Rambler Boys Roundup: Cross Country Runners Set, Tie Record

Athletic records at Loyola Academy are like its rules—always cherished and rarely broken.

So Saturday at the Peoria-Notre Dame Invitation when two cross country runners stamped their names in the Loyola record books, it was a bit of an aberration—albeit the kind that always makes a coach smile.

In the 64-team field, Rambler placed third individually with a time of 14:26, setting a new Loyola three-mile record. The previous record was held by Tom Robbins who ran a 14:28 in 2007.

Earlier: Check out other Rambler round-ups.

But Ford wasn’t the only Rambler who moved Robbins name aside to make room for himself in Loyola lore. finished fourth overall and tied Robbins time of 14:28. Both Ford and Hague are considered among the state’s elite runners and have been touted by several publications as all-state candidates.

Loyola finished ninth as a team in the highly regarded invitational that draws some of the state’s top distance teams. The other Ramblers who scored Saturday were junior Chris Kelly (57th - 15:26), senior Kevin Donohue (95th - 15:43), and senior Logan Podbielski (159th - 16:11).

Palatine and Belvidere North were the only other schools to place two runners in the top-10. Loyola was the only school to have two runners finish in the top-five individually.

Football

It was the same story for the Rambler football team when it went on the road to take on Providence Friday night in Catholic League Blue action.

But this story doesn’t get old for the Loyola faithful.

The Ramblers rolled over previously unbeaten Providence 32-6. The Rambler’s (4-0, 1-0) 32-point output was its lowest total of the season. In the previous three weeks Loyola eclipsed 40 points.

While Loyola is widely regarding for its passing attack and corps of receivers that is among the state’s best, running back starred carrying the ball 15 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Soccer

The 4-3 Rambler soccer team beat Brother Rice 3-0 on Tuesday. It was the third shutout of the season for Loyola which is making its statement as a defensive team.

In the Rambler’s four losses this season, they have allowed only one total goal. In their three losses, they have allowed nine goals.

The Ramblers have games against Fenwick and Providence next week.

Stay tuned to Patch for more Loyola Academy sports coverage.