One week after winning their first regional title in school history, the Waterloo High School boys cross country team is headed to the IHSA Class 2A state tournament after finishing in fourth place at last weekend’s Decatur Sectional.

“The team’s success comes from a huge amount of dedication and motivation starting back in June when they were running many miles in the summer months,” coach Larry Huffman said.

The only other WHS boys cross country team to qualify for state was the 2011 team.

This year’s group will be looking to follow the lead and build on the success of top runners Cole Rodenberg and Lance Mueller, who led the team at sectionals, finishing in ninth and tenth places overall, respectively, with times of 15:39 and 15:41.

The state meet will be run Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria.

Catch this story in the Nov. 6 edition of the Republic-Times!