The NNHS stadium was transformed last Wednesday night, different from what you normally see under those Friday night lights. NNHS hosted the annual New Balance Twilight cross country invitational for the second year in a row.

The entire stadium was transformed- thanks to the custodial staff, the coaches, and help from the runners, the course was illuminated with excitement. They spent Tuesday night and all day Wednesday setting up, painting the course and putting up cones to mark the course boundaries.

The whole event is sponsored by New Balance and Naperville Running Company, who donate money to pay for lights and merchandise.  Nonetheless, this is still an expensive event, so unlike other cross country meets there was a charge for fans who wanted to enter the stadium. It is estimated that there were about 2,500 to 3,000 people on campus just for Twilight

“One of the things that I love about the Twilight event is that it is a great course for spectators. You can see your favorite runner run most of the time, and it’s good for the kids too,” said Athletic Director Bob Quinn.

This is a very important meet for the Huskie runners. They were racing against six of the top boys and girls teams in the state of Illinois at this event, greatly increasing the competitive nature of the night.

Naperville North’s varsity girls team took first place and the varsity boys took fifth place.

Both the ladies’ and men’s teams look to finish the season strong this Friday as they compete at the DVC Conference Championships at St. James Farm.