CHARLESTON — Father McGivney’s boys 4×800-meter IHSA 1A relay team placed second Saturday, May 30, 2026, to Rockford Christian in a meet featuring what the runners described as an electric atmosphere, while also breaking the 8-minute barrier with a time of 7:59.36.
Rockford Christian won the race in 7:51.37. Father McGivney’s relay team of Gus Range, Eric Rybak, Will Rakers, and Liam Schmidt finished second in 7:59.36.
The runners said the performance reflected the progress they made over the course of the season.
“We improved over the season,” the boys said.
They also said the team improved from its earlier showing at state on Thursday.
“We were a lot better than the prelims,” they said. “After prelims, we all knew we could do better, and Liam was in our final race. We wanted to give it our all.”
The boys also described the setting in Charleston at Eastern Illinois University as a major part of the state track and field meet experience.
“It is the best atmosphere for running on this track; everything you have worked for comes right here,” the boys said. “It is such an iconic track, it is so awesome.”
