Rakosnik cruises to victory

Updated: September 10, 2011 11:38PM

With no one to push her, Lindsey Rakosnik had to work hard to achieve even splits. Yet the final result — a championship in 17:40 at the Wauconda Invitational — was certainly a bright spot for the Glenbard East senior.

Rakosnik raced around the 3.1-mile layout at Lakewood Forest Preserve by herself for most of Saturday’s race. She wound up 50 seconds ahead of runner-up Staples Sami of Crystal Lake Central.

“I was trying to be more consistent with my miles,” Rakosnik said. “Last week (she was second at Hinsdale Central), there was someone to chase.”

Rakosnik is devising a plan for future races when she’s well ahead of the competition.

“I have to mentally think someone is chasing me,” she said.

The surprise of the girls race was delivered by Stevenson freshman Kya Suzuki. She shook off some pre-race nerves to take fourth in 19:02.

“I was nervous, because there were a lot of people here,” Suzuki said. “I just kept telling myself, ‘just do your best.’”

Suzuki enjoyed facing off against some of the top runners from the area.

“It’s great to have the competition, because it pushes you to go faster,” Suzuki said.

The other top-five finishers in the girls race were Glenbard East’s Maggie Angst (3rd, 18:34) and Lakes’ Hannah Wittman (5th, 19:04). Crystal Lake Central won the team championship with 64 points, 39 better than runner-up Kaneland.

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