February 14, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Mabry clocks top time for SJO boys’ cross-country during Spartan Classic victory

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ cross-country team has already run on a variety of courses during the first month of the season.

And proved why the Spartans are a top contender to take home a state trophy at the Class 1A state meet in Peoria in early November.

But winning their own meet by running through the streets of their hometown is easily one of the season’s highlights.

“Any time you can win your own meet it’s special,” Head Coach Jason Retz said.  “I hope for these men it’s a confidence boost and a step in the direction they want to take this season.”

SJO cruised to a first-place finish in the 23-team field this past Saturday, compiling 65 points. St. Teresa was second with 104 points, followed by Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (116), Monticello (180) and Tuscola (199) to round out the top five.

Charlie Mabry posted the top time for the Spartans by clocking in at 15 minutes, 47.60 seconds to place seventh. Teammate Luke Stegall wasn’t far behind with a time of 15:49.80 to place eighth. The steady pace established by the rest of the Spartans was clear to see, with Elijah Mock (16:00.32, 11th), Carson Maroon (16:13.45, 17th) and Peyton Wendell (16:19.52, 22nd) giving the Spartans five runners in the top 25.

“Each member of our team has a responsibility to help everyone else,” Retz said. “Strength of a team does not come from one or two people, instead from everyone helping contribute in a positive way to help each person be the best versions of themselves.”

Up next for SJO: a trip to Terre Haute, Ind., this Saturday for the Nike Twilight Meet on the campus of Rose-Human Institute of Technology before the Illini Prairie Conference Meet is set for next Tuesday in Stanford.

Sugg. Head: Mabry clocks top time for SJO boys’ cross-country during Spartan Classic victory

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ cross-country team has already run on a variety of courses during the first month of the season.

And proved why the Spartans are a top contender to take home a state trophy at the Class 1A state meet in Peoria in early November.

But winning their own meet by running through the streets of their hometown is easily one of the season’s highlights.

“Any time you can win your own meet it’s special,” Head Coach Jason Retz said.  “I hope for these men it’s a confidence boost and a step in the direction they want to take this season.”

SJO cruised to a first-place finish in the 23-team field this past Saturday, compiling 65 points. St. Teresa was second with 104 points, followed by Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond (116), Monticello (180) and Tuscola (199) to round out the top five.

Charlie Mabry posted the top time for the Spartans by clocking in at 15 minutes, 47.60 seconds to place seventh. Teammate Luke Stegall wasn’t far behind with a time of 15:49.80 to place eighth. The steady pace established by the rest of the Spartans was clear to see, with Elijah Mock (16:00.32, 11th), Carson Maroon (16:13.45, 17th) and Peyton Wendell (16:19.52, 22nd) giving the Spartans five runners in the top 25.

“Each member of our team has a responsibility to help everyone else,” Retz said. “Strength of a team does not come from one or two people, instead from everyone helping contribute in a positive way to help each person be the best versions of themselves.”

Up next for SJO: a trip to Terre Haute, Ind., this Saturday for the Nike Twilight Meet on the campus of Rose-Human Institute of Technology before the Illini Prairie Conference Meet is set for next Tuesday in Stanford.

“Over the next several weeks we’ll find out how hungry they are for success,” Retz said. “I think it has given them the opportunity to find success when championship season arrives.”

Banner
Related Posts

First night game in program history in books, SJO soccer looks to continue successful start

September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team was scheduled to play Uni High on Thursday, Aug. 24. At a normal time for...

Going the Distance: Smetzer excels at Western

October 17, 2019

October 17, 2019

Ross Smetzer has goals. The 2016 St. Joseph-Ogden High School graduate runs cross country and track for Western Illinois University...

Spartans look for successful 2019 season

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

Although the calendar may still say July, the St. Joseph-Ogden high school football team has been busily preparing for the...

SJO boys’ basketball can clinch Illini Prairie title tonight

February 13, 2024

February 13, 2024

Talk to enough coaches and players in the area and across the state and one common sentiment seems to pop...

SJO volleyball state preview: In the players’ own words

November 15, 2019

November 15, 2019

Before the St. Joseph-Ogden High School volleyball team plays Breese Mater Dei at noon on Friday in a Class 2A...

On the call: Sjuts delivers in PA role for Spartans

September 20, 2019

September 20, 2019

Even if you don’t know his name, chances are you know his voice. For nearly 20 years Keith Sjuts has...

Jacob, Cramer and steady defense spark SJO girls’ basketball ahead of difficult stretch this week

January 13, 2020

January 13, 2020

The race for first place in the Illini Prairie Conference is in full swing. And the St. Joseph-Ogden High School...

SJO soccer ties Comets, plays Danville close

September 2, 2019

September 2, 2019

Four matches in, the St. Joseph-Ogden High School soccer team is still searching for its first victory. But the Spartans...

Wendling doesn’t give up, ready for state meet

February 14, 2019

February 14, 2019

When Jake Wendling first suffered a knee injury earlier this season, wrestling at the state meet didn’t seem likely. But...

Commitment pays off for Mattsey

December 10, 2019

December 10, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden Junior Brandon Mattsey is a leader. That is why his cross country coach Jason Retz, nominated him for...

Way to go, SJO: Spartans’ girls’ basketball heading to state!

February 19, 2019

February 19, 2019

In a season full of signature wins, the St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ basketball team delivered another one on Monday...

Berry, Bigger help power SJO volleyball to five straight wins

September 26, 2019

September 26, 2019

Heading into Thursday night’s home showdown with St. Thomas More, the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team has won five straight matches....

Mills, Ketchum spark Spartans into regional championship match

October 13, 2022

October 13, 2022

Logan Mills probably has never had a more meaningful goal. Hunter Ketchum probably has never made more meaningful saves. And,...

Groundbreaking takes place at new baseball field

April 9, 2021

April 9, 2021

A ground breaking ceremony took place this week at the new home of the Royal Giants and the St. Joseph-Ogden...

Haley’s lofty vision with SJO baseball has become reality

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Josh Haley didn’t do anything elaborate after he achieved a coaching milestone earlier this month. For the St. Joseph-Ogden High...

Comments
Leave a Reply