By Michael Newman, ILXCTF.com Editor

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An illness prevented Grace McLaughlin of Rockford Boylan Catholic from running at the Illinois Top Times Championships at the end of March. Fortunately, state championships were not determined at that meet. What happened at the end of May and into June showed what kind of runner McLaughlin had developed into. Those accomplishments put her at the top of the list in 2A Girls Distance events this spring.

McLaughlin chased after Maryjeanne Gilbert her sophomore year finishing second in the 2016 IHSA 2A State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run. She chased after Belvidere North’s Jenna Lutzow and teammate Delaney Appino in finishing third in last fall’s state cross country meet. The transformation began where she became the chased indoors when she ran 10:42.18 at the beginning of March.

She was the one to beat outdoors as she completed the distance double on the track winning the 3200 Meter Run (10:40.45) by almost 30 seconds. She followed that up by winning the 1600 Meter Run with Appino close behind.

McLaughlin competed at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals where she stepped onto the national stage. She ran a personal best of 17:09.08 to finish fourth in the 5000 Meter Run earning All-American honors. She followed that up by finishing sixth in the 2 Mile Run (10:37.21) also earning All-American honors.

A combination of hard work and a desire to be the best have put McLaughlin into a good spot for her senior year. She will be the one to beat at Detweiller Park in November in the 2A race. We could also see her in either Portland or San Diego this December.

Congratulations to Grace McLaughlin of Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford as the 2017 ILXCTF.com 2A Girls Distance Events Athlete of the Year.