Minooka's cross country teams under coach Kevin Gummerson have taken that program to the extreme in recent years. While other local teams from Morris, Seneca and Gardner-South Wilmington have had individuals who have made noise over the years, none has achieved like the Indians have.

While each of the schools continues its stride toward excellence, in Minooka that means just one thing — another trip to state.

"(The boys) have worked hard and have set the goal of returning to the IHSA state meet and improving upon last year's 13th place finish," Gummerson said while adding that the girls, "are looking to return to the state meet and run our best race of the year at Detweiller Park."