With the “Big Three” graduated, Brady steps up to top spot

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

Photo – Tommy Brady finishing third at last fall’s 3A State Meet (Laura Duffy Photo)

 

It was hard to say goodbye last June to All-Americans like Danny Kilrea, Dylan Jacobs, and Clayton Mendez who have run into the high school sunset and into their next challenges on the collegiate level.

Say hello to the next group of Illinois runners this fall that will use the inspiration of what those three provided and use it in their races this fall.

The door opened a little wider during the summer as two of last year’s top ten runners at Detweiller, Zach Kinne and Josh Rodgers, will not be back. Both runners moved out of state with their families. Nevertheless, it does not change the fact that eyes would have been on Tommy Brady to start the season anyhow.

The Maine South senior starts his final high school campaign as the top runner returning from last year’s state meet at Detweiller Park. Brady also finished third in the 3200 Meter Run last May in Charleston.

The 2018 Cross Country season could be deeper in talent than in previous seasons. Josh Methner of Hersey finished fourth behind Brady in the 3200 and has the talent to challenge for the 3A state title. Thomas Shilgalis of Naperville Central did not have the strongest of seasons last fall but his great track season shows he could be a runner to watch in the front.

It is so deep that are runner like Brett Gardner of Lincoln-Way East, who was not included in this preview, could finish in the top five this fall. He finished 75^th in last year’s state meet, bit did run 9:11.95 for 3200-meters on the track last spring.

This is the “Grand-Canyon” of talent in the 3A classification. There is not one runner that you could exclude from consideration when we head into the state series.

Here is a look at some of the top runners that you can expect to see in the front this fall.

 

1 – Tommy Brady

SR – Park Ridge Maine South

Notes – After his race at Magis Miles in June, Tommy Brady commented that he did not know how to race by himself and that was something that he needed to work on. Brady could be running solo in some of these races this fall considering he will be the runner with the “bulls-eye” on his back. Brady took the next step up during his junior season starting with cross-country last fall. He is the top returning runner from last year’s state meet in which he ran 14:29 to finish third. That was after he finished second to Clayton Mendez the week before at the 3A Lake Park Sectional. Brady ran under 9:10 three times last spring in the 3200 Meter Run. He ran a personal best 9:06.13 to finish third in the 3A State Finals. He finished eighth in that event his sophomore season in 2016. Tommy’s personal best in the 1600 Meter Run came in 2016 when he ran 4:18.71 at Magis Miles.

He enters the season as the favorite. His experience during the junior year will be a difference maker in this campaign.

“Tommy was disappointed to hear about the transfer out of the state of Zack Kinne. However, there will to be a plenty of competition to replace Kinne and Tommy is looking forward to those challenges,” said his coach Greg Nordahl. “His summer has gone well. Early on he had some knee tendinitis but that has subsided, and his training resumed in full.  Our training does not really involve an increase in volume for the runners as they progress but rather in the pace intensity. Tommy has been hitting the times that are on track with his progression from track and cross-country last season. He has been supplementing with a lot of cross-training to be able to keep his training injury free.  I know he feels pressure this season, but our expectations are top 5 in state and a good post-season. Tommy’s greatest strength is his fiercely competitive nature which is supported by his willingness to train very hard and to do all the intangibles above and beyond just running.”

 

2 – Josh Methner

JR – Arlington Heights Hersey

Notes – The switch flipped on for Methner the week at the state meet last November when he raced at the Nike Cross Midwest Regional. The week before in the 3A State Meet, Josh ran 14:36 to finish seventh overall. That finish was after he finished second in his conference, regional, and sectional races. The NXR race was his best of the year as he finished seventh earning first team All Regional honors.

He has risen from that point especially during the track season. He ran the 3200-meters race three times outdoors. He ran under 9:14 in all three races with two races at 9:06. His win at Distance Night in Palatine was 9:06.65 included Brady who finished third. Methner finished fourth in the 3A State Meet running 9:06.88 with Brady just ahead. The two will face each other once this fall possibly at the Palatine Invitational in September. I am sure the state race on the track is something that Methner has thought about this summer preparing himself for this season culminating in November or even later into December.

“The reason Josh has been successful thus far at Hersey is because he has taken nothing for granted,” said his coach Kevin Young. “Josh knows he's talented and has embraced it, but he's matched that talent with work ethic and drive. From his parents providing him the necessary direction and motivation to his twin brother, Nick, leading by example with his thoroughness in the weight room and nutrition for recovery. Josh's direct support system is amazing. Josh possesses the drive, support, competitiveness, work ethic and talent of a champion.”

 

3 – Thomas Shilgalis

SR – Naperville Central

Notes – His cross-country season was not his best last fall. The track season was the exact opposite of that. Shilgalis did not show consistency in his cross-country races in 2017. He won the Naperville Twilight Invitational running 14:27 ahead of Zach Kinne by six seconds. 12 days later at his conference meet, Kinne won that race and was 22 seconds ahead of Shilgalis. He qualified for state with his team but finished 92^nd as the team’s third runner.

Track was different. His double in April was one of the turning points first running 1:55.95 for 800-meters and then 4:10.70 the following night finishing third at Distance Night in Palatine. He earned all-state honors finishing third in the 3A state finals in the 1600 Meter Run.  He ran the 800/1600 double again right after state. It was 1:51.81 at Festival of Miles followed by 4:14.54 the following night at Magis Miles. His season ended when he finished fifth at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in the 1-Mile Run. He ended his season as an All-American.

He looked in good shape in July when he “won” at the Detweiller at Dark meet. His confidence is high right now heading into the season ready to apply what he learned in the past year.

“Thomas has gotten comfortable with being one of the top guys in the state, and fully expects to be right in the mix for the whole thing,” said David Ashton. “The big change you asked about above seemed to occur right around Spring Break and entering the outdoor track season.  He was coming off a poor indoor DVC showing and seemed to still struggle with consistency.  Shortly after, a meeting with Thomas yielded a few important and eye-opening takeaways, which were subsequently considered.  His first outdoor race was a very smooth and comfortable 800 win in 1:55, and we knew a lot more was there.  The next night at Palatine, Thomas was really excited and really confident to race in the1600 against some of the top guys in the state.  He knew he had the fastest 800 time in the field, and this gave him even more confidence.  He went out to "just race" and have fun and finished 3rd in 4:10. This really got him rolling through State (3rd in the 1600) and post-State, culminating in the 800 we knew he could run (1:51.8), and an All-American result at New Balance by virtue of finishing 5th in the mile.  We all believe (Thomas included) that he turned a corner last spring and won't look back as he builds on that this fall.  His versatility will be a big asset this fall and that makes him tough to beat.”

 

4 – Jack Roberts

SR – Downers Grove North

Notes – Another runner that has stepped up to the next level since last fall’s cross-country season. Roberts was one of the runners on Downers Grove North’s state championship team and fourth-place finishing team at Nike Cross Nationals. Roberts was the team’s fourth runner in the 3A state race running 14:47 finishing 22^nd. His track season has made him one of the top runners heading into this season. He ran a personal best of 9:08.39 to finish second in his sectional race. The following week in the 3A state finals, Jack finished 11^th. It could be something that drove him during the summer. He also ran a personal best of 4:20.56 for 1600-meters. His Detweiller at Dark race was memorable as he looked comfortable and on pace to run 14:47 at the finish. It would have been the same time that he ran at state. He steps from being one of the pack last season to one of the top runners in the state in 2018.

“Jack has had to find his way this summer and begin to adjust to a different training environment and a different leadership role on the team,” said John Sipple. “I am very pleased with the progress he has shown in both of those areas this summer.  Jack has some large expectations for himself and the team, but I really think that they are reasonable considering his progression and his capacity to work.” 

 

5 – Rory Cavan

SR – Glen Ellyn Glenbard West

Notes – One of the top runners for the Hilltoppers in hopes of getting a trophy at Detweiller Park in November. Cavan picked up his lone invitational win in the regional championship at Wheaton North. He finished third the following week at the Lake Park Sectional followed by finishing 14^th at the 3A State Meet.  He stepped it up during track as he was part of Glenbard West’s 3200 Meter Relay that finished fourth in the 3A state finals. He did not qualify for state in an individual event. He did achieve personal bests of 1:56.60 for 800-meters, 4:17.34 for 1600-meters, and 9:28.07 for 3200-meters. His PR’s showed that he is ready for the next level. He could be one of the top five runners in 3A this season.

“Late in the track season, Rory was dealing with an illness which made things tough at the conference and sectional meets,” said his Coach Kyle Nugent. “He is a grinder, and he had an outstanding state finals running 1:56 on our 4x8, but I know he has a chip on his shoulder to have an outstanding XC season.  He has looked very good this summer and is healthy now.”

 

6 – William Hauenstein

JR – Wheaton-Warrenville South

Notes – The Tigers have so many quality runners in the front this fall. This junior could be their best. Hauenstein was the team’s top runner at state last fall when they finished third in the team standings.  His best race was at Detweiller last November when he ran 14:39 to finish 13^th. Billy put up some good track times during the spring including running 9:25.27 to qualify for state in his sectional at 3200-meters. He did not have a great race the following week running 26 seconds slower than the week before. The heat on that day was one of the reasons. Hauenstein ran a personal best of 4:25.37 for 1600-meters.

He showed that he was a money runner last fall and that should apply this season. A good team pack runner that is better in the long run. Great things are ahead of the team this fall as well as Billy.

 

7 – Stephen Moody

SR – Glen Ellyn Glenbard West

Notes - Moody showed his strength at the end of last fall finishing fourth behind his teammate Rory Cavan in the sectionals and then 18^th as the team’s second runner in the 3A State Meet with a 14:43 time. One of the reasons why Glenbard West will contend for a state title. Moody qualified for the 3200 Meter Run at the 3A State Meet. He finished 14^th in the finals. Stephen achieved a personal best of 9:08.41 when he finished fourth at Distance Night in Palatine. He also ran a personal best of 4:22.66 for 1600-meters.

“Stephen had a great track season and has developed into a much stronger runner than he was last year,” said Kyle Nugent. “He is one of the steadiest runners I’ve ever coached, as nothing seems to affect his training or racing.  Stephen had a great summer and is ready to compete at a high level this season.”

 

8 – Andrew O’Keefe

SR – Granite City

Notes – O’Keefe was sick on the day of last year’s 3A State Meet. Andrew finished 100^th in the state race running 15:28. He had earlier in the year had run 14:43 at Detweiller Park in the end of September at the Peoria Invitational. That’s not the only reason why he is being written about here. He had a good track season also. He showed he was ready for the track season running 4:19.26 indoors to win the 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times. He ran under 4:21 in his five race outdoors. People will talk about Andrew’s second place finish in the 3A State Finals ignoring the fact that the 4:11.68 that he ran proved that he could run with anyone in the state. His track season will be a boost for him this fall.

“Andrew is everything advertised and more,” said his coach Richie Skirball. “He has had an exceptional summer of training. His brother Will has been back for the summer and they along with one of my Assistants, Aaron Werths have been putting in the work. He is in a great state of mind coming off the momentum of being runner-up in the mile last year. He has never been more focused on his purpose. He had the opportunity this summer to attend the Adams St. High Altitude training camp in Alamosa, CO. What an amazing opportunity. He had some great staple workouts there that attested to where his fitness is right now. We are going to have a blast this Fall in his final tour. I believe he has the perfect combination of tools, experience, confidence and humility to be All-State and compete for a State Title this year. It's been such a blessing to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to coach Andrew.”

 

9 – Fiker Rosen

FR – Quincy

Notes – It is not too many times that a freshman will be included in this preview. Fiker Rosen is the exception to the rule as he comes in as one of the most anticipated freshman Boys runner to compete on the next level in the past decade. Rosen set all types of records in middle school. He won the IESA 2A State Title in 2016 and 2017. His 9:43.3 time on the Maxwell Park 2-Mile course broke the meet record that Illinois great and three-time state champion Jorge Torres ran when he was in middle school. He won the 13-14 age group AAU National Championships running 15:48 at McAlpine Park. The 17-18 age group winner ran 22 seconds slower. That was Rosen’s first race ever for 5-kilometers. The first of many to come over the next four years.

That is why he is mentioned here. He would have run at Quincy Notre Dame the next four years. Since the school does not have a track program, Riken will attend Quincy High School.

“He is driven,” said his middle school coach Andy Edgar. “He has the drive a coach can only dream of having. You can't coach it. He has no fear. He says if you're going to beat me, you have to beat me with your best race. So far, he hasn't had to say that. He is just uncanny when it comes down to his ability to maintain a very consistent pace. I have no doubt the transition from 2 miles to 3 miles be seamless. He’s a competitor for sure. His God given talent and sheer will should lead to success. The goal is for November, not September. I can’t wait to see what Coach McClelland does with him at the next level.”

 

10 – Sean Maison

11 – Scott Maison

SR – Wheaton-Warrenville South

Notes – The twin brothers are two of the reasons on why this team runs as a pack so well. Sean finished 32^nd running 14:55 at state. Scott ran 15:02 to finish 45^th. Both runners are good bets to be in the top 20 in November. “They have high expectations and great goals,” said their coach Chris Kuntz. “They had a great year last

year and they hope to build on it.  They also know that nothing comes easily and that nothing can be taken for granted.”

Sean Maison was all-state during the track season running 4:17.69 to finish seventh in the 1600 Meter Run in the 3A State Meet. He earlier in the year achieved a personal best of 4:16.28 for that distance. Sean also ran 9:24.41 indoors for a personal best at 3200-meters. Scott Maison ran personal bests of 9:27.96 for 3200-meters and a personal best of 4:23.7 indoors for 1600-meters.

 

12 – Samuel Rivera

     – Charlie Nevins

SR – Chicago Whitney Young

Notes – Rivera did not have the best of state meets last fall at Detweiller Park running 15:16 to finish 59^th. Nevins on the other hand finished off nicely earning all-state honors running 14:52 finishing 25^th. Rivera and Nevins were both a part of Whitney Young’s 3200 Meter Relay that qualified for the state meet. Rivera achieved personal bests of 1:55.97 for 800-meters and 4:13.47 for 1600-meters. Nevins achieved a personal best of 9:27.12 for 3200-meters. Both should be running side-by-side this fall making the Dolphins that much tougher.

13 – Tyler Cushing

JR – Bolingbrook

Notes – Became one of the surprise runners during last track season. Cushing finished 35^th as a sophomore at the 3A state meet running 14:58. It was 26 seconds faster than what he had run in his first race at Detweiller Park earlier in the year. Track season started when he ran 9:24.60 indoors to win Batavia Distance Madness and then finishing fourth running 9:22.42 in the 3200 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times. His times dropped even further when he ran 9:09.70 to finish fifth at Distance Night in Palatine. Cushing qualified for state at that distance. He ended up finishing 12^th in the 3A State Finals. A good summer of training could put him in an excellent spot. He will be one of the runners to watch this fall starting with races at Hinsdale and Peoria the first two Saturdays in September.

 

14 – Robert St. Clair

SR – Mundelein

Notes – One of the top runners for Mundelein this fall. He is one of the reasons why this team could challenge for a state trophy. St. Clair was the top runner at state last fall for the Mustangs running 14:57 and finishing in 34^th.  He ran seasonal bests of 9:45.68 for 3200-meters and 4:31.95 for 1600-meters last spring on the track. “Robert has had a great summer so far,” said his coach Kurt Rutz. “His track season didn't finish as well as we hoped, so he is really hungry this year.  We held him back with our pack for the first 2 miles at Detweiler last week, but he finished with 4:58 mile, moving from 39th to 17th over the last mile.  I expect him to improve considerably on his 14:57 at State last year, and a high finish at State is certainly within his reach.”

 

15 – Alec Hill

SR – Hinsdale Central

Notes – Hill had a great junior season pointing towards a better senior campaign. He came on strong at state after finishing 23^rd at the Hinsdale Central Sectional. His state time of 14:58 placed him 37^th. Alec was part of Hinsdale Central’s 3200 Meter relay team that made it to the state finals placing 10^th. He also achieved personal bests of 4:21.05 for 1600-meters and 9:37.22 indoors for 3200-meters.

“Alec is a very mature and self-aware athlete,” his coach Jim Westphal said. “He knows what he needs to do and what works best for him. I’m certain dealing with injuries in his freshman & sophomore years have taught him to be a bit more disciplined in his training. He’s not a high mileage guy and focuses on the stress days. He is patient and a great team leader.”

 

16 – Zach Albrecht

SR – Algonquin Jacobs

Notes – Albrecht is on the verge of doing some special things in his final year of racing in high school. He finished sixth at the Waubonsie Valley Sectional qualifying for state. Zach ran 15:02 to finish 44^th in the 3A State Meet. He was part of Jacobs’ 3200 Meter Relay team that qualified for the state meet. Albrecht had quite a season in the 1600 Meter Run as well as the 1-Mile Run. He achieved a personal best of 4:13.25 for 1600-meters and 4:15.42 for the 1-Mile Run when he finished third at Magis Miles. “After a terrific track season that ended early due to illness, Zach showed tremendous strength at the Magis Mile to finish the year,” said Jacobs’ XC Coach Kevin Christian. “He has typically had great season but struggled against the top competition, but that all changed at the Magis Mile and it has given him a significant amount of confidence going into the season for what he can do at state finals.  We have gradually added mileage each year and I think it will help him going into this season.”

 

17 – Ian Geisler

JR – Huntley

Notes – Geisler did not have the best race at state as he hoped last fall. He qualified individually for Peoria last year by finishing 16^th at the Waubonsie Valley Sectional. He finished 84^th at state in the 3A race. Ian qualified for the state meet in track at 3200-meters. Geisler ran a personal best of 9:23.28 for 3200-meters and 4:27.22 for 1600-meters. His sophomore experiences could push him to the next level this fall.

“Ian Geisler had a great sophomore season,” said his coach Matt Kaplan. “He qualified as an individual for the state meet after placing 16th in the sectional and gained great experience last fall.  He really impresses me with his focus and desire to compete.  After cross country he had a great sophomore track season setting personal bests (1:58/4:23/9:23). Ian qualified for state in the 3200.  This season I expect nothing different from him.  He will be one of the top runners in the FVC and I know he's capable of being a top 10 performer at the sectional. He is poised to have another great season and make it back to the state meet.  What I love about Ian is his strong work ethic and it shows in the results he earns.  He's a great teammate and loves being a part of team success.”

 

18 – Jacob Kluckhohn

JR – Wheaton-Warrenville South

Notes – One of the four horsemen in the front for the Tigers. Kluckhohn was the team’s fourth runner most of the season running 15:04 and finishing 47^th in the 3A State Meet. He put up some good numbers on the track as a sophomore with personal bests of 4:23.09 for 1600-meters and 9:34.91 for 3200-meters.

 

19 – Nico Calderon

SR – Orland Park Sandburg

Notes – I have a hunch that this senior could be doing some big things this fall. Calderon was the team’s third runner at last year’s state meet running 15:14 and 62^nd in the 3A State Meet. Nico was part of Sandburg’s 3200 Meter Relay team that won the 3A State Championship last May. He ran a personal best of 4:20.27 at the Downers Grove North Sectional to qualify for the state meet. He dropped his PR by seven seconds in that race. It’s a sign of better times for this senior this fall. “Nico is a tough runner who consistently works his butt off. He has climbed his way into the upper echelon of the state. I think he probably was a surprise for some people to run 4:20 and be a state qualifier in the 1600. In addition, he was a critical part of our state championship 4 x 800 and ran fantastic in the state finals to put us at the front,” said his coach John O’Malley. “He has put in a lot of time and energy to get to the top. I think that moment of qualifying for the 1600 was big for him. He was standing on his own two feet at that moment. He took a leap of faith and come through. I hope to see that version of him continue to thrive and take another step forward in XC this fall. I have a lot of confidence in Nico. He's attempting to step into a special role with a big tradition. I'm betting on Nico to come through. Nico has high standards and he compels others to keep their standards high as well.”

 

20 – Ethan Kern

JR – Elmhurst York

Notes – While York rebuilds after losing six seniors from last year’s top seven, Kern steps out of his brother Charlie’s shadow ready to lead the Dukes. His first two years at York have been riddled by injuries. He finished 87^th in last fall’s state meet.  He has personal bests of 4:24.14 from his freshman season and 9:52.35 for 3200-meters last indoor season. Injuries slowed him down all of the outdoor season. Kern ran a 12 second personal best at Detweiller at Dark. I don’t think we will see his best until November. “Ethan Kern has had a great summer,” said his coach and dad Charlie Kern. “It is not surprising that he would have lofty goals.  He has been increasing his mileage and he is focused on closing the gap between himself and his peers in the junior class.  Ethan was frustrated by two separate injuries his freshman and sophomore years.  These injuries have kept him from performing at the level he has envisioned.  This summer, he attacked every workout with enthusiasm and determination.  Ethan is now outside the shadow of his older brother and is ready to lead his team in every way he can.”