NILES, Illinois — The Northridge cross country team put on another terrific performance Saturday morning in Lisle, clinching their spot in the IHSA State finals and finishing runner-up in the IHSA 1A sectional championship meet.

It is the 13th time in program history Northridge has advanced to the IHSA State finals.

In a tough, hilly course, an outstanding effort from Peter Kipp paced the Knights. He finished 3rd overall (16:07.70) in a fierce battle for the win up until the finish line. Two other Knights, John Masaka and James Barder, finished in 8th (16:33.40) and 10th (16:36.70), respectively — giving Northridge three runners inside the top-10.

Rounding out the Knights top-5 runners were Blake Quinley and Ryan Holler. Quinley placed 14th (17:04.30) and Holler placed within the top-25 in 23rd (17:10.70).

Northridge will look to make the podium in their return to State this year. Last season, the Knights came up one place short, finishing 4th in Peoria.

Head coach Julian Murphy said he was proud of how the boys competed.

"It was a good meet. We ran in packs — one up front and then a second pack behind — and they did that the whole race. We did exactly what we wanted to accomplish today, which was qualify for State."

Looking ahead to the state finals, Murphy says there will certainly be more strategy involved.

"The boys will need to be aware of when they need to kick it up a notch in the race. They can't go out too fast — the first mile at state can be really, really fast. If you begin too quick, you're going to blow out."

Northridge athletic director Will Rey had this to say on the accomplishment:

"Another solid performance by our runners in preparation for the state finals next week in Peoria. Their sights are set on the biggest prize next weekend. Go Knights!"

The IHSA 1A State Championship race will kick off Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10:00 am from Detweiller Park in Peoria, IL.