Boys Cross Country  started the season with a surge, with varsity coming in 7th place at the Hinsdale Invitational,against 29 teams and in 6th place at the Peoria Woodruff Invitational against 42 teams.

Last year the varsity team qualified for the IHSA Sectionals meet and placed 8th, not qualifying for the state meet. This year the team is determined to step up, past the rankings of previous years, and qualify for state.

“Our ultimate goal is very clear, which is to qualify as a team for the state meet… It requires growth with individual team members and as a team,” English teacher and assistant varsity coach William Sullivan said.

Seniors, varsity veterans and captains Micah Beller and Emmett Barr lead by example this year on North’s varsity squad. At the Hinsdale Invitational Beller placed first and at the Woodruff Invite he took third.

“Emmet Barr leads with more enthusiasm and has a perpetual positive attitude,” Sullivan said.  Other members of the varsity team are: senior Dan Noboa, senior Justin Suh, senior Randy Mortell, senior Aquib Aboobaker, sophomore Nebil Mohammed, senior Ian Crane, sophomore Dhruvil Patel, senior Eddie Reinfranck and junior Ben Popernick.

Upcoming meets for the boys cross country team include the Central Suburban League Invitational where Niles North, Highland Park, Maine East and Deerfield will compete. The invitational will be a home race at Harms Woods.