Dixon and Sterling's Cross Country Triumphs: A Closer Look

Regional Victory and Standout Performances

Dixon's boys cross country team has made a strong start in their quest for a state title. They won the Sterling regional with a solid team effort, scoring 41 points. This put them 20 points ahead of Aurora Central Catholic, who came in second. Sterling, unfortunately, finished eighth with 218 points.

Individual Highlights

• Averick Wiseman came in third with a time of 15:27.40.
• Dean Geiger was close behind in fourth place.
• Keegan Shirley, Ethan Carter, and Westin Conatser also contributed strong runs for the Dukes.
• Sterling's Charles Johnson secured the 18th position, earning a spot in the Lake Villa Sectional.
• Isaiah Rojob just missed advancing individually, finishing 36th.

Other Regional Action

• Kaneland's Carson Kaiser took the top spot individually.
• Belvidere North's Judah Binger was second.
• Rock Falls' Ian Finney and Michael Kopitas advanced to the Sherrard sectional, with Finney finishing ninth.
• Erie-Prophetstown also advanced as a team, led by Braden Punnke and Nathan Punke.

Winnebago Regional Highlights

• Oregon's Daniel Gonzalez and West Carroll's Roscoe Davies advanced individually.
• Forreston advanced as a team, with Landon Graden leading the way.
• Newman's Samuel Gascoinge did not advance but showed promise as a freshman.

Girls Cross Country Advances

The girls' cross country teams from Sterling and Dixon also advanced to the sectional round.

• Sterling finished fourth.
• Dixon was fifth in their regional.
• Daniela Lovett from Dixon was the runner-up.
• Sterling's Lacy Updike and Jaz'Mya Castaneda contributed strong performances.
• Rock Falls advanced as a team, led by Kat Scott's sixth-place finish.

Other Sports Highlights

• Fulton's volleyball team went undefeated at the Stillman Valley tournament. They beat five teams, with standout performances from Chloe Wilkin, Kerby Germann, Jada Schaver, and Brianne Brennan.
• Sterling's girls swimming team took third at the Western Big 6 Conference meet, with notable performances in the relays.