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Illinois High School Cross Country Previews - 1A Boys TeamsPublished by
A scramble for the top spot is expected to occur in this 2018 season
By Michael Newman
There are no certainties when we look at the top 1A Boys teams at the start of this season. It was not that way one year ago. There were teams that were expected on the top. Not this year. Rockford Christian would have been the favorite entering this year in this classification. But with a snap of a finger and the use of the “IHSA Success Factor”, the Royal Lions will compete in 2A for the next two seasons. The same applies with Harvest Christian Academy. The 2016 1A team champions finished third last season. Congratulations to the Lions, because you were good, the IHSA has scheduled a 2A state series for you the next two years. Elmwood-Brimfield, the 1A Boys champion last November, was hit with graduation and could have trouble getting back into the top three teams in November. A phrase that will be used consistently in referring to the 1A Boys teams this fall is “That time will tell”. When calculating the rankings in this classification, there was no one team that jumped out. It was a matter of six schools bunched closely together. Every week could tell a new story at the end of each Saturday of meets. You could be the top ranked team one week. After Saturday, you could slip to fourth and so on… We start the season with Monticello, fourth in last year’s state meet, as the top ranked team with Urbana University a close second. There are up to 11 schools at the beginning of the year that have chances to climb into the ILXCTF Illinois High School Rankings for 1A Boys to climb into the top spot. In reality, it could be any school that competes in this classification that could have a chance. That is how wide the door is open. Here is a look at some of the top 1A Boys teams in Illinois for the start of the 2018 Illinois High School Cross-Country Season. Remember, the only rankings that count are the ones that are posted after the race is over state meet day.
1 Monticello 2017 Finish – 4th, 1A State Coach – David Remmert Top Runners – Garrett Dixon SR (11, 15:12), Luke Sokolowski SO (70, 16:07), Josiah Ratts SR (102, 16:33), Morgan Dixon SO (108, 16:39), Ethan Bright SR (128, 16:55), Holden Miller SO, Ryan Bright SR, David Alexander SR, Justin Baysore SR, Keegan Davis SR, Nick Wilkin SR. Preview – In this classification where opportunity abounds, Monticello starts the season as the 1A Boys top team. The Sages missed a trophy last season finishing fourth at state. They will miss Alex Helmuth who finished fourth in 2017 and has since graduated. Monticello does have five runners from their top seven back from that state team. Four of the runners are from the top five. Garret Dixon traded off the top spot with Helmuth during the regular portion of the season until the state series where he was a solid second runner. Dixon finished 11th last November at state and will be one of the runners to watch up front in 1A. He also gives the Sages a strong leader to work off. “Garrett Dixon impressed me a lot this summer,” said his Coach David Remmert. “He has always been a grinder, but this summer he developed into a leader. We need more of that. His training over the summer has been good and I’m looking forward to his season especially.” Monticello will need to have a solid pack behind Dixon and they have the talent to accomplish that. Luke Sokolowski was the team’s third runner last year as a freshman and should lead that group. In the final two meets, Sokolowski was 50 to 55 seconds behind Dixon. He will need to close that gap if this team wants to contend for a state crown. Seniors Josiah Ratts and Ethan Miller along with sophomores Holden Miller and Morgan Dixon should be some of the runners that will comprise of Monticello’s top five. The Sages have the pieces to move up in the standings in what will be a wide-open year. We mentioned the gap between Dixon and Sokolowski. Something else to watch is the split on the second through fifth runners. At state, the split off Sokolowski from three to six was 48 seconds. It was closer together earlier in the season. Concentration of keeping the pack within 30 seconds of Sokolowski will be a must. “I feel that if we can stay healthy, we should be in the mix somewhere and that’s all you can hope for because the teams are so competitive,” Remmert said. “Ultimately, the kids have the final say. If they want it, they’ll take the steps they need to prepare and hold each other accountable.”
2 Urbana University 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A State Coach – Doug Mynatt Top Runners – Nicholas Ramkumar JR (61, 16:04), Aryan Lalwani SO (62, 16:04), Henry Kraatz JR (71, 16:07), Matty Tang JR (130, 16:57), Ethan Ashbrook JR (140, 17:01), Aniket Gargya SO, Mariano Herrera JR, Ray Jones SO, Sam Atkinson JR, Dylan Bowman JR, Joel Armas SO, Sasha Rushing JR, Henry Laufenberg FR, Ian Evensen FR. Preview – The Illineks finished eighth at state last fall with a lineup where six of their seven runners were either sophomores or freshmen. In most seasons, this team would be said that they were a year away from doing something great. Well, that year could be here in 2018 in an open 1A. U-High returns five from that group losing their fourth runner Alex Dolcos who will play soccer this fall. This team lives off tight pack running. Their top five split at state was 53 seconds at state with only a 29 second split on their top four. Nicholas Ramkumar, Aryan Lalwani, and Henry Kraatz were within three seconds of each other at state. Kraatz and Lalwani had strong track seasons which could mean good things for the squad this fall. The loss of Dolcos could hurt, but the Illiniwek have great depth where Matty Tang or Ethan Ashbrook could close the gap. Newcomer Aniket Gargya, a sophomore out for the team after playing soccer in 2017, could step into the top five according to U-High Coach Doug Mynatt. Freshmen Henry Laufenberg and Ian Evensen could also contribute immediately. A team that runs close together is a dangerous squad especially around the state series. With so many runners graduated throughout the classification, this could be U-High’s time to shine. Expect the tight from this pack but having their top three runners among the first 35 could make this team tough to beat. “Bringing back a nearly-intact varsity squad from last year’s 8th-place state team sets expectations high for this season,” Mynatt said. “The strength of last year’s effort came in the team’s ability to run a fairly consistent sub-30 second split from #1 to #4, with our #5 usually within another 30-seconds. Losing that #4 runner (Dolcos), however, might be cause for concern, but Matty Tang (last year’s #5) should close that gap significantly and I foresee Aniket Gargya and Henry Laufenberg even running up there to bolster what could be a very tight pack for us. That, along with improved performances from Kraatz, Lalwani, and Nicolas Ramkumar, could move us up even higher in the final standings.”
3 Freeburg 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A State Coach – Carl Florczyk Top Runners – Carson Smith SR (67, 16:05), Blake Hatter SR (94, 16:28), Cade Smith SO (120, 16:50), Evan Wilkerson SO (175, 16:53), McKallen Smith JR (148, 17:09), Corbin Schwable SR, Landon Miles SR, David Oliver SR, Aidan Schlichting JR, Jack Parker JR. Preview – You would think in any other year that if you lost your top runner to graduation, it would be a cause for concern. Yes, Freeburg will miss graduated All-State runner Charlie Parrish who is now at Kansas State. The core of last year’s ninth-place state team is back with five of their top seven back. One of the top pieces coming back who did not make the top seven at state is Corbin Schwalbe. Now a senior, Schwable suffered a stress fracture in the regional meet missing the final two races of last season. Schwable is healthy and will be huge for the team according to Coach Carl Florczyk. Carson Smith was a solid second runner for the team most of last season and should lead the midgets with Schwable. The team had a 48 second split from their second to fifth runners at state last November. Freeburg having a split on like that on the top five could make this team tough to beat. Blake Hatter, McKallen Smith, and sophomores Evan Wilkerson and Cade Smith could help accomplish that. This team has the talent to be in the top three along with being in the hunt for the state title. Moving their pack closer to the front and staying close together will be one of the keys. “It’s a team with great leadership,” added Florczyk. “The boys have some big goals for the fall and are very motivated. I believe our boys have the potential to be in the mix this year. The boys believe in themselves. Our core group of guys going into this season were just sophomores when the team finished second. That experience should be very valuable as we begin this year's journey.” We could have an indication of how good this team is at Granite City on September 1.
4 Athens 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A State Coach – Kerry Trueblood Top Runners – Noah McIntyre JR (28, 15:36), Ryan Nordsiek SR (75, 16:12), James Goodenow JR (111, 16:40), Will Hill JR (112, 16:41), Joseph Goodenow JR (114, 16:44), Kyle Sholtis JR (169, 17:29), Hayden Thomas SO, Jake Sturgeon SO. Preview – It will hurt for Athens to lose state champion Wyatt McIntyre who is now at the University of Illinois. The Warriors could be a stronger team than the year before. Athens finished seventh at state has the rest of the top seven back. The experiences of running behind a state champion in 2017 should pay off this fall. Noah McIntyre should step out of his brothers shadow this season. The junior just missed All-State honors in 2017 placing 28th. He should be among the top 15 in this campaign. The team will need a solid pack behind McIntyre to contend for a state trophy. Count on James Goodenow, Ryan Nordsiek, Will Hill, and Joseph Goodenow to be part of that top five. Only 32 seconds separated those four in the state meet. Getting two more runners under 16-minutes this season as well as staying within 25 seconds of McIntyre could mean big things for this team.
5 El Paso-Gridley 2017 Finish – 13th, 1A State Coach – Michael Mellick Top Runners – Noah Smith SR (48, 15:56), Bo Halverson SR (68, 16:06), Mason Ringger SO (113, 16:43), Matt Ingalsbe JR (121, 16:50), Nathan DeMarb SO (144, 17:04), Will Bushert SR (167, 17:28), Sebastian Meyer SO (173, 17:33), Zach Nelson JR, Aidan Killian JR, Brett Endress JR, Soren Halvorson SO. Preview – With 1A Boys wide-open this fall, it could be El Paso-Gridley that claims the top spot at the end of the season. All seven runners are back from the 2017 team that finished 13th overall. Noah Smith was the top runner for the team last year and is ready to have a breakout fall according to coach Michael Mellick. Bo Halvorson was within 8 to 10 seconds of Smith at the end of the year and could be right by his side in 2018. Two sophomores, Mason Ringger and Nathan DeMarb, and a junior, Matt Ingalsbe, give the team a strong pack behind Smith/Halverson. A strong freshman group led by Asa Smith and Noah Ludy could make this team stronger and even deeper. One big thing t watch of this team this fall is what their five-runner split will be at. Their split in the sectional race when they finished fifth at Elmwood was 60 seconds. That split was 68 seconds at state. The thing is that most of the other teams that were ahead of the Titans had similar splits. A key is watching Smith and Halverson in the front. The two could finish in the top 25 individually. A split near 60 seconds with those two runners in the front could get them a top three finish at Detweiller. “We return everyone, add some very talented freshmen, and everyone is stronger and healthier than last year,” Mellick said. “These boys really seem to care about each other's well-being and are a very positive group to be around. This is a special group of talented boys, and I think they are going to make a run at being better than the Hunter Cobbley-led team of 2015 that placed 7th (at State) and averaged our school-record best 16:03 for the top five (at Peoria Heights).”
6 Tremont 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Mike Lynn Top Runners – Leland Sumer JR (20, 15:23), Dalton Petro SR, Andrew Hellrigel SR, David Smalley SR, Zach Voss SO, James Getz JR, Austin Shafer SR, Ethan Steiner JR. Preview – One of the toughest roads to state is through the Elmwood Sectional. Tremont found that out last fall finishing seventh in that sectional. Expectations for the team in 2018 are good returning six of their top seven from that sectional team. Leland Sumer did advance to state and finished 20th in 2017 as a sophomore. Watch for him near the front this fall. “Leland is always motivated and driven to become the best he can be,” said his coach Mike Lynn. “The temptation to over train is more of a concern than under training.” Tremont could make it as a team to state but will need the two through five pack to close the gap. Dalton Petro should be the leader of that group. The split on the group could be as little as 25 to 30 seconds. Staying within 40 seconds of their All-State runner will be the key. “We always aim to advance to the State Meet, however, that is always a challenge since we are in the deepest sectional in the state,” added Lynn.
7 Stanford Olympia 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Mike Neisler Top Runners – Jon Neville JR, Logan Wheeler SO, Charlie Kistner SO, Jake Spaid SR, Parker Kistner JR, Alec Pfeifer SO, Chase Mayberry SO, AJ Reeser JR. Preview – The Spartans came so close to qualifying for a spot at Detweiller Park finishing sixth at the Elmwood Sectional. Coach Mike Neisler does have the nucleus of his team from last year back having their top six runners ready to go. What could make this team exciting this fall and more importantly 2019 is that five of the top six are either juniors or sophomores. Jon Neville and Logan Wheeler traded off the top spot at the end of last year and could be pushing each other to greater things. Charlie Kistner, Jake Spaid, and Parker Kistner were all part of the team’s top five last fall and could be pushing for a higher spot. “We were so close to qualifying last year - that will be the big goal,” said Neisler. “I like what this team could do this year, if all goes well, we should be a top 15 team. The season is long and there are several good teams in our sectional, so all we can do is work hard and hope for the best. However, this team could still be a year away from their best work, knowing that you never know what a year will bring, we will take as much as we can this season.” This team could be a year away from great things. However, great things could happen for this team in November considering how open this classification is. The team has the formula to get it done at state having a 56 second five-runner split in their sectional race. Moving that pack up five to ten seconds a runner keeping that type of split could mean a top five finish for Olympia.
8 Robinson 2017 Finish – 15th, 1A State Coach – Tony Cork Top Runners – Negus Bogard JR (27, 15:34; transfer from Hutsonville/Palestine), Wyatt Bonnell SR (76, 16:13), Maverick Wright JR (84, 16:17), Koty Amdahl JR (123, 16:51), Zach Butloph JR (157, 17:16), Parker Middleton SO (180, 17:40), Carter Shew SO (207, 18:53), Lucas Blumer SR, Wylie Bonnell SO, Will Hawkins SR, Conner White SO. Preview – The Maroons were projected to be a top 20 team this fall after finishing 15th in the 2017 state meet. The addition of Negus Bogard puts this team up on another level. Bogard, who transfers from Hutsonville/Palestine finished 27th at state. He qualified for all three distance events at state including a fifth-place finish in the 3200 Meter Run. Bogard should be one of the top 1A runners this fall in the state. Six other runners are back from that state team. Health will be a key since their roster is not that deep. Wyatt Bonnell and Maverick Wright lead a pack that will need to condense their split down to 45 seconds for their second through fifth runners. If that occurs, this team could contend for a top five position at state. “We should be able to field a fairly competitive team,” said Coach Tony Cork. “The addition of Negus obviously really helps us. We must stay healthy because our lack of depth is a concern.”
9 Clifton Central 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A State Coach – David Ladehoff Top Runners – Isaiah Ditta JR (39, 15:49), Jeremy Snejberg SR (52, 15:58), Trevor Swanson JR (104, 16:34), Blake Stua JR (131, 16:57), Jarod Snejberg JR (143, 17:03), Caleb Kent SR (190, 17:57), Caden Chamness JR (191, 18:00), Dominic Panozzo SR, Travis Felchlia SR, Nick Panozzo JR. Preview – A team that could be a surprise among the top five teams at the end of the year. The Comets return all their top seven runners from last fall’s 11th place state team. Isaiah Ditta and Jeremy Snejberg give Central a solid top two in the front. The two were only separated by nine seconds last November at Detweiller. Both could threaten for top 25 state finishes. The three runners behind their front pack, led by Trevor Swanson, ran within 29 seconds of each other at state. That group needs to close the gap by 15 seconds to make this a state trophy team. The Comets had a 74 second split on five in the state race. That can’t happen this year if they want to contend for a trophy.
10 Toledo Cumberland 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Jim Miller Top Runners – Kort McClellan SR (29, 15:37), Blake Sutherland JR, Michael Carpenter JR, Rayce Zike SO, Logan Edwards SO, Nick Dill JR, Joel Heynen JR. Preview – The Pirates could be a team that takes the next step up. Cumberland finished sixth in the Carlinville Sectional. They return five of their first six runners. Kort McClellan earned all-state honors as a sophomore finishing 12th in 2016. He dropped back to 29th last fall. Expect him to be one of the top 25 individually at state. Blake Sutherland leads a pack that will need to get a handle on their top five split. It was 112 seconds on five in the sectional race. That needs to come down this season to under 90 seconds.
11 Elmwood-Brimfield 2017 Finish – 1A State Champions Coach – Gregg Meyers Top Runners – Luke Hoffmann (60, 16:03), Jacob Brown SR (93, 16:27), Logan Whitney SR (138, 16:59), Eli Stevenson SO (155, 17:14), Griff Inskeep SR, Cory Alcaraz SO, Victor Lamp SO, Eli McKinty JR, Tyler Sheridan SO, Thomas Adkins JR, Blake Rosenbohm SO. Preview – The 1A champions in 2017 could have a tough road early this season. The Trojans lose two All-State runners to graduation and return four of their top seven. Finding a leader in races will be one of the things that Coach Gregg Meyers will be looking for. Luke Hoffmann, only a sophomore, is the top returnee from 2017 having finished 60th at state. Development of the pack behind Hoffmann will be something to watch with seniors Jacob Brown and Logan Whitney leading the group. The addition of Griff Inskeep will also help. Inskeep has been part of the Trojans’ 3200 Meter Relay the past three years while playing golf in the fall. This fall, cross-country will be his concentration. “All we want to do is compete in every race and improve as much as possible over the season,” Meyers said. “We would like to put ourselves in a position at the end of the year to make other teams nervous.” Elmwood has that tradition of making other teams nervous especially around the state series time. The addition of Inskeep will be a plus but the development of their pack behind Hoffmann will be something to watch. If their team split can get under 70 seconds with Hoffmann near the front in races by they get to the state series, other teams again should get nervous.
12 Deer Creek-Mackinaw 2017 Finish – 5th, 1A State Coach – Sam Ingram Top Runners – Colby Johnson JR (54, 16:01), John Blumeyer SO (63, 16:04), John Carnicle SR (73, 16:11), Jacob Henderson SR (149, 17:09), Tyler Spurlock SO, Tayte Albritton FR, Kolin Wilkins SO, Ben Sanders SO, Garrett Forrest JR, Dade Wilson JR. Preview – Four runners are back from last year’s fifth-place state team. Colby Johnson and John Blumeyer will look to be the front runner on this team replacing graduated Gary Cates. John Carnicle, who was the team’s second runner at sectionals and fourth at state was close to Johnson/Blumeyer and gives Dee-Mack a strong top three. Jacob Henderson will be one of three runners that will fight for the fourth spot. Tyler Spurlock and freshman Tayte Albritton will also go after top five spots giving this squad a little depth. “We had some really strong numbers out for most of the summer, especially among our middle-pack runners and freshmen,” Coach Sam Ingram said. “I think that will translate into some upsets and PR's once we get into meets this season.” Dee-Mack has finished tenth and fifth in the past two seasons and could get into the top ten for a third time. A split on five under 60 seconds and finding a runner that could possibly be a top 40 runner at state could get this team back to state.
13 Seneca 2017 Finish – 17th, 1A State Coach – Kim Foster Top Runners – Christopher Collet SR (10, 15:12), Ben Krause JR (92, 16:27), Wyatt Baldouf SR (117, 16:49), Billy Glasscock SO (135, 16:59), Brendan Stroud SO (175, 17:37), Noah Petty SO (200, 18:18), Joey Thomas SR (202, 18:35), Trevor Till JR, Levi Maierhofer SO, Trey Thorsen JR. Preview – The Irish should improve on their 17th place finish at state from a year ago. All their state runners are back. It does help that you have a quality runner like Christopher Collet leading the way. Collet finished the season placing 10th as junior at state. He will contend for the 1A state title this November. A question mark could be their second runner Ben Krause who is still recovering from a stress fracture in his tibia that he got during the track season. He missed all summer of training. Billy Glasscock had a good summer of training and could step into the second spot along with Wyatt Baldouf. Krause possibly missing sometime this fall gives this team a big gap in their pack. They will get the low number from Collet in the front. The Irish will need a 120 second split on the five: 60 seconds from Collet and the pack and the pack within 60 seconds of each other. Getting Krause back in there will be a plus. “With this being Christopher's last season with us, I’m really hoping we can make the most of it,” said their Coach Kim Foster. “Christopher should be top 10 or better this year. The boys are excited and we all know what potential we have as a team come November if they work hard and follow the training plan.”
14 Rock Falls 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Mark Truesdell Top Runners – Dawson Smith JR (15, 15:17), Matt Laws SR (36, 15:44), Devon Parker JR, Javier DeLaTorre SR, Alvaro Hernandez JR, Cameron Gonzalez SR, Noah Schueler JR, Lane Near SO, Bud Hillard SO. Preview – A team that we should see in Detweiller in November. The Rockets have a strong 1-2 punch back with Dawson Smith and Mark Laws. Smith was All-State last fall placing 15th. He should be one of the top runners this fall in 1A. Laws finished 36th at state and should join Smith in the top 25. Four other runners are back with Smith and Laws on the team that finished seventh at the Oregon Sectional missing state by three points. Javier DeLaTorre and Devon Parker lead that group. Getting their three to six runners within 60 seconds of each other and within 50 seconds of Laws could be the formula to get the Rockets to the state meet. “We know that Rockford Christian and Marengo being bumped up to 2A is an opportunity to capitalize on,” said Coach Mark Truesdell. “Missing out on qualifying for state as a team last year by 3 points was not fun.”
15 Eureka 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Olivia Morris Top Runners – Kyle Johnson SR (35, 15:44), Jack Cook JR, Alex Henold SR, Eli Steinbeck SR, Mitchell Danner SO, Connor Standish SR, Cade Walder SO, Kurt Henrichsen SR, Patrick Donovan SR, Luke Albertson JR. Preview – Eureka could take the next step up the mountain to the state meet this fall. The Hornets missed that chance last fall finished eighth in the Elmwood Sectional. It should be just as tough to advance this season. Having all of your top seven returning makes those chances good. Kyle Johnson qualified individually placing 35th. A good summer of training for Johnson could put him in the top 20 individually. Jack Cook and Alex Henold lead the pack that will need to stay within 20 seconds of each other. Keeping their split off Johnson at or under 60 seconds also will help them get that state berth. “A major goal we have for our guys this season is doing all the little and big things to get the team to the state meet in November,” Coach Olivia Morris said. One of those little things will be cutting down their split on five.
16 Steeleville 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Neal Haerting Top Runners – Logan Fulkerson JR (90, 16:25), Gavin Conway SR (127, 16:55), AJ Stearns SR, David Coleman SO, Connor Warhausen SR, Owen Gross SR, Ray Dagner SO, Luke Bartens JR. Preview – It was heartbreaking last fall for Steeleville as they finished sixth at the Benton Sectional missing a trip to the state meet by two points. The Warriors could be one of the top 1A teams in the southern portion of the state as they have six of their top seven back ready to finish their mission. Logan Fulkerson and Gavin Conway both advanced to state individually with Fulkerson finishing the way in 90th. Both runners could place in the top 40 this November. AJ Stearns just missed the opportunity of a state run but did run between five to ten seconds behind Conway at the end of the year. Stearns getting closer to the front makes this team that more dangerous. Work will need to be done on their pack behind their top three. It was almost 60 seconds behind Stearns. Getting to within 30 seconds of the front pack will be a plus.
17 Lawrenceville 2017 Finish – 18th, 1A State Coach – Bill Bandy/John Christy Top Runners – Blaine Hesler SR (88, 16:23), Cole Sumner SR (122, 16:51), Conner McKinney SR (139, 17:00), James Burk JR (179, 17:40), Colin Benson JR (205, 18:43), Kameron Hill SR, Trevor Parker JR. Preview – Lawrenceville made the leap to the next level last fall finishing fifth at the Carlinville Sectional and then 18th at the state meet. They will miss their top runner Max Smigiel who graduated last spring. There are five runners back looking to repeat that state experience. Blaine Hester, the team’s second runner a year ago, should step into the top spot. Cole Sumner and Conner McKinney will be in the pack with hopes of moving closer to their front runner. The split at state on their top five was 94 seconds. That time will need to come down. Development of runners behind their five returnees will also be a key since there is not that much depth on this squad.
18 Benton 2017 Finish – 22nd, 1A State Coach – Brent McLain Top Runners – Joey Sample JR (115, 16:46), Avery Potter SR (137, 16:59), Brady Gischer JR (141, 17:01), Ethan Krieger SR (161, 17:21), Parker Sieveking SO (162, 17:23), Kaden Beadle SO (166, 17:26), Mason Wills SR. Chase Owens FR. Preview – Benton only lost one runner from the team that made it state finishing 22nd. The hope is on this squad to make the trip back. Moving their pack closer to the front will be one of the things that needs to be done. Joey Sample is the top runner back and he finished 115th. Their top five dropping times by 20 seconds per runner from last year could get this team into the top 15. The addition of Mason Wills, who missed last year due to mono but was in their top five in 2016, and freshman Chase Owens could get this team to the next level according to Coach Brent McLain.
19 McLeansboro Hamilton County 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Sam Wilson Top Runners – Kaden Richards JR, Hunter Braden SR, Theron Smith JR, Adam Wellen JR, Colin Meade SR. Preview – Another team from the Benton Sectional that could get into the sectional top five this fall after finishing ninth in 2017. Kaden Richards should again be the top runner on this team. The potential is there to get this team to the state meet. Moving the pack up and keeping their split under 45 seconds on five would be a start.
20 St. Joseph-Ogden 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A State Coach – Jason Retz Top Runners – Isiah McCune SR (51, 15:57), Kaleb Harshbarger SR (124, 16:52), Brandon Mattsey SO (133, 16:58), Cailer Kallenberger SO (184, 17:46), Eric Poe JR, Lukas Hutcherson SO, Teddy Pettit JR, Gabe Preston SO, Adam Porter SR, Liam Davis SR, Joshua Sexton JR, Luke Stegall FR, Charlie Mabry FR, Braden Clampit FR. Preview – A top ten finish could be in the cards for the Spartans this fall after placing sixth in 2017. It could take a little to get to that point having graduated their top two runners and returning four from that state team. “After finishing 6th last year, we are a young team,” Coach Jason Retz said. “The team you see in the middle of August will not be the team you see in the middle of October.” Isiah McCune will be the team’s top runner this fall and could make it into the top 25 individually. Brandon Mattsey had a good summer of training which could be the “click” point to greater things for the sophomore according to Retz. Eric Poe and Lukas Hutcherson have only run track and should be in the top seven this fall according to their coach. There is a good freshman group entering the school this fall that could be difference makers in the future with perhaps one of the frosh making it into the top seven by the state series. Retz does a great job developing team culture and runners. The Spartans may start in the 20’s in September but expect another state appearance for this program.
21 Rock Island Alleman 2017 Finish – 7th, 2A Normal University Sectional Coach – Scott Stoll Top Runners – Aaron Mickelson SR, Tony VanDewalle JR, Pierre Azar SR, Gage Mowery SO, Michael Turner SO, Diego Portillo SO, Joe Weaver JR, John Nonemmann SO, Mark McKnight SR. Preview – The Pioneers have been in 2A for the past four years due to the success multiplier of the IHSA. Alleman almost made it to state last fall in 2A placing seventh in their sectional. They will miss All-State runner Spencer Smith who graduated. Four runners are back from last year’s sectional team led by Aaron Mickelson and Tony VanDewalle. The two were only separated by 20 seconds in the sectional race. The spread on their top five could be close to 110 seconds to start the season. Lowering that to 70 seconds could get the Pioneers to state. “Our goal is to repeat as Western Big 6 Conf champs (and 6 of the last 7 seasons), and advance out of our 1A Sectional,” Alleman Coach Scott Stoll said.
22 Effingham St. Anthony 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Eric Zeller Top Runners – Brian Dust SO, Walsh Kennon SO, Noah Tegeler SO, Ty Wiedman SO, Drew Dust SO, Austin Faber SO, Ollie Kingery SR, Caleb Schwing SO, James Schuette SO. Preview – One of the surprise teams in 1A this fall could be St. Anthony. The Bulldogs finished 10th at the Carlinville Sectional with freshmen comprising of their entire top seven. This team is one year older and could get the experience to run at state. Brian Durst was the top runner at the end of last year and should be their top gun with a possibility of qualifying individually. A plus for the team last season was keeping their top five split at 42 seconds in their regional and 58 seconds at sectionals. Keeping that split at that point or getting the pack closer could be a big thing at the end of the year getting this squad to Detweiller Park.
23 Marshall 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Ryan Arthur Top Runners – Dylan Stilwell SO, Gage Fraser SR, Ben Ross SO, Conner Sanzenbacker SR, Wilson Burress SR, Trevor Maynard SR, Jon Green JR, Daniel Tungley SO, Leighton Beltz SO. Preview – Another team that would not surprise me if they made it as one of the 25 teams at the state meet. Moving their top seven closer to the front in races will be something to watch. Marshall finished 11th at the Carlinville with six runners returning. Conner Sanzenbacker was the team’s second runner most of the year up until sectionals and Dylan Stilwell who was the team’s second runner at sectionals will lead this team. The team will have a tight pack at or under 40 seconds this year. The team showing more confidence from their experience moving closer to the front in races could get the Lions to the state meet.
24 Sterling Newman Catholic 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A State Coach – Patrick Warkins Top Runners – Spencer Mauch SR (22, 15:24), Shay Hafner SR (41, 15:50), Ben Sheats JR (126, 16:54), Noah Welty SO (181, 17:41), Antonio Gassman SO, John Craft FR, Connor Simpson FR. Preview – It will be interesting to watch this squad the first month of the season and see how their young runners develop. The Comets do return four from their state meet team that finished 12th last November. Spencer Mauch was All-State in 2017 with Shay Hafner placing 41st. “Both Spencer and Shay have been running strong this summer. They have ramped up their mileage from last summer and both appear to be much stronger,” said Newman Catholic Coach Patrick Warkins. “Results from Detweiller at Dark show that they are close to what they ran at the state meet last year. Both are great leaders. They should have great seasons based on what they have shown this summer.” The development of the rest of the top seven will be a key as well as staying healthy. This roster is not that deep. Freshmen John Craft and Connor Simpson are good bets to make the top five. “I am still hopeful that the boys can return to the state meet again this year, but it will heavily depend on how well the freshman step up. I think the is great potential there,” Warkins said.
25 Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2017 Finish – 20th, 1A State Coach – Dustin Franckey Top Runners – Alec St. Julien SR (116, 16:48), Trevor Morse JR (145, 17:05), Eric Reck SR (151, 17:11), Jordan Giese SR (153, 17:12), Nik Schanabel JR (154, 17:13), Ashton Goss SO, Paul Cleary SO, Sam Penicock JR, Jarrett Hazelwood SO, Nathan Kottke SO. Preview – Chances are good that the Panthers make it back to the state meet especially if they are again assigned to the Lisle Sectional. Five runners are back from the 20th-place state meet team. This team could again have a tight pack. It was only 25 seconds behind graduated Kody Harrison. Who will step up as the top runner for this team? The bet is that Alec St. Julien or Trevor Morse could be in that top spot. Keeping the pack tight is must. Moving that pack closer to the front in races could secure a top ten finish in the state meet.
Next 1A Boys 15 Teams
Woodstock Marian Central Catholic 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Dawn Hines Top Runners – Ryan Jones JR (32, 15:41), Peter Walsdorf SO, Andrew Pascente JR, Derek Lee SR, Spencer Hines SR, Angel Vences SO, Ben Reuter JR, Nicolaus Shepard SR, Gage Finke SR, Luke Moreland JR, Alex Hardt JR. Preview – This could be a surprise team in the Oregon Sectional especially with state qualifying teams Rockford Christian and Marengo now moved up to 2A. The top five are back for the Hurricanes that finished 10th in their sectional. Ryan Jones is a potential top 25 finisher having placed 33rd last fall. The team’s split from their second to fifth runner was close to two minutes in their sectional race. Cutting that split in half could move them into the top five in their sectional.
Williamsville 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Tyler Casson Top Runners – Evan Horn JR, Nathan Clack JR, Chase Law SR, Keaton Hill JR, Jake Reed SO, Alex Henrikson SR, Nathan Hidlebaugh SO, Jack Sender JR, Micah Weiss SO. Preview – It could be a tough road for the Bullets if the Elmwood Sectional is as loaded as it was in 2017. Four runners are back from their ninth-place sectional team. Williamsville did lose their second and third runner to graduation but do have four runners back. Ryan Horn leads the way as the team’s top runner and could qualify for the state meet individually. Work will need to be pack behind him which could be close to 90 seconds behind Horn.
Winnebago 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Joe & Janet Erb Preview – Devin Tervelt SR, Tyler Hendrickson SR, Chase Upmann SR, Davy Lyons SO, Brady Doyle JR, Ethan Hendrickson SO, Andrew McGee JR, Robert McCarty SR. Preview – Devin Tervelt leads four other runners back for the Indians that finished eighth in the Oregon Sectional last season. Tyler Hendrickson leads the pack behind Tervelt that have the talent to make it back as a team.
Vienna 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Jon Wilhelm Top Runners – Travis Woodworth JR, Loren Webb SR, Justin Casey SR, Josh Cherry SO, Matthew Johnson SO, Cody Johnson JR. Preview – The Eagles could be a surprise in the Benton Sectional as they were a year ago. Vienna comes off a tenth-place sectional finish returning six from that team. Travis Woodworth is a solid top runner for his team that will need to keep a 60 to 63 second five runner split to move up the sectional rankings.
Tuscola 2017 Finish – 8th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Dustin Dees Top Runners – Noah Woods SR, Mason Day JR, JD Barrett SR, Jordan Middleton SR, Jake Dyer SO, Nicholas Woods JR, Marcus Holmes JR, Logan Wallace FR. Preview – Tuscola could be in the mix for a top five finish in their sectional. The Warriors placed eighth in the Carlinville Sectional last October with five runners back from that team. Noah Woods was the team’s second runner last fall and should be the squad’s #1 runner in 2018. The most improved runner on the squad could be JD Barnett according to Coach Dustin Dees. “He has worked his tail off this summer,” Dees said. “If you look at where he started his Sophomore year to right now as a Senior, it's almost unbelievable, this young man was running a 30-minute 3 mile and has been posting 5K's in the 16's this summer. He has worked extremely hard and it has been showing. We are super excited to see what he can do this year.” Just like most of the other teams that would like to contend for a state berth, cutting their split on five down is a key. Same this year for Tuscola. 60 to 65 seconds in their top five with Woods and Barrett closer to the front makes this team on the border of making it to state.
Carlinville 2017 Finish – 14th, 1A State Coach – Charles Helton Top Runners – Bailey Lippold SR (99, 16:33), Briley Roper JR (152, 17:12), Cole Williams JR (170, 17:31), Jacob Landon SR, Dustin Roberts SO, Max Wilson SO, Cameron Strubbe SO, Colin Kreipe FR, Jake Petrovich FR, Trevor Kroeschel FR. Preview – This could be a rebuilding year for the Cavaliers with only three back from their 14th-place state team. Bailey Lippold should step up to be the team’s top runner. “I always seem to have high expectations as I see the abilities in these young men,” Coach Charles Helton said. “I would like to improve on our position at state from last year. However, we do not have the depth to allow for injury or someone under performing at a crucial meet like the state or sectional meet.” Development of the pack behind the three returnees will be a key. Expect Jacob Landon, Dustin Roberts, or a group of freshmen led by Colin Kreipe to step up.
Aurora Central Catholic 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Troy Kerber Top Runners – Kennedy Cross SR, Tony LoPresti JR, Jacob Montelongo SR, Damon Becker SR, Tony Cepeda SR, Robbie McCarty SR, Sam Woody JR, Max Meyer SO, Patrick Englehardt SO, Jared Horsfall JR. Preview – It was an up and down season for the Chargers that culminated in an 11th place finish at the Oregon Sectional. Six runners are back from that team led by Kennedy Cross and Tony LoPresti. The five-runner split for the team went from 93 seconds in their conference race to 78 seconds in the sectional race. That needs to come down even more if ACC wants to contend for a state meet berth. “The team dynamic is projecting as a strong pack team, and we need to keep bringing that pack more to the front,” If the team is hungry this season, they could have a special year! It may take some time to formulate, and the verdict is out, as to how good this team could be at the end of the year! We have won our Metro Suburban West conference the last two years on the lower level, so it’s time to show what we can do on the varsity level.’
Pontiac 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Mike Lucas Top Runners – Josh Davies SR, Jack Fogarty SR, Carson Gregory JR, Ethan Schikel SO, Leighton Gerdes JR, Frank Smith SR, Tucker Riordan JR, Kevin Sennott JR, Noah Parra JR, Darion Smith JR, Paul Giordano SO. Preview – Pontiac could make a run for a state qualifying berth in 2018. The Indians have six back from their sectional team that finished sixth and missed the state trip by only two points. Josh Davies gives Pontiac strong runner in the front with Jack Fogarty leading the pack. The team had a top 46 second split on five in their sectional race. Due to graduation, that split could be close to 70 seconds in 2018. A concentration of that “team togetherness” from their second through fifth runners could get this team to state.
Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central 2017 Finish – 10th, 1A State Coach – Dennis Fraikes Top Runners – Elias Bergman JR (47, 15:55), Collin Eisenbarth SO (134, 16:59), Arthur Harris SR (172, 17:32), Jacob Quinn JR (201, 18:24), Patrick Stanley SR (208, 19:01), Luke Liechty SO, Josh Ross SO. Preview – It is a heavy loss with the graduation of Owen Haberger who finished 14th last fall and led the team to a tenth-place state finish. The Grey Ghosts could make it back to the startling at Detweiller with five runners back from that state team. Elias Bergman should step into the top spot and could be a top 25 individual finisher. The back behind Bergman could be a concern with a two-minute split possible on the four runners and possibly 45 to 50 seconds behind Bergman.
Waterloo Gibault Catholic 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Russ Hart Top Runners – Elgin Scherff SR, Liam Brauer SR, Cole Warden JR, Josh Eichholz JR, Austin Gertersen SR, Ben Gula SR, Jacob Muehler JR, Seth Berenz SR. Preview – The Hawks could climb into the top ten of their sectional with five runners returning from their 12th-place sectional squad. Expect Elgin Scherff and Liam Brauer to again be the top runners for this team.
Niles Northridge Prep 2017 Finish – 6th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Mike Egle Top Runners – Andrew Brockmeier SO, Dan Gomez JR, Brian Walsh SR, Aidan Martin SO, Anthony Vasquez SO, Michael Perona JR, Jack Costanzo SO, Nathan Gomez JR. Preview – The Knights came close to making the trip to Peoria placing sixth at the Lisle Sectional. The team has sixth back from that team with Andrew Brockmeier leading the way. The addition of Aidan Dunaway from the track team could be a plus. Dunaway ran 2:01 for 800-meters last spring. “Our sectional will be tough this year,” Coach Mike Egle said. “Most teams have most of their key runners back, so it will be a fun.” Northridge Prep keeping their five-runner split could get the Knights out of the Lisle Sectional.
Roxana 2017 Finish – 17th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Scott Edwards Top Runners – Cree Stumpf SR, Jarrett Warmack SR, Kaleb St. Cyr SO, Carlos Ruvalcaba SO, David Akeman SR, Douglas Johnson JR, Mark Vangprachahn SR, Isaac Lewis JR, Matthew Olbert SO, Zach Frey SR. Preview – Watch for this team to take a giant jump up the rankings in 2018 from the 17th-place finish from last fall’s Carlinville Sectional. All seven runners are back from that team with Cree Stumpf leading the way. The split on their top five was close to three minutes in their sectional race. Stumpf has the chance of making it to state individually. Cutting their split in half to under 90 seconds could get the Shells into the top half of their sectional.
Herscher 2017 Finish – 24th, 1A State Coach – Rick Livesey Top Runners – Tyler Howard JR (46, 15:55), Kamden Lockwood SO (165, 17:26), Trevor Stutz SO (178, 17:38), Nick Bushey SR (189, 17:55), Connor Jaffe SO (197, 18:12), Drew Rogers FR, Luke Johnson SR, Domonic Mascolo SO, Andrew Jackubowski JR. Preview – This young team could make a return trip back to the state meet. The Tigers finished 24th at state returning four of their top five runners. Tyler Howard should again be Herscher’s top runner possibly finishing individually in the top 25 at state. The split between Howard and the rest of the pack at state was 93 seconds. Freshman Drew Rogers could bridge that gap. Rogers finished fourth in the IESA 2A State Meet last fall and then won the 1600 Meter Run running 4:38.34. Herscher will need to keep their five-runner split under 90 seconds in their sectional race. Five underclassmen should be in the top seven at least. This team could be extra tough in 2019.
Glen Carbon Father McGivney 2017 Finish – 9th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – James Helton Top Runners – Zachary Brasel JR, Elijah Burns SR, Tyler Guthrie SO, Brandon Arhing SO, Tanner Fox SO, Noah Beltramea SO. Preview – 2017 was the first year that Father McGivney competed in cross-country on the IHSA resulting in a ninth-place finish at the Carlinville Sectional. The loss of their top runner Ross Bushur who finished 33rd at state but transferred and fourth-runner Diego Pacheco who will play soccer this fall hurts this squad. The talent, however, is there to match their sectional performance of a year ago. “With a lot of youth, it was important to build good summer habits, and I believe we did so with several members of our team.,” said Coach James Helton. Elijah Burns could be one of their top runners having qualified for state last spring in the 3200 Meter Run. Zach Brasel was the team’s second-runner last fall and has emerged as the team’s leader on and off the course according to Helton. This team is young with Burns the only senior on the squad. Their scheduled changed dramatically to help this squad in this transition. Their first two race at FTTF/Edwardsville on August 25 and FTTF/Peoria on September 8 will give us an indication what kind of season 2018 will be for the Griffins.
1A Boys Team to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Champaign St. Thomas More 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Top Runners – Ian Clapper JR, AJ Wrobel JR, Jace Carpenter SR, Will Moore SO, Noah Anayd SO, Eric Pollard FR, Jack Williamson FR. Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Sabers after they lost Michael Lee to graduation, projected #1 runner Dominic Magrini due to health issues, and Ian Miller who transferred. Ian Clapper and AJ Wrobel had a good summer of training and should be the team’s top runners. “The boys have an uphill climb this year with few bodies to work with (currently only 7 on the active roster),” said Coach Andrew Wszalek. “They will need to run and work as a tight unit to better themselves with a tentative eye toward next year.”
Elmhurst Timothy Christian 2017 Finish – 21st, 1A State Coach – Dick Zylstra Top Runners – Clint Fincher SR (65, 16:04), Caleb Mitchell JR (91, 16:26), Alex Oldenburger SR (185, 17:46), Noah Bozanson SR (206, 18:43), Tristan Iwema JR (209, 19:12), Daniel Winston SR, Harry Jarzombeck JR. Preview – Timothy Christian looks to make a repeat trip to state after finishing 21st a year ago. The Trojans return three of their top four as well as having five back from the top seven. Clint Fincher and Caleb Mitchell both finished in the top 100 last November at Detweiller and could finish in the top 50 in 2018. Work will need to be done on the pack behind Mitchell. A gap of 80 seconds or greater could hold Timothy Christian out of a state meet return.
Fairfield 2017 Finish – 15th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Justin Sanders Top Runners – Jayzale O’Neal SR, Cody Todd SR, Austin Schuster SO, Jacob Britt SO, Michael Harvey SR, Cole Clark SR, Lucas Halbert SO, Aaron Walker SR. Preview – A team that could make some noise in the Benton Sectional after placing 15th in 2017. Six runners return from last year’s top seven led by Jayzale O’Neal and Cody Todd. Shin splints slowed down Cole Clark all last season. He is now 100% healthy and could join the front pack. “We want to win the Black Diamond Conference. We feel like we have a great opportunity this year,” Coach Justin Sanders said. “We know Hamilton County will be very strong, and Vienna will be completive as well. But we are confident in who we have. Top 3 in our regional and just be competitive at sectional would be realistic.”
Hutsonville/Palestine 2017 Finish – 16th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Caleb Will Top Runners – Nathan More SR, Adam Pickering JR, Chase Knoblett SR, Blaine Beabout SO, Evan Holsher SR, Josiah Gillaspy JR, Blaize Dedrick SO. Preview – It could be a tough go of it to reach the top ten in their sectional especially without top runner Negus Bogard transferring to Robinson. Five runners return led by Nathan More. “Our goal for the season is to stay on pace as we were last year,” Coach Caleb Will said. “Since Negus is no longer with us, my younger guys are expected to step up in times, so we can place similarly as last year. I think it is very possible and achievable with the small core of kids that are on the team. Working with two high schools that each have roughly 100 students is tough, but those on the team are dedicated and ready to work.”
Macomb 2017 Finish – 15th, 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Randy Ames Top Runners – Dakota Shepler SR, Karem Tasdan JR, Stan Melkumian SO, Jalen Carter JR, Noah La Prad SO, Brooks Wallace JR, Ryan Ames SO, Micah Ramos SO, Noah Mercer SO, Cameron Trost SO. Preview – Five runners are back for the Bombers with hopes of finishing better than last year’s 15th-place sectional finish. Dakota Shepler looks to be the team’s top runner followed by underclassmen Karem Tasdan and Stan Melkumian. Bettering their 2017 finish is a good possibility.
Melrose Park Walther Christian 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Paul Goffron Top Runners – Darryl Norwood JR, Jacob Czubernet JR, Julio Padilla SR, Nathaniel Nunez SR, Quang Dang JR, Rafael Serpico SR, Xavier Skinner SR, Lars Viise SO, Aaron Rieger SO. Preview – The Broncos came close to a state meet appearance placing seventh at the Lisle Sectional. Chances are good that they travel south to Peoria in November especially with five runners back. Darryl Norwood and Jacob Czubenet need to get closer together in races this fall to secure lower points from being in the front. Their top five split is projected to be near 95 seconds. Lowering that split betters their chances for a state meet trip.
Nashville 2017 Finish – 7th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Jean Orr Top Runners – Gavin Love JR, London Davis SR, Evan Anderson SR, Nicholas Orr SR, Derek Baugh JR, Gabriel Fieber SO. Preview – Gavin Love is one of five returnees for Nashville this fall from the team that finished seventh in their sectional race. We could see Love at state individually. Their top five spread is projected to be close to two minutes. The talent is there to shrink that gap to improve on their sectional performance. A state meet trip is not out of their reach.
Neoga 2017 Finish – 14th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Tim Mueller Top Runners – Reece Johnson SO, Trevor Roy JR, Brayden Cox SO, Michael Dietz JR, Blake Fairbanks JR, Logan Dow SO. Preview – Neoga will look to better their 2017 14th place sectional finish. They return their top three runners from that team led by Reece Johnson. The sophomore was the team’s top runner as a freshman and could push for a state meet appearance this fall. Their split on the top five could be huge (perhaps three minutes). Work will need to be done on that to improve on their sectional finish.
Red Bud 2017 Finish – 11th, 1A Benton Sectional Coach – Bob Ashley Top Runners – Alex Sievers SR, Edward Miller JR, Josh Birke JR, Brandon Voss SO, Jack Simpson SR, Matthew Nunn JR, Logan Schoenbeck JR. Preview – Red Bud lost their top two runners due to graduation. They do return four runners from that team led by Alex Sievers. The Musketeers could have their top three runners within 20 second of each other. Finding fourth and fifth runners that are within 40 seconds of their top runners will be something needed by the time they get to the state series.
Tolono Unity 2017 Finish – 12th, 1A Carlinville Sectional Coach – Thomas Mathis Top Runners – Cameron Woodard SR (58, 16:03), Jarrett Cox SO, Connor O’Donnell SO, Derek Dayton JR, Brian Hernandez SR, Noah Baxley JR. Preview – Cameron Woodard made it to state last year individually placing 58th. Woodard lead the Rockets to a hopeful sectional top five finish with their top four coming back. Sophomores Jarrett Cox and Connor O’Donnell could push Woodard by the time Unity gets to the state series. Their pack needs to be closer together to get this team in contention for a state meet appearance. More news |
