This past weekend, District 202 athletes delivered outstanding performances at state competitions, demonstrating perseverance, talent, and school pride.
Plainfield North High School boys cross country captured the Class 3A State Championship on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois. After finishing second in 2023 and 2024, the team’s persistence paid off. 
“This is a special group,” PNHS head cross country coach Andrew Derks said. “Six of the seven runners are seniors who have been together since sixth grade at Ira Jones Middle School. Winning a state title has been their goal since they were freshmen, and I couldn’t be happier for them. They’ve worked for years to make this happen.”
While the seven who raced deserve the credit, Derks says this championship belongs to the entire PNXC family — alumni, parents, and teammates alike.
“Culture is everything to us, and these seven ran for something bigger than themselves,” Derks added.
Plainfield South boys cross country earned a strong sixth-place finish.
The Plainfield North girls cross country team achieved their highest finish in school history, placing 14th at state. PNHS junior Marlie Czarniewski 
led the way with a record-breaking ninth-place finish in 16:51, the fastest time and highest individual placement in school history.
District 202’s success continued as Plainfield High School-Central Campus athletes delivered impressive results in swimming and cross country.
PHS-CC senior Mia Ceballos qualified for the
IHSA state meet in all four events at the sectional meet on Saturday, November 8, 2025. She earned first place in the 100 freestyle with a time of 51.9 seconds, claiming the sectional champion title.
PHS-CC sophomore Brooke Rochacz recorded an 18:28 3-mile time at the IHSA state meet, the second fastest in PHS-CC history and the fastest ever 
by a PHS-CC girls cross country runner at the state meet.
“These student-athletes exemplify dedication and fortitude,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Wood said. “We are proud of their accomplishments and the spirit they bring to District 202.”