BETHALTO - Civic Memorial senior Logan Kearbey finished third at the Triad Invitational on Sept. 30, 2026, then stayed at the finish line to help a competitor who had fallen with temperatures in the 90s — putting his Coach Jake Peal's constant emphasis on sportsmanship into practice.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
For his efforts that day and this season, Civic Memorial cross country runner Logan Kearbey is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete Of The Month.
Kearbey and race winner Lucas Wiegman of Oakville assisted Triad junior Caden Meier with ice and water until he was taken from the track at Triad’s home course, according to an observer’s account of the race.
Meier had led for a good portion of the course before the final stretch on the track, the observer reported. He collapsed before the finish line, but still managed to cross in second place. Triad won the team championship.
Coaches and trainers attended to Meier immediately after he finished. Rather than leaving to celebrate their results, Kearbey and Wiegman remained with their competitor, according to the account. The observer reported that Meier was in full health after the race and looking forward to competing with his team at the Southwestern Conference meet at Wilson Park. They also said Kearbey and Wiegman's efforts immediately after an incredibly grueling race were some of the more touching examples of sportsmanship they had ever witnessed at a sporting event.
The response reflected a lesson Civic Memorial head boys cross country coach Peal has emphasized throughout his coaching career and his own days as a runner: Sportsmanship includes supporting others after a race. Peal encourages his top runners to cheer on teammates once they finish.
Kearbey, who was Civic Memorial’s No. 2 runner for most of last year, has also continued to improve his performances this season.
“He has worked really hard and is very dedicated,” Peal said of Logan's remarkable season so far in the fall of 2026. Logan appears primed for upcoming postseason competition.
Kearbey finished the Triad Invitational in 16:58.3 in the three-mile race. He placed fifth at the recent Madison County Championships in Alton, completing the three-mile race in 16:01.4.
At the Peoria High School Invitational on Oct. 3, Kearbey placed 26th with a spectacular personal-best time of 15:27.3.
If you have a news, human interest or sports idea, e-mail Danbrannan@riverbender.com or call or text 618-623-5930. Follow Dan Brannan on Facebook and on Twitter.
