By Michael Newman

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Jake & Luke Hoffert – Yorkville HS

It is hard to separate Jake & Luke Hoffert on or off the cross country course. In fact, both will be attending Bradley University the next four years. So when deciding who would be the DyeStat Illinois 2A Boys Runner of the Year, it was again hard to separate the two.

Disregard the fact that Luke has never defeated his brother during their cross country high school career. The two brothers came in together at the end of the state meet. The race was already decided with both 7 seconds ahead of Shane Williamson (Vernon Hills HS) as the two approached the finish line. It was Jake holding off Luke for the state championship. The one thing to note from watching the two run is how well they work together. It is a team effort when they are on the cross country course putting their competitors at a disadvantage. It is impressive to observe. With that reasoning, it was hard to separate the two for this award.

Recognition also has to go to Shane Williamson and Caleb Hummer (Danville HS). Williamson finished third behind the two at the Woodstock Regional, Kaneland Sectional, and the 2A State Meet. He will be the top runner coming back in 2015. Hummer made the 2A State Race leading both Hofferts with a half mile to go and pushing the pace after the mile. He ran out of steam but still finished 6^th.

Congratulations to Jake & Luke Hoffert as the 2014 DyeStat Illinois 2A Boys XC Runners of the Year.