By Michael Newman

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Maryjeanne Gilbert – Peoria Notre Dame HS

How dominating was Gilbert’s performance in the 2A state meet last November? She had already broken away from the race pack in the first half mile of the race opening up a 4 second lead. She was by herself for the rest of that state race just like every other race that she was in during the season.

She came close last year in finishing 2^nd behind Mailin Struck. Her confidence grew at the end of last year’s track season when she ran 10:34 to win the 2A 3200 Meter Run. We got an indication of how good Gilbert was going to be this cross country season when she pulled away from Glenbard West’s Lindsey Graham to win the Richard Spring Invitational in 16:30. Her split were consistent running 5:30 / 11:00 / 16:30 that race. In the 2A state finals, she ran the second fastest time in Girls State Meet history finishing in 16:12. She won that state race by one minute.

Maryjeanne showed that she belonged with the national elite during the post season placing third at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional. Even though she was not 100% at the Foot Locker Nationals, she finished 12^th to earn All-American honors.

Congratulations to Maryjeanne Gilbert as the 2014 DyeStat Illinois 2A Girls XC Runner of the Year.