Eli is a senior at Lake Forest High School and runs for the varsity cross country team.

When and why did you start running cross country?

I began my cross country career the fall of 2015. I decided to join the team after I had run a half marathon in the spring just before.

What are your goals for this season?

My goal is to help contribute to the varsity team and go to state with the boys. And then win state.

What has been the most memorable moment you have experienced from cross country?

My most memorable moment came last year at sectionals, which was held at Busse Woods, in Schaumburg. It was a cold October morning, and I reached my personal record that day with a time of 16:38.

What are you usually thinking about in your head when you are running the course?

Going into a race with a bad mentality can have drastically negative impacts on your performance. You must clear your mind, and prepare to push yourself well beyond your physical limits.

How do you relax after a hard day of school and practice?

I don’t know maybe kick back and watch some Seinfeld.

What is your biggest pet peeve and why?

Slackers, people with negative attitudes. At Lake Forest High School where us students are constantly striving for excellence, there is simply no place for half-heartedness.

If your house was on fire, what three things would you take? (Family and pets are safe)

The toaster first and foremost, next a toothbrush, and most likely the Mitchell Trubisky jersey.

If you could be any animal what would you be?

I would be a penguin so I could slide down big hills on my stomach.

Who is your biggest idol?

My old man. He’s always been a great figure in my life and I aspire to be like him someday.

If you could read one person’s mind who would it be?

Whoever’s across from me at the poker table.

If you were given 5 million dollars to open a small museum, what museum would you open?

If I were given 5 million dollars, I ain’t spending it on no museum.

If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?

Filipo.

Pizza, sausage or pepperoni?

Sausage AND pepperoni, man.