Plainfield North High School 2026 graduate Aidan Connors capped off an outstanding high school career by winning the IHSA Class 3A State Championship in the 3,200-meter run at the Boys Track and Field State Finals on May 30 at Eastern Illinois University.
Connors crossed the finish line in 8:55.93, setting a school record and recording the fastest winning time in the event at the state meet since 2007.
He also placed seventh in the 1,600-meter run and set a school record in the preliminary race with a time of 4:10.33. 
Connors credits much of his success to a carefully planned training program developed with Plainfield North Head Cross Country Coach Andrew Derks.
“Having one of the best coaches in the country really helped,” Connors said. “Before the season, Coach Derks and I mapped out my race schedule to make sure I was fully prepared by the time the state meet arrived. The training plan was tailored to me, including stretches of 70 miles per week and consistent 60 to 65 mile weeks throughout the season.”
Connors said the experience of winning was especially meaningful after years of competing alongside his teammates in the program.
“It feels amazing to finally be an individual state champion, especially after becoming team state champions in cross country this fall,” Connors said. “I was so happy to cross that finish line first and look back and see my teammates cheering me on.”
Connors began running in elementary school and joined Plainfield North’s summer running camp as a middle school student. He developed into one of Illinois’ top distance runners with the support of his coaches, teammates, and family.
“This was an incredibly well-deserved state title for Aidan,” Derks said. “He has been completely dedicated to becoming the best runner he could be since middle school. To see him achieve this goal on the state’s biggest stage and execute such a remarkable race was incredibly rewarding.”
Derks also emphasized the team-wide support surrounding Connors’ success.
“He has been a leader within our program, and everyone understands how much this moment meant to him,” Derks said. “The genuine excitement and happiness his teammates shared with him made this victory even more special.”
“We are so proud of Aidan and all of our District 202 students and student-athletes,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Glenn Wood said. “We celebrate their accomplishments and the dedication, perseverance and school spirit they bring to our district every day.”
Connors will continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana University Indianapolis, where he will compete in cross country and track and field while studying history.