November 03, 2019 – The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced on November 4, 2019 that it is adding 13 individuals runners (8 boys, 5 girls), and one boys’ team, to its field of qualifiers for the 2019 IHSA Cross Country State Finals.

Per IHSA Policy, runners from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) were not eligible to run in the Sectional races held on November 2, because they had been unable to participate in the Regional races (Oct. 25-26) due to a teacher strike. However, the Honorable Neil H. Cohen of the Circuit Court of Cook County granted a Temporary Restraining Order on November 1 that allowed for CPS runners to compete in Sectionals on November 2.

According to a WGN TV posting –

The judge said he was tired of adults determine whether a child gets to have a childhood. He call the IHSA policy ambiguous and vague and not good enough to prevent these kids from competing tomorrow.

The ruling could have future implications on how the IHSA oversees the association’s rules in the future. Also during the CPS teacher strike the IHSA gave football teams some waivers and special considerations that would allow them to compete in the playoffs.

Thirteen individuals and one team from CPS high schools qualified for Saturday’s state meet. The runners and team that were displaced by CPS qualifiers will be added to the state final field.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson

“After being granted an exemption to run by the courts, the CPS runners and team earned their places in the State Meet.

“However, given that they were not initially eligible to compete per IHSA rules, it seemed like a fair gesture to reward the individuals and teams who lost their qualifier spots to them. We believe this is a fair recourse given the unique circumstances.”

The added runners and teams include:

Class 2A Girls Individuals
Abigail Kuderna, Carmel Catholic
Isabel Ashley, Carmel Catholic
Grainne Giblin, Oak Forest
Natalia Wrobel, Richards

Class 3A Girls Individuals
Sarah Jay, Loyola Academy

Class 2A Boys Teams
St. Viator Team

Class 2A Boys Individuals
Alexander Speer, Carmel Catholic
Jimmy Palumbo, Fenton
Kamil Kotarski, Elmwood Park
Alex Utsis, Vernon Hills
Adael Jaimes-Sotelo, Thornton Fractional North

Class 3A Boys Individuals
Ray Ure, Maine West
Jack O’Sullivan, Oak Park-River Forest
Dylan Moran, Addison Trail

The 2019 IHSA Cross Country State Finals will unfold at Detweiller Park in Peoria on Saturday, November 9, 2019.