Jachim sets school record for girls’ cross country

At the IHSA Class 3A Girls’ Cross Country State Meet Nov. 9 at Detweiller Park in Peoria, IL, junior Melissa Jachim ran the fastest three-mile time in school history. Jachim covered the full course in 17:18.92 and finished in 26th, just one place off All-State honors. 

Jachim has dropped almost a minute since sophomore year, when she ran the same state course in 18:08.62. She was the Trojans’ first finisher this season as part of only their second time qualifying for state since 2014, and the team hopes to keep that streak going. 

Behind Jachim is a group largely made up of underclassmen who are hungry for more over the coming years. Freshman Ava Geiger has been key for the team all year and finished at 73rd place in 18:04.55, and had senior Eva Bednard right behind her along with freshman Madeline Casey.

Of the seven runners who competed at state this year, only one will be graduating, and next year the team would like to place higher with more experience. This year they placed 21st. 

Additionally, Jachim will look to break the 17-minute barrier, as well earn All-State honors by placing in the top 25 individuals to close out her senior season.