Aug 26, 2009
OAK LAWN BOYS CROSS COUNTRY AIMS TO CONTINUE SUCCESS

The Oak Lawn Community High School boys cross country team may have won conference titles on both the varsity and frosh/soph levels and captured second place at the regional last year, but several talented seniors graduated since then. And its a new season.
However, head coach Chris Repa and a hungry bunch of runners are looking to keep the momentum rolling with more success this year. They participated in a grueling summer workout program and a team retreat to prepare for the season.
Having set lofty goals and showing tremendous heart, the 2009 boys cross country team is on a mission&to continue the success of their predecessors and develop new friendships that will last beyond high school, Repa said. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, they will do just that.
Senior Tom Hansen and sophomore Eric Lindelsee lead this optimistic group of runners. Behind them is an outstanding group of sophomores who have worked extremely hard this summer. This frosh/soph group will be looking for a conference title as well.
However, the service accomplishments the team has made may be even more impressive than the 2008 season or this summers training. Three years ago nine members of the 2008 boys cross country teaasem re-formed a student service group known as Cross Countries. They raised nearly $41,000.00 over a two-and-a-half-year period and traveled to Bolivia this summer on a month-long service trip. The group spent three and a half weeks doing numerous jobs including construction on a missionary hospital, installation of a water filtration system, and solar panel design.
It was an amazing experience that highlighted the importance of helping those in need, Repa said.
Upon their return, the 2009 squad began conditioning and also participated in a forest beautification project for Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais, Illinois as part of this years summer cross country retreat.