Male Most Valuable Athlete: Aidan King

Name: Aidan King

School: St. Charles East, senior

Sport: Cross Country

Why he was selected: King was the winner in 15:15, leading the Saints to the team championship at the Class 3A St. Charles North Regional. Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson caught up with King to discuss his season and more. Below is an edited transcript.

Bartelson: When you reflect on your team's success this season, what stands out to you the most?

King: The energy around our team has really been unmatched this year. Overall, we’re so much more focused on not only performing, but building something bigger than any individual. Our whole mentality since this summer is that the results will take care of themselves as long as we put in the work and do it for each other, we’re capable of anything.

Bartelson: For you individually, what are you most proud of?

King: Individually, I'm proud to be a veteran of the cross country/track scene in Illinois. I'm able to use my years of experience to lead my younger teammates in the best way possible, and it gives me an unparalleled advantage in competition against my peers.

Bartelson: Why is cross country a sport you're passionate about?

King: I love cross country because of the balance between the team and individual aspect. Individually you have to be tough and willing to dedicate all of yourself in order to see success. Without a team that comes together and supports each other, it makes that progression measurably harder. That’s why St. Charles East has seen so much success in the last few years,

Bartelson: What is the best cross country related advice you've received and why?

King: My most impactful advice was from a former teammate, Campbell Koch, who explained and demonstrated to me that if you want to do anything in our community, you have to be willing to give it 100%. Anything less and you're doing yourself and, more important, your team a disservice.