MINOOKA — For the third straight year this year, the Minooka track 4X800 team qualified for the state competition down at Eastern Illinois University. The one constant in all three of those years? Dan Popek, who helped the relay team to a state title in 2011 and a fifth place finish this past season. This, along with many other reasons, is the reason why Popek has been named the Morris Daily Herald's Male Track Performer for the 2012 track and field season.

"It's pretty awesome to win," Popek said. "I felt like I had a good season, so to win the award is pretty nice."

"He deserves it," track head coach Joe Urbelis added. "He works hard and is a good kid."