ELMWOOD, IL — With grit, speed, and a finish that left spectators breathless, Delavan’s Corie Green surged to the front of a 142-runner field at the Elmwood Sectional on Saturday, claiming first place in the Men’s 3-Mile Cross Country Race with a blistering time of 15:08.47. Green’s performance was not only the fastest of the day—it was a full five seconds ahead of his nearest competitor, earning him a solo ticket to the IHSA State Tournament.

Held at the rolling greens of Maple Lane Country Club, the sectional meet drew fierce competition from across the region. Green’s victory marks a historic moment for Delavan, as he becomes the only male qualifier from the team to advance to State.

The Delavan Boys Cross Country Team placed 10th overall, with solid efforts across the board:

• Drew Toland: 53rd place, 16:42.79
• Evan Lemme: 55th place, 16:43.27
• Jace Toland: 80th place, 17:18.23
• Nick Glisson: 92nd place, 17:52.25
• Soyier Balsimo: 93rd place, 17:52.77
• Ephraim Newton: 116th place, 19:22.00

While Green will represent the boys at State, the Delavan Girls Cross Country Team is heading to Peoria in full force. Placing 4th out of 18 teams, the Lady Panthers punched their collective ticket to Detweiller Park, led by standout Annabelle LaFary, who placed 6th out of 135 runners with a time of 18:11.10.

Other top finishes for the girls included:

• Elise Brinkmeyer: 15th place, 18:32.19
• Drew Robison: 41st place, 19:57.87
• Khloe Stockham: 50th place, 20:11.36
• Alaina Karker: 63rd place, 20:51.79
• Isabella Houston: 73rd place, 21:35.14
• Olivia Nehmelman: 101st place, 23:03.55

The State Tournament will be held Saturday, November 8, at Detweiller Park in Peoria, where Green and the Lady Panthers will compete among Illinois’ best. Whether chasing individual glory or team triumph, Delavan’s runners have already made their mark—and they’re not done yet.