2021 IHSA State Cross Country Season Previews - 3A Boys Teams

 

State chase wide open led by York, Downers Grove North, St. Charles East, and Edwardsville

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

 

Bill Meylan in TullyRunners.com ranked the top team in the nation entering this 2021 season. No Illinois teams were mentioned in the national or regional ratings. It could have to do with the fact with how Illinois schools ran last fall in smaller meets until conference meets and state series races became flighted.

 

In evaluating 118 3A Boys teams this summer, this was the lowest overall ratings that teams had since I began doing this 10 year ago.

 

The top 10 rated teams in 3A averaged 20 points lower on the scale that I use. Most of that has to do with the ways the races were run in most cases with less competition.

 

Cheer up. We are back to normal. We will be running a championship race at a championship location with runners running against each other and teams running in seven runner packs. How nice that will be when we get going on August 23.

 

Class 3A is extremely wide-open. There are up to 10 teams that can win the 3A State Team Championships. York gets the edge to start the season because they could be the deepest of the top 30 ranked teams. Conference rival Downers Grove North has close to similar depth as the Dukes and is next in line. Defending 3A champion (from 2019) St. Charles East and ShaZam Champions from last fall lost the nucleus of their past two champion teams. The Saints due have 3200m champion Micah Wilson and runners that are up next for the team. Edwardsville have one of the top runners in the state Ryan Watts who they hope is ready to go for state series time. The Tigers due have the depth to bring a 3A state xc title to the Metro St. Louis area for the first time. Loyola Academy does have the talent to challenge for a title will need to stay healthy and away from the injury bug for that to happen.

 

The rules changed for qualifying last year. It will take real effect this fall with four sectionals with seven teams qualifying for the state meet from each group. For that, ILXCTF.com will rank the top 30 teams weekly beginning with the first update on September 7. This preview includes the top 30 ranked teams to begin the season and 20 more teams that are close to making the next jump into the group.

 

 

 

3A Boys Top 30 Teams

 

1 Elmhurst (York)

 

Coach: Charlie Kern | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – It came down to 60 minutes last October to decide whether York would be able to compete in the Proviso West Regional. The two weeks were terrible for the group. One of the members of their top seven was notified that he tested positive. The top 12 runners were quarantined for two weeks. That group was unable to run in the WSC-Silver Championships. A group of junior varsity runners stepped in to finish sixth. Coach Charlie Kern received clarification of the COVID-19 rule that it was not 14 days from the notification of the virus but 14 days from the moment the individual was notified. It would not matter if the Boys races were run in the morning. The fact that it was in the afternoon, the Dukes got their opportunity to race.

 

“We were 1 hour from having to sit out the regional meet due to a quarantine and watch other teams move on to the sectional meet,” Kern said. “Our quarantine ended 1 hour before the regional meet!  We already experienced the same loss as everyone else did due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we almost lost the only real opportunity to test ourselves against the best competition. I texted the top 7 to not give up hope, to continue to believe that we will get the chance to run with the best.  They did not give up hope and then they ran with a focus, determination, and pure joy.”

 

York took that opportunity and ran it with. They finished a close second to Lyons Township in that regional race. They were within five points in an exciting sectional at Lyons Township behind defending state champion St. Charles East. York finished third the following week at the ShaZam Club Championships. A team that was thought to be dead three weeks before finding hope and determination.

 

“The IHSA regional and sectional meets last year were the most exciting cross country meets I have ever attended (as an athlete or a coach),” Kern added. “In each of the six races, our guys stepped up and competed with a ferocity that made every York alum proud.  While we did not win the regional, sectional or state, the 2020 team was as courageous as any York group.  Mr. Newton often said, "adversity makes the man."  The degree of adversity we faced was significant.  The boys were transformed, and that difficult season will undoubtedly help them become men.”

 

The experiences that this group experienced will help them this fall. Only three runners that ran in the ShaZam race or sectional meet are back. There could be eight to ten more runners that could step into the top seven. Ethan Summer (SR) comes from the tradition story about York runners working hard and they get to the top of the mountain. Summer continued to improve last season even when an injury slowed him down. He should be the Dukes #1 runner. Garrett Schwan (SR) returns and could be among the top five. Schwan was part of their all-state team in the 4x8. Jackson Geiger (SR) had a good fall as the team’s third runner at ShaZam. His track season was not the best. Geiger had a good summer of training and is ready for this fall. Jeff Luka (SR) made a huge step-up last spring qualifying for state in the 3200 Meter Run. Eric Rutherford (SR) missed most of last fall due to injury but started to come back during track. He could be another one of those York surprises in the top five.

 

“Jeff Luka and Eric Rutherford were two of our juniors we felt would be top 7 members of our 2020 season.  Both struggled and were unable to make the top seven last year,” Kern said. “They both rebounded during the track season; Jeff qualified for the 2021 state track meet in the 3200 and they both set significant personal bests in every distance from 400m - 3200m.”

 

Payton Byrk (JR), Colin Lewandowski (SR), and Simon Hildy (SR) all could also challenge for the top seven. York will have their front runner in the top 10 with Summer. The Dukes should have a tight pack behind him. “We did not start preparing for cross country until July 5th.  We needed time to readjust to running the mileage necessary for racing 3 miles.  It took time for our team to get ready to do the work required of championship teams, but we are moving in the right direction and improving weekly.”

 

2 Downers Grove (North)

 

Coach: John Sipple | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – The one thing that I have noticed while watching the Trojans all these years is that even though that they lost a ton of runners to graduation, there is always a group of runners waiting in the wings for their shot. This is the case for this team entering the season. The Trojans were impressive at the end of the season winning a tough WSC-Silver Meet, and then winning the Marist Regional and Whitney Young Sectional. They finished the season placing eighth in the ShaZam XC Championships.

 

“Honestly, this is not something I didn't already know but when people step-up to work through difficulties together there is even a greater sense of community pride that develops,” said their coach, John Sipple. “We have a great group of kids and families that work for each other and supported each other through some good and hard times. I am so very thankful for that.”

 

Downers Grove North did get the competitive dual meets in last fall, but it was not like what they experienced the end of last year. It did help the younger runners prepare for this season. Only three runners are back from the team that ran at ShaZam. Roy Llewellyn (SR) started his emergence last fall when he became the #2 runner for the final four meets of the season. He ran 9:26 / 4:20 in the spring. He could be one of the top 15 runners in the state. Kyle McNally (SR) had the same type of cross -country season as he stepped up in the top five. He should be within six seconds of his teammate. McNally also found success on the track running 9:32 for 3200-meters. Topher Ferris (JR) was in the top seven last year but missed track due to an injury. He is healthy and ready to make an impact. Karan Shelty (SR) is a runner you should see in the top five. North has a strong group of sophomores with Caden Weber, Ryan Eddington, Curtis Mysliwiec, and Zachary Bender. All four had good freshman track seasons. All four had a good summer of training leading to this fall.

 

North is in position to claim a state championship. They have two front runners that could be all-state. Their top five split is projected to be from 40 to 45 seconds. “Training this summer has been ok, but it also is a little hard to judge because from that perspective, this summer really is very different than any other,” said Sipple. “Our training this summer was different than any summer previously because we have created a new training program because of the calendar changes.  Overall, I am happy with the progress we have been making but we have a fair amount of work to do to get our team to gel over the coming season.  I really am looking forward to this challenge and the 'new' season because it really is going to push us as coaches to be creative and even more adaptive that in years past.”  

 

3 St. Charles (East)

 

Coach: Chris Bosworth | DuKane Conference

 

Preview – So what else can we say about St. Charles East after what they have done the past two seasons. The Saints won the 3A title in 2019 and then finished fourth at the Nike Cross Nationals. With no state championship last season, East was dominant throughout the season including a close win ahead of York at the Lyons Township Sectional and a win at the ShaZam Club Championships. So, what is next for this far west suburban distance dynasty?

 

“Something that I learned, and the team learned as well was to take advantage of an opportunity that was given to them,” said Chris Bosworth.  “Also, the idea of training as a team with "normal" conditions was clearly felt this summer as opposed to last year.”

 

There are only three runners back that have that state series big meet experience. Micah Wilson improved even more last fall finishing second at ShaZam. That improvement transferred over to the track where he won the 3A State 3200 Meter Run. He came back two weeks later to finish second at the Outdoor Nationals presented by Nike 5000 Meter Run earning All-American honors. We will find out what he has in his final time at Detweiller Park in November. His brother Jedidiah Wilson (SO) had a great track season running under 10-minutes for 3200-meters. Mitch Garcia (JR) ran in the regional race and should see himself in the top five. Joey Xotla (SR), Lexton Rockwell (JR), and Adrian Ahuati (SO) had a good summer of training and are ready to jump into the top five. Jamie Hueser (FR) had a good summer of training according to Boswell and could give the top seven a boost.

 

It could be a tough year to threepeat for the Saints. However, it is hard to count this team out. Micah Wilson will be going after a state title. We will see how much this group behind him have improved. “With things getting back to a more normal summer, it was nice to train as a team.  We were fortunate enough to go on our annual Devil's Lake camping trip,” Bosworth said. “This was something that the Sr's last year did not get a chance to go on. With track ending later last year, we did adjust our training slightly. We have a relatively younger team this year, so building our base has been gradual. We will continue our base work until the end of August. I am very excited to see what this team can do. With the last 2 seasons being what they were, the team is looking to write/create their own history. We will continue with our mantra of FOREACHOTHER and look to be at our best when it counts.”

 

4 Edwardsville

 

Coach: George Patrylak | Southwest Conference

 

Preview – A healthy Edwardsville team would be the top 3A team possibly in the state. It all depends the status on their star senior Ryan Watts who missed all outdoor track. Watts missed his entire sophomore season due to another injury. He ran 9:13.63 for 2-miles at a meet in Chicago on March 20. Expectations were high entering the outdoor season. Watts announced on Twitter on May 6 that he had a stress fracture in his navicular bone. Now the question is when Watts will be back at full strength?

 

“Ryan's doctor and Personal Trainer kept him out of running longer than I anticipated, but they are also allowing him to progress faster than I am comfortable with,” said the Edwardsville Coach George Patrylak.  “Watts is in his third week of training, and I am not sure when he will race. Keep in mind, he did not run at all the summer of his sophomore year.  We are going to limit his racing and see how he progresses.  I think he will be top ten by the end of the year, but where in that top ten is the question.  I have learned not to count Ryan out.  He is really motivated to go.”

 

Edwardsville looked powerful last fall. Let’s remember that they were restricted from running against schools in the northern part in the state. The Tigers won the Granite City Regional and finished third at the Normal Sectional. Their season ended when they finished 16 at the ShaZam Cub Championships.

 

When looking at the teams while compiling these rankings, Edwardsville had the highest rate of returning runners in their top 12. The uncertainty of Watts throws things up in the air a little. They do have Geordan Patrylak who was the #2 runner for his team last fall. Ryan Luitjohan (SR) and Jacob Grandone (SR) are back and give the Tigers three and four runners. Last year’s fifth runner Wyatt Erber will concentrate on soccer and will not run. Seniors Oliver Ferdinand, Liam Hoeferlein, Jack Draper, and Owen Gruber all could challenge for the top seven.

 

“We (like most of the state) are well behind in our mileage and workouts.  I think we will hang under the radar for most of the year,” Patrylak said. “I do not plan on racing kids as much as years past as I feel last year's schedule was lighter, too. I hope that we will be Regional Champions and qualify for State.  With the top four we have returning, we should be able to do that.  I would love to see at least a top 15 finish at State, but that will be determined with our progression.” Hanging under the radar might work but the cat is out of the bag. Other coaches know how good this team is and could be. The biggest question will be the status of Watts. They should play it safe with him early on. He could be ready by the state series and then pull his team to some big things. They run against the big 3A teams at Peoria twice and Palatine in between. We could get an indication where this team is by the beginning of October.

 

5 Wilmette (Loyola Academy)

 

Coach: Dan Seeberg | Chicago Catholic League

 

Preview – This is a crazy year for Class 3A. Even though, Loyola Academy does only have three runners back from last year’s state series, teams, their quality in the front moves them int this position. The Ramblers were positioned in one of the most competitive regionals in the Chicago area. Loyola finished fifth in their own regional followed by placing fifth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Loyola finished their season by placing 14th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

This team has a solid 1-2 in the front to lead this team. Spencer Werner (SR) has emerged as one of the top runners in the state and will be a factor at Detweiller Park this November. He finished last fall by placing seventh at the ShaZam race. Aidan Simon (SR) has been in the shadows of Werner but could step into the spotlight in his senior season. He missed qualifying for state finishing third in the 800 Meter Run in his sectional meet. He did run 4:30 at Magis Miles. Something tells me that he could put together a big fall season.

 

Harry Woodprince (SR) was a solid four-five runner for the Ramblers and is the only other returning runner for this team. John Phillips (SR) and Xavier Klatt (SO) ran 16:11 for 5k on the track at the end of last season. I would keep an eye on them for this team’s top five. Seniors Casey Gibbons, Matthew Hjorth, and Seichi Shinozaki are within 10 seconds of each other and will challenge also for the top 10.

 

Werner will be up front with the rest of the top runners in the state. They key is the split between him and Simon. The projection on the two starting the season is 25 seconds. The gap between Simon and Woodprince is projected to be another 20 seconds. The next group from four on down should be tight being as little as 30 seconds. This is a predominately senior squad that could make their final season a memorable one if they keep their split under 71 seconds on Werner.

 

6 Chicago (St. Ignatius Prep)

 

Coach: Ed Ernst | Chicago Catholic League

 

Preview – It could be a year of mystery that could drive this team to bigger things when we get to the state series. They could have been on of the favorite teams in 2A this fall. Instead, they will be running up in 3A for the next two seasons. “We are bumped up to 3A this year,” said their coach, Ed Ernst. We lost our multiplier waiver when we won 2A third place trophy in 2019, along with two sectional titles in 2019 and 2020.  Our enrollment should put us in 2A.  In 2A we would be a trophy contender.  We have competed in 3A for 12 or the last 14 years, so we know what that means.  In 3A we will fight as we have always done in this situation for a spot in the state meet.  But it will be a big challenge.”

 

This St. Ignatius team is better than people think and should fit in quite nicely in their new classification. The Wolfpack ended last season winning their own regional and then the 2A Latin School Sectional. They did not have their best race to end the year placing eighth at the ShaZam Club Championships. Five of their top seven from the sectional team. They do lose their #4 and #5 runners Sam Hansen and Jack Rhyner decided not to come out for the team this fall.

 

“This will be a season in which we try to put our program back together,” Ernst said. “We are not sure if it is Covid-related, but our numbers are very small right now.  We've had a few boys who have chosen not to run.  We will have the smallest team in ten years, it seems.  Our freshmen numbers are fewer than 10.  Somehow there are 40 freshmen boys playing football at Ignatius.”

 

Seniors Zach and Nick Kiley look to lead the team again this fall. The two runners stayed close to each other last fall and will look to be the keystone of their top seven. Brian Moore (SR) was a solid runner in the top five last fall and should be in that position again. Theo Conroy (SR) and Henry Gilbert (SR) were in the top five for some of the meets last fall and should take up and fill the vacancy in the fourth and fifth positions. Matthew Conroy (SO) and Brandon Mendoza (SO) had good summers of training and will challenge for spots in the top seven. Thomas Kilpatrick (JR) played soccer last fall but did have a good track season. He is running this fall and could be a surprise contributor. Declan Glaysher (SR) is a runner that could be a part of the top five. Henry Fink (SO) transferred from Dowling Catholic IA and could be part of the team’s state roster at the end of the year.

 

St. Ignatius should adapt to moving from 2A to 3A. They have been down this road before. It won’t hit them until the state series. Their schedule has mostly 3A schools in it anyhow. The Wolfpack does like packing it up. Their split is projected to be 50 seconds to start the season. Keeping that togetherness in races will be something to watch for.

 

7 Winnetka (New Trier)

 

Coach: Matthew Sloan | Central Suburban League

 

Preview – The Trevians were the team to beat last fall in this regionalized, flight-like cross-country season. They looked dominant early in the year at the Sandburg meet in September. They quietly went along the way running and taking numbers as they won races. New Trier was just as dominant in the state series meets winning their league championship, the Loyola Regional, and the Hoffman Estates Sectional. They ended the season missing a top three finish by three points when they finished fourth at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“The 2020-2021 school year with all of the Covid-19 protocols reminded our entire program that we should have an attitude of gratitude for what we get to do each day,” said their coach, Matthew Sloan. “That we should “roll with the punches” and be grateful for the opportunities afforded to us.”

 

New Trier only has three runners back that either ran in regionals or sectionals last fall. This team is deep in depth. A testament of their depth is that they had 27 runners go under five-minutes for the 1600 Meter Run in last spring’s track season.  17 of those runners were underclassmen. Nick Falk (SR) emerged as one of the top Boys runners in the state running 9:03 last spring for the 3200 Meter Run.  He finished fourth last November in the ShaZam meet and knows he wants to finish higher when he gets to Detweiller Park. George Cahill (SR) moved up to his team’s third runner at the end of last year. He will be an important piece in their top five. Cahill made it to Charleston last spring qualifying in the 1600 Meter Run. Patrick Jamieson (SR) was the team’s seventh runner at the end of last season. He qualified for the state meet in the 800 Meter Run. That confidence from the track season should carryover this fall.

 

There are at least 10 runners that could fill the remaining four spots for the top seven. Blake Deger (SR), Jack Moran (SR), Evan Veneziano (SR), and Gabe Nosek (JR) all had good summers of training. The four ran in their league meet last October and were only separated by 15 seconds. Oscar Dueno-Alda (JR) will be running cross-country this fall for the first time. He ran 9:55 / 4:42 on the track last spring and will be someone to watch in the top seven.

 

This is a team that will be dangerous when we get to the state series. Falk and Cahill are good bets to be all-state. A key will be the pack able to stay with Jamieson especially when they get into the bigger races. “The Trevians are excited by the opportunity created by the return to a more “normal” XC season this fall,” concluded Sloan. “Our varsity group returns a group of experienced seniors (two with Detweiller state meet experience). I’m a firm believer in doing our talking with our feet. However, I will share that the athletes made it their collective goal to achieve something no New Trier team has done since 1962 and finish on the podium. Our focus is on daily improvement, enjoying the process, and winning the moment in front of us.”

 

8 Orland Park (Sandburg)

 

Coach: John O’Malley | Southwest Suburban Conference

 

Preview – If you thought York had a story to tell about their experiences with COVID-19, Sandburg has a similar one to tell. Their top group of runners had to be quarantined after their conference meet because of the virus. Somehow, the Eagles found a way with their “B” team to finish fifth in the Marist Regional and then fourth at the Whitney Young Sectional. Their lineup was back at the ShaZam Club Championships where they placed ninth. The distance group bounced back with some great performances in Charleston. Now they get ready for the autumn ahead.

 

“We are definitely behind. But that's okay,” said their coach, John O’Malley. “We had to make training adjustments. With runners racing on June 19th and experiencing the longest track season of all time, we would be extremely foolish not to make adjustments. We will come into the season with plenty of work to do and progress to make.”

 

Four runners are back that were on the varsity during last year and were part of the lineup at ShaZam. All four had great track seasons. Grant Giblin (SO), Trent Anderson (SO), and Brock Rice (JR) were all part of Sandburg’s third-place finish in the 4x8 in Charleston. Declan Tunney (SR) was all-state in the 3200 Meter Run when he ran a personal best of 9:1975 to finish sixth. Tunney embraced the opportunity of being able to run in the regionals and sectionals being the team’s top runner. That trend could continue this fall for the senior. Rice has dramatically improved over the past year which included running 9:28 for 3200-meters and 4:20.62 at the state meet for 1600-meters. Giblin and Anderson ran like seasoned veteran last year not freshman-like in most of their meets. That trend should continue. Sean Marquardt (SR) and Evan Diemling (JR) had a great summer of training according to O’Malley and should fit into their top seven. Ibrahim Tineh (JR), Angelo Quinones (SO), Jackson Fornek (SR), and Adam Durkin (SO) are some more runners that you could see in Sandburg’s starting line-up.

 

Rice and Tunney are possibilities in the top 25 this November. Giblin and Anderson will be close. Their top four split is projected to be 15 seconds. The gap between that quartet and the trio of runners is something to keep an eye on. Closing that spread could mean great things for the Eagles come November

 

9 Lake Zurich

 

Coach: JB Hanson | North Suburban Conference

 

Preview – This team could look different this season compared to what we saw from the Bears in 2020. Jacob Myers and Jack Gilboy were their top two runners but have graduated. Four runners are back from the Lake Zurich team that won their conference championship and finished third in both the Loyola Regional and Hoffman Estates Sectional. Their season ended when they placed seventh at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“We learned how difficult it is to train and race alone,” said their coach, JB Hanson. “ We learned the importance of teammates. While we have not been back to our complete normal routine, we were able to train together and hold our summer camp. The training has gone very well, and we are excited for the upcoming season.”

 

Danny Burns (SR), Dylan Myers (JR), and Kevin Loftus (SR) are the top runners back for the Bears. They will be the cornerstone of what could be a great pack for the team. Cole Boudreault (JR) is the other returning runner for the squad. Bodie McCall was in the top five as a freshman last year but will not return concentrating on football. George Sabev (SO), Will Perez (JR), Braden Eckman (JR), and Tomas Troutman (SR) are some of the runners that you could see in Lake Zurich’s top seven.

 

The Bears could have a 45 second split n their top five runners to start the season. That could come down as the season progresses. Moving that pack up towards the front of the race is something to watch for during this season.

 

10 Hinsdale (Central)

 

Coach: Jim Westphal | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – The third of the WSC-Silver teams in the top 10 rankings at the beginning of this season. The Red Devils are a team that could be in position to win a state title by the time we get into the state series. Hinsdale Central finished third in a tough conference meet last October. They followed that up with finishing second in the Marist Regional and fifth in the Whitney Young Sectional. They concluded the season by placing 15 at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“One of the things that we learned from last season was having to be patient and resilient,” Coach Jim Westphal said. “With so many changes, the coaching staff and kids did a tremendous job adapting week to week. We also came to appreciate opportunities to work with our athletes. The training cycle/phases were pushed back a bit due to the late track season however, we didn't change too much in terms of our training.”

 

We saw the start of what Daniel Watcke (JR) could do at the start of the season in leading his team in races. He finished second in both his regional and sectional races. That was just a prelude to what he did in track including winning the state championship in the 800 Meter Run. There are five other runners back that ran in the ShaZam race. Colby Revord (SR) and a pair of juniors Grant Miller and Jesse Gamboa are good runners to start a great pack with. Collin Hill (SR) and Kyle Doorhy (JR) also are back and will push for spots in the top five. Henry Gruber (SR), Rohan Mahajan (SR), and Nicholas Bergner (JR) are some of the runners that you could see in their starting lineup. This team is deep with up to 14 runners able to step into their top seven.

 

Watcke sets the table for his teammates and should be a top 10 state runner this fall. This pack will be fun to watch as it will start the season at 50 seconds, it will surely come down by the end of September. This team has the talent to challenge for a state championship. We will see them tested on their home course, Peoria, and Palatine in the first month.

 

11 Barrington

 

Coach: Thomas Root | Mid-Suburban League

 

Preview – The one 3A team that snuck up on everyone last fall was Barrington. There was no track season to gauge how good this team was. They showed their talent at the end of the year winning their league title, getting close to state favorite New Trier in finishing second in both the Loyola Regional and Hoffman Estates Sectional. They missed a top three finish by five points placing fifth at the ShaZam Club Championships. Their depth from last year will show as only two runners are back from their sectional team.

 

“When our coaches had to “keep our distance” from our athletes for larger portions of time than normal, our athletes stuck with the habits and routines that we’ve put in place over time and achieved some of the greatest success our program has ever seen through the process,” said their coach, Thomas Root. “If anything, we’ve learned the importance of allowing our athletes some “space to breathe” at times and the strength that can grow from those experiences.”

 

Joey Furlong (SR) is going to surprise some this fall. He stepped up last fall as the team’s top runner in their sectional meet and at ShaZam when he placed 16th. That kind of finish should be expected again from him this fall. Ryan Fryer (SR) was in the top five throughout last season and will be the runner to lead the pack behind Furlong. Joey Drage (SR) solved his injury problems from a year ago and had a god track season. Max Lewis (SO) has showed great improvement in the past season and would not be a surprise if he is in their top five. AJ Van Vuren (JR) embraced his distance work over the summer according to Root and should be a surprise in their top group. Zach Daniel (SR), Bryan Piscitello (SR), and Quinn Zona (SR) are some of the runners you might see in the top seven.

 

“It was definitely different having a “scrunched” summer, but our guys have adapted well to getting into tougher workouts a little earlier than usual within the training cycle,” said Root. “Communication has been key to adjust to the needs of individual athletes who may have needed more time to recover after track. Races are going to come at us a little more quickly than normal, but we’ll roll with the punches and keep our sights on being at our best come October and November.”

 

12 Oswego

 

Coach: Daniel Whipple | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – I had the privilege to watch the Panthers race several times last season. I kept asking myself all those guys are coming back? Oswego was a young team last fall that will benefit from their race experiences in the 2020 season. They just advanced out of a tough Oswego East Regional finishing fifth. Oswego followed that up by placing eighth at the Whitney Young Sectional. They return six runners from that sectional team.

 

Finishing the process is one of the things that the Panthers will need to accomplish in this season to become a state top 10 squad. This team was winning their conference championship heading into the final mile. They lost that lead and finished just two points behind Yorkville for the win. They have a veteran group of five seniors in the top five. Seniors Balin Doud, Ethan Forsell, and Benjamin Huey showed improvement during the track season and will again be the team’s top three runners. Fellow seniors Benjamin Forsell and Colby Lee along with junior Brady Nelson gives this team a solid four through six group. Braden Cardamone (SR) and Matt Padilla (JR) will also be some of the runners pushing for a spot in their top seven.

 

This is a senior dominated group knowing that they have one shot at a state championship and that could be this season. This team again will have a tight one to five split projected to be near 40 seconds starting the season. The key is moving that pack up. Don’t be surprised if this group is challenging for a top five spot come state series time.

 

13 Aurora (Waubonsie Valley)

 

Coach: Kevin Rafferty | DuPage Valley Conference

 

Preview – If you want to see good pack running for a three-mile race, go and watch Waubonsie Valley’s Varsity team put a pack plan into action especially at state series time. The Warriors had a 21 second split on their first five when they placed third at the Oswego East Regional. Their split was only 13 seconds when they finished sixth at the Whitney Young Sectional. Mind you, those splits happened in flight style races in 2020. It shows however how equal talented this team is. It shows what they could do this fall.

 

“I've simplified my training enough that my athletes fully grasp our training routine and could prepare themselves without my involvement if needed,” said their coach, Kevin Rafferty. “My kids were pretty resourceful in making sure everything they needed to do got done during the week.”

 

Waubonsie Valley is the highest ranked team heading into this season in what will be a tight DuPage Valley Conference. Rafferty does not have any star power in the front. He will again need to rely on the pack. Angel Solis (SR), Ethan Marshall (SR), and Aidan Oster (SR) all have personal bests within 12 seconds of each other. Jacob Tukker (SR) was a surprise last fall in the top five. He played baseball last spring and is catching up on his fitness level according to Rafferty. Andres Perez (SR) was part of that top five group a year ago. Chris Miserendino (SR), Austin McInturff (SO), and Gavin Ebenezer (JR) all have showed improvement and could be in contention for their top five.

 

“Our training was a little disjointed, but we'll easily get back on the same page once the season starts,” Rafferty concluded. “My biggest concern was connecting to freshmen and sophomores that didn't choose to compete last year. Most of those athletes did not participate in the summer camp but they are signed up for the team. Expectations for this team are high. I would liken this group to NCC's No-Names. We certainly don't have any star power on our roster or an athlete that everybody is talking about, but my top kids train and race as one unit and our 1-5 split is going to be tight. We have lofty goals and want to be in the mix with the best teams in the state when we get those racing opportunities.”

 

14 Naperville (Central)

 

Coach: David Ashton | DuPage Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Redhawks finished last season finishing fourth in the Oswego East Regional and then ninth at the Whitney Young Sectional. Naperville Central finished their year placing 13th at the ShaZam Club Championships. They will miss last year’s top runner Arthur Graham who has graduated. They do return five from the ShaZam lineup. “COVID-19 allowed us to get back to basics and shake up our routine,” said their coach, David Ashton. “We were able to have athletes that traditionally do not get the spotlight, be the center of attention based on how races were structured. JV and open races got a lot of attention as did Varsity and FS because of the limited number of entries. We also are going through a cultural reset where we are focusing on having fun and doing things right. These essentials will remain at our core from here on out.  It’s nice to have an excuse to get out of the routine. It allowed us to refocus on what is important and to look at the merits of earning the right to race. Coaches were also reminded how important our work/ life balance is. Our alternative schedules made it easier for coaches to get more time with family through efficient meets and practices.”

 

Nicholas Keeling (SR) went through a fall season full of recurring injuries. He ran better during track including being a member of Central’s all-state 4x8 team in Charleston. He could surprise some people this season. Luke Noren (JR) and Owen Foster (SR) lead that pack behind Keeling. Samuel Barnard (JR) and Samir Hussain (SR) are also back. Paul Villasenor (SR), Payton Etsel (JR), and Luke Flessner (SO) are part of several runners that will compete for a spot in the top seven. Kyle Rose, who was projected to be in the top seven, moved to Tennessee with his family at the end of last fall’s semester. Keeling could be all-state this fall. He is within reach oof that spot. The team keeping their top five split under 55 seconds will be something to watch for.

 

“With only 20 contact days, we had a shorter camp and were not able to take our traditional summer trip per restrictions,” said Ashton. “Runners are now getting into similar fitness situations and our team is coming together.  We have a lot of new athletes as well.  COVID easing brought several new members to the team.  We will be a large group this year.   We expect to make the run for the state meet as we do each year.  The boys are excited to earn their spot at the table and to be competitive. There is a sea change in the culture and character of our team, and we are excited to see what they can bring to competitions.”

 

15 Minooka

 

Coach: Kevin Gummerson | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It could be a reloading like kind of a season for Minooka. They lose three runners to graduation. They do return four runners from teams that finished second in both the Minooka Regional and Normal Sectional. There is also a talented group behind the first four that could make their presence known this season. “I have always been a fan of dual meets, and we embraced the opportunity to compete in the SPC mandated meets,” said Boys and Girls coach Kevin Gummerson. “We were able to really study tactics and were able to really use those to learn and try different approaches to racing. Competing in this conference, these girls had the opportunity to run against some good teams.”

 

Daniel Schalk (SR) stepped up in a big way last fall and should be Minooka’s top runner. “Dan is beyond excited for this season,” Gummerson added. “He will be counted to be one of our leaders and one to continue to build this team. He is an athlete that is constantly looking to find ways to improve and has high expectations for this team and for himself.” Zachary Balzer (JR) was part of Minooka’s all-state 4x8 team along with Emerson Fayman (SR) . Both give the team a solid first three with Schalk. Balzer could surprise some. He dropped his personal best for 1600-meters down to 4:20 in his sectional race. It could transfer over nicely on the cross-country course. Alexander Forster (SR) also returns and should be in the top five. Runners that will be in competition for top seven spots include Cole Kics (SO), Gavin Carlson (SO), Hayden Host (SO), Ben Resar (JR), and Jason Riley (SR). This is another team that could have a top five split under 50 seconds. The pack moving up with Schalk and Balzer will be something to keep an eye on.

 

“I am excited about the potential of this group,” added Gummerson. “We are returning 4 (Schalk, Balzer, Fayman, Forster) out of last year’s top 7 and all four of those guys have big meet experience. On top of that, we had a F/S group that has athletes that can make an impact on our top 7. While the 2020 season did not feature any true invitationals, that dual meet format gave them some great lessons in racing. I know there is an excitement about returning to some of the standard invites from previous years. I am seeing these boys starting to gain confidence in their ability to run a quality 3 miles. This schedule is set up so that these kids are seeing the best there is in the state of Illinois. I know these guys are starting to believe they can compete on that level. Not only do they believe it, but they are doing the work necessary to put themselves in the best position to succeed.”  

 

16 LaGrange (Lyons Township)

 

Coach: Michael Danner | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – Just when you are ready to count Lyons Township out because of graduated runners, up pops a new batch ready to carry on the tradition of this school. We saw how good this program was last fall when they finished second at the WSC-Silver Meet, won the Proviso West Regional, and then placed third in their own sectional. They did come back to finish sixth at the ShaZam Club Championships. They did have some major losses with five of their top seven graduating. There is still a talented group ready to roll waiting to be molded.

 

Charlie McLawthorn (SR) was the third runner for the Lions last fall and will be the go-to guy up front for this team. Matthew Lynch (SR) is the other top seven runner. He could miss the first month of the season due to an injury. Nicolas Strayer (SO), Hayden Constas (SR), Jack Albright (SR), Maksym Washchuk (SO), Vincent Stobart (JR), Aidan Collins (JR), Matt McGovern (JR), and Finn Gallagher (SR). Gallagher did not run track last season. He did run 16:20 as a sophomore in 2019. McLawthorn could have an all-state finish in his reach. Strayer could develop into one of the top sophomores in the state. Coach Michael Danner does have a lot of talent to develop. Watch for a tight pack from their third through seventh runners.

 

“I believe that it’s a little early to judge where we are at, we will get a truer picture a month into the season,” said Danner. “We hope to build of last year as we discover things daily this group is unaware of, or just lack experience of preparing for a more competitive season. We have some work ahead of us to develop a team ready to compete at big invites.”

 

17 Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

 

Coach: Paul Vandersteen | DuPage Valley Conference

 

Preview – This team again should have a talented pack to start the season according to their Coach Paul Vandersteen. They will miss last year’s # runner Nico Dovalovsky who has graduated. There is a good group ready to step into his spot to lead the team. The team is deep even though three runners that have regional and sectional experience are the only returners. The Wildcats ended last season finishing second in their conference meet, Oswego East Regional, and the Whitney Young Sectional.

 

“Our seniors are great leaders and have really been inclusive this summer in encouraging other guys to step up,” said Vandersteen “Our overall mileage is lower than usual being we are somewhat injury prone and because we stepped right into training the Monday after the State track meet.  We eased them back in slowly. We are no exception in our overall numbers are down.  However, through this whole pandemic, there is a level of appreciation and honor to put on the NV jersey and to be given the opportunity to race again.”

 

The three runners that are back include Noah Schalliol (SR), Ryan Palmer (JR), and Nick Rohlwing (SR). Schalliol appears to be the one that step to the front having dropped his personal bests down to 4:32 / 9:52. Rohlwing is also to be watched after a great track season where he was a part of Neuqua’s winning 4x8 team. Charlie Rook (SR) is expected to challenge for the top spot along with Zach Close (SO), Nicholas Castrillon (JR), Andres Lopez (JR), and Jacob Nauman (SR) all in contention for a spot in the top five. This team is deeper than people think. They will have a tight pack. It will be where that pack starts as one of the key things to watch for this fall from this squad.

 

18 Plainfield (North)

 

Coach: Andrew Derks | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – Another team that I would not count out even though they only return three runners from their end of season lineup. Their depth has improved. 25 runners on their track roster posted times under five-minutes for 1600-meters. This still has the talent to make it to the state meet. The Tigers finished third in the Minooka Regional, then fourth at the Normal Sectional. Plainfield North finished their season by placing 18th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“I learned that when a group of guys is motivated and competitive,  they will get the job done with or without a coach,” said their coach, Andrew Derks. “We had our biggest XC team ever, our most successful track season as a distance crew, and our guys stayed completely dialed in from the time quarantine started until the end of a bizarre school year. We all learned to adapt, to be flexible, and be resilient. It's tough to train hard without knowing what exactly you might be training for, and at some point, it must be about something more than the culminating state meet or championship season. You have to enjoy the journey, and those that you are on it with, and I think the guys that stuck with it together are forever bonded in a way previous group maybe are not.”

 

This team is young with the top eight runners all projected to be underclassmen. Oliver Burns (JR) continued to improve last season and could surprise some finishing in the top 25 at the state meet. Fellow juniors Ryan Tracey, Cooper Shelton, and Josh Furnish solidify their top five pack. Easton Miller (SO), Owen Stahl (SO), Matthew Jimenez (JR), and Alex Brennan (SO) will all contend for top seven spots along with Josh Bredford (SR), Suchir Sumant (SR), and Nick Simpson (SR). Burns gives the team that front runner to get single digit numbers for his team. Shelton will lead a pack that needs to stay within 20 seconds of each other and within a minute of Burns.

 

“We had a 4-week summer program leading into the No-Contact period and will continue to build on what we did the last 4-weeks as we head into official practices and the school year,” said Derks. “Our expectations for the season are to build on last year's success, and find our own identity, as we lost several great runners who were culture-builders.  We expect to be competitive in every meet we go to this year and have a few guys ready to be lead-pack runners in every race.  We also expect to see a big jump from several guys who ran mostly FS level last year, as we will need some relatively inexperienced guys to step up and fill roles at the varsity level.”

 

19 Gurnee (Warren Township)

 

Coach: Brett Heimstead | North Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The 2020 season for the Blue Devils was up and down dealing with COVID-19 as well as dealing with the passing of long-time Coach Bill Dawson. Warren made lemonade out of lemons at the end of the season finishing second in the Grant Regional and seventh at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. This is a team that will contend for one of the seven sectional state qualifying positions returning six from their sectional team.

 

“Losing Coach Dawson mid-season last year to cancer was very hard on the boys and the Warren High School family,” said their coach, Brett Heimstead. “The boys used that to come together and put forward one of the best teams in school history. Obviously, people were affected through the pandemic, but we had a bigger burden losing a great coach.”

 

One of the runners that stepped up after missing track in 2020 was Luke Wiley (SR). His races were amazing starting with winning the regional and sectional races and then placing sixth at the ShaZam Club Championships. The 9:02 he ran indoors made people notice what kind of stud runner he was. We will just continue to see great races from him again this fall.

 

Max Zeisler (SR) will look to be the #2 runner to step into that position. Nathan Garcia (SR), Cole Keether (JR) and David Lara (SR) should round out the top five. Forget a top five split on this team especially with Wiley slaying dragons in the front during races. Their pack behind him could have a split near 40 seconds. Ryan Moats (SO), Owen Skarczewski (SO), Ozzie Bendera (SR), and Ryan Alysassir SR) are some of the runners that you will see contending for top five and seven spots.

 

“The boys are working hard and building a solid foundation and will look to peak during the championship portion of the season,” said Heimstead. “Due to the prolonged track season, most boys will wait to open their racing until the Blue Devil Invite on September 18th.”

 

20 Naperville (North)

 

Coach: Tim Brown | DuPage Valley Conference

 

Preview – It was a banner season for the Huskies last fall. Naperville North won their conference meet and the Oswego East Regional. They came back to finish third at the Whitney Young Sectional. The Huskies ran their best race of the season finishing second at the ShaZam Club Championships. This team lost the bulk of their scorers with four of their top five graduated. Coach Tim Brown has three runners back to build this 2021 team off.

 

“It was certainly patience and an appreciation for any opportunity we got to compete and share in a passion for running,” Brown said about the 2020 season. “I also think it made us mentally stronger and able to count on teammates. I am hopeful that the returners can carry this feeling and mindset to the underclassmen.”

 

Gabe Ryan (SR) is the lone returning runner of that top five as he placed 33rd at ShaZam. Higher finishes will be in store for him this season. Peter Harrison (SR) and Colin Corcoran (JR) are also back. Harrison Belke might be the one that steps into that #2 position. Alex Sherrow (SR), Luke Donaldson (SO), Miles Taylor (SO), Ervin Deleon (JR), Gabe Russell (JR) and Sulayman Ahmed (SR) are some of the other runners contending for top seven positions. There could be a gap on Ryan and the pack. The pack from two through five could be as little as 20 seconds.

 

“My mindset during summer was just to realize that this was what this summer was going to be, and not stress about it,” Brown said. “All of us needed a break from last year in terms of Covid, so I think starting the season now is much fuller of anticipation and excited for normal.  In terms of expectations, I am going to rely on a lot of guys stepping up and filling in for the guys who graduated.  I think the potential and growth is there, but it is up to the guys to make that commitment. I’m also hoping to get more freshmen out even if it’s not until when school starts but simplify because this was such a unique past year. Sports across the board at our school have lower numbers when it comes to incoming freshmen.  I think it has a lot to do with 18 months of uncertainty and now knowing any better.”

 

21 Wheaton (North)

 

Coach: Nate Roe | DuKane Conference

 

Preview – It was the year of what could have been for the Wheaton North Boys team. It was one of the most heartbreaking stories of the year when their team was quarantined due to the virus just before their regional meet at Proviso West. They had finished third in their conference meet and were a good bet to be among the top 10 teams at the end of the year. The gun never went off starting their race.

 

“Honestly, we haven't talked about it a lot, but I know that it has given the guys a new appreciation for getting the chance to compete each week,” said their coach, Nate Roe. “Certainly, for some it has driven them to new heights and will give us lots of motivation during the season. I really wish that group would have had the chance to experience championship season racing, but I think they got their fill last spring.  We're hopeful that we're ready to go when it matters in October and November.”

 

One runner that got to experience championship racing last spring was Ryan Schreiner (SR). He stepped up in a big way in Charleston finishing fourth overall from the first section of the 800 Meter Run earning all-state honors. He had some big races last fall including finishing third at both the Naperville Twilight Meet and the DuKane Conference Championships. Five other runners from their conference team are back including Ryan Zydek (SR), Caleb Youngstedt (JR), Jonah Noyes (SR), Hudson Romine (JR), and Ben Shebar (JR). This group is projected to start at 44 seconds from two through five. Getting to within 25 seconds of Schreiner would be the goal.

 

“Our expectations are fairly high, given the fact that we return a strong group,” said Roe. “We'd like to contend for the DuKane Conference championship and a top 10 finish at the State Meet.  We know that this will be very challenging given the nature of our conference and the State.  Our young runners gained valuable varsity experience last Fall and Spring.  We have strong senior leadership and a hunger to finish what we started last season.”

 

22 Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East)

 

Coach: Ross Widinski | Southwest Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Griffins should have a good team this season. How good we will find out in the next couple of months. Lincoln-Way East concluded last season winning the Andrew Regional and then coming back to finish fifth at the Normal Sectional. East has a good chance to qualify for the state meet even though they have only four runners returning from their sectional line-up.

 

“Our training went very well, with a decent portion of the team coming out,” said their coach, Ross Widinski. “Track delayed some of our base training, but the core of the team dealt with it as I am sure all teams did.  We always hope to maximize our talent, have the underclassmen progress, and run our best come the end of the season.”

 

Jack Roberts (JR) and Nolan Rogers (SR) are two runners we could see switch off the top spot for the Griffins. They could be as much as 30 seconds ahead of the three to seven pack led by Justin Falejczyk and Hayden Stairs (JR). Adam Drumheller (SR) has recovered from injury problems and should be fighting for a top five spot. Kevin Chomiak (SR), Gerry Cushing (JR), Miguel Garcia (JR), and Jonathan Creech (JR) are some of the runners that could contend for top seven spots. The split on three to five is projected to start out the season at 21 seconds. Maintaining a top five spread under 51 seconds will work only if their front runners are closer to the front.

 

23 Oak Park-River Forest

 

Coach: Chris Baldwin | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – The Huskies tend to get pushed to the shadows at the beginning of the season while the Big Five of the WSC-Silver stands in the spotlight. This might be a year where a little sunlight shines on OPRF. The Huskies finished second last year at the Whitney Young Regional and finished 10th in their sectional held on the same Lincoln Park course as their regional. It could be tough for them to better their finish from a year ago especially if they are placed at Hinsdale Central. This could still be a tough squad with six runners back from that sectional team.

 

“As a team, we learned how important it is to be together and supportive of each other no matter the level.  It is about being a part of a program and everyone working hard towards those goals together,” said their coach, Chris Baldwin. “It doesn’t matter if your #1 or #80 but the ability to support all of your teammates was missed last year because of how our school/Conference scheduled our meets. In the fall last year, we were remote, and the boys cherished every day at practice even if we had to be in separate training groups.   Looking forward to that special time together as a team this fall.”

 

Three juniors and three seniors are back to lead this team. Lou Delano (SR) showed improvement during track and will challenge for the top spot with juniors Liam Newhart and Owen Augustine. Brady O’Connor (JR), Leo Rooney (SR), and Wes Morrison (SR) give the team a strong back half of their pack. This top five will have a tight pack between 32 to 35 seconds. Moving their top runners forward is something to watch for from Oak Park.

 

“We had kids on different cycles throughout the summer with track ending so late and so of our younger athletes were able to get a jump on their summer training while others raced at the state meet and were drained from school/training/racing during the pandemic,” Baldwin said. “Our hope as a team is get back too many of our team traditions and togetherness.  Our School/Conference only let us race dual meets last year and we are looking forward racing in a more traditional XC environment.”

 

24 Chicago (Jones College Prep)

 

Coach: Andrew Adelmann | Chicago Public League

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Eagles after winning the Whitney Young Regional and then seventh at the Whitney Young Sectional. Three runners that had experience at the state series and ShaZam are returning. “I relearned the beauty of simplicity,” said Jones coach Andrew Adelmann. “The constraints placed upon us really forced us to get back to the basics and simplify things.  Because of the nature of our school and how far students commute from all over the city, we only met 3 days a week from September through June (and obviously no contact from November through April). So, we really had to think about how we used those days and got back to something that was much more consistent and routine.  Coaches (including myself) often fall into the trap of trying to take what is actually very simple and make it complicated.  Covid showed me that very clearly.  We focused on what matters in training: running. The demands of a 5K race are 95% aerobic, and while it is not very 'hip' right now to talk about doing tempo runs and easy mileage, that is what worked best during the pandemic season.  I think it's interesting: why was this ultimately a pretty monster year  in terms of times in the collegiate and pro ranks?  Less crazy workouts, less intense anaerobic sessions, less racing, and more unstructured time and aerobic running.  I relearned its merits on our team and I think a lot of people in the sport did (or hopefully did) too.”

 

Alan Menninger (SR) and Ethan Sterling (SR) are the two runners that will lead this team. Sterling suffered a fracture in his femur during track. Adelmann stated that Sterling has made tremendous progress and should be ready to go for this fall. Dev Dassani (JR) has taken the next step up running wise  and should be among the top five runners along with Matthew DeSantis (JR), Daniel Leonard (JR), Jayden Reyes (JR), and Esteben Medina (JR) contending for top seven spots. Jones does not have the typical front runner like they have had in recent years. It possibly could be Menninger. The top five split should be good around 50 seconds. The key is where that pack starts in a race.

 

“I genuinely believe we have the capability to be really good but can just as easily fall very short,” stated Adelmann. “We had an incredible frosh-soph group last year.  We had 10 frosh-soph guys under 17 with 7 of them under 16:35. They have a ton of potential, but we also have a lot of work to do.  Ultimately, the season will go the way that group goes.  Unfortunately, given the travel restrictions we faced last year, they did not face competition in the City limits all year and rolled through every meet without much of a challenge.  So, there will be a learning curve once we get back out to suburban meets this year.  If they can believe in themselves, develop some confidence, and grow a bit, they will be an incredibly tough nucleus for us.  I have a lot of belief in them.”

 

25 Park Ridge (Maine South)

 

Coach: Greg Nordahl | Central Suburban League

 

Preview – The Hawks could be just a year away or it could happen as soon as this fall. Three runners from last year’s group have graduated. Maine South finished second in their league championship, second at the Lake Park Regional, and fourth at the Lyons Township Sectional. Four runners are back from that sectional team.

 

“I learned the hard way,” their coach, Greg Nordahl said about the 2020 season. Developing teens need constant movement. We had an unusual number of injuries in the fall and spring that were related to weak bones, muscles, and core strength. Consequently, we revamped our training in the spring and summer to compensate for these issues. Summer training had minimal issues. A couple of runners have residual breathing issues from contracting COVID and patience has been a priority. Last year we had a great

 

group of seniors and sophomores that comprised our varsity. The sophomores (now juniors) have proven to be a group that is not afraid to compete and do the necessary training. It has been gratifying to have been able to coach this group and their resilience in overcoming all of the injuries, scheduling changes, and mask-mandate changes.”

 

All their top seven that are back are juniors. Luca Acuri is the top returning runner from their regional and sectional races. He broke his leg in the ShaZam race. Joey Karlesky went under 10-minutes last spring at sectionals and could step into the #1 spot. Luke Pravecek is another runner that could lead this team. The next group including Will Huddleston, Alex Wille, Dominick Parillo, and Nico Lospalluto are all talented enough to be in the top four. The first four split is projected to be 33 seconds. The gap between four to five is projected to be 30 seconds. Getting their top five under 50 seconds could mean good things for the Hawks.

 

“Summer went well, it caused us to lose some of the easy base miles we do in early June,” said Nordahl. “This impacted the amount of mid and late season threshold and temps we typically do. Hopefully, August will allow us to compensate for this a little. I think we have 4 that will start the season between 15:30 and 16:00 and a 5th that will be around 16:20. I foresee us being a pack team with ending the season with 5 runners under 15:30. At this point I think that we need a breakout runner to lower the #1 spot to really get us an advantage.”

 

26 Plainfield (South)

 

Coach: Jason Crowe | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Cougars look to reload after finishing fourth in the Minooka Regional and seventh in the Normal Sectional. In a regular season, Plainfield South would have qualified for the state meet with that finish. They will now have to prove themselves again which they could. Four of their top five runners from the sectional meet. “We are the lucky ones compared to other sports,” Coach Jason Crowe said about the 2020 season. “All you have to do is lace up your shoes and step out the door into the fresh air. Our top runners have embraced this and have turned themselves into better runners during this time. I am proud of them for turning a negative situation into an opportunity to get better. It is amazing what you can do with a positive mental attitude in life.”

 

Camryn Viger (SO) stepped up as a freshman as the team’s top runner in the regional and sectional races. He could be challenged by incoming freshman Dylan Maloney. “Dylan is an excellent young runner and a student of our sport,” added Crowe. “He will definitely help our varsity right away.” Ethan Reynoso (JR), Scott Crabb (SR), and Owen O’Shea (JR) will also step up int the top five for the Cougars. The top five split is projected to be at 49 seconds. Let’s see how far up in a race to see when the pack starts.

 

“This summer went very well for us. Especially for our projected Top 7.  Many of our top runners, along with many of our younger runners have really stepped us this summer and embraced the opportunity to run together and improve together,” said Crowe. “ We jumped right away into summer running once track and field ended.  The guys carried the momentum from track right into their summer training.  I do believe it will really benefit us this fall.”

 

27 Downers Grove (South)

 

Coach: Brian Caldwell | West Suburban Conference Gold

 

Preview – Downers Grove South will look to repeat as the WSC-Gold Champions. The Mustangs finished third at the Marist Regional followed by 11th at the Whitney Young Sectional. Four runners are back from their sectional team. “I think the most important thing that was not necessarily learned, but reinforced was the importance of team culture and feeling connected as a group,” said their coach, Brian Caldwell said. “I know many teams found ways to keep that going but with our intention of prioritizing health and safety over anything else (including team performance), we definitely took a hit. Our program had a rough 2019 XC season where we underperformed due to a variety of factors - particularly untimely illness of our whole top group. They rallied to finish the season with a Conference title and state qualification, but we'd lost some of the positive vibes and culture that we had going up to that point. The 2020 track season just started going well for us and then it all came to a halt. Our leaders last fall did their best to promote some positive team culture, but things never really felt right compared to a "normal season". We are now trying to recapture that as a group made up mostly of guys who weren't around to experience when things were really clicking and finding it to be a tough challenge. It seems distant now where we REALLY had an "all-in" culture and guys that really ran for each other and the team. I'm hopeful we can generate some positive momentum in the next month and have a strong showing this fall. We know we have the personnel from a competition standpoint and one from a character standpoint to make that a reality.”

 

Caldwell has a “once-in-a lifetime” runner leading his team. Tim Neumann (SR) has showed so much improvement over the past year including winning his conference and regional races. He had an injury after great indoor performances. He fought back to qualify for the state meet in the 3200 Meter Run where he finished 10th. If he stays healthy this fall, watch out. Three other runners are also back including Joey Puccillo (SR), Jacob Curulewski (SR), and Michael Joseph (SR). Jeffrey Spirek (SR), Carter Smott (JR), and Nick Motuelle (SR) will also challenge for top five spots. The gap between Neumann and the pack will be huge. The split on the next four scorers could be as little as 25 seconds.

 

“We have what I'd say are modest expectations but incredible potential,” said Caldwell “We have a pretty sizable group of talented guys from which if we can get 5 or 6 to have some big breakthroughs, we'll be really tough. We should have a very solid pack of interchangeable runners after Tim Neumann. Our big question is whether they see modest improvement from last year and we have a bunch of 15:45 guys or can they really work together and push each other to be 15:20 or faster guys. The potential is there if we can start believing in ourselves and running for one another.”

 

28 Riverside-Brookfield

 

Coach: John Brady | Metro Suburban Conference Blue

 

Preview – We’ve told this story before in this preview. Riverside-Brookfield’s Boys team had to quarantine themselves after their conference meet after one of their members tested positive. The Bulldogs were unable to compete in both state series meets. RB finished second in their conference meet. They ran in the ShaZam Club Championships where they finished 11th in the D2 race. Now they are in Class 3A for the next two years. This team would have been ranked in the top five in Class 2A this season. They return six for their ShaZam lineup.

 

John Brady steps in as the new coach after Anthony Enright stepped down accepting a coaching position at Marian Central Catholic in Woodstock. Their top two is strong with Paul Proteau (SR) and Cooper Marrs (SO) leading the way. Both have the potential to finish in the 3A top 25 in November. Proteau ran 4:20 while Marrs ran 4:25 for 1600-meters. They key off each other nicely in races according to Enright and make each other better. Jack O’Brien (SO) gives them a solid third runner while Hayden Marrs (SO), Brady Norman (FR), and William Kallas (SO) will contend for top five positions. Juniors Alex Terry and Zack Gaynor could also be within that mix.

 

29 Glenview (Glenbrook South)

 

Coach: Kurt Hasenstein | Central Suburban League

 

Preview – The Titans will look to improve on last year’s finishes of fourth in the Hoffman Estates Regional and tenth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. They also finished third in their conference meet behind New Trier and Maine South. Three runners are back from their sectional lineup. “Our kids and coaches are resilient and adaptable. Our team was willing to do anything they were asked to make sure we had a season. We had 78 runners last year and 0 quarantine issues,” said their coach, Kurt Hasenstein. “We pushed our training schedule back about a month focusing on long runs and getting back to some of the basics we were not allowed to do last year (weights, etc.)  Other than hills and fartlek we did not do anything up tempo most of the summer. Our expectations remain the same every season....be competitive in the CSL and advance to State as a team.”

 

Three seniors lead this team in Brian Hiltebrand, Jayson Stamm, and Michael Jerva. Hiltebrand should be the runner to watch up front after running 1:55 to earn all-state honors in the 800 Meter Run in June. Their core group are all seniors including Michael Westfall, Elie Nousiff, Sebastian Zimmer, and Brett Wittenstein. The split from one to five is projected at 73 seconds with Hiltebrand close to all-state. The two to five projected split is only 31 seconds.

 

30 Wheaton-Warrenville South

 

Coach: Chris Kuntz | DuKane Conference

 

Preview – The Tigers will look to rebound and rebuild after finishing second in their conference race, third at the Proviso West Regional, and fifth at the Lyons Township Sectional. Wheaton-Warrenville South will again be tough even with three runners returning from their top seven. “We are looking forward to a "Normal Season" along with the challenges that it brings,” said their coach, Chris Kuntz. “The kids have been incredible since this adversity started back in March of 2020. They have continued working and have never lost sight of their goals. They are truly what we refer to as being "All In".  We as coaches are very proud of them.”

 

Michael Atkins (SR) is close to taking that final step up. He will be one of the top 25 runners in Class 3A> He ran 4:23 / 9:28 last spring. Michael Macabobby (SR) will be a tri-captain along with Atkins and Andrew Colona. Caleb Hotzinger, Luke Yonker, Colin Nelson, Carson Finne, and Nathan Benowitz are all juniors that will have their sights on a spot in the top five. Atkins could lead a pack that could have a 70 to 75 second split to start the season. The Tigers will fight for the conference title with St. Charles East and Wheaton North.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Algonquin (Jacobs)

 

Coach: Kevin Christian | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – The Eagles return five runners from their state series teams that won the Guilford Regional and eighth at the Lyons Township Sectional. Jacobs also finished second in their conference meet. “We took a longer break between cross country and track last season, but we skipped the break between track and cross country,” said their coach, Kevin Christian. “The training has been great. We have a group of 13-14 boys who will be competing for varsity spots after putting in heavy mileage over the summer.”

 

Top runner from last season Andrew Doetsch is back again to lead the team. Seniors Mitchell Ruffin and Alec Melendez along with juniors Aidan DeMuth and Adam Lakeman also return. Eli Marzalek (SR) and Julian Van Antwerp (JR) ran under 10:30 last spring. They have been running faster in their workouts and could be surprises in the top five.

 

Arlington Heights (Hersey)

 

Coach: Kevin Young | Mid-Suburban League

 

Preview – The Huskies again will look to reload after finishing fourth last year at the Loyola Regional and fourth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Three runners are back from their sectional team, and they are all seniors. Sean Stafford moved up to being the second runner in the final two weeks and should be in the front with Connor Oiler close by.  Oiler was the #1 runner in their conference meet. Johnny Lifka was the #4 runner in sectional and is their other returner. Parker Serna (JR), Aidan Nishimura (JR), Michael Renner (SR), and Liam Naughton (SO) are some of the runners that you might see in Hersey’s top seven.

 

Aurora (West Aurora)

 

Coach: Anthony Rizzo | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – West Aurora missed qualifying for sectionals finishing seventh in a tough Oswego East Regional. The Blackhawks return five runners from the regional team. “I think on the boys’ team last season with the Covid-19 made us stronger,” said their coach, Anthony Rizzo. “There's definitely a lot of adversity that all these athletes dealt with. I think with the freshman last year were guided by Anthony Eddy, a senior who graduated, and learned to just deal with things. I think due to Anthony’s strength that helped them. We are going to be better for it.”

 

Sean Hartland (SO) advanced individually to the sectional meet. He should be followed by Ayden and Devyn Jenkins (SO). Nathan Lindstrom (SR) had a good summer of training and could pop into one of these three top spots. Seniors Jesus Sanchez and Mateo Tapia along with sophomore Giovanni Garcia could also be a part of the top seven.

 

Batavia

 

Coach: Bronco Meeks | DuKane Conference

 

Preview – Batavia may have some rebuilding to do after finishing fifth at the Proviso West Regional and ninth in the Lyons Township Sectional last fall. They do have a good group back with four runners returning. “The message we have tried to communicate to our athletes is to expect change throughout the season/school year and to focus on things that they can control. I think our group did a nice job with this last year. We want them to approach the upcoming school year the same way because there are still many unknowns,” said their coach, Bronco Meeks. “We are excited at the prospect of getting back to a somewhat normal schedule. One thing we are really looking forward to is running on the Northwestern Medicine cross country course. The course looks great and it's awesome to have a competition area established locally that is specific to our sport.”

 

Quintin Lowe (JR) is taking some big steps forward according to Meeks and his confidence is growing daily. One of those steps is getting within reach of a top 25 finish at state. Juniors Adam Miller and Alex Ebel along with senior Anders Nyland are returners that could be in the team’s top five. Evan Rudek (SR)is another runner making improvements and could make it into the top five. Jonah Fallon (SR) had a great track season and could give this team a boost in the big invites.

 

Buffalo Grove

 

Coach: Bryan Quesea | Mid-Suburban League

 

Preview – The Bison missed making it into the sectional meet finishing eighth at the Loyola Regional. They will look to better on their sixth-place finish in their league championships. Five runners return led by Mario Torres (JR). He qualified individually for the sectional meet and should be the team’s top runner considering their second and third runner have graduated. Albert Szewczyk (SR) leads the 2-5 pack with Jack Bank (JR), Spencer Sadler (SR), and Tyler Lieu (JR) following.

 

Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)

 

Coach: Kyle Nugent | West Suburban Conference Silver

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Hilltoppers. They lost their #1 runner Pierce Cousins to graduation. They only have two runners back from their state series teams that finished fourth at the Proviso West Regional and sixth at the Lyons Township Sectional. “Our training went really well this summer.  Without a clear top 7, we had a large group of guys training to fill those roles,” said their coach, Kyle Nugent. “This group includes sophomores through seniors.  It has been fun seeing the development from both our older and younger guys, and the improvements they've made since track. Due to the late track season our training shifted back a bit, but we've stuck to our same philosophy and general plan to summer training.”

 

Seniors Michael Miller and Jack Hatlestad are the runners returning and the runners that could step into the #1 role. Patrick Adduci (SR) and Sean Rath (SR) have had solid summers of training and should give their top five a boost.

 

Hampshire

 

Coach: Ryan Hollister | Fox Valley Conference

 

Preview – This is not your typical team moving up a classification. Hampshire moves to Class 3A for the next two years. The Whips return six from their state series teams that placed third at the 2A Kaneland Regional and a strong forth in the Lakes Sectional. “I think that track ending so late has actually worked in our favor,” said their coach, Ryan Hollister. “The smaller window between track and cross country still gave the kids adequate rest and recovery time, but everyone seemed sharper and in shape by the start of summer running. Ultimately, last season left our team feeling more resilient and more confident than before.  Despite all the challenges and ever-changing circumstances, we still managed to qualify for state.  There's no predicting what this season will look like, but I think our team and coaching staff are ready to overcome anything.”

 

Aidan Gonzalez (SR) and Damian Weigel (SR) are the team’s top runners. They should be close in races separated by less than 10 seconds. Sebastian Abreu (SR), Jason Schmidt (SR), Owen Cupila (JR), and Henry Nangle (SR) are other runners back from last year that will compete for top five spots. Mitch Dalby (JR) has run track but will be out for cross-country for the first time and could give their top five a boost. Freshmen Jack and Nolan Sheets have been impressive this summer. The team is deep, but the two brothers could push to get into the top seven.

 

Joliet (West)

 

Coach: Adam Conrad | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Tigers missed making it out of their regional last fall finishing sixth at the Minooka Regional. Tony Kochev and Erick Guzman were in the top five last season but will concentrate on soccer this fall. Joliet West only returns two runners from last year’s regional team. “Camp started two weeks later than normal for us this year,” said their coach, Adam Conrad. “Additionally, we had our 4x800 relay and Marcellus in the state track meet, so some of our top returning runners weren’t ready to start camp on June 21st. However, no one running track in June was going to be too out of shape in July, so I think we’ll be fine. Probably the biggest challenge for us has been communicating with runners that are travelling or otherwise committed over the summer. As the country opens back up, a lot of families are looking to take that trip they’ve been putting off for well over a year. I’d say that overall, our experienced runners are close to where they would be at this point in a usual season, but some of the guys that are new to the sport will need the first few weeks of the season to become race ready.”

 

When a sophomore earns all-state in a distance race, it gets your attention. Marcellus Mines as a freshman last year ran 4:16.92 to finish seventh in the 1600 Meter Run last June. A special runner. Let’s see how it translates this fall. Seniors Matthew Lunsford and Oscar Becerra along with sophomores Joey Grasso and Jose Nevarez will join Mines in the top five.

 

Libertyville

 

Coach: Stuart Mendelsohn | North Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Tigers finished on a high note in 2020 winning the Grant Regional and finishing sixth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Four runners are back from Libertyville’s sectional squad. “We became a stronger brotherhood amongst teammates and staff. They accepted the challenges that we faced and overcame adversity defining their true character,” said their coach, Stuart Mendelsohn. “Expectations are to learn and grow from last season and improve upon the accomplishments. Expectations for the team is to set new PBs, while having team and individual success.”

 

This is a veteran group with four seniors leading the way. Ali Faiz should step into the #1 position with Jack Hamilton, Andrew Brooks and Dylan McCarty following. Evan Dallas (SR), Peyton Erdal (SR), Zach Hamilton (SO), and Ian Burke (JR) will contend for top seven spots.

 

Mt. Prospect (Prospect)

 

Coach: Jay Renaud | Mid-Suburban League

 

Preview – The Knights will look for a state meet trip in November. Prospect won the Hoffman Estates Regional followed by placing sixth in the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Four of their top seven return from their sectional race. “We learned to enjoy every single day we get to spend with one another as things can get taken from you quickly. Nothing is guaranteed,” said Prospect’s Coach Jay Renaud. “Training has gone very well. We still took a break after track but started doing some workouts earlier after our break. We have high expectations. We want to win back the MSL East, go after the conference championship and qualify to state.”

 

Sean Kura (SR) showed improvement last spring dropping his personal best down to 3200-meters. He was the team’s #1 runner at the end of last season. Alex Rader-Lemer (SR), TJ Garland (SR), Luka Kuzmanovic (JR) and Michael Piagori (SO) are looked to be in the top five. The split on the top five should be projected to be under 45 seconds.

 

New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)

 

Coach: John Taylor | Southwest Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Knights just missed making it into the first top 30 rankings. They will be in that group soon enough. Lincoln-Way Central finished second last year in the Andrew Regional. They followed that up by placing sixth at the Normal Sectional. Six runners are back from last year’s sectional squad. “We learned that in our sport, our runners really do need each other. The daily grunt work is best done together,” said their coach, John Taylor. “This year’s Running Knights are excited for a normal season and hungry for some good competition. Our guys put in the miles over the Summer and are prepared for the season. We are looking to win the conference title and qualify to State again.

 

Caden Simone showed improvement in the past year and could be one of the top 30 runners in Class 3A. Connor LeBeau (JR), Nolan Sams (JR), Kurt Kries (JR), Ethan Hoff (JR), and Andrew Flais (SR) are the returning runners that will compete for spots in the top five. The top five split is projected to be 89 seconds for the start of the season. A key is watching if it is lower than 64 seconds by the time the Knights get to the state series.

 

Normal (West)

 

Coach: Chad Aubin | Big 12 Conference

 

Preview – Normal West returns four from the teams that finished fourth in the Granite City Regional and tenth at the Normal Sectional. Luke Reinhardt (SR) and Sky Riddle (JR) were separated by 27 seconds in the sectionals and 43 seconds at regionals. They should be the team’s top two runners entering this season. Harrison Taylor (JR), Cody Dunn (SR), and Quentin Irwin (SR) should round out the team’s top five. The team’s top five split was 41 seconds in that race. That split could work improving their last year’s finish in the state series meets if the pack moves closer to the front.

 

O’Fallon

 

Coach: Jon Burnett | Southwestern Conference

 

Preview – O’Fallon will look to improve on last year’s third-place finish at the Granite City Regional and ninth at the Normal Sectional. This team could contest for a top seven sectional finish and a state berth with the four runners returning for the Panthers. Dylan Ybarra’s freshman season was good as he stepped up as the team’s top runner. A year later, he should be even better. Eli Greenstreet (SO) and Ethan Nieroda (JR) were the #2-#3 runners during last season. Their return gives O’Fallon a solid three in the front. Payton Mueller (SR) and Blake Westrater (SR) should challenge for the final two spots. The first three split is projected to be only 15 seconds. The split on the top five is projected to be at 65 seconds. Ybarra will be in the front and will surprise some by they get to the state series. The 4-5 runners need to close their gap by 20 seconds for good things to happen in the state series races.

 

Oswego (East)

 

Coach: James Milner | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – Oswego East just missed making it to the sectional meet finishing sixth in their own regional. In any other year, the Wolves would have been able to race as a team at least one more week. This squad was close to the top 30 this fall. They should be within those teams by the end of September. Five runners are back from their regional team.

 

“Training has gone great,” said the Oswego East Coach James Milner.  “We have a young group that took a step up. There is a nice pack forming.  With regards to the track season ending later this year, there was a slight overlap, but we pretty much rolled right into our summer camp without a break.  I looked at it as we didn't race as much or in a regular track season, so we didn't need a complete break.  The training focus changes a bit once we start summer camp so that was enough of a mental break for our group.  Physically, we were in great shape, so we kept building on that.  We kept our key workouts for the whole summer and just adjusted the recovery days in between from years past.”

 

The Wolves have a good pair of runners to build this year’s team off. Alex Das (JR) is on the verge of doing some great things this fall. We saw he was in great shape from his race at Detweiller at Dark. Parker Nold (JR) also had a great summer as is closing the gap on Das. It was 29 seconds at last year’s regional race. It has closed to close to 10 seconds in the July Detweiller race. Jacob Lanzara (JR), Carter Pankiewicz (JR), and Charlie McElyea (SR) should round out Oswego East’s top five. The top five split is projected to be close to 100 seconds to start the season. Getting the pack to within 65 seconds with a 30 second 3-5 split puts this team in play to make it to the state meet.

 

Palatine

 

Coach: Joe Parks | Mid-Suburban League

 

Preview – Longtime Palatine Girls Coach Joe Parks switches over to coach the Boys team to replace Chris Quick who retired after last season. The prospects for this team look good to challenge first for a league title and then a sectional qualifying spot. The Pirates missed out on qualifying for the sectional meet placing seventh at the Loyola Regional. The group coming back is good with five runners from the regional team returning.

 

“We are in a bit of a transition year at Palatine,” said Parks. “After 14 years with the Palatine girls’ program I made the decision to take over the boys’ program after Chris Quick resigned last November. There was a lot of thought that went into this, and it was not an easy decision, but it helped knowing our girls’ program is in good hands with alum Ruth Spethmann. As well, I’ve always had a bit of an itch to return to coaching boys someday after two successful seasons at St. Charles North in ’05 and ’06. I didn’t ever see this opportunity happening at Palatine, but I’m excited to get started.”

 

Parks added: “I definitely believe I’m in the right place at the right time. I truly believe we have a nucleus of guys that have the potential to be very good, this season. While I’ve had some contact with the boys over the years, we are still in the early stages of learning about each other, building relationships, and me finding out what makes each guy tick. We are currently void any truly experienced state level boys, but I believe this is a crew that can be strong as a unit and has individual breakout potential. I think we’ve got 10-12 boys that will eventually make up a strong top 7 when all is said and done.”

 

Mason Krieg (JR) has bought into the new system and has improved to be the top runner during the summer. Jack Carrasco (JR) was the team’s top runner at the end of last season and should be close to Krieg. Andrew Jordan (JR), Mukal Verma (SR), and Andy Hansen (SO) give the team a solid three through five pack. Patrick McClannahan (SR), Riley Beasley (SR), Angel Adaya (SR), Nate VanderGeissen (SO), and Owen Elliot (JR) all will be in contention for top seven spots.

 

Their pack should be tight between 42 to 46 seconds on the top five to start this season. Where that pack starts in races will give us an indication how good this team could be. Their first test comes at Hinsdale on September 4.

 

Pekin

 

Coach: Cole Stoner | Mid Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Dragons ended last season finishing second at the Granite City Regional and 11th at the Normal Sectional. There is promise in this team with five runners back from their sectional team. Jackson Custer was the team’s second runner last season. He should be the #1 runner beginning this season. Huston Gillespie (JR), Jeremy Leichtenberg (SR), Jonathan Blanchard (SR), and Lucas Glesne (SO) will be some of the runners that will be in contention for top five spots. Their five split is projected to be 62 seconds to start the season. Custer and the pack moving up as the season progresses could mean a chance for a top seven finish at Quincy in the sectional meet.

 

Plainfield (Central)

 

Coach: Jeff Purdom | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – Here is another team that was affected by COVID-19 at the wrong time. Plainfield Central had finished third in the East Division race in their conference meet. A few days later, the top 12 runners had to quarantine unable to compete in the regional and sectional meets.

 

“Our biggest positive as program from last fall was learning to race in a smaller race,” said their coach, Jeff Purdom. “We raced so many dual meets last year and it allowed so many of our guys to be able to learn new tactics in racing that you miss when in the pack of a big invite. We also struggled with such a dramatic shift in daily schedule, increased stress, lack of so much daily movement from not walking the hallways, and just the uncertainty of the day-to-day routine was a challenge and resulted in a few setbacks for the guys. We have very high expectations, after an up and down fall last year, the guys are bringing lots of momentum into the fall and are looking to accomplish some goals that this program has not accomplished before. It is a group that has a lot of varsity experience with a handful of underclassmen who can potentially get into the mix.”

 

Paul DeAvila (SR) and Mike Forbear (SR) were within 10 seconds of each other in their conference race. They return as the team’s top runners. All seven runners are back from that conference race. Alex Rojo (SR), Aaron Wycoff (SR), and Kyle Schick (SR) are part of a veteran team that will contend for the top seven spots. Eight of the top eleven runners are projected to be seniors. Last year has motivated this talented team the point where they could qualify for the state meet. The three to five split is projected to be only eight seconds. They must stay within 34 seconds of the top two for great things to happen at the end of October.

 

Quincy

 

Coach: Eric Davis | Western Big Six Conference

 

Preview – The Blue Devils will not have to travel far for sectionals in October as they are to host the meet. Quincy missed qualifying for sectionals finishing seventh at the Granite City Regional. Fiker Rosen leads five other runners back from last year’s regional team. Rosen is looking for a banner season after finishing 37th at the ShaZam Club Championships. He earned all-state honors placing 20th as a sophomore in 2019. This year should be better. Their top five split is projected to be 122 seconds to start the season. Ayden Triplett (SR), Eric McClelland (JR), Ian Maloney (SO), and Colby Allen (JR) will all need to move the pack closer to Rosen to be able to run in their own sectional meet.

 

Rockford (Guilford)

 

Coach: Rick Durso | NIC-10 Conference

 

Preview – Guilford will look to challenge Belvidere North for the NIC-10 tile. The Vikings missed qualifying for sectionals by nine points finishing seventh in their own regional. The top five runners from the regional race are back. Brandon Dawson (SO) did not run in the regional race but was the team’s top runner in their conference meet. Lawson could end up the team’s top runner by the state series. Juan Del Real (JR) qualified individually for sectionals and was just one second behind Lawson at NIC-10. Jackson Durso (SR), Owen Dahlberg (SR), and Hayden Johnson (SO) should round out the top five.

 

Yorkville

 

Coach: Chris Muth | Southwest Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Foxes after winning their conference, regional, and sectional races before finishing 12th at the ShaZam Club Championships. They were hampered by some injuries in their final race. They will miss top three graduated runners Austin Popplewell, Ivan Westcott, and Colin Kachlic. They will also miss one of their top runners for this year Jack Stillmunkes who will miss the season for an injury to his knee that required surgery. This team only has two runners back from last year’s sectional team. They do have the talent to still make it back to the state meet.

 

“Training for the summer session has been very consistent and dare I say normal, just three weeks later, than the traditional past program,” said their coach, Chris Muth. “I think we will have to be patient with where we start, and I expect more progress as the season goes on than in past years.  My expectation for this team is to focus on the little details every day. For my seniors to step up and gain confidence and experience as the season progresses and for our underclassman to take on the challenge of fighting for some open varsity spots.  We are an underdog team this year after losing some solid senior contributors, but I wouldn’t count out this team just yet.  We will focus first on competing in our conference and then build momentum from there.”

 

Nathan Summers (SR) was the team’s fourth runner in sectionals and will step up to be the team’s top runner. Ben Whaley (JR) had a great summer of training and could be by Summers’ side when the season begins.  The puzzle begins to figure out who are the next five runners in their starting  line-up. It could be Brady Ferko (SR), Nick Clever (SR), Nolan Wood (SO), or Jack Younger (SO) stepping up. Muth has two freshmen coming in, Ryan Rotramel and Brody Greyer, that have improved over the summer and could be part of their top seven by state series time.