
CHARLESTON — Civic Memorial’s Max Weber created even more of a legacy in Bethalto on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Class 2A IHSA Boys State Track and Field Meet by winning the 3,200-meter race championship at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
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Weber, who won a state cross-country title in the fall for Civic Memorial, finished first in the 3,200 in 9:05.86. Everett Swanson of Morris was second in 9:06.68, Gabriel Greer of Marion was third in 9:12.18, Quaid Berger of Richland County was fourth in 9:12.42, and Raphael Greer of Marion was fifth in 9:13.36.
Weber also placed 11th in the 1,600 meters in 4:27.15.
His performance at the state championships earned him recognition as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month.
Civic Memorial head boys track and field coach Jake Peal said Weber has established himself as a legend for the school and community who will be remembered for years and years to come.
Peal praised Weber’s character and development over his high school years as "one of a kind."
“Max’s overall character and who he is as a person, throw in hardest worker ever coached, the best race IQ, and just an all-around great person. He will do great things in his career at ISU (Illinois State University) and in his career after that at whatever avenue he chooses,” Peal said.
“I saw glimpses of his sophomore year of what he could do, every year just another jump, and as he grew, I grew as a coach to make sure doing everything I could do to flourish and develop, and an amazing last three years,” Peal added.
Weber will now take his athletic and academic talents to Illinois State University, where he has signed a letter of intent to run cross country and track and field.

