Downers Grove North , boys cross country seniors Philip Cupial and Will Surratt finally first met following a little confusion.

As freshmen, Cupial arrived as an Illinois Elementary School Association 3A state champion from Jefferson Junior High. Surratt came from Herrick Middle School, excited to seek out Cupial at practice.

“I actually thought his friend was the state champ the first few days of running because they would always run together,” Surratt said. “We actually got acquainted pretty quickly and we’ve been super close since then.”

The returning Class 3A all-staters may be seen together again among the top finishers at the state meet Nov. 8. They’re trying to lead the Trojans to a third consecutive team state championship as their lone returnees.

“We’re looking really good an

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