Batavia sophomore Avery Hacker emerged as the No. 1 runner of a talented Bulldogs squad, and capped off her season with All-State honors. Hacker is the 2024 Kane County Chronicle girls cross country Athlete of the Year.

Batavia sophomore Avery Hacker enjoyed a happy return to the Class 3A state cross country meet Saturday, finishing an All-State eighth to lead the Bulldogs to fifth place. Meanwhile in Class 2A Kaneland's Evan Nosek took third, becoming the Knights' first four-time All-Stater.

After finishing 18th at the Class 3A meet a season ago, Batavia, led by a core of sophomores and juniors, is hoping to achieve a top-five finish at state this time around. Plus, a look into other Kane County teams and individuals racing in Peoria on Saturday.