CHARLESTON — Civic Memorial senior Max Weber secured his place in the Class 2A IHSA State Track and Field finals in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs in Friday's prelims, then posted two top-five finishes on Saturday, May 31, 2025, demonstrating the steady performances he has throughout the season.
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On Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Charleston state prelims Weber qualified 11th in the 1,600 meters with a time of 4:25.55 and earned sixth place in the 3,200 meters, clocking 9:31.90. The following day, Weber improved his standings by finishing fifth in both events, posting times of 4:26.36 in the 1,600 and 9:26.21 in the 3,200 meters.
Weber’s results were among the top performances for area athletes at the state meet.
Reflecting on his season, Weber said, “I ran a 9:20 in the 3,200 meters at Belleville West and focused on the 1,600 for much of the season, but today I was focused on getting medals in both the 3,200 and 1,600.”
He credited his coach for much of his development, stating, “Coach Peal takes it seriously,” and praised him as a great coach and mentor.
Throughout the season, Weber posted several personal bests. He recorded a 4:22.25 in the 1,600 meters at the Knight Invitational and a 9:20.78 in the 3,200 meters at the Norm Armstrong Invite. Additionally, he broke the two-minute barrier in the 800 meters with a time of 1:59.4 on April 9, 2025, at the Columbia, East Alton-Wood River and Civic Memorial Triangular Meet.
Weber, who was honored as the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month, highlighted the importance of early-season momentum. “We started early in the year, 9:20 in the 3,200 meters at Belleville West, and it was good to get a fast time in it out of the way,” he said. “In the 3,200, just to be in the fast heat meant a lot on Saturday, plus being in the 1,600-meter final.”
He also reflected on his athletic journey, noting that cross country with his all-state experience and served as motivation for his track season.
