Sheldon's Garren repeats as Wheaton Invite XC champ

Sheldon High School senior Madison Garren shaved six seconds off her first-place time at last year's Wheaton Invitational cross country meet with a time of 23 minutes, 7 seconds in the 2021 event on Thursday — which was also good enough for first overall.

The back-to-back champion got off to a fast start and jumped out to a near one-minute lead by the two-mile mark. Garren ended up finishing nearly 1 1/2 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.

"I am so proud of what this young lady has accomplished in this sport, and continue to be amazed at her efforts in performing in dual sports, academics, and working a part-time job as well," SHS head coach Mike Galimberto stated about his lone XC runner.

Garren will have two more tune-ups, starting Saturday at Butler, before competing in the Class 1 District 2 meet on Oct. 30.