go matt!

Lockport High School senior Matt Benes was the only hurdler in the Class 3A division of the Illinois High School Association boys state meet in the 110 meter high hurdles event to break the 14-second barrier in the preliminaries May 28 with a :13.96.

The next day was not as kind to the Homer Glen resident.

Benes clocked a :14.34 at O'Brien Stadium in Charleston and finished third behind Marian Catholic's Erick Gavin (:13.90) and Plainfield South's Brandon Winters (:13.94) May 29.

It was his first medal and had no reason to be ashamed of a third-place finish in the state.

But after his sparkling finish in the prelims, he had his eye on the top prize.

Marilyn, Matt, Amy, Frank

"It wasn't my time today," Benes said seconds after the race. "I don't know what it was but starting the race I didn't feel right and I don't know why. But third place? That's not bad. Those other guys are good. They are the best in the state. I won a medal and it's a good way to end my (high school) career."

by Jeff Vorva/Triblocal reporter.com staff reporter

Needless to say, we are very proud of our nephew, Matthew Benes, who is graduating from Lockport High School next week and will continue his journey to Southern Illinois University in the fall.  You are the best, Matt, and may all your dreams come true!   With our love...xo