

   Calving Gang finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 46th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:39.6. Calvin Gang ran the first mile in 6:57, and then ran the second mile in 7:18 (14:15), and then ran the final 800m in 3:24.6 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:39.6

   Nick Hill finished sixth for the Mustangs and 51st overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:11.1. Nick Hill ran the first mile in 7:10, and then ran the second mile in 7:44 (14:54), and then ran the final 800m in 3:17.1 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:11.1

   Brian Glatter finished seventh for the Mustangs and 54th overall with an outstanding time of 18:15.1. Brian Glatter ran the first mile in 7:15, and then ran the second mile in 7:35 (14:50), and then ran the final 800m in 3:25.1 for an outstanding time of 18:15.1

   Alex Kritikos finished eighth for the Mustangs and 79th overall with an oustanding time of 18:35.1. Alex Kritikos ran the first mile in 7:20, and then ran the second mile in 7:44 (15:04), and then ran the final 800m in 3:31.1 for an outstanding time of 18:35.1

   Nathaniel Agharese finished ninth for the Mustangs and 117th overall with a time of 23:51. Nathaniel Agharese ran the first mile in 9:36, and then ran the second mile in 9:49 (19:25), and then ran the final 800m in 4:26 for a time of 23:51.0

   Ben Mauk O'Connor finished tenth for the Mustangs and 122nd overall with a time of 35:50.5. Ben Mauk O'Connor ran the first mile in 13:35, and then ran the second mile in 15:22 (28:57), and then ran the final 800m in 6:53.5 for a time of 35:50.5. 

  The Northside Freshman Boys Team will travel to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational on Saturday, September 12, 2009.

  The Gordon Tech Invitational features a Varsity (Top 7), Sophomore-Freshman Boys division (Top 7), and a Junior Varsity division (Top 10). The next Top 12 Athletes, that are not entered in the Gordon Tech Invitational, will compete on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the Mather XC Extravaganza at Legion Park.

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside College Prep Varsity Women traveled to "Cross Country USA" in Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 22nd Annual Rebel Invitational. The Rebel Invitational features the U.S. National Cross Country course. The National Cross Country Course is a permenant 4K Cross Country course, and is only used for Cross Country races and no other functions. A starting line and finish line are the only common elements on the course. The course challenges every athlete with hills, winding paths, sharp turns, and sudden changes in surface. It is one of the greatest cross country courses in the United States. Over 100,000 athletes have raced on the course.

 A cannon is fired to start each race at the Rebel Invitational, and the course features a 600 meter uphill start before the athletes turn onto trails in the woods with narrow turns, and more hills. Fans line up on both sides of the first hill, hours before the race to get a good viewing spot to see 154+ athletes charging up the hill in each race. A time clock is at every mile mark, and a countdown timer is centrally located at the starting line of each race as well. A pace truck leads the front runners through the course, and the meet is broadcasted in the State of Wisconsin on the internet. 

  The State of Wisconsin allows eight athletes instead of seven to race at the Varsity level, and the race distance for women is 2.48 Miles instead of 3.0 Miles. The field at the Rebel Invitational was highly competitive, with 23 Teams and 154 runners in the Varsity division. The field included Illinois powerhouses Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Warren Township, Highland Park, and Antioch. The meet also features the best Teams in the state of Wisconsin, including: Waukesha West, Kenosha Tremper, Waukesha Catholic, Waterford Union, Wauwatosa West, Badger, Racine Case, Beaver Dam, West Bend, Wilmont Union, Manitowoc Lincoln, Waukegan, Union Grove, Racine Horlick, Big Foot, Elkhorn, and Brown Deer.

  No one from the Northside Varsity Women Team was able to crack the Top 90 athletes in the meet. However, the impressive competition was a great experience for the lady Mustangs, and helped every athlete run a personal best time. Also, the intensity and toughness of the Rebel Invitational was excellent preparation for the lady Mustangs trip to Peoria, for the "Pre-State" Meet in two weeks.

  The Northside Varsity Women finished in 20th place, with 508 points, and posted victories over Big Foot (577 points), Elkhorn (663), and Brown Deer.

   Northside Captain Karlyn Gehring led the Mustangs by placing 95th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:02.2 Karlyn Gehring dropped ONE MINUTE and 39 seconds from last year (19:41, 2.48m, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Junior Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 7:14, and then ran the second mile in 7:30 (14:44), and then ran the final 800m in 3:18.2 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:02.2

   Northside Junior Maggie Ivanova finished second for the Mustangs, and placed 99th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:07.3. Maggie Ivanova ran the first mile in 7:14, and then ran the second mile in 7:27 (14:41), and then ran the final 800m in 3:21.3 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:07.3

   Northside Freshman Taylor Provax finished third for the Mustangs, and placed 100th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:07.6. Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 7:01, and then ran the second mile in 7:39 (14:40), and then ran the final 800m in 3:27.6 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:07.6

   Northside Captain Su Yang finished fourth for the Mustangs, and placed 106th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:19.1 Su Yang dropped 41 seconds from last year (19:00, 2.48m, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Junior Su Yang ran the first mile in 7:22, and then ran the second mile in 7:33 (14:55), and then ran the final 800m in 3:24.1 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:19.1

   Northside Captain Bessie Nolan finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and placed 108th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:22.8. Bessie Nolan dropped 6 seconds from last year (18:28, 2.48m, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Senior Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 7:14, and then ran the second mile in 7:41 (14:55), and then ran the final 800m in 3:27.8 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:22.8

   Northside Senior Yesenia Valadez finished sixth for the Mustangs, and placed 109th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:24.5. Yesenia Valadez dropped ONE Minute and 30 seconds from last year (19:54, 2.48m, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Senior Yesenia Valadez ran the first mile in 7:16, and then ran the second mile in 7:39 (14:55), and then ran the final 800m in 3:29.5 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:24.5

   Northside Junior Dava Batjargal finished seventh for the Mustangs, and placed 111th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:25.5. Dava Batjargal ran the first mile in 7:22, and then ran the second mile in 7:42 (15:04), and then ran the final 800m in 3:21.5 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:25.5

   Northside Senior Merita Bushi finished eighth for the Mustangs, and placed 140th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:55.8. Merita Bushi dropped ONE MINUTE and 20 seconds from last year (21:15, 2.48m, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Merita Bushi ran the first mile in 7:51, and then ran the second mile in 8:16 (16:07), and then ran the final 800m in 3:48.8 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:55.8

   On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Northside Varsity Women will travel to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California for the Gordon Tech Invitational.

 On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Girls traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 22nd Rebel Invitational. The race distance was 2.48 Miles, and was the most competitive meet in the Midwest. 

 The Northside Junior Varsity Girls finished in 16th place with 470 points, and posted victories over Wilmot Union 489 points, Union Grove 544 points, Brown Deer, Racine Case, and Waukegan. The Northside Junior Varsity Girls now have a record of 5-15.

  The Northside Junior Varsity Girls were led by Sophomore Karly Raber. Karly Raber finished in 81st place with a PERSONAL BEST 4k time of 20:13.8. Karly Raber dropped ONE MINUTE and 41 seconds from last year (21:54, 2.48 miles, 2008) on the SAME course!!! Karly Raber ran the first mile in 7:44, and then ran the second mile in 8:42 (16:26), and then ran the final 800m in 3:47.8 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:13.8. Karly Raber also ran a Northside Top 9 Time and will be awarded warm-ups and a Sports duffel bag at practice on Tuesday.

  Northside Freshman Clare Scheib-Feeley finished second for the Mustangs and 91st overall with an outstanding time of 20:43.4. Clare Scheib-Feeley ran the first mile in 8:29, and then ran the second mile in 8:32 (17:01), and then ran the final 800m in 3:42.4 for an outstanding time of 20:43.4. Clare Scheib-Feeley also ran a Northside Top 10 Time.

  Northside Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished third for the Mustangs and 92nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:45.7. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran the first mile in 8:12, and then ran the second mile in 8:56 (17:08), and then ran the final 800m in 3:38.7 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:45.7. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen also ran a Northside Top 11 Time.

  Northside Freshman Hyunji Ward finished fourth for the Mustangs and 93rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:50.2. Hyunji Ward ran the first mile in 8:12, and then ran the second mile in 8:56 (17:08), and then ran the final 800m in 3:42.2 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:50.2. Hyunji Ward also ran a Northside Top 12 Time.

  Northside Senior Rachel Trenchard finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 113th overall with a time of 23:07.9. Rachel Trenchard ran the first mile in 8:38, and then ran the second mile in 9:57 (18:35), and then ran the final 800m in 4:32.9 for a time of 23:07.9.

  Northside Freshman Alaina Stacey finished sixth for the Mustangs and 115th overall with a time of 23:37.7. Alaina Stacey ran the first mile in 9:29, and then ran the second mile in 9:53 (19:22), and then ran the final 800m in 4:15.2 for a time of 23:37.7.

  Northside Freshman Eva Stoops finished seventh for the Mustangs and 119th overall with a time of 26:07.4. Eva Stoops ran the first mile in 9:50, and then ran the second mile in 11:28 (21:18), and then ran the final 800m in 4:49.4 for a time of 26:07.4.

 Prior to the Rebel Invitational, Libertyville Head Boys Cross Country Coach Mark Buesing and Northside College Prep Head Cross Country Coach Jon Gordon made a friendly annual Pizza wager on the Rebel Invitational. The Mustangs offered to put up Chicago's Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Pizza. However, the question remained what could Libertyville put up to equal Chicago pizza for the wager? Libertyville's Lambs Farm Cookies?  The coaches settled on Libertyville's famous Gino's East Deep Dish Pizza. 

 The Libertyville Varsity Boys edged the Northside Mustangs 102-123 in the most exciting Rebel Invitational in the 22 year history of the meet. Northside made the jump from fifth place (2008) to third place (2009), and Libertyville Wildcats made the jump from seventh place (2008) to second place (2009). Both squads left the meet happy, after beating the entire State of Wisconsin for the first time in the history of the Rebel Invitational.

 On Monday, September 7, 2009, as promised, Northside College Prep shipped four Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Pizzas to the Libertyville Wildcats. It was nice to send a friendly suburban rival, the Libertyville Wildcats, something, because they have done endless favors for the Mustangs during the last six years. Libertyville Head Boys Cross Country Mark Buesing was instrumental in getting Chicago Northside College Prep Mustangs invited to the Rebel Invitational three years ago, and it has quickly become one of the Mustangs favorite meets. Mark Buesing has also arranged surprise reunions for Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at the Libertyville Invitational, every year, with former teammates and former coaches.

 Congratulations to Libertyville Head Boys Cross Country Coach Mark Buesing and the Libertyville Wildcats Cross Country Team. The Mustangs look forward to the re-match at the 2009 IHSA State Championships. The coaches have already made a second pizza wager on the IHSA State Championships.

  The Northside College Prep Mustangs finished second overall to Univeristy High with 45 points, and posted impressive victories over Walter Payton, Mount Carmel, Crete Monee, Cristo Rey, Fenton, Leo, North Chicago, Prospect, St.Benedicts, St. Ignatius, Manley, Curie, Francis Parker, Loyola, Niles West, and Northridge. The Northside Varsity Women were 16-1 on the day, and now have a season record 38-21. Congratulations to University High Head Coach Bud James and the Maroons on winning the 2009 Gordon Tech Invitational.

  University High Sherry Fu won individual honors by finishing in first place overall with an outstanding time of 19:11. 

 On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men traveled to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational.

  The meet was highly competitive and featured #3 state ranked Loyola (Nico Composto did not run because of the ACT Exam), #9 state ranked Prospect, St. Ignatius, Mount Carmel, Crete Monee, Cristo Rey, Fenton, Leo, North Chicago, St. Benedicts, Urban Prep, University High, Fenwick, Manley, Curie, Francis Parker, Niles West, and Northridge.

   It is rare that an athlete breaks 16 on the Horner Park course. In 2008, Mather's Ivan Cornell won individual honors at the IHSA Regional Championships, which were held at Horner Park, with a time of 16:00. On Saturday, at the Gordon Tech Invitational, there were EIGHT athletes under 16:00.

  St. Ignatius Jimmy Connelly won the 2009 Gordon Tech Invitational with an outstanding time of 15:47.

  The Northside Mustangs were led by the one-two punch of Northside Seniors Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Cooper Eben.

   Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss showed incredible mental toughness after being spiked, with blood coming down his leg, by staying in, and finishing sixth overall with an outstanding time of 15:57. Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 31 seconds from last year!!! (16:28, 2008 Gordon Tech Invitational). Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 5:06, and then ran the second mile in 5:19 (10:25), and then ran the final mile in 5:32 for an outstanding time of 15:57. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was awarded a medal for placing sixth overall.

  Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs and seventh overall with an outstanding time of 15:58. Captain Cooper Eben dropped 58 seconds from last year!!! (16:56, 2008 Gordon Tech Invitational). Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:12, and then ran the second mile in 5:28 (10:38), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:20 for an outstanding time of 15:58. Cooper Eben was awarded a Medal for placing seventh overall.

  Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished third for the Mustangs and 11th overall with an outstanding time of 16:14. Captain Wesley Laytham dropped ONE MINUTE and 4 seconds from last year!!! (17:18, 2008 Gordon Tech Invitational). Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:10, and then ran the second mile in 5:32 (10:42), and then ran the final mile in a EVEN SPLIT of 5:32 for an outstanding time of 16:14. Wesley Laytham was awarded a Medal for placing eleventh overall.

  Northside Senior Jiasong Yang finished fourth for the Mustangs and 37th overall with an outstanding time of 17:18. Jiasong Yang dropped dropped ONE MINUTE and 2 seconds from last year!!! (18:20, 2008 Gordon Tech Invitational). Jiasong Yang ran the first mile in 5:43, and then ran the second mile in 6:00 (11:43), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:35 for an outstanding time of 17:18. 

  Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 38th overall with an outstanding time of 17:19. Fahad Sarvari came within three seconds of his PR. Fahad Sarvari ran the first mile in 5:40, and then ran the second mile in 5:58 (11:38), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:41 for an outstanding time of 17:19.

   Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke fnished sixth for the Mustangs and 45th overall, with an outstanding time of 17:43. Erik Zuehlke ran the first mile in 5:43, and then ran the second mile in 5:59 (11:42), and then ran the final mile in 6:01 for an outstanding time of 17:43.

   Northside Senior Forrest Cortes finished seventh for the Mustangs and 49th overall, with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:11. Forrest Cortes ran the first mile in 5:58, and then ran the second mile in 6:11 (12:09), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:02 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:11. Forrest Cortes ran his best race of the season, and could make the Mustangs All-Time list by breaking the 18 minute barrier in Peoria.

   St.Ignatius won the 2009 Gordon Tech Invitational. Loyola finished in a tie for second with Prospect with 77 points. The tie was broken by the place of each team's respective sixth runner, and Loyola was awarded second place. Prospect was awarded third place. Northside finished in fourth place with 99 points and posted impressive victories over: Mount Carmel, Crete Monee, Cristo Rey, Fenton, Leo, North Chicago, St. Benedicts, Urban Prep, University High, Fenwick, Manley, Curie, Francis Parker, Niles West, and Northridge. The Northside Varsity Men went 15-3 on the day, and now have a season record of 51-6!. Congratulations to Coach Ed Ernst and the St.Ignatius Wolfpack.   

   The Northside Top 12 had a greater importance at the Gordon Tech Invitational because athletes in the Northside Top 12 would not only receive warm-ups and a sports duffel bags, but would also be traveling with the Varsity to Peoria to compete in the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The final five spots for the Northside Top 12 would be determined by the race results at the Gordon Tech Invitational.

   The eighth fastest time of the day came in the Junior Varsity race. Northside Junior Ed Moreno ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:48. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 5:48, and then ran the second mile in 6:26 (12:14), and then ran the final mile in 6:34 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:48. 

   The ninth fastest time of the day came in the Junior Varsity race. Northside Junior Luis Gaytan ran an outstanding time of 19:04. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:45, and then ran the second mile in 6:29 (12:14), and then ran the final mile in 6:50 for an outstanding time of 19:04.

   The tenth fastest time of the day came in the Sophomore-Freshman race. Northside Sophomore Jusuf Skelic ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:14. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 6:09, and then ran the second mile in 6:39 (12:48), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:26 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:14.

    The eleventh fastest time of the day came in the Junior Varsity race. Northside Freshman Nathaniel Agharese ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:50. Nathaniel Agharese ran the first mile in 6:22, and then ran the second mile in 6:46 (13:08), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:42 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:50.

 On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Cross Country Team traveled to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational.

 Northside was led by Freshman Clare Scheib-Feeley. Clare Scheib-Feeley finished second overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 24:29. Clare Scheib-Feeley ran the first mile in 7:52, and then ran the second mile in 8:31 (16:23), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 8:06 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 24:29! Clare Scheib-Feeley was awarded a Plaque for finishing in second place overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Girls race!

 Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished second for the Mustangs and third overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 24:31. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran the first mile in 7:52, and then ran the second mile in 8:31 (16:23), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 8:08 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 24:31! Anna Pezanoski-Cohen was awarded a Plaque for finishing in third place overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Girls race!

 Northside Sophomore Hannah Doruleo finished third for the Mustangs and eighth overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 26:43. Hannah Doruleo ran the first mile in 8:36, and then ran the second mile in 9:14 (17:50), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 8:53 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 26:43! Hannah Doruleo was awarded a Medal for finishing in eighth overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Girls race!

 Northside Freshman Eva Stoops finished fourth for the Mustangs and 24th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 31:01. Eva Stoops ran the first mile in 9:04, and then ran the second mile in 10:51 (19:55), and then ran the final mile in 11:06 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 31:01.

  Northside Freshman Ryan Speese finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 25th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 31:02. Ryan Speese ran the first mile in 9:04, and then ran the second mile in 10:51 (19:55), and then ran the final mile in 11:07 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 31:02.

  The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Team will travel to Legion Park in Chicago, Illinois on September 22, 2009 for the Mather Ranger Classic.

 On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys traveled to Horner Park on the corner of Montrose and California in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational. 

 The Mustangs were led by Sophomore Jusuf Skelic. Sophomore Jusuf Skelic placed 31st overall and ran a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:14. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 6:09, and then ran the second mile in 6:39 (12:48), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:26 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:14.

 Freshman Palwinder Sodhi finished second for the Mustangs and 39th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:57. Palwinder Sodhi ran the first mile in 6:27, and then ran the second mile in 6:48 (13:15), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:42 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:57.

 Freshman Alex Bologna finished third for the Mustangs and 40th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:58. Alex Bologna ran the first mile in 6:28, and then ran the second mile in 6:48 (13:15), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:43 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:58.

 Freshman Brendan Kelly finished fourth for the Mustangs and 43rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:25. Brendan Kelly ran the first mile in 6:37, and then ran the second mile in 7:00 (13:37), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:48 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:25.

 Freshman Calvin Gang finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 47th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:40. Calvin Gang ran the first mile in 6:30, and then ran the second mile in 7:08 (13:38), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:02 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:40.

 Freshman Nick Parker finished sixth for the Mustangs and 52nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 21:05. Nick Parker ran the first mile in 6:55, and then ran the second mile in 7:09 (14:04), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:01 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 21:05.

 Freshman Nick Hill finished seventh for the Mustangs and 71st overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:44. Nick Hill ran the first mile in 6:57, and then ran the second mile in 7:59 (14:56), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:48 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:44.

 The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team will travel to Legion Park in Chicago, Illinois on September 22, 2009 for the Mather Ranger Classic.

 On Saturday, September 12, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Boys and Junior Varsity Girls Teams traveled to Horner Park in Chicago, Illinois for the Gordon Tech Invitational.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2009, twelve members of the Northside Junior Varsity Boys Team traveled with Northside Associate Assistant Coach Joe Hetland, and Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida to Legion Park on the corner of Kedzie and Bryn Mawr in Chicago, Illinois for the Mather Cross Country Extravaganza!  

The meet featured Farragut, Taft, Northside, Schurz, Von Steuben, Hubbard, Little Village, Curie, Steinmetz, CJH, and host Mather High School. The race distance was 2.0 Miles, and over 109 athletes competed.  

The Mather Cross Country Extravaganza provides Medals to the top 10 Freshman, Sophomore, Juniors, and Seniors and is the best meet hosted by a Chicago Public School in Chicago. 

Mather High School won the meet with 38 points. Congratulations to Coach Dale Devinney and the Mather Rangers. Steinmetz Junior Mahmud Andres won individual honors with an outstanding time of 10:55.70. 

Northside Sophomore Pat Duffy finished 18^th overall and earned a Medal by finishing as the 7^th fastest Sophomore in the meet with an outstanding time of 12:01. Pat Duffy ran the first mile in 6:15, and then ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:46 for an outstanding time of 12:01. 

Northside Junior Rhiday Pandya finished 27^th overall and earned a Medal by finishing as the 9^th fastest Junior in the meet with an outstanding time of 12:32. Rhiday Pandya ran the first mile in 6:18, and then ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:14 for an outstanding time of 12:32. 

Northside Sophomore Chris Ceisel finished third for the Mustangs and 58^th overall with an outstanding time of 13:38. Chris Ceisel ran the first mile in 6:47, and then ran the final mile in 6:51 for an outstanding time of 13:38. 

Northside Sophomore Matt Sugai finished fourth for the Mustangs and 63^rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:45. Matt Sugai dropped ONE MINUTE and 17 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two mile Time Trial! Matt Sugai ran the first mile in 6:53, and then ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:52 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:45. 

Northside Sophomore Luis Mesa finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 65^th overall with an outstanding time of 13:50. Luis Mesa ran the first mile in 6:53, and then ran the final mile in 6:57 for an outstanding time of 13:50.

Northside Senior Andrew Czyszczon finished sixth for the Mustangs and 66^th overall with an outstanding time of 13:59. Andrew Czyszczon ran the first mile in 6:35, and then ran the final mile in 7:24 for an outstanding time of 13:59.

Northside Senior Sam Olver finished seventh for the Mustangs and 67^th overall with an outstanding time of 14:00. Sam Olver dropped 48 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Mile Time Trial! Sam Olver ran the first mile in 6:53, and then ran the final mile in 7:07 for an outstanding time of 14:00.

Northside Freshman Paul Ricks finished eighth for the Mustangs and 85^th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:23. Paul Ricks ran the first mile in 7:45, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:38 for a personal best time of 15:23. 

Northside Junior Miguel Ramirez finished ninth for the Mustangs and 92^nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:52. Miguel Ramirez dropped 4 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Mile Time Trial! Miguel Ramirez ran the first mile in 7:41, and then ran the final mile in 8:11 for a personal best time of 15:52. 

Northside Junior Alfredo Almarez finished tenth for the Mustangs and 95^th overall with an outstanding time of 16:07. Alfredo Almarez dropped 58 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Mile Time Trial! Alfredo Almarez ran the first mile in 7:52, and then ran the final mile in 8:14 for an outstanding time of 16:07. 

Northside Sophomore Edgar Ortega finished eleventh for the Mustangs and 96^th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 16:08. Edgar Ortega dropped 2 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Mile Time Trial! Edgar Ortega ran the first mile in 7:50, and then ran the final mile in 8:18 for a personal best time of 16:08. 

On Friday, September 18, 2009, the Northside Top 12 Men and Top 12 Women are departing for Peoria, Illinois at 1 pm to prepare for the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational.

The "Pre-State" Invitational takes place on the IHSA State Championship course, and features all of the best athletes in Illinois, including state ranked #1 York, #3 Loyola, #5 Palatine, #6 Lake Park, #7 Oak Park-River Forest, #8 Lake Zurich, #11 Wheaton-Warrenville South, #12 Maine South, #16 Schaumburg, #17 Wheaton North, #18 Lyons Township, and for the first time ever, the Northside College Prep Mustangs! 

The Mustangs will have practice at 4:30 pm on Friday, September 18, 2009, on the State Final Course at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Illinois.

A Top 12 Team Dinner will take place Friday evening at Morton Cracker Barrel.

The Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational will commence at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 19, 2009. Medals will be awarded to the Top 40 athletes in the meet.

  On Friday, September 18, 2009, the Northside Top 12 Men and Top 12 Women traveled to Peoria, Illinois in preparation for the 2009 Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational. The goals of the trip included learning the IHSA State Course, and for athletes to experience overnight travel, and learn the importance of being well rested for the meet.

  On Friday, after checking in at the Team Hotel, the Morton Travelodge, the Mustangs departed for Detweiller Park, to learn the IHSA State cross country course. Since 1970, Detweiller Park has been the official site for the IHSA State Championships.

  Upon arrival, the day before the meet, Detweiller Park was filled with multiple teams examing the course in preparation for the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational. The biggest surprise on the course was the starting line. It contained "72" boxes, and each box was only big enough to fit two runners. The Mustangs were assigned box #63. Team Captains, Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss, Cooper Eben, Wesley Laytham, Charlie Messimore, Bessie Nolan, and Northside Associate Assistant Coach Joseph Hetland lead the Team on a run covering the entire course. Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon provided the Team with splits that they might hear on race day at each mile mark. At the conclusion of "practice" on the IHSA State course, the Mustangs departed for a Northside Top 12 dinner at Cracker Barrel.

  On Saturday morning, September 19, 2009, athletes learned the importance of going to bed early the night before a meet, as several athletes struggled to make it on time for a 7:45 am departure to Detweiller Park.

  Upon arrival, Detweiller Park was filled with 64 Teams, and multiple vendors selling everything from T-shirts to Nike Shoes. The course was also lined with thousands of spectators, including several Northside parents that made the trip to Peoria to support the Team. It was great for the athletes to see so many familiar faces on race day.

  In addition to pinning on race numbers to their uniform, the Northside Varsity Men had to place numbered "computer chips" for official scoring, on their shoe laces, before warming up for the 2009 Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational. The Mustangs were assigned box #63, and four IHSA officials checked-in each team on the starting line. There were 387 runners on the starting line for the start of the Varsity race. The race was commenced on the sound of a horn, and athletes ran three miles on an all grass course, with a slight incline for the first 400m, but flat throughout the remainder of the course.

 The 2009 Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational was won by Loyola Academy. Congratulations to Coach Dan Seeberg and the Loyola Ramblers. 

 The Northside Varsity Men posted a team record 40 WINS at the 2009 Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational!!! The Northside Varsity Men scored 707 points, and posted impressive victories over Brother Rice (730 points), Lane Tech (785 points), Maine West (791 points), Hononegah (805 points), West Chicago (820), Normal Community (824 points), Sacred Heart Griffin (827 points), Lakes Community High School (859 points), Bartlett High School (874 points), Springfield High School (908 points), Glenbard North (922 points), St.Joseph-Ogden (1006 points), Shepard (1021), Aurora Central Catholic (1046), Lincoln-Way North (1117), Mahomet-Seymour High School (1154), Joliet Township (1156), Marist (1184), Oswego (1237), Washington (1279), Elmwood Park (1321), Northridge (1414), Rochester (1414), Quincy High (1430), Petersburg Porta (1458), Lincoln-way West (1475), Liberty (1483), Rantoul Township (1484), Harlem (1510), St.Thomas (1577), Joliet Catholic (1598), Union County (1603), Nazareth Academy (1701), Normal University, Chicago Hope Academy, Lake View High School, Lanphier, Deer Creek-MacKinaw, Stanford Olympia, and Jackson High. The Northside Varsity Men now have a season record of 91-29!    

  At this point in the season in 2008, the Mustangs ran in the Liberyville Invitational, and didn't have a single runner under 16:24. The improvement from Libertyville 2008 to Peoria 2009 is incredible.

  The Mustangs were led by the one-two punch of Northside Seniors Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Cooper Eben.

  Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss placed 45th overall with an outstanding time of 15:32. Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 25 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 4:55, and then ran the second mile in 5:18 (10:13), and then ran the final mile in 5:19 for an outstanding time of 15:32.

  Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs, and placed 86th overall with an outstanding time of 15:55. Captain Cooper Eben dropped 3 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational. Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:12, and then ran the second mile in 5:28 (10:40), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:15 for a season best time of 15:55.

  Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished third for the Mustangs, and placed 116th overall with an outstanding time of 16:10. Captain Wesley Laytham dropped 4 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational. Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:10, and then ran the second mile in 5:34 (10:44), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:26 for an outstanding time of 16:10.

  Northside Senior Jiasong Yang finished fourth for the Mustangs, and placed 211th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 16:56. Jiasong Yang dropped 20 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational. Jiasong Yang ran the first mile in 5:30, and then ran the second mile in 5:45 (11:15), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:41 for a personal best time of 16:56.

  Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and placed 249th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:21. Erik Zuehlke dropped 22 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational. Erik Zuehlke ran the first mile in 5:34, and then ran the second mile in 5:52 (11:26), and then ran the final mile in 5:55 for a personal best time of 17:21.

  Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore had a very impressive week of practice, and finished sixth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 17:22. Captain Charlie Mesimore ran the first mile in 5:15, and then ran the second mile in 5:45 (11:00), and then ran the final mile in 6:22 for an outstanding time of 17:22.

  Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari finished seventh for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 17:40. Fahad Sarvari ran the first mile in 5:31, and then ran the second mile in 6:04 (11:35), and then ran the final mile in 6:05 for an outstanding time of 17:40.

  After the meet, the Northside Mustangs celebrated their outstanding performance in the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational at the Pizza Ranch in Morton, Illinois with unlimited pizza, chicken, salad bar, and cactus bread. A special thanks to Northside Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida for spliting the bill for the Team with Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon for the Pizza Ranch. The Northside Mustangs highly recommend the Pizza Ranch.  

  The Northside Varsity Men will travel to Northlake, Illinois on Saturday, September 26, 2009 to take on the top teams from the Western Suburban Conference and Central Suburban League in a 5k (3.1 Miles) at the Leyden Eagle Invitational.

  On Saturday, September 19, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Boys competed in the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Inivitational at Detweiller Park in Peoria, Illinois. The Junior Varsity division featured 72 boxes on the starting line, and 445 runners.

  The Mustangs were led by Junior Luis Gaytan and Senior Forrest Cortes.

   Junior Luis Gaytan finished in 144th place and came within 5 seconds of his PR, with an outstanding time of 18:39. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:35, and then ran the second mile in 6:33 (12:08), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:31 for an outstanding time of 18:39.

   Senior Forrest Cortes finished second for the Mustangs and 148th overall, with an outstanding time of 18:42. Forrest Cortes ran the first mile in 5:52, and then ran the second mile in 6:17 (12:09), and then ran the final mile in 6:33 for an outstanding time of 18:42.

  Junior Ed Moreno finished third for the Mustangs and 161st overall, with an outstanding time of 18:55. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 5:43, and then ran the second mile in 6:42 (12:25), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:30 for an outstanding time of 18:55.

   Sophomore Jusuf Skelic finished fourth for the Mustangs and 171st overall, with a PERSONAL BEST time of 19:08. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 5:59, and then ran the second mile in 6:41 (12:40), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:28 for a personal best time of 19:08.

   Freshman Nathaniel Agharese finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 193rd overall with an outstanding time of 20:01. Nathaniel Agharese ran the first mile in 6:09, and then ran the second mile in 7:04 (13:13), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:48 for an outstanding time of 20:01.

  On Friday, after checking in at the Team Hotel, the Morton Travelodge, the Mustangs departed for Detweiller Park, to learn the IHSA State cross country course. Since 1970, Detweiller Park has been the official site for the IHSA State Championships.

  Upon arrival, the day before the meet, Detweiller Park was filled with multiple teams examing the course in preparation for the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational. The biggest surprise on the course was the starting line. It contained "72" boxes, and each box was only big enough to fit two runners. The Mustangs were assigned box #63. Team Captain Bessie Nolan, and Northside Associate Assistant Coach Joseph Hetland lead the Team on a run covering the entire course. Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon provided the Team with splits that they might hear on race day at each mile mark. At the conclusion of "practice" on the IHSA State course, the Mustangs departed for a Northside Top 12 dinner at Cracker Barrel.

  At Cracker Barrel, the Northside Women had a wide variety of choices for a pre-race meal, including pasta, fresh trout, catfish, chicken, and steaks. The most popular desserts for the Northside Women were Coca Cola Cake and Apple Dumplin.

  On Saturday morning, September 19, 2009, athletes awoke by 7 am for breakfast at the Travel Lodge, before departing to Detweiller Park at 7:45 am. 

  Upon arrival, Detweiller Park was filled with 64 Mens Teams, 56 Womens Teams, and multiple vendors selling everything from T-shirts to Nike Shoes. The course was also lined with thousands of spectators, including several Northside parents that made the trip to Peoria to support the Team. It was great for the athletes to see so many familiar faces on race day.

  In addition to pinning on race numbers to their uniform, the Northside Varsity Women had to place numbered "computer chips" for official scoring, on their shoe laces, before warming up for the 2009 Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational. The Mustangs were assigned box #63, and four IHSA officials checked-in each team on the starting line. At check-in, the Mustangs lost Northside Senior Yesenia Valadez, because she had a non-removable nose piercing. The IHSA has had a long established rule, that disqualifies all athletes from competing with Jewelry and watches. The Northside Coaching staff did not want to remove the nose piercing without medical supervision in the interest of health and safety of their athlete. Northside Senior Merita Bushi was quickly promoted to the Varsity squad to run in place of Yesenia Valadez. There were 355 runners on the starting line for the start of the Varsity race. The race was commenced on the sound of a horn, and athletes ran three miles on an all grass course, with a slight incline for the first 400m, but flat throughout the remainder of the course.

 The 2009 Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational was won by Palatine High School. Congraulations to Coach Joe Parks and the Palatine Pirates.

  The Northside Varsity Women finished in 47th place with 1,322 points, and posted victories over Liberty (1406), Plainfield South (1465), Union County High School (1468), Elmwood Park, Quincy High, Deer Creek-MacKinaw, Stanford Olympia, Lanphier, and Limestone High School. The Northside Varsity Women were 9-46 on the day, and now have a season record of 47-67. However, all of the meets are practice for IHSA State series, and everyone has a record of 0-0 when they toe the starting line for the IHSA Regional Championship in October 2009.

  At Peoria, the Northside Lady Mustangs were led by Junior Karlyn Gehring. Captain Karlyn Gehring finished in 235th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:46. Karlyn Gehring dropped 55 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Karlyn Gehring also tied Northside Alumni Jessie Johnson for the 11th fastest time in the history of Northside College Prep! Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 6:33, and then ran the second mile in 7:10 (13:43), and then ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:03 for a personal best time of 20:46.

  Northside Junior Su Yang finished in second for the Mustangs and 247th overall with an outstanding time of 20:55. Captain Su Yang dropped 23 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Su Yang ran the first mile in 6:35, and then ran the second mile in 7:09 (13:44), and then ran the final mile in 7:11 for an outstanding time of 20:55.

  Northside Senior Bessie Nolan finished third for the Mustangs and 261st overall with an outstanding time of 21:07. Captain Bessie Nolan dropped 44 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 6:36, and then ran the second mile in 7:14 (13:50), and then ran the final mile in 7:17 for an outstanding time of 21:07.

  Northside Freshman Taylor Provax finished fourth for the Mustangs and 277th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 21:25. Taylor Provax dropped 45 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 6:31, and then ran the second mile in 7:19 (13:50), and then ran the final mile in 7:35 for a personal best time of 21:25.

  Northside Junior Dava Batjargal finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 302nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:15. Dava Batjargal dropped 12 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Dava Batjargal ran the first mile in 7:02, and then ran the second mile in 7:32 (14:34), and then ran the final mile in 7:40 for a personal best time of 22:15.

 Northside Junior Maggie Ivanova finished sixth for the Mustangs and 305th overall with an outstanding time of 22:33. Maggie Ivanova ran the first mile in 6:46, and then ran the second mile in 7:44 (14:30), and then ran the final mile in 8:03 for an outstanding time of 22:33.

 Northside Senior Merita Bushi finished seventh for the Mustangs and 306th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:34. Merita Bushi ran the first mile in 7:02, and then ran the second mile in 7:39 (14:41), and then ran the final mile in 7:53 for a personal best time of 22:34.

 In the Sophomore-Freshman race, Northside Sophomore Karly Raber finished 175th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 23:08. Karly Raber dropped 52 seconds from the Gordon Tech Invitational! Karly Raber ran the first mile in 7:00, and then ran the second mile in 8:10 (15:10), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:58 for a personal best time of 23:08.

  Freshman Clare Scheib-Feeley was pulled out of the meet because of a tender hamstring. However, Clare Scheib-Feeley still got to see her cousin, Sophomore Michael Simon place second overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race for Springfield High School.

  A special thanks to Northside Assistant coaches Jessica Upchurch and Chuck Milbert for helping record the splits at every mile mark during all of the races at the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational.   

  After the meet, the Northside Mustangs celebrated their outstanding performance in the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational, including five personal best times for the Varsity Women, at the Pizza Ranch in Morton, Illinois with unlimited pizza, chicken, salad bar, and cactus bread. A special thanks to Northside Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida for spliting the bill for the Team with Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon for the Pizza Ranch. The Northside Mustangs highly recommend the Pizza Ranch.  

  The Northside Varsity women will travel to Northlake, Illinois on Saturday, September 26, 2009 to take on the top teams from the Western Suburban Conference and Central Suburban League in a 5k (3.1 Miles) at the Leyden Eagle Invitational.

 On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, members of the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team and Junior Varsity Boys "B" Team traveled to Legion Park in Chicago, Illinois for the Mather Ranger Classic.

 The Mather Ranger Classic provides 80 Medals to the Top 10 Freshman, Top 10 Sophomores, Top 10 Juniors, and Top 10 Seniors. The race distance is 2.0 Miles.

  The Meet had greater importance for the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team. The Top four boys in the meet would be promoted along with Sophomore Jusuf Skelic, Freshman Nathaniel Agharese, and Freshman Alex Bologna to the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team for the Leyden Eagle Invitational on Saturday, September 26, 2009, to race the Mustangs IHSA Sectional rivals. 

  Sophomore Pat Duffy led the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 11:52. Pat Duffy ran the first mile in 6:08, and then passed over 30 runners on the second mile with a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:44 for a personal best time of 11:52.

  Freshman Brendan Kelly finished second for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:44. Brendan Kelly dropped ONE MINUTE and 43 Seconds from his August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Brendan Kelly ran the first mile in 6:28, and then ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:16 for a personal best time of 12:44. Brendan Kelly was also awarded a Medal for placing as the fifth fastest Freshman in the meet!!

  Freshman Calvin Gang finished third for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:50. Calvin Gang dropped 50 seconds from his August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Calvin Gang ran the first mile in 6:22, and then ran the final mile in 6:28 for a personal best time of 12:50. Calvin Gang was also awarded a Medal for placing as the seventh fastest Freshman in the meet!!

  Freshman Nick Parker finished fourth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 12:56. Nick Parker ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:08 for an outstanding time of 12:56. Nick Parker was awarded a Medal for placing as the tenth fastest Freshman in the meet!!

  Senior Peter Wilk finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 57th overall, with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:57. Peter Wilk dropped 18 seconds from his August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Peter Wilk ran the first mile in 6:22, and then ran the final mile in 6:35 for an outstanding time of 12:57.

  Sophomore Pedro Juarez finished sixth for the Mustangs and 66th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:09. Pedro Juarez ran the first mile in 6:45, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:24 for a personal best time of 13:09.

  Freshman Chaojie Gonzalez finished seventh for the Mustangs and 80th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:38. Chaojie Gonzalez ran the first mile in 6:52, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:46 for a personal best time of 13:38.

  Freshman Brian Glatter finished eighth for the Mustangs and 81st overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:40. Brian Glatter ran the first mile in 6:55, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:45 for a personal best time of 13:40.

  Sophomore Luis Mesa finished ninth for the Mustangs and 84th overall with an outstanding time of 13:47. Sophomore Luis Mesa ran the first mile in 6:45, and then ran the final mile in 7:02 for an outstanding time of 13:47.

   Senior Andrew Czyszczon finished tenth for the Mustangs and 86th overall with a time of 13:54.35. Andrew Czyszczon ran the first mile in 7:01, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:53 for a time of 13:54.35.

   Freshamn Nick Hill finished eleventh for the Mustangs and 87th overall with an outstanding time of 13:54.64. Nick Hill ran the first mile in 6:59, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:55 for an outstanding time of 13:54.64.

   Sophomore Chris Ceisel finished 12th for the Mustangs and 88th overall with an outstanding time of 13:54.96. Chris Ceisel ran the first mile in 7:11, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:43 for an outstanding time of 13:54.96.

   Senior Sam Olver finished 13th for the Mustangs and 93rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 14:06. Sam Olver dropped 42 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Sam Olver ran the first mile in 6:55, and then ran the final mile in 7:11 for a personal best time of 14:06.

  Sophomore Matt Sugai finished 14th for the Mustangs and 96th overall with a time of 14:18. Matt Sugai ran the first mile in 7:21, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:57 for a time of 14:18.

  Freshman Alex Kritikos finished 15th for the Mustangs and 107th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:13. Alex Kritikos ran the first mile in 7:28, and then ran the final mile in 7:45 for a personal best time of 15:13.

  Junior Miguel Ramirez finished 16th for the Mustangs and 117th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:42. Miguel Ramirez dropped 16 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Miguel Ramirez ran the first mile in 7:33, and then ran the final mile in 8:09 for a personal best time of 15:42.

  Junior Alfredo Almaraz finished 17th for the Mustangs and 124th overall with a time of 16:34. Alfredo Almaraz ran the first mile in 8:27, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 8:07 for a time of 16:34.

  Sophomore Edgar Ortega finished 18th for the Mustangs and 127th overall with a time of 16:53. Edgar Ortega ran the first mile in 8:24, and then ran the final mile in 8:29 for a time of 16:53.

   Freshman Ben Mauk O'Connor finished 19th for the Mustangs and 138th overall with a time of 23:08. Ben Mauk O'Connor also became the first Northside Freshman to earn a 155 lbs Bench Press T-shirt in the weight room this season, by bench pressing 155 lbs for six or more reps.

   On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team, and Junior Varsity Boys "A" and "B" Teams will be traveling on TWO buses along with the Northside Varsity Men at 7:30 am from Northside College Prep to Center Point Preserve (400 N. Wolf Road, Northlake, Illinois) to take on IHSA Sectional rivals Addison Trail, Leyden, Morton, Willowbrook, Elmwood Park, Glenbrook North, Guerin Prep, Nazareth, Proviso East, Proviso West, and St. Joseph in a 5K (3.1 Miles) in the 2009 Leyden Eagle Cross Country Invitational!!!  

 Following the Junior Varsity Boys and Girls race, a 1.1 Miles Coaches/Parents race will take place at 11:30 am at the Leyden Eagle Invitational. Awards Ceremony will take place at Noon.

 The Mather Ranger Classic provides 80 Medals to the Top 10 Freshman, Top 10 Sophomores, Top 10 Juniors, and Top 10 Seniors. The race distance is 2.0 Miles.

  The Meet had greater importance for the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Team. The Top five girls in the meet would be promoted along with Sophomore Karly Raber, and Freshman Claire Scheib-Feeley to the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Team for the Leyden Eagle Invitational on Saturday, September 26, 2009, to race the Mustangs IHSA Sectional rivals.

  Senior Simmone Seymour led the Mustangs by placing 25th overall with an outstanding time of 14:48. Simmone Seymour ran the first mile in 7:23, and then ran the second mile in 7:25 for an outstanding time of 14:48.

  Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished second for the Mustangs and 31st overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:00. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen dropped ONE MINUTE and 7 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran the first mile in 7:30, and then ran an EVEN SPLIT of 7:30 for a personal best time of 15:00. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen was awarded a Medal for placing as the fifth fastest Freshman in the meet!

  Freshman Phoebe Randell finished third for the Mustangs and 37th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:09. Phoebe Randell ran the first mile in 7:23, and then ran the final mile in 7:46 for a personal best time of 15:09. Phoebe Randell was awarded a Medal for placing as the sixth fastest Freshman in the meet! 

  Junior Nina Coomes finished fourth for the Mustangs and 39th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:15. Nina Coomes dropped 6 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Nina Coomes ran the first mile in 7:30, and then ran the final mile in 7:45 for a personal best time of 15:15. Nina Coomes was awarded a Medal for placing as the tenth fastest Junior in the meet!

  Freshman Hyunji Ward finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 44th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 15:26. Hyunji Ward dropped 40 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial! Hyunji Ward ran the first mile in 7:35 and then ran the final mile in 7:51 for a personal best time of 15:26. Hyunji Ward was awarded a Medal for placing as the seventh fastest Freshman in the meet!

  Sophomore Hannah Doruleo finished sixth for the Mustangs and 63rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 16:06. Hannah Doruleo ran the first mile in 7:57, and then ran the final mile in 8:09 for a personal best time of 16:06.

  Junior Lindsey Shallberg finished seventh for the Mustangs and 64th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 16:08. Lindsey Shallberg ran the first mile in 7:56, and then ran the final mile in 8:12 for a personal best time of 16:08.

  Freshman Eva Stoops finished eighth for the Mustangs and 103rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:44. Eva Stoops dropped TWO Minutes and 2 seconds from the Mustangs August 26, 2009 Two Miles Time Trial!!! Eva Stoops ran the first mile in 8:13, and then ran the final mile in 9:31 for a personal best time of 17:44.

 On Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Ed Torres traveled from Boulder, Colorado to Chicago, Illinois to attend practice with the Northside College Prep Mustangs and address the TEAM afterwards.

  Ed Torres was a member of the U.S. Marathon Team for the 2009 World Championships. Although a calf injury prevented him from racing at the 2009 World Championships, qualifying for it, gave him confidence to focus on the Marathon for the 2012 Olympics. 

 While at the University of Colorado, he helped his team win its first NCAA Cross Country Championship in 2001. After earning All-American status in the 10,000m in 2002, he finished in the Top 10 in the 10,000m at the 2003 USA Track & Field National Championships. Ed Torres was also a member of the Wheeling High School State Championship Cross Country Team in 1998! Ed Torres was also a finalist at the Footlocker National High School Cross Country Championships.

  Prior to his speech, outside the Northside weight room, Ed Torres gave Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari tips on how to run a stronger third mile, and nutrition advice on avoiding cramps on race day. 

  After the Northside Top 12, Sophomore-Freshman Boys, Sophomore-Freshman Girls, and Junior Varsity Team completed their workout, Ed Torres addressed the entire TEAM in the Northside Cafeteria. The Cafeteria was filled to capacity, as Ed Torres shared his wisdom with the Team.  

  Ed Torres told the Mustangs about his early start in the sport, and the impact his Junior High, and High School coaches have had on his athletic career. He also shared with the Team his excitement about the Northside Cross Country program, and the Northside coaching staff. 

  Ed Torres told the TEAM about his progression, from Junior High to High School to College to becoming a Professional runner, finishing 1-2 to his twin brother Jorge, in the Illinois Cross Country State Championships, and the NCAA Cross Country Championships.

   Ed Torres stressed the importance of off-season traning, and the importance of picking a college. Ed Torres shared with the Mustangs his college recruitment process, and why he picked the University of Colorado over Stanford, the University of Oregon, and the University of Wisconsin. Torres also mentioned that an entire Chapter in the book, "Running with the Buffaloes" featured the University of Colorado's recruitment of his brother Jorge, and himself,  and in the end, that it came down to two schools, the University of Colorado and Stanford. The final motivating factor was he wanted to be at a school where he felt like he was a part of the school, and he just didn't have that feeling during his visits to Stanford. He also had a desire to experience a schools very first Championship, just like he did in 1998, when he helped Wheeling High School win their first State Championship in Cross Country. Another factor, was he had a desire to not live too close to home, which immediately ruled out the University of Wisconsin.

   In College, Ed Torres was an Economics Major, and never planned for a career as a Professional runner. Torres was shocked after NCAA Nationals, when he was approached by every shoe company in the world with sponsorship offers. Torres gave Northside athletes advice about picking a shoe company as a sponsor for their potential post-collegiate careers, and how it came down to Reebok and Nike for him, and disclosed the confidential reasons why he signed an endorsement deal with Reebok. 

   Ed Torres answered excellent questions from Northside Team Captain Cooper Eben about injury prevention, and stressed the importance of Core training, squats, and hill training. 

   Torres also talked about the number of push-ups, crunches, and pull-ups that he does in a day. Torres told the Mustangs that pull-ups was his biggest weakness. 

   Torres answered excellent questions about his Track PRs, including the Mile. Torres told the Team that he rarely races the mile, and that his fastest mile, a 4:01, occured in practice!!! 

   Ed Torres enjoyed visiting with the highly motivated Mustangs, and plans to watch them race his nephew at the Niles West Invitational this Saturday, before returning to Colorado, to continue his training for the 2012 Olympics in London, England!

 On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Northside College Prep Varsity Men Cross Country Team arrived to Northside at dawn for a 7:30 am bus deperature to Northlake, Illinois for the 2009 Leyden Eagle Invitational.

 The Mustangs traveled to Center Point Forest Preserve in Northlake, Illinois to take on St.Joseph, Glenbrook North, Elmwood Park, Willowbrook, Addison Trail, Proviso East, Guerin Prep, Proviso West, Morton, Nazareth, and host Leyden High Schools at the Eagle Invitational. The Eagle Invitational featured a 5K (3.1 Miles) course on grass, with a small hill. The Top 20 athletes in the meet were awarded Medals, and plaques were awarded to the Top two Teams. 

 The Meet featured 6 schools from the West Suburban Gold Conference, which has won 25 of the last 50 Boys State Cross Country Titles. The Top Teams from the West Suburban Gold Conference included host Leyden High School. Leyden High School is so large (3,614 students) that the school has a Campus in Franklin Park, Illinois (Leyden East) and Northlake, Illinois (Leyden West), and they combine both schools for their Cross Country Team.

 The Meet also featured the top team from the Central Suburban League, Glenbrook North. The alma mater of Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon. 

 The Mustangs coaching staff set the goal for the Leyden Invitational to improve on last year's seventh place finish and beat IHSA Sectional rivals Leyden, Willowbrook, Proviso West, and Addison Trail. This time of year, it is important for Northside College Prep to beat any team standing between them and a November trip to the State Championships, in preparation for the IHSA State Series. 

 The Mustangs responded with the greatest TEAM performance of the season, by putting four athletes in the Top 9, and six athletes in the Top 23. The Top 20 athletes in the meet were awarded Medals. Prior to 2009, the most athletes in the history of Northside College Prep to earn a Medal at the Leyden Eagle Invitational was four. In 2009, FIVE ATHLETES earned a Medal at the Leyden Eagle Invitational!

  Glenbrook North won the 2009 Leyden Eagle Invitational by a score of 37-43. Northside College Prep finished in second place with 43 points, and posted impressive victories over Willowbrook, Leyden, St.Joseph, Elmwood Park, Addison Trail, Nazareth, Guerin Prep, Proviso East, Proviso West, and Morton. The Northside Varsity men had a record of 10-1 on the day, and now have a season record of 101-30!!!. The Northside Varsity Men were awarded a Silver Plaque for finishing second overall!

  Glenbrook North Junior Joe Poupard won the 2009 Leyden Eagle Invitational, and broke the course record with an outstanding 5K time of 15:48. Poupard, also set a two-mile course record this season at Glenbrook North's fall Jamboree. "He's the fastest runner I've coached," Glenbrook North Coach Bill Race said.

  The Northside College Prep Mustangs were led by the one-two punch of Northside Seniors Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Cooper Eben.

  Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss led the Mustangs by placing fourth overall with an outstanding 5K time of 16:24. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 35 seconds from the 2008 Loyola Lakefront 5K! Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 5:06, and then ran the second mile in 5:14 (10:20), and then ran the third mile in 5:44 (16:04), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in a record 20 seconds for an outstanding 5K time of 16:24. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was awarded a Medal for placing fourth overall.

  Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs, and placed fifth overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 16:25. Cooper Eben dropped 33 seconds from the Rebel Invitational 5K! Captain Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:07, and then ran the second mile in 5:14 (10:21), and then ran the third mile in 5:38 (15:59), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 26 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 16:25. Cooper Eben was awarded a Medal for placing fifth overall.

  Junior Wesley Laytham finished third for Mustangs, and placed seventh overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 16:42. Wesley Laytham dropped 37 seconds from the Rebel Invitational 5K! Captain Wesley Laytham ran the first mile 5:10, and then ran the second mile in 5:23 (10:33), and then ran the third mile in 5:47 (16:20), and then ran the final 0.1 of mile in a record 22 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 16:42. Wesley Laytham was awarded a Medal for placing seventh overall.

  Junior Charlie Mesimore finished fourth for the Mustangs, and placed ninth overall with an outstanding 5K time of 16:56. Charlie Mesimore dropped 57 seconds from the Rebel Invitational 5K! Captain Charlie Mesimore ran the first mile in 5:19, and then ran the second mile in an EVEN SPLIT of 5:19 (10:38), and then ran the third mile in 5:52 (16:30). Charlie Mesimore dropped 52 seconds from the Peoria Notre Dame "Pre-State" Invitational with a 3 miles split of 16:30! Charlie Mesimore then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 26 seconds for an outstanding 5K time of 16:56. Charlie Mesimore was awarded a Medal for placing ninth overall.

  Senior Jiasong Yang finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and placed 18th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 17:31. Jiasong Yang dropped 53 seconds from the Rebel Invitational 5K! Jiasong Yang ran the first mile in 5:38, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:32 (11:10), and then ran the third mile in 5:54 (17:06), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 25 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 17:31. Jiasong Yang was awarded a Medal for placing 18th overall.

  Junior Erik Zuehlke finished sixth for the Mustangs and placed 23rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 18:00. Erik Zuehlke dropped 50 seconds from the Rebel Invitational 5K! Erik Zuehlke ran the first mile in 5:41, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:40 (11:21), and then ran the third mile in 6:14 (17:35), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 25 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 18:00.

  The seventh and eighth fastest 5K time for the Mustangs at the Leyden Eagle Invitational came in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race.

  Sophomore Pat Duffy ran the seventh fastest 5K time of the day for the Mustangs, and finished 8th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 18:50. Pat Duffy ran the first mile in 6:07, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:59 (12:06), and then ran the third mile in 6:23 (18:29), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in a record 21 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 18:50. Pat Duffy was awarded a Medal for placing 8th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race.

  Sophomore Jusuf Skelic ran the eighth fastest 5K time of day for the Mustangs, and finished 15th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 19:07. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 6:01, and then ran the second mile in 6:06 (12:07), and then ran the third mile in 6:34 (18:41), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 26 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 19:07. Jusuf Skelic was awarded a Medal for placing 15th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race.

 The ninth fastest 5K time of the day for the Mustangs came in the Varsity race. Junior Fahad Sarvari finished seventh for the Mustangs and 47th overall with a 5K time of 19:51. Fahad Sarvari ran the first mile in 5:40, and then ran the second mile in 5:46 (11:26), and then ran the third mile in 7:57 (19:23), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 28 seconds for a 5K time of 19:51.

  In the Junior Varsity Boys race, Northside Senior Forrest Cortes placed third overall with a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:00. Forrest Cortes ran the first mile in 5:32, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:28 for a personal best time of 11:00. Forrest Cortes was awarded a Ribbon for placing third overall.

  The final two members of the Northside Top 12 also came from the Junior Varsity Boys race. Junior Luis Gaytan ran a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:33. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:39, and then ran the second mile in 5:54 for a personal best time of 11:33. Luis Gaytan was awarded a Ribbon for placing in the Top 10 in the Junior Varsity Boys race.

  Junior Ed Moreno ran a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:35. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 5:39, and then ran the second mile in 5:56 for a personal best time of 11:35 to complete the Northside Top 12. Ed Moreno was awarded a Ribbon for placing in the Top 10 in the Junior Varsity Boys race.

  The entire Northside Top 12 will race in the Varsity Men division at the Niles West Invitational on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The Northside Top 7 athletes from the Niles West Invitational will race for the Mustangs Varsity at the City Championships on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

  The Niles West Invitational features a new 3.0 Miles course, that is complete with an Olympic style finish in the Niles West Outdoor Track & Field stadium. The new race course at the Niles West Invitational will also be used for IHSA Sectional Championships on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

 The Northside Varsity Women were led by Junior Su Yang. Captain Su Yang finished in 28th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:30. Su Yang dropped ONE Minute and 44 seconds from the 2008 Leyden Eagle Invitational! Su Yang ran the first mile in 6:39, and then ran the second mile in 6:48 (13:27), and then ran the third mile in 7:32 (20:59), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 31 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 21:30.

 Senior Bessie Nolan finished second for the Mustangs and 30th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:59. Bessie Nolan dropped ONE Minute and 50 seconds from the 2008 Leyden Eagle Invitational! Captain Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 6:38, and then ran the second mile in 7:07 (13:45), and then ran the third mile in 7:37 (21:22), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 37 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 21:59.

 Junior Karlyn Gehring finished third for the Mustangs and 32nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:06. Karlyn Gehring dropped ONE Minute and 42 seconds from the 2008 Leyden Eagle Invitational! Captain Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 6:30, and then ran the second mile in 7:12 (13:42), and then ran the third mile in 7:56 (21:38), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 28 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 22:06.

  Senior Yesenia Valadez finished fourth for the Mustangs and 33rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:12. Yesenia Valadez dropped ONE Minute and 47 seconds from the 2008 Leyden Eagle Invitational! Senior Yesenia Valadez ran the first mile in 6:39, and then ran the second mile in 7:08 (13:47), and then ran the third mile in 7:55 (21:42), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 30 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 22:12.

  Freshman Taylor Provax finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 36th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 22:23. Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 6:34, and then ran the second mile in 7:12 (13:46), and then ran the third mile in 8:04 (21:50), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 33 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 22:23.

  Junior Maggie Ivanova finished sixth for the Mustangs, and 37th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 23:02. Maggie Ivanova ran the first mile in 6:46, and then ran the second mile in 7:27 (14:13), and then ran the third mile in 8:17 (22:30), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 32 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 23:02.

  Senior Merita Bushi finished seventh for the Mustangs, and 38th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 23:14. Merita Bushi ran the first mile in 6:57, and then ran the second mile in 7:35 (14:32), and then ran the third mile in 8:11 (22:43), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 31 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 23:14.

  In the Junior Varsity Girls Race, Senior Simmone Seymour ran a PERSONAL BEST two miles time of 13:48. Simmone ran the first mile in 6:59, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:49 for a personal best two miles time of 13:48.

  In the Junior Varsity Girls Race, Senior Rachel Trenchard ran a PERSONAL BEST two miles time of 15:55. Rachel Trenchard ran the first mile in 7:41, and then ran the second mile in 8:14 for a personal best two miles time of 15:55.

 In addition to the Northside Top 7, Seniors Simmone Seymour, Rachel Trenchard, and Juniors Dava Batjargal, Nina Coomes, and Lindsey Shallberg will be racing in the Varsity Women division at the Niles West Invitational on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The Northside Top 7 athletes from the Niles West Invitational will race for the Mustangs Varsity at the City Championships on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

  The Niles West Invitational features a new 3.0 Miles course, that is complete with an Olympic style finish in the Niles West Outdoor Track & Field stadium. The new race course at the Niles West Invitational will also be used for IHSA Sectional Championships on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

 The meet featured the Top Teams in the Western Suburban Conference and Central Suburban Conference, including: St.Joseph, Glenbrook North, Elmwood Park, Willowbrook, Addison Trail, Proviso East, Guerin Prep, Proviso West, Morton, Nazareth, and Leyden High School.  The race distance was 3.1 Miles.

  The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Team finished in fourth place, and posted an impressive record of 8-3 on the day.

  The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls Team was lead by Sophomore Karly Raber. Karly Raber finished in 16th place overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 23:53. Karly Raber dropped 3 Minutes and 45 seconds from the 2008 Leyden Eagle Invitational! Karly Raber ran the first mile in 7:07, and then ran the second mile in 7:29 (14:36), and then ran the third mile in 8:44 (23:20), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 33 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 23:53. Karly Raber was awarded a Medal for placing 16th overall.

  Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished second for the Mustangs and 19th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 24:14. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran the first mile in 7:27, and then ran the second mile in 7:56 (15:23), and then ran the third mile in 8:25 (23:48), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 26 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 24:14. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen was awarded a Medal for placing 19th overall.

  Freshman Phoebe Randall finished third for the Mustangs and 20th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 24:18. Phoebe Randall ran the first mile in 7:05, and then ran the second mile in 7:42 (14:47), and then ran the third mile in 9:01 (23:48), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 30 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 24:18. Phoebe Randall was awarded a Medal for placing 20th overall.

  Freshman Hyunji Ward finished fourth for the Mustangs and 22nd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 24:32. Hyunji Ward ran the first mile in 7:27, and then ran the second mile in 7:56 (15:23), and then ran the third mile in 8:42 (24:05), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 27 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 24:32.

  Freshman Claire Scheib-Feeley finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 24th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 25:02. Claire Scheib-Feeley ran the first mile in 7:32, and then ran the second mile in 8:06 (15:38), and then ran the third mile in 8:52 (24:30), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 32 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 25:02.

  Freshman Ryan Speese finished sixth for the Mustangs, and 38th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 30:35. Ryan Speese ran the first mile in 9:06, and then ran the second mile in 9:42 (18:48), and then ran the third mile in 11:17 (30:05), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 30 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 30:35.

  Freshman Eva Stoops finished seventh for the Mustangs, and 39th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 30:39. Eva Stoops ran the first mile in 9:06, and then ran the second mile in 9:42 (18:48), and then ran the third mile in 11:17 (30:05), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 34 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 30:39.

  The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls will travel to Skokie, Illinois on Saturday, October 3, 2009 for the Niles West Invitational.

 Sophomore Pat Duffy led the Mustangs by placing 8th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 18:50. Pat Duffy ran the first mile in 6:07, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:59 (12:06), and then ran the third mile in 6:23 (18:29), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in a record 21 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 18:50. Pat Duffy was awarded a Medal for placing 8th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race.

  Sophomore Jusuf Skelic finished second for the Mustangs and 15th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 19:07. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 6:01, and then ran the second mile in 6:06 (12:07), and then ran the third mile in 6:34 (18:41), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 26 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 19:07. Jusuf Skelic was awarded a Medal for placing 15th overall in the Sophomore-Freshman Boys race.

  Freshman Nathaniel Agharese finished third for the Mustangs and 30th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:15. Nathaniel Agharese ran the first mile in 6:30, and then ran the second mile in 6:32 (13:02), and then ran the third mile in 6:50 (19:52), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 23 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 20:15.

  Freshman Palwinder Sodhi finished fourth for the Mustangs, and 33rd overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 20:30. Palwinder Sodhi ran the first mile in 6:23, and then ran the second mile in 6:26 (12:49), and then ran the third mile in 7:13 (20:02), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 28 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 20:30.

  Freshman Alex Bologna finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 38th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:16. Alex Bologna ran the first mile in 6:38, and then ran the second mile in 6:41 (13:19), and then ran the third mile in 7:28 (20:47), and then ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 29 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 21:16.

  Freshman Nick Parker finished sixth for the Mustangs, and 40th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 21:32. Nick Parker ran the first mile in 6:41, and then ran the second mile in 7:01 (13:42), and then ran the third mile in 7:28 (21:10), and then had impressive kick on the final 0.1 of a mile, in a record 22 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 21:32.

  Freshman Calvin Gang finished seventh for the Mustangs, and 45th overall with a PERSONAL BEST 5K time of 23:01. Calvin Gang ran the first mile in 6:35, and then ran the second mile in 7:31 (14:06), and then ran the third mile in 8:19 (22:25), and then Calvin passed the finish chute, circled around, and ran the final 0.1 of a mile in 36 seconds for a personal best 5K time of 23:01.

  The Northside Sophomore Boys and Freshman Boys will travel to Skokie, Illinois on Saturday, October 3, 2009 for the Niles West Invitational.

 On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Northside College Prep Junior Varsity Boys Cross Country Team traveled to Center Point Forest Preserve in Northlake, Illinois for the 2009 Leyden Eagle Invitational. The Eagle Invitational featured a 2.0 Miles course on grass, with a small hill. The Top 10 athletes in the meet were awarded ribbons.    

 The meet featured the Top Teams in the Western Suburban Conference and Central Suburban Conference, including: St.Joseph, Glenbrook North, Elmwood Park, Willowbrook, Addison Trail, Proviso East, Guerin Prep, Proviso West, Morton, Nazareth, and Leyden High School.  The race distance was 2.0 Miles for the Junior Varsity Division. 

 Senior Forrest Cortes led the Mustangs by placing third overall with a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:00. Forrest Cortes ran the first mile in 5:32, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:28 for a personal best time of 11:00. Forrest Cortes was awarded a Ribbon for placing third overall.

 Junior Luis Gaytan finished second for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:33. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:39, and then ran the second mile in 5:54 for a personal best time of 11:33. Luis Gaytan was awarded a Ribbon for placing in the Top 10 in the Junior Varsity Boys race.

 Junior Ed Moreno finished third for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 11:35. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 5:39, and then ran the second mile in 5:56 for a personal best time of 11:35. Ed Moreno was awarded a Ribbon for placing in the Top 10 in the Junior Varsity Boys race.

 Sophomore Dan Graham finished fourth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST Two Miles time of 12:09. Dan Graham ran the first mile in 6:03, and then ran the second mile in 6:06 for a personal best time of 12:09.

 Senior Peter Wilk finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:33. Peter Wilk dropped 24 seconds from the Mather Ranger Classic! Peter Wilk ran the first mile in 6:07, and then ran the final mile in 6:26 for a personal best time of 12:33.

 Sophomore Pedro Juarez finished sixth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:35. Pedro Juarez ran the first mile in 6:20, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:15 for a personal best time of 12:35. 

 Freshman Chaojie Gonzalez finished seventh for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:42. Chaojie Gonzalez ran the first mile in 6:16, and then ran the final mile in 6:26 for a personal best time of 12:42.

 Freshman Brian Glatter finished eighth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 12:50. Brian Glatter ran the first mile in 6:40, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:10 for a personal best time of 12:50.

 Sophomore Luis Mesa finished ninth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:20. Luis Mesa ran the first mile in 6:30, and then ran the final mile in 6:50 for an outstanding time of 13:20.

 Sophomore Matt Sugai finished 10th for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 13:24. Matt Sugai ran the first mile in 6:41, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:43 for a time of 13:24.

 Freshamn Nick Hill finished eleventh for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:24.  Nick Hill ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:36 for a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:24.  

 Senior Andrew Czyszczon finished twelve for the Mustangs with a time of 14:05. Andrew Czyszczon ran the first mile in 6:34, and then ran the final mile in 7:31 for a time of 14:05.  

 Freshman Paul Ricks finished 13th for the Mustangs with a time of 14:40. Paul Ricks ran the first mile in 7:20, and then ran the final mile in an EVEN SPLIT of 7:20 for a time of 14:40.

 Freshman Kendall Elue finished 14th for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 14:52. Kendall Elue ran the first mile in 6:51, and then ran the final mile in 8:01 for a personal best time of 14:52.

 Sophomore Edgar Ortega finished 15th for the Mustangs with a time of 15:20. Edgar Ortega ran the first mile in 7:33, and then ran the final mile in 7:47 for a time of 15:20.

 The Northside Junior Varsity Boys will compete in the CPS City Championships on October 17, 2009.

 On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men traveled to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. The meet featured a new, tougher, IHSA Sectional course, with many sharp turns, and an Olympic style finish. The finish consisted of athletes entering the Niles West Track & Field stadium from the rear entrance of the stadium, after a sharp turn, with a finish approximately 70 yards away on the Niles West Football field. The new course allows spectators to be right on the field, with a perfect view of the finish. 

 The meet featured 40 Teams, including IHSA Regional opponents Niles West, Niles North, Mather, Evanston, and Taft. Team Trophies were awarded to the Top 5 Teams in the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. Plaques were also awarded to the Top 25 Athletes in the meet.  The experience of racing on the new IHSA Sectional course was priceless for all of the Teams at the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational.  

  On September 12, 2009, IHSA sectional opponent, and friendly rival St. Ignatius defeated Northside by 54 points at the Gordon Tech Invitational. Northside looked to make up ground on St. Ignatius at the Niles West Invitational, as they begin preparations for the IHSA State series.

  The Northside Mustangs did more than just make up ground, as they upset St. Ignatius 187 to 195 in the overall results, and 130-131 in the divisional results for the fourth place divisional trophy!! The Trophy will be displayed in the Principal's office before moving to a permanent location in the Northside Trophy case.

  Lake Park won the overall title at the Pat Savage Invitational with 32 points. Woodstock High School finished in second place with 139 points. Niles North finished in third place with 158 points. Prospect finished in fourth place with 178 points. Northside College Prep finished in fifth place overall with 187 points, and posted impressive victories over: 6. St. Ignatius (195 points), 7. Willowbrook (254 points), 8. Rockford Jefferson (288 points), 9. Grayslake Central (294 points), 10. Niles West (300 points, IHSA Regional opponent), 11. Wheeling (306 points, Ed Torres former High School), 12. Highland Park (352 points), 13. Leyden (361 points), 14. Saint Viator (388 points), 15. Saint Patrick (456 points), 16. Northridge (485 points), 17. Saint Laurence (485 points), 18. Dundee-Crown (488 points), 19. Oak Park RIver Forest (507 points), 20. Mather (526, IHSA Regional opponent), 21. Zion-Benton (557 points), 22. Argo (558 points), 23. Notre Dame (647 points, IHSA Regional opponent), 24. Lake Forest Academy (671 points), 25. Wauconda (686 points), 26. Glenbrook North (707 points), 27. Glenbrook South (766 points), 28. Steinmetz (842 points), 29. Evanston (858 points, IHSA Regional opponent), 30. Harlem (872 points), 31. Marist (885 points), 32. Peoria Manual (907 points), 33. Round Lake High School (922 points), 34. Hubbard (991 points), 35. Jones College Prep (995 points), 36. Golder College Prep, 37. Hancock High School, 38. Taft High School (IHSA Regional opponent), 39. Leo High School, and 40. Woodstock North High School. The Northside Varsity Men posted a record of 35-4 on the day, and now have a season record of 136-34!!!       

  Woodstock Junior Jud Fuller won the Pat Savage Invitational with an outstanding time of 15:50.

  Although the changes in the course, made the overall times in the meet slower than expected, the Northside Mustangs still found away to drop time from a year ago.

  The Northside Mustangs were led by Seniors Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss and Cooper Eben.

  Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss finished fifth overall with an outstanding time of 16:08. Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 8 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first mile in 5:10, and then ran the second mile in 5:24 (10:34), and then ran the final mile in 5:34 for an outstanding time of 16:08. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was awarded a plaque for finishing fifth overall.

  Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs and seventh overall with an outstanding time of 16:12. Captain Cooper Eben dropped 13 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Cooper Eben ran the first mile in 5:12, and then ran the second mile 5:26 (10:38), and then ran the final mile in 5:34 for an outstanding time of 16:12. Cooper Eben was awarded a plaque for finishing seventh overall.

  Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore finished third for the Mustangs and 27th overall with an outstanding time of 16:39.49. Captain Charlie Mesimore ran the first mile in 5:25, and then ran the second mile in an EVEN SPLIT of 5:25 (10:50), and then ran the final mile in 5:49 for an outstanding time of 16:39.49. 

  Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished fourth for the Mustangs and 28th overall with an outstanding time of 16:39.77. Captain Wesley Laytham ran the first mile in 5:15, and then ran the second mile in 5:45 (11:00), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:39 for an outstanding time of 16:39.77.

  Northside Senior Jiasong Yang finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 63rd overall with an outstanding time of 17:21. Jiasong Yang dropped 34 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Jiasong Yang ran the first mile in 5:46, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 5:44 (11:30), and then ran the final mile in 5:51 for an outstanding time of 17:21.

  Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke finished sixth for the Mustangs and 73rd overall with an outstanding time of 17:35. Erik Zuehlke dropped 35 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Erik Zuehlke ran the first mile 5:46, and then ran the second mile in 5:52 (11:38), and then ran the final mile in 5:57 for an outstanding time of 17:35.

  Northside Junior Fahad Savari finished seventh for the Mustangs and 77th overall with an outstanding time of 17:38. Fahad Sarvari dropped 36 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Fahad Savari ran the first mile in 5:48, and then ran the second mile in 5:50 (11:38), and then ran the final mile in 6:00 for an outstanding time of 17:38.

  Northside Senior Forrest Cortes finished eighth for the Mustangs with a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:59.89. Forrest Cortes dropped 34 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational. Forrest Cortes also ran the 22nd fastest time in Northside history! Forrest Cortes ran the first mile in 5:57, and then ran the second mile in 6:01 (11:58), and then ran the final mile in an EVEN SPLIT of 6:01 for a personal best time of 17:59.89.

  Northside Sophomore Pat Duffy finished ninth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 18:42. Pat Duffy ran the first mile in 6:20, and then ran the second mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:18 (12:38), and then ran the final Mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 6:04 for an outstanding time of 18:42.

  Northside Junior Ed Moreno finished tenth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 19:07. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 6:12, and then ran the second mile in 6:23 (12:35), and then ran the final mile in 6:32 for an outstanding time of 19:07.

  Northside Sophomore Jusuf Skelic finished eleventh for the Mustangs with an oustanding time of 19:08. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile 6:12, and then ran the second mile in 6:22 (12:34), and then ran the final mile in 6:34 for an outstanding time of 19:08.

  Northside Junior Luis Gaytan completed the Northside Top 12 for the Mustangs with a time of 19:24. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:59, and then ran the second mile in 6:39 (12:38), and then ran the final mile in 6:46 for a time of 19:24.

  In Celebratation of "Senior day", Northside Seniors Sam Olver and Andrew Czyszczon were rewarded with the experience of running in a Varsity race at the Pat Savage Invitational. A special thanks to Niles West for making this possible by allowing the Mustangs additional entries in the Varsity division.

  Northside Senior Sam Olver finished 13th for the Mustangs with a time of 22:22. Sam Olver ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the second mile in 7:32 (14:20), and then ran the final mile in 8:02 for a time of 22:22.

  Northside Senior Andrew Czyszczon finished 14th for the Mustangs with a time of 22:28. Andrew Czyszczon ran the first mile in 7:00, and then ran the second mile in 7:35 (14:35), and then ran the final mile in 7:53 for a time of 22:28.  

  The Northside College Prep Mustangs will announce their final roster for the Chicago Public League Invitational in practice on Monday, October 5, 2009. The Northside Mustangs will be spending the next three weeks preparing for the IHSA State Series, including Varsity practices at Harms Woods (IHSA Regional course) and Niles West (IHSA Sectional course).

 On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the Northside Freshman Boys traveled to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. The meet featured 40 Teams, with unlimited entries in the Freshman division. Team Trophies were awarded to the Top five teams, and plaques were awarded to the Top ten Freshman. The race distance was 2.05 Miles.

 Although Northside College Prep was the smallest school at the meet, with a student body of only 1,000 students, the Northside College Prep Freshman Team was the largest Cross Country Team in the meet!!!

 Northside College Prep had the most Freshman in the meet, with 15 entries. Chicago Marist had the second most Freshman in the meet, with 13 entries. Leyden High School had the third most Freshman in the meet, with 12 entries.

 Northside Freshman Phenom Nathaniel Agharse was held of the race due to an injury, and Northside Freshman Paul Ricks was also unavailable.

 The Northside Freshman finished in 6th place in divisional standings, and in 12th place overall, and posted impressive victories, among others, over: Dundee-Crown, Niles West, Hancock, Highland Park, Jones College Prep (Top Freshman ran in other divisions), Northridge Prep, Notre Dame, Saint Laurence, Wheeling, Zion-Benton, Leo High School, Saint Patrick, and Woodstock North.

 The Top Freshman time of the day, in the Chicago Public League, at the Pat Savage Invitational was Jones College Prep Freshman Luke O'Connor. Luke O'Connor raced in the Sophomore division as a Freshman, and ran a three miles personal record of 17:48. Luke O'Connor is the younger brother of Northside Alumni legend Patrick O'Connor.    

 The Northside Freshman Boys Team was led by Brendan Kelly. Brendan Kelly ran an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 12:55 to place 21st overall. Brendan Kelly ran the first mile in 6:16, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 6:39 for an outstanding time of 12:55.

  Palwinder Sodhi finished second for the Mustangs and 25th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:09. Palwinder Sodhi ran the first mile in 6:16, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 6:53 for an outstanding time of 13:09.

  Alex Bologna finished third for the Mustangs and 26th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:10. Alex Bologna ran the first mile in 6:16, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 6:54 for an outstanding time of 13:10.

  Calvin Gang finished fourth for the Mustangs and 27th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:11. Calvin Gang ran the first mile in 6:06, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:05 for an outstanding time of 13:11.

  Brian Glatter finished fifth for the Mustangs and 28th overall to complete the scoring, with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:12. Brian Glatter ran the first mile in 6:16, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 6:56 for an outstanding time of 13:12.

  Chaojie Gonzalez finished sixth for the Mustangs and 30th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:21. Chaojie Gonzalez ran the first mile in 6:20, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:01 for an outstanding time of 13:21.

  Nick Parker finished seventh for the Mustangs and 32nd overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 13:26. Nick Parker ran the first mile in 6:29, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 6:57 for an outstanding time of 13:26.

  Alex Kritikos finished eighth for the Mustangs with a time of 14:37. Alex Kritikos ran the first mile in 6:57, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:40 for a time of 14:37.

  Nick Hill finished ninth for the Mustangs with a time of 14:38. Nick Hill ran the first mile in 6:58, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:40 for a time of 14:38.

  Griffin Hilly finished tenth for the Mustangs with a time of 14:39. Griffin Hilly ran the first mile in 7:10, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:29 for a time of 14:39.

  Kendall Elue finished eleventh for the Mustangs with a time of 16:58. Kendall Elue ran the first mile in 7:35, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 9:23 for a time of 16:58.

  Andy Voung finished twelfth for the Mustangs with a time of 17:17. Andy Voung ran the first mile in 8:12, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 9:05 for a time of 17:17.

  Ben Mauk O'Connor finished 13th for the Mustangs with a time of 23:00. Ben Mauk O'Connor ran the first mile in 10:25, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 12:35 for a time of 23:00.

  The Northside Freshman Boys will travel to Washington Park on Saturday, October 17, 2009 for the Chicago Public League Championships.

 On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls traveled to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. Team Trophies were awarded to the Top five Team in each division, and plaques were awarded to the Top ten athletes in the Sophomore-Freshman race. The Meet features over 40 Teams at the 2009 Pat Savage Invitational. 

 The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls finished 11th overall, and fifth in their division, earning a Team Trophy!! The Trophy will be on display in the Principal's office, before being permenantly placed in the Northside Trophy case.

 The Northside Mustangs were led by Freshman Phoebe Randall. Phoebe Randall placed 8th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 14:24. Phoebe Randall was awarded a Plaque for placing 8th overall. Phoebe Randall ran the first mile in 6:47, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:37 for an outstanding time of 14:24.

  Sophomore Karly Raber finished second for the Mustangs and 24th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 15:09. Karly Raber ran the first mile in 7:06, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 8:03 for an outstanding time of 15:09.

  Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished third for the Mustangs and 26th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 15:12.34. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran the first mile in 7:25, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:47 for an outstanding time of 15:12.34.

  Freshman Hyunji Ward finished fourth for the Mustangs and 27th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 15:12.44. Hyuni Ward ran the first mile in 7:25, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 7:47 for an outstanding time of 15:12.44.

 Freshman Claire Scheib-Feeley finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 49th overall with an outstanding 2.05 Miles time of 16:25. Claire Scheib-Feeley ran the first mile in 7:31, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 8:54 for an outstanding time of 16:25.

 Freshman Ryan Speese finished sixth for the Mustangs and 60th overall with a 2.05 Miles time of 18:21. Ryan Speese ran the first mile in 8:42, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 9:39 for a time of 18:21.

 Freshman Eva Stoops finished seventh for the Mustangs and 61st overall with a 2.05 Miles time of 18:22. Eva Stoops ran the first mile in 8:42, and then ran the final 1.05 Miles in 9:40 for a time of 18:22.

 The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Girls will travel to Washington Park on Saturday, October 17, 2009 for the Chicago Public League Championships.

 On Saturday, October 3, 2009, the Northside Varsity Women traveled to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. The meet featured a new, tougher, IHSA Sectional course, with many sharp turns, and an Olympic style finish. The finish consisted of athletes entering the Niles West Track & Field stadium from the rear entrance of the stadium, after a sharp turn, with a finish approximately 70 yards away on the Niles West Football field. The new course allows spectators to be right on the field, with a perfect view of the finish. 

 The Varsity Womens race featured 34 Teams, including IHSA Regional opponents Niles West, Niles North, Mather, Evanston, Ressurection, and Taft. Team Trophies were awarded to the Top 5 Teams in the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational. Plaques were also awarded to the Top 25 Athletes in the meet.  The experience of racing on the new IHSA Sectional course was priceless for all of the Teams at the 39th Annual Pat Savage Invitational.

 The Northside Varsity Women finished in sixth place in their division, and finished in 12th place overall with 384 points, and posted victories over: 13. Marian Catholic (402 points), 14. Jones College Prep (419 points), 15. Zion-Benton Twp (449 points), 16. Niles North (463 points, IHSA Regional Opponent), 17. Mather (465 points, IHSA Regional Opponent), 18. Round Lake (502 points), 19. Oak Forest HS (524 points), 20. Ressurection (560 points, IHSA Regional Opponent), 21.  Wauconda (588 points), 22. Lake Forest Academy (603 points), 23. Maine South (641 points), 24. Queen of Peace (666 points), 25. Stevenson (679 points), 26. Hubbard (680 points), 27. Steinmetz (792 points), 28. Hancock (913 points), 29. Argo, 30. Dundee-Crown, 31. Morgan Park, 32. Peoria Manual, 33. Taft (IHSA Regional Opponent), and 34. Woodstock North.

 The Northside Varsity Women posted a 23-11 record on the day, and now have a season record of 77-82. More importantly, after posting victories over four of the Mustangs IHSA Regional opponents, the Northside Varsity Women are big favorities to qualify for the IHSA Sectional Championships for the fourth consecutive year!!!

  The Northside Varsity Women were led by Junior Karlyn Gehring. Captain Karlyn Gehring placed 27th overall with an outstanding time of 20:52. Karlyn Gehring dropped one minute and 6 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational! Karlyn Gehring ran the first mile in 6:36, and then ran the second mile in 7:05 (13:41), and then ran the final mile in 7:11 for an outstanding time of 20:52.

  Senior Bessie Nolan finished second for the Mustangs and 30th overall with an outstanding time of 21:11. Captain Bessie Nolan dropped 4 seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational! Bessie Nolan ran the first mile in 6:41, and then ran the second mile in 7:14 (13:56), and then ran the final mile in 7:15 for an outstanding time of 21:11.

  Junior Su Yang finished third for the Mustangs and 41st overall with an outstanding time of 21:26. Captain Su Yang dropped one minute and seven seconds from the 2008 Pat Savage Invitational! Su Yang ran the first mile in 6:48, and then ran the second mile in 7:13 (14:01), and then ran the final mile in 7:25 for an outstanding time of 21:26.

  Senior Yesenia Valadez finished fourth for the Mustangs and 50th overall with an outstanding time of 21:51. Yesenia Valadez ran the first mile in 6:44, and then ran the second mile in 7:21 (14:05), and then ran the final mile in 7:46 for an outstanding time of 21:51.

  Freshman Taylor Provax finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring, and 53rd overall with an outstanding time of 22:04. Taylor Provax ran the first mile in 6:42, and then ran the second mile in 7:30 (14:12), and then ran the final mile in 7:52 for an outstanding time of 22:04.

  Senior Simmone Seymour finished sixth for the Mustangs and 54th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 22:05. Simmone Seymour ran the first mile in 7:09, and then ran the second mile in 7:32 (14:41), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:24 for a personal best time of 22:05.

  Junior Dava Batjargal finished seventh for the Mustangs and 55th overall with an outstanding time of 22:07. Dava Batjargal ran the first mile in 7:08, and then ran the second mile in 7:30 (14:38), and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE SPLIT of 7:29 for an outstanding time of 22:07.

  Junior Maggie Ivanova finished eighth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 22:14. Maggie Ivanova ran the first mile in 6:56, and then ran the second mile in 7:34 (14:30), and then ran the final mile in 7:44 for an outstanding time of 22:14.

  Senior Merita Bushi finished ninth for the Mustangs with an outstanding time of 22:30. Merita Bushi ran the first mile in 7:09, and then ran the second mile in 7:34 (14:43), and then ran the final mile in 7:47 for an outstanding time of 22:30.

  The Northside College Prep Mustangs will announce their final roster for the Chicago Public League Invitational in practice on Monday, October 5, 2009. The Northside Mustangs will be spending the next three weeks preparing for the IHSA State Series, including Varsity practices at Harms Woods (IHSA Regional course) and Niles West (IHSA Sectional course).   

(Coming soon: Sophomore Boys Results) 

  The Northside Mustangs cross country parents are organizing a Pasta Dinner on the eve of the City Championships for the entire TEAM. The dinner will be held at Northside in the cafeteria after team practice on Friday, October 16, 2009. 

  If you can help with dinner contributions, please contact Northside parent Ellen Youniss at eyouniss@gmail.com. A special thanks to the Northside parents for enhancing the Northside athletes City Championship experience, and for providing them with the proper nutrition to excel at the City Championships.

   The starting line is along Russel Drive, and the course features a chicago landmark fountain sculpture, completed in 1922, called "The race for time". The course is mostly grass terrian with patches of gravel, and concrete. 

  On Friday, October 16, 2009, the Northside Cross Country Booster club will host a Team Pasta Party after practice in the Northside Cafeteria to provide the Northside Mustangs with proper nutrition the night before the 2009 Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships.

 The 2009 Chicago Public League Championships will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The meet is being sponsored by Universal Sole. Northside College Prep will be taking two buses to the meet. The Northside Freshman Team, and Sophomore Team will leave from Northside College Prep for the Meet at 6:30 am. We need ALL Freshman on the first bus (6:30 am). Due to the PSAT Exam several Freshman will have to run in the Sophomore division instead of the Junior Varsity division. The Northside College Prep Junior Varsity Teams, and Varsity Teams will leave from Northside College Prep for the Meet at 7:30 am. Parents dropping off athletes in the morning, should wait before leaving the campus, until they see a bus present, just in case there is any problems with the Bus arriving on time. Thanks.

  Alumni, Parents, and fans traveling to the meet should take I-94 East to Exit 57 (Garfield road), and stay on Garfield until it merges with 55th Street, and then go one block past Martin Luther King Drive, and Park in front of the Washington Park Fieldhouse and Acquatic Center on Russell drive. (5900 South Payne Drive).

                        CPS Cross Country Championship Time Schedule  

            7:00 AM                      Team Check-In

            8:00 AM                      Freshman Girls            (2.0 Miles)

            9:00 AM                      Sophomore Girls         (2.0 Miles)

            10:00 AM                    Varsity Women           (3.0 Miles)

            10:40 AM                    Varsity Men                 (3.0 Miles)

            11:30 AM                    Junior Varsity Girls      (2.0 Miles)

            12:00 PM                    Junior Varsity Boys     (2.0 Miles)

   The Northside Varsity Men will be seeking their first City Title in school history! The Northside Varsity Women will be seeking their fifth top two finish since 2004. The Mustangs will face great teams from throughout the CPS and it will be one of the most exciting Championship meets in Chicago history.

  On Monday, October 12, 2009, to honor the Northside Sophomore and Freshman Cross Country Teams during City Championship week, all members of the Northside Mustangs will assemble at the Main Entrance of Northside College Prep for an optional practice on Monday, at 7 am, to run as a TEAM to IHOP for breakfast.

  In 2009, the Northside Cross Country Team had their largest number of Sophomore and Freshman athletes in the history of the program.  

  For 89% of the Northside Sophomores and Freshman, City Championship week is their final week of the Cross Country season. As a result, the Northside Coaching staff wants to honor the Northside Sophomore and Freshman Teams during City Championship week for their hard work this season. The Northside coaching staff is also looking forward to their upcoming Track & Field season.

 The Northside Sophomores and Freshman, along with the Northside Top 12, and Junior Varsity Teams, will be honored again at the largest Cross Country banquet in Northside history at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois, on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Freshman Girls traveled to Washington Park for the Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships. Medals and All City T-shirts were awarded to the top twenty athletes in the Freshman Girls race.

 The Northside Freshman Girls were led by Taylor Provax. Taylor Provax finished in third place overall with a personal best time of 13:47.60. Taylor Provax was awarded a Medal for placing third overall. Taylor Provax will run Varisty for the Mustangs at the IHSA Regional Championships on Saturday, October 24, 2009. 

 Phoebe Randall finished second for the Mustangs and sixth overall with a personal best time of 14:19.79. Phoebe Randall was awarded a Medal for placing sixth overall. Phoebe Randall also ran a Northside Top 12 Time! 

 Anna Pezanoski-Cohen finished third for the Mustangs and 14th overall with a personal best time of 14:57.91. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen was awarded a Medal for placing 14th overall. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen also ran a Northside Top 12 time! 

 Hyunji Ward finished fourth for the Mustangs and 16th overall with a personal best time of 15:08.75. Hyunji Ward was awarded a Medal for placing 16th overall.

 Claire Scheib-Feeley finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 23rd overall with a personal best time of 15:52.17.

 Eva Stoops finished sixth for the Mustangs and 40th overall with a personal best time of 17:32.64.

 Ryan Speese finished seventh for the Mustangs and 41st overall with a personal best time of 17:35.34.

 The Northside Freshman Girls finished in third place overall! The Northside Freshman Girls will receive their Freshman Numerals and will be honored on November 11, 2009 at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois at the 2009 Northside Cross Country Banquet.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Freshman Boys traveled to Washington Park for the 2009 Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships. Medals and All City T-shirts were awarded to the top twenty athletes in the Freshman Boys race. 

 The Northside Freshman put seven athletes in the top twenty-two to finish in second place overall in the Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships!!! The Northside Freshman boys received silver medals for placing second overall in the CPS Cross Country Championships, and will also receive CPS Runners-Up Trophies at the November 11, 2009 Northside Cross Country Banquet.

 The Northside Freshman Boys were led by the one-two punch of Brendan Kelly and Alex Bologna.

 Brendan Kelly finished 8th overall with a personal best time of 12:36.58. Brendan Kelly was awarded a Medal for placing 8th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the Top 20 in Chicago! Brendan Kelly ran a Northside Top 12 time!

 Alex Bologna finished second for the Mustangs and 12th overall with a personal best time of 12:42.13. Alex Bologna was awarded a Medal for placing 12th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the Top 20 in Chicago!

 Nick Parker finished third for the Mustangs and 15th overall with a personal best time of 12:47.16. Nick Parker was awarded a Medal for placing 15th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the Top 20 in Chicago! The Mustangs have big time plans for Nick Parker in the 800m run and the 4x800m Relay for the 2010 Track season.

 Chaojie Gonzalez finished fourth for the Mustangs and 18th overall with a personal best time of 12:55.64. Chaojie Gonzalez was awarded a Medal for placing 18th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the Top 20 in Chicago!

  Palwinder Sodhi finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 19th overall with a personal best time of 12:56.90. Palwinder Sodhi was awarded a Medal for placing 19th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the Top 20 in Chicago!

  Brian Glatter finished sixth for the Mustangs and 21st overall with a personal best time of 12:58.24.

 Calvin Gang finished seventh for the Mustangs and 22nd overall with a personal best time of 13:01.50.

 The Northside Freshman Boys finished in second place overall! The Northside Freshman Boys will receive their Freshman Numerals, and CPS Cross Country Championships Second place Trophies at the Northside Cross Country Banquet on November 11, 2009 at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Sophomore Team traveled to Washington Park for the CPS Championships, without several key athletes due to the PSAT Exam. 

 Members of the Northside Freshman Team were promoted to the Sophomore Team, prior to the meet to help a short handed Northside Sophomore Team.

 The Northside Freshman responded with their best meet of the season, and the remaining Northside Sophomores also came through big time, to put the Mustangs over the top.

 Northside Sophomore Pat Duffy led the Mustangs by placing fourth overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 11:23:53! Pat Duffy was awarded a Medal for placing fourth overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the top twenty. Pat Duffy also ran a Northside Top 12 Time!

 Northside Sophomore Jusuf Skelic finished second for the Mustangs and 35th overall with an outstanding time of 12:32.19. Jusuf Skelic also ran a Northside Top 12 Time!

 Northside Freshman Nathaniel Argharse finished third for the Mustangs and 38th overall with an outstanding time of 12:40.32. 

 Northside Sophomore Pedro Juarez finished fourth for the Mustangs and 42nd overall with an outstanding time of 12:50.67.

 Northside Freshman Griffin Hilly finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 64th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 13:45.76.

 Northside Freshman Nick Hill finished sixth for the Mustangs and 66th overall with an outstanding time of 13:54.96.

 Northside Freshman Alex Kritikos finished seventh for the Mustangs and 67th overall with an outstanding time of 13:56.55.  

 The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Boys Team finished in fifth place with 144 points, and posted victories over Kenwood (145 points), Von Steuben (167 points), Harlan (215 points), Jones (215 points), and Noble Street Charter (269 points).

 The Northside Sophomore-Freshman Team will be honored on November 11, 2009 at the Northside Cross Country Banquet at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Boys Team traveled to Washington Park for the CPS Championships.

 The Northside Junior Varsity Boys finished in third place overall with 90 points, and posted victories over: 4. Jones College Prep (116 points), 5. Mather (141 points), 6. North Grand (180 points), 7. Foreman (192 points), 8. Hubbard (198 points), 9. Noble Street College Prep (250 points), and 10. Orr Academy (263 points).

 The Mustangs were led by Senior Forrest Cortes. Forrest Cortes finished in third place overall with an outstanding time of 11:24.32.

 Junior Luis Gaytan finished second for the Mustangs and 19th overall (15th for scoring) with an outstanding time of 12:07.27.

 Junior Ed Moreno finished third for the Mustangs and 24th overall (18th for scoring) with an outstanding time of 12:12.15.

 Senior Peter Wilk finished fourth for the Mustangs and 42nd overall (27th for scoring) with an outstanding time of 13:03.16.

 Northside Sprinter Neal Capapas came out of retirement for the CPS Championships to put the Mustangs over the top. Senior Neal Capapas finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 50th overall (28th for scoring) with an outstanding time of 13:39.79.

 Additional Northside finishers include: 54. Sam Olver 13:54.93, 55. Andrew Czyszczon 13:57.65, 70. Paul Ricks 14:41.72, 73. Kendall Elue 14:54.31, 83. Alfredo Almaraz 15:57.60, 86. Andy Voung 16:09.05, and 115. Ben Mauk O'Connor 21:55.39.

 The Northside Junior Varsity Boys will be honored on November 11, 2009 at the Northside Cross Country Banquet at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Junior Varsity Girls traveled to Washington Park in Chicago, Illinois for the CPS Championships.

 Lane Tech had the most impressive Junior Varsity Girls performance in the history of the CPS Championships, by placing 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for a score of 22 points to win the Junior Varsity Girls City Title.

 The Northside Mustangs were led by Senior Merita Bushi. Merita Bushi finished seventh overall with an outstanding time of 14:33.18. Merita Bushi ran a Northside Top 12 time!

 Northside Senior Rachel Trenchard finished second for the Mustangs and 51st overall with a time of 16:46.60.

 Northside Junior Lindsey Shallberg was unable to finish the race due to an injury. The Mustangs are looking forward to Lindsey Shallberg's upcoming Track & Field season. Lindsey Shallberg can run any event from 100m to two miles, and is also one of the Mustangs top hurdlers.

 The remaining members of the Northside Junior Varsity Girls Team did not compete because of the PSAT Exam.

 The Northside Junior Varsity Girls will be honored on November 11, 2009 at the Northside Cross Country Banquet at Hackney's in Glenview, Illinois.

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men awoke at dawn for a 7:30 am departure from Northside College Prep to Washington Park for the Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships. The bus driver entertained the Team on the way to the meet, by blasting the song, "Don't Stop believin" by Journey, all the way to Washington Park.

  At Washington Park, the Northside Mustangs were greeted by among others, Northside Alumni legend Patrick O'Connor, Principal Barry Rodgers, Athletic Director Andrew Mayer, Chad Ware, Dave Ullrich, Craig Williams, and Skip Stolley.   

  The Northside Mustangs have been training since June 2009 in preparation for the IHSA State Series, and the Mustangs wanted to go into the IHSA State Series with a City Title. The Mustangs also needed only nine more wins to break the school record for wins in a season.    

 The 2009 Chicago Public League Cross Country Championships was the largest conference meet in the United States, with a record 58 schools entered in the meet, and 40 schools and 175 runners in the Varsity division. The Northside Mustangs responded with their greatest TEAM performance in school history to WIN the 2009 CPS Cross Country Championships!

 The bigger victory that day may have been the one experienced by each athlete, parent, or fan, who got to witness the seven greatest individuals in Northside history get their first reward of the season, by winning the City Title!!! 

 On Saturday, October 17, 2009, the Mustangs were on the starting line in box number 39, ready for the start of the race when a hail storm hit all 40 Teams on the line. The Northside Varsity Men showed their mental toughness by cheering as they were being hit by hail. Nothing bothered the Mustangs, not the cold weather, not the rain or the hail storm. They loved every minute of it, and were completely focused on their goal of bringing a City Championship to Northside.

 As the hail continued to fall, IHSA Official Homer Thomas fired the gun for start of the race.

 The Northside Mustangs were led by Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss. In one year, Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss went from finishing in 8th place overall (2008) to finishing 2nd overall with an outstanding time of 15:37.16! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss dropped 31 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational! Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss is one of the most improved athletes in the conference, and led the Northside Mustangs to a City Title in his final CPS Championship race! Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss was honored with a Medal for placing second overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the top twenty. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss has been one of the Mustangs Team Captains since his Sophomore year of high school, and his work ethic, and leadership skills have been instrumental to the success of the Team. 

 Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs and sixth overall with an outstanding time of 15:51.59! Cooper Eben dropped 21 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational! In one year, Cooper Eben went from finishing in 10th place overall (2008) to finishing sixth overall! Captain Cooper Eben was honored with a Medal for placing sixth overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the top twenty. Cooper Eben is an outstanding Team Captain, and his work ethic is incredible. He has run 500 or more miles for three consecutive summers, and Cooper Eben never leaves the weight room on a lower body training day, without putting multiple 45 lbs weights on the squat rack.

 Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore finished third for the Mustangs and ninth overall with a SEASON BEST time of 16:05.63! Charlie Mesimore dropped 34 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational!!! Captain Charlie Mesimore was honored with a Medal for placing ninth overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the top twenty. Charlie Mesimore is an outstanding Team Captain, and his determination is second to none. Charlie Mesimore was so determined to run 500 miles this summer in preparation for the season, that when he was forced to stop running due to an August stress fracture after reaching the 400 miles barrier, he still found a way to overcome it, and ran the final 100 miles in a swimming pool to reach his goal of 500 miles for the summer. His work ethic is also incredible. On a rare occassion, when the Northside Coaching staff gives the Team the day off from doing 50 push-ups and 50 crunches before a practice, Charlie Mesimore still stays on the ground, and does every single one of them.

  Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished fourth for the Mustangs and 11th overall with an outstanding time of 16:17.45! Wesley Laytham dropped 22 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational!!! In one year, Wesley Laytham went from finishing in 13th place (2008) overall to 11th place overall! Captain Wesley Laytham was honored with a Medal for placing 11th overall, and an All City T-shirt for placing in the top twenty. Wesley Laytham is an outstanding Team Captain and his work ethic is incredible. He arrives early to practice everyday, and is always one of the last athletes to leave the weight room. Every Thursday night, due to a schedule conflict, he comes to practice after his teammates have already started and/or completed practice, and doesn't leave until he finishes the entire workout.  Wesley Laytham's mental toughness is also second to none. In the final mile of every race, he finds a way from deep within himself to pass a record number of runners every race, and his finishing kicks are legendary.

 Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 20th overall with an outstanding time of 16:40.86. Lane Tech's Jimmy Orellana (16:39.30, 18th place), and Jones College Prep Freshman Jamison Dale (16:40.46, 19th place) out kicked Fahad Sarvari at the finish line. Fahad Sarvari earned All City honors, but did not receive a Top twenty Medal or an All City T-shirt, despite finishing 20th overall. When Fahad Sarvari was going through the finish chute, the race official dropped the race number tags, and when the official picked them back up, he inadvertently placed them out of order, and Fahad Sarvari was mistakenly given a place of 26th overall and a time of 16:46.26. The Northside coaching staff had Fahad Sarvari timed in 16:40, and did suspect a scoring error at the meet, but the error had no effect on the outcome of the meet, so no challenge was made. Northside received confirmation on Saturday evening, from the Lane Tech and Mather coaching staffs that the tags were dropped in the finish chute, and that an error was made. On Sunday morning, the Northside coaching staff received additional photographic evidence of the finish, clearly showing Fahad Sarvari finishing in 20th place, and not 26th place. A protest was filed with the CPS. The Jones College Prep coaching staff, and the 19th place runner confirmed that Fahad Sarvari finished directly behind him for 20th place. The CPS has resolved the matter, and is issuing a 20th place Medal and All City T-shirt to Fahad Sarvari for placing 20th overall. On Sunday evening, the CPS Cross Country Country Advisory Committee signed a contract to add Chip Timing, and a Video Tape Finish for the 2010 CPS Cross Country Championships, to prevent this from happening again. Also, there was a similar error in the Sophomore division, to a Lane Tech runner, who finished 14th, but was not even listed in the race results after race number tags were accidently dropped by the same race official in the Sophomore race. A Medal has also been issued by the CPS to the Lane Tech runner in the Sophomore race. 

 More importantly, Fahad Sarvari ran his best race of the season, with a personal best time of 16:40.86. Fahad Sarvari dropped 58 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational!!! Prior to the CPS Championships, Fahad Sarvari had been the Mustangs seventh runner, and went from seventh man to fifth man in one day! Fahad Sarvari showed incredible guts and determination and came through big for the TEAM to put them over the top.

 Northside Senior Jiasong Yang finished sixth for the Mustangs and 35th overall with an outstanding time of 17:09.12. Jiasong Yang dropped 12 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational!

 Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke finished seventh for the Mustangs and 37th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 17:16.99. Erik Zuehlke battled through a side stich, and still dropped 19 seconds from the Pat Savage Invitational! 

 Northside WON 2009 City Title with an official score of 44 points, and posted victories over (2) Lane Tech 60 points, (3) Mather 64 points, (4) Whitney Young 116 points, (5) Jones College Prep 157 points, (6) Lake View 221 points, (7) Payton 231 points, (8) Kenwood Academy 257 points, (9) Curie 274 points, (10) Kennedy 315 points, (11) Hubbard 327 points, (12) Little Village 363 points, (13) Noble Street 368 points, (14) Gage Park 388 points, (15) Kelly 406 points, (16) Schurz 410 points, (17) Du Sable 486 points, (18) Morgan Park 490 points, (19) Marine Military Academy 493 points, (20) Fenger 502 points, (21) Manley 568 points, Lincoln Park, Chicago Mather & Science, Juarez, Rickover Naval Academy, Hyde Park, Steinmetz, Urban Prep, Von Steuben, George Washington, Austin, Corliss, Kelvyn Park, Hancock, Lindblom, Al Raby, Dunbar, Harper, Bowen, and Simeon. The Northside Varsity Men were 39-0 on the day, and now have a season record of 175-34!!!  

  In a ceremony following the meet, the Northside Mustangs were presented with a Gold plated Chicago Public League Athletic Association Championship Shield. CPS Cross Country Coordinator Cyrus McGinnis also presented City Champion Medals to the Northside Varsity Men, the entire coaching staff, and each member of the Northside Top 12. The Northside Team Captains also poured a cooler of ice water over Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon in celebration of the Mustangs first City Title!!!

 The Gold Plated Chicago Public Athletic Association Championship Shield will be put on display inside the main entrance of Northside College Prep, and will be later moved to a permenant location in the Northside Trophy case.

 On Saturday evening, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon continued a long time CPS tradition, of the winning coach, taking the coaching staffs of Lane Tech, Mather, Whitney Young, and Lake View for dinner at Kelly's Grill to celebrate the conclusion of the CPS Championships.   

 In the Spring, the Northside Mustangs will be honored again at a special dinner at the Hyatt Regency, to honor all of the City Championship Teams for each sport in the Chicago Public League.

 A special thanks to Bob Geiger, Kris Roof, Tony Jones, Dale DeVinney, Ivan Sarudi, Eric Weigmann, Derek Calhoun and all members of the CPS Cross Country Advisory Committee for all of their hard work in helping set up Washington Park in preparation for the largest conference meet in the history of the United States, and for all of the hours spent stuffing race packets the night before the meet. 

  On Monday, October 19, 2009, the Northside Mustangs will meet at 3:45 pm for Team meeting in the Teacher's lounge to vote on awards, collect banquet ticket orders, and collect uniforms from the Junior Varsity, Sophomore, and Freshman teams. Athletes in the Northside Top 12 will have practice after the Team meeting, in preparation for IHSA Regionals. 

WIN = What's Important Now?

 During the IHSA State Series, the Mustangs are allowed to carry a maximum roster of 12 Men and 12 Women to each post-season meet. Although only 7 athletes race in the IHSA Regional Championships, IHSA Sectional Championships, and IHSA State Championships, all 12 athletes travel to ALL post-season meets as alternates, and get the opportunity to race alternates from other teams with the possibility of earning a Top 7 spot for the next post-season meet. The experience is priceless. All roster spots were determined by the results of the CPS Championship meet.

1. Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss             Senior

2. Cooper Eben                                   Senior

3. Charlie Mesimore                           Junior

4. Wesley Laytham                             Junior

5. Fahad Sarvari                                 Junior

6. Jiasong Yang                                  Senior

7. Erik Zuehlke                                    Junior

8. Pat Duffy                                          Sophomore

9. Luis Gaytan                                     Junior

10. Ed Moreno                                    Junior

11. Jusuf Skelic                                   Sophomore

12. Brendan Kelly                               Freshman

Note:  Due to a non-running medical issue, Northside Senior Forrest Cortes is unable to complete the season, and the Mustangs are hoping he is healthy soon.

NORTHSIDE TOP 12 WOMEN

1. Karlyn Gehring                               Junior

2. Bessie Nolan                                  Senior

3. Su Yang                                           Junior

4. Yesenia Valadez                            Senior

5. Maggie Ivanova                              Junior

6. Taylor Provax                                  Freshman

7. Dava Batjargal                                Junior

8. Phoebe Randall                              Freshman

9. Simmone Seymour                        Senior

10. Merita Bushi                                 Senior  

11. Karly Raber                                  Sophomore

12. Anna Pezanoski-Cohen              Freshman

On Saturday, October 17, 2009, Northside Alumni legend Patrick O'Connor was at Washington Park to greet the Mustangs and celebrate with them as he witnessed the first Chicago Public League Cross Country Title in Northside history!

Northside Alumni legend John Krumsee ran quarters with the Mustangs the week before the CPS Championships, and predicted the victory. A few days later, John Krumsee ran a 2:37 in the Chicago Marathon!

Northside Alumni legend Dan Kittaka personally congratulated the Mustangs by coming to practice on Tuesday to run a Woods run with the TEAM. The entire Kittaka family is planning on coming to the Mustangs IHSA Regional meet!

Northside Alumni legends Eric Nelson, Craig Melhuse, Joey Paquette, James Smith Gratten, Nick Florence, and Mary Shelus are dancing in the streets at the University of Illinois.

Northside Alumni legend Simon Vecchioni did 50 pull-ups and 2000 crunches with a 25 lbs medicine ball at Brown, in honor of the Mustangs victory!!! 

Northside Alumni Jordan Stacey is telling his Cornel teammates about the Mustangs.

Northside Alumni Madde Roche also celebrated the Mustangs victory at Cornel.  

Northside Alumni Jon Kittaka and Rachel Kittaka are telling their Carleton teammates about the Mustangs. 

Northside Alumni Preston Buehrer is celebrating at Boston University, wishing he was in Chicago to see it.

Northside Alumni Joe Terdik is telling everyone at the University of Chicago about the Mustangs. 

Northside Alumni Santino Merino is telling his Oberlin teammates about the Mustangs. 

Northside Alumni Brad Eben is celebrating at Georgetown University.

 On Friday, October 23, 2009, the Northside Top 12 Men and Top 12 Women ran to IHOP for a Team Breakfast, held in their honor.

 At the conclusion of breakfast, Northside Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida gave an emotional speech to the Team and coaching staff, that this would be his last practice at Northside, and he was retiring today from coaching to help care for his wife, who is fighting cancer. His wife, also resigned today from her position as a grammer school principal.

 The Northside Varsity Men and Varsity Women pledged to dedicate the IHSA Regional meet to Jose Nebrida. Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon will call him after the meet with the results.  

 Jose Nebrida had a tremendous impact for the Mustangs, providing water and collecting place cards for the athletes at the finish line, and helping inspire and motivate new athletes to learn the sport. Northside athletes could always count on Jose Nebrida to be at the finish line of every meet with a bottle of water, and a high five, regardless of their performance in a meet. He was also a big help to the coaching staff by helping time athletes in practice, and helped manage the Northside Weight room. He will be greatly missed by the Team and coaching staff.

 Jose Nebrida is a National Treasure. Coach Jose Nebrida didn't start running until he was 44 years old, and became one of the only Americans to run a marathon in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. At the age of 67, he runs with an American Flag in each Marathon that he runs to honor the victims and heroes of the 9/11 attacks on America.  

  Nebrida has received recognition nationwide. In Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills's California home, one wing of the house contains a sports museum. The museum features, among other things, a pair of boxing gloves signed by Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, and a basketball signed by Bulls legend Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time. In the museum, there is only TWO marathoners. The first one is Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills, and the second one is former Northside Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida.

 The Northside Boys Sportsmanship Award is currently named after Alumni Joey Paquette. The Northside Girls Sportsmanship Award, effective in 2009, will be named after Jose Nebrida.

  The IHSA Regional Championship Meet will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Harms Woods on the corner of Golf road and Harms.

  The bus will depart for the IHSA Regional Championship at 12:00 pm. The course will be available for viewing begining at 12:30 pm on race day.

  The Varsity Women will race at 2:00 pm. The Varsity Men will race at 2:45 pm.

  After the Awards Ceremony, a race between each schools #8 - #12 runners will take place. For the alternates race, runners will be sent out in two waves, girls first, and then boys. Loyola will provide rabbits to help pace athletes to faster times.

   The Northside Varsity Men will be seeking to qualify for IHSA Sectional Championships for the third consecutive year, and the Northside Varsity Women will be seeking to qualify for the IHSA Sectional Championships for the fourth consecutive year.

 On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men and Northside Varsity Women traveled to Harms Woods in Skokie, Illinois for the IHSA Regional Championships. The IHSA Regional Championships determines the final five Teams for IHSA Sectional Championships at Niles West High School on October 31, 2009. The meet featured New Trier, Niles North, Northside College Prep, Niles West, Mather, Evanston, Notre Dame, Ressurection, and host Loyola Academy.

 At a Team breakfast on Friday, former Northside Assistant Coach Jose Nebrida gave an emotional speech, in which he announced his resignation to care for his wife, who is suffering from breast cancer, and asked the Varsity Men and Varsity Women Teams to qualify for Sectionals in honor of his wife, Elizabeth. Jose Nebrida would not be at the meet, but would be waiting for a call from Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon with the results.

 Only the top five teams qualify for IHSA Sectional Championships. The Northside Varsity Men knew they would qualify, and as a result, had one of their hardest training weeks of the season in preparation for IHSA Sectionals on October 31, 2009. However, the Northside Varsity Women were big underdogs.

 The Northside Varsity Women were ranked sixth in the Region prior to the meet, and had to overcome a Mather Team that had beat them by 29 points at the CPS Championships, a week earlier.

 On Saturday morning, Elizabeth Nebrida received pink roses delivered to her home, and the Team wore pink gloves in her honor.

 The Northside Women had one of their best meets of the season, and upset Mather for the final qualifying spot to advance to the IHSA Sectional Championships by a score of 165-169!

 The Northside Men also qualified for the IHSA Sectional Championships with a score of 121 points for fourth place, and posted victories over Niles West, Mather, Notre Dame, and Evanston!

 After the meet, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon called Jose and Elizabeth Nebrida with the good news, that both the Varsity Men and Varsity Women honored Elizabeth Nebrida by qualifying for the IHSA Sectional Championships! The race results, pink flowers, and pink gloves, made the Nebrida family very happy. Elizabeth Nebrida wanted to thank all of the Northside Athletes for their kindness and support.

"Congratulations! Northside Cross Country Varsity Team. You are the greatest. I am very proud of you. From the bottom of our hearts, my wife, Elizabeth and I, would like thank you very much for wearing pink gloves to honor us at the regionals. You are... wonderful human beings. We love you all. God bless all of you." -Jose Nebrida.

 On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the Northside Varsity Men traveled to Harms Woods in Skokie, Illinois for the IHSA Regional Championships. The Regional featured Notre Dame, New Trier, Northside College Prep, Niles North, Niles West, Mather, Evanston, and host Loyola Academy. The Top five teams advance to the IHSA Sectional Championship on October 31, 2009. 

 At Harms Woods, the Northside Mustangs were greeted by among others, Craig Kittaka, Craig Williams, Josh Williams, Neal Capapas, and Andrew Czyszczon.

 The IHSA Regional featured the number one ranked Team in Illinois, Loyola Academy. The experience of racing Loyola, New Trier, and Niles North prior to the IHSA Sectional Championship meet was priceless.     

 Loyola Academy won the 2009 IHSA Regional Championships. New Trier finished in second place. Niles North finished in third place. Northside College Prep finished in fourth place with 121 points, and posted victories over Niles West (133 points), Mather (156 points), Evanston (167 points), and Notre Dame (208 points). The Northside Varsity Men were 4-3 on the day, and now have a season record of 179-37!!!  

 The course was very difficult because the heavy rains from the last two days, turned the back portion of the course into a sponge, with several stretches of thick mud along the course, causing many teams to lose their shoes. The course was marked every half-mile of the race.  

 Loyola Academy was led by Senior Nico Composto. Nico Composto won the IHSA Regional title with an outstanding time of 15:24.21. New Trier Junior Tommy King finished in second place with an oustanding time of 15:32.70. New Trier Senior Noah Graboys finished in third place with an outstanding time of 15:33.50. Loyola Academy Senior Mark Donohue finished in fourth place with an outstanding time of 15:39.05. Loyola Academy Senior Jack Seeberg finished in fifth place with an outstanding time of 15:41.61.

 Northside Senior Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss held his own against the number one ranked Team in Illinois, with an outstanding performance, by running with the lead pack the entire race, and placing sixth overall with an outstanding time of 15:44.24. The experience was priceless, and will help Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss qualify for the State Championships next week. Captain Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss ran the first 800m in 2:28, and then ran the next 800m in 2:37 for a mile split of 5:05, and then ran the next 800m in 2:40 (7:45), and then ran the next 800m in 2:42 for a two miles split of (5:22) 10:27, and then ran the next 800m in a negative split of 2:41 (13:08), and then ran the final 800m in another negative split of 2:36 (5:17) for an outstanding time of 15:44.24.    

 Loyola Academy Senior Patrick Smith finished in seventh place with an outstanding time of 15:57.28. Niles West Senior George Davros finished in eighth place with an outstanding time of 15:59.02. Loyola Sophomore William Hague finished in ninth place with an outstanding time of 16:07.02. Niles North Junior Kosta Papazoglou finished in tenth place with an outstanding time of 16:07.56.

 Loyola Academy Junior Mac Ford finished in eleventh place with an outstanding time of 16:07.84. Loyola Academy Senior Clark Gapen finished in twelfth place with an outstanding time of 16:08.27. The third runner for New Trier, Sophomore Leland Later finished in 13th place with an outstanding time of 16:19.27.

 Northside Senior Cooper Eben finished second for the Mustangs and 19th overall with an outstanding time of 16:27.62. Captain Cooper Eben ran the first 800m in 2:32, and then ran the next 800m in 2:48 for a mile split of 5:20, and then ran the next 800m in a negative split of 2:45 (8:05), and then ran the next 800m in 2:51 for a two miles split of (5:36) 10:56, and then ran the next 800m in a negative split of 2:50 (13:46), and then ran the final 800m in another negative split of 2:41 (5:31) for an outstanding time of 16:27.62.

 Northside Junior Wesley Laytham finished third for the Mustangs and 25th overall with an outstanding time of 16:45.54. Captain Wesley Laytham ran the first 800m in 2:32, and then ran the next 800m in 2:47 for a mile split of 5:19, and then ran the next 800m in a split of 2:52 (8:11), and then ran the next 800m in 2:57 for a two miles split of (5:49) 11:08, and then ran the next 800m in a negative split of 2:52 (14:00), and then ran the final 800m in another negative split of 2:45 (5:37) for an outstanding time of 16:45.54.

 Northside Junior Charlie Mesimore finished fourth for the Mustangs and 35th overall with a time of 17:20.61. Captain Charlie Mesimore ran the first 800m in 2:30, and then ran the next 800m in 2:44 for a mile split of 5:14, and then ran the next 800m in 2:54 (8:08), and then ran the next 800m in 3:06 for a two miles split of (6:00) 11:14, and then ran the next 800m in a split of 3:07 (14:21), and then ran the final 800m in a negative split of 2:59 (6:06) for a time of 17:20.61.  

 Northside Junior Erik Zuehlke finished fifth for the Mustangs to complete the scoring and 36th overall with a time of 17:21.02. Erik Zuehlke ran the first 800m in 2:37, and then ran the next 800m in 2:50 for a mile split of 5:27, and then ran the next 800m in 2:56 (8:23), and then ran the next 800m in 3:01 for a two miles split of (5:57) 11:24, and then ran the next 800m in a split of 3:03 (14:27), and then ran the final 800m in a negative split of 2:54 (5:57) for a time of 17:21.02.

 Northside Sophomore Pat Duffy finished sixth for the Mustangs and 45th overall with a PERSONAL BEST time of 18:05.69. Pat Duffy ran the first 800m in 2:44, and then ran the next 800m in 2:56 for a mile split of 5:40, and then ran the next 800m in 3:08 (8:23), and then ran the next 800m in a negative split of 3:01 for a two miles split of (6:20) 12:00, and then ran the next 800m in a split of 3:11 (15:11), and then ran the final 800m in a negative split of 2:54 (6:05) for a personal best time of 18:05.69. 

 Northside Junior Fahad Sarvari finished seventh for the Mustangs and 51st overall with a time of 18:30.71. Fahad Sarvari ran the first 800m in 2:37, and then ran the next 800m in 2:50 for a mile split of 5:27, and then ran the next 800m in 3:03 (8:30), and then ran the next 800m in 3:11 for a two miles split of (5:44) 11:41, and then ran the next 800m in a split of 3:20 (15:01), and then ran the final 800m in a 3:29 (6:49) for a time of 18:30.71.

 After the awards ceremony, Loyola, Evanston, and Northside College Prep held an alternates race for runners #8 - #12. The alternates race, among other things, gives runners #8 - #12 the opportunity to make the Varsity for IHSA Sectionals. Loyola had a change in their seventh runner for IHSA Sectionals.

 In the alternates race, Junior Luis Gaytan led the Mustangs with a time of 19:03. Luis Gaytan ran the first mile in 5:55, and then ran the second mile in 6:42 (12:37), and then ran the final mile in a negative split of 6:26 for a time of 19:03. 

 Junior Ed Moreno finished second for the Mustangs in the alternates race with a time of 19:10. Ed Moreno ran the first mile in 5:55, and then ran the second mile in 6:43 (12:38), and then ran the final mile in a negative split of 6:32 for a time of 19:10.

 Sophomore Jusuf Skelic finished third for the Mustangs in the alternates race with a time of 19:35. Jusuf Skelic ran the first mile in 5:55, and then ran the second mile in 6:59 (12:54), and then ran the final mile in a negative split of 6:41 for a time of 19:35.

 Freshman Brendan Kelly finished fourth for the Mustangs in the alternates race with a PERSONAL BEST time of 20:12. Brendan Kelly ran the first mile in 6:34, and then ran the second mile in 6:54 (13:28), and then ran the final mile in a negative split of 6:44 for a personal best time of 20:12. 

 Northside Senior Jiasong Yang never made it to the meet from the ACT Exam. 

 The Northside Mustangs had an outstanding training week, including eye-popping mile repeats, and are looking forward to tapering for the IHSA Sectionals. The Northside College Prep Mustangs will travel to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the IHSA Sectional Championships on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The Top 5 Teams will advance to the IHSA State Championships, and the Top 7 athletes on non-qualifying Teams will also advance to the IHSA State Championships. The Varsity Men will race at 11 am. The open race will take place at 11:30 am. The bus will leave for the IHSA Sectional Championships at 7:30 am on Saturday, October 31, 2009.  A Top 5 finish at IHSA Sectionals will qualify the Mustangs for the IHSA State Championships!!!

 On Saturday, October 24, 2009, the Northside Varsity Women traveled to Harms Woods in Skokie, Illinois for the IHSA Regional Championships. The Regional featured Ressurection, New Trier, Northside College Prep, Niles North, Niles West, Mather, Evanston, and host Loyola Academy. The Top five teams advance to the IHSA Sectional Championship on October 31, 2009.

 New Trier won the 2009 IHSA Regional Championship. Loyola Academy finished in second place. Niles West finished in third place. Evanston finished in fourth place. Northside College Prep finished in fifth place to qualify for the IHSA Sectional Championships with 165 points, and posted victories over: 6. Mather 169 points, 7. Niles North 198 points, and 8. Resurrection 201 points. The Northside Varsity Women had a record of 3-4 on the day, and now have a season record of 106-90.

 The Northside Varsity Women were led by Karlyn Gehring. Karlyn Gehring finished in 25th place overall with a time of 20:56. Karlyn Gehring ran the first 800m in 3:01, and then ran the next 800m in 3:26 for a mile split of 6:27. Karlyn Gehring ran the second mile in 7:13 (13:40), and then ran the final mile in 7:16 for an outstanding time of 20:56.27.  

 Captain Su Yang finished second for the Mustangs and in 29th place overall with a time of 21:16.50.

 Captain Bessie Nolan finished third for the Mustangs and in 30th place overall with a time of 21:28.52.

 Although the Northside Varsity Women qualified for IHSA Sectional Championships, three Northside alternates earned the right to run for the Varsity at the IHSA Sectional Championships by running a faster time than members of the Varsity in the open race. This will make the Mustangs a better Team at IHSA Sectionals. The athletes subsituted for, will have an opportunity in the open race at IHSA Sectionals to re-earn their Top 7 spot on the TEAM.

 The fourth fastest time of the day came in the alternates race. Northside Senior Simmone Seymour ran an outstanding time of 22:19.00, and will run in the Varsity race for the Mustangs at the IHSA Sectional Championships.

 The fifth fastest time of the day came in the alternates race. Northside Senior Merita Bushi ran an outstanding time of 22:38.00, and will run in the Varsity race for the Mustangs at the IHSA Sectional Championships.

 The sixth fastest time of the day came in the alternates race. Northside Sophomore Karly Raber ran an outstanding time of 22:42.00, and will run in the Varsity race for the Mustangs at the IHSA Sectional Championships. 

 The seventh fastest time of the day came in the Varsity race. Junior Maggie Ivanova finished fourth for the Mustangs in the Varsity race by placing 40th overall with a time of 22:47.28. 

 The following athletes will race in the Open race at IHSA Sectionals, and can still earn an IHSA Sectional Qualifer Statue by running a Northside Top 7 time at IHSA Sectionals.

 The eighth fastest time of the day came in the Varsity race. Junior Dava Batjargal finished fifth for the Mustangs in the Varsity race to complete the scoring by placing 41st overall with a time of 22:48.55.

 The ninth fastest time of the day came in the Varsity race. Junior Yesenia Valadez finished sixth for the Mustangs in the Varsity race by placing 42nd overall with a time of 22:55.09.

 The tenth fastest time of the day came in the Varsity race. Freshman Taylor Provax finished seventh for the Mustangs in the Varsity race by placing 44th overall with a time of 23:00.43.

 The eleventh fastest time of the day came in the open race. Freshman Phoebe Randell ran an outstanding time of 23:01.00.

 The twelfth fastest time of the day came in the open race. Freshman Anna Pezanoski-Cohen ran an outstanding time of 23:34.00.

 The Northside Women will travel to Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois for the IHSA Sectional Championships on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The Varsity Women will race at 10 am. The Top 5 Teams in the IHSA Sectional will advance to the State Championships. The Top 7 athletes on non-advancing Teams will also qualify for the State Championships.