Wildcats in it for the Long Run

On a windy late-August afternoon, Plainfield Central coach Steve Lawrence is putting his boys cross country team through its paces. Lawrence calls this a "development year," but he also is clearly enthusiastic about this group of athletes.

"We're very excited about this year," the longtime cross country and track and field coach said.

With only four seniors on this team of 24 runners, the Wildcats don't have a wealth of experience. Last year, Lawrence's son was among 13 graduating seniors.

But what this season's Wildcats do have, according to Lawrence, is plenty of smarts and discipline.

"All of our boys have at least a B average," he said. "You have to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. There's no game to prepare for,  just more running."

Indeed. These athletes are expected to run between 400 and 500 miles in the summer, and 8 to 12 miles during a hard day of practice. All of this to prepare for a 3-mile race on a Saturday.

Lawrence hopes the Wildcats will qualify as a team for the sectional meet in October and send several runners to the state meet. He says Minooka is the favorite to take the conference crown, adding that his Wildcats should be in the top half of the conference come October.

The team opens its season Saturday with the Wildcat Invite. It will feature 18 boys teams and 12 girls teams.

For more of Lawrence's thoughts, check out the accompanying video.