In the photo above, Maryjeanne Gilbert of Peoria Notre Dame pulls away from the pack early in the Class 2A state cross country meet Nov. 7 at Detweiller Park in Peoria enroute to her second consecutive state title.

Her time of 16 minutes, 24 seconds was nearly a half-minute ahead of the second place finisher. Notre Dame finished seventh as a team.

After the race, Gilbert told The Catholic Post of her gratitude to God “for the opportunity to run and to be a part of such a great sport and team.” The senior, a four-year all-state runner, plans to attend the University of Notre Dame. She signed a National Letter of Intent announcing her decision during a ceremony at the Peoria Notre Dame library on Nov. 17.

Gilbert feels the University of Notre Dame will give her opportunities to continue to grow in her faith, adding that “representing Our Lady in athletics is a great honor for me.” (Photo by vipis.com)