Downers Grove North senior Philip Cupial felt the target on his back this entire boys cross country season.

His Class 3A state championship at the state meet Saturday at Peoria’s Detweiller Park after being the top-rated runner all season was the perfect combination of record-breaking effort, satisfaction – and relief.

“It’s really hard to describe this feeling. As soon as I finished, a weight’s coming off my shoulder and I could take a breather,” said Cupial after his school-record 14:03.2 for 3.0 miles won by 4.3 seconds.

“These past four years, it’s really been a blessing.”

York sophomore Karlin Janowski (16:10.00 in 3A) and Montini senior Sydney Gertsen (16:34.79 in 2A) were girls state champions with school records.

The Downers North boys were second after back-to-back state ti

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