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Harvest Christian Academy no longer under the radar in 1A Boys team racePublished by
ILXCTF.com Cross Country Season Previews
Above Photo – Harvest Christian Academy after winning their first state championship in the school’s history.
By Michael Newman
It is not the position that Harvest Christian Academy Coach Steven Bland would like his team to be in at the beginning of the year. But with state championships comes responsibility. This team will not be under the radar for a while. They ended the 2015 season placing 10th in the 1A State Meet. They started last year ranked second in the state. They finished last November by winning the 1A Boys State title. It was the first state title in the school’s history in any sport. No one is giving them the state championship in August. A state championship is something that you must earn. Harvest Christian Academy enters the year as the top ranked in the state. Rockford Christian appears to be the team that has the most talent to challenge the Lions for the state title. It is wide open after that with five to six schools that could challenge. The next couple of months will answer those questions. Here is a look at the top 50 1A Boys schools in Illinois for the start of the 2017 Illinois Cross Country season.
1A Boys Top 25
1 Elgin Harvest Christian Academy 2016 Finish – 1A State Champs Coach – Steven Bland Top Runners – Andrew Dobrescu SR (20, 15:29), Payton Kasper JR (36, 15:42), Mark Davila SR (55, 16:00), Kyler Young SR (61, 16:03), Conner Seals SR (107, 16:31), Eric Richter SO, Zach Higbee SO, Griffin Ellis JR, Noah Schniederwind JR, Dean Ahrens SO, Matthew Olech FR Notes – It is great to win a state championship. It is tougher to repeat that opportunity. They jumped from 10th place in 2015 to state champion last November. With six runners coming back from that team and the big favorite to repeat, Coach Steven Bland is trying to keep their expectations and team under the radar the way they like to run. “Though I am optimistic about the season, I am not sure we were as hungry as we were last summer,” Bland said. “Did we run, yes. Did we run collectively like a TEAM who wanted to defend? The Lions do have the athletes that could repeat a state championship. Andrew Dobrescu is a returning all-state runner placing 20th at state. He should be the team’s top runner. Payton Kasper is a better basketball player than a runner, according to Bland, finished 36th overall for the team. He did concentrate on AAU ball instead of track last spring. We will see how much he improves this fall. Mark Davila and Kyler Yong finished 55th and 61st last season giving the team a strong third and fourth runner. Eric Richter has showed improvement over the last year and could contribute to the top five. Brand also expects freshman Matthew Olech to be in the top seven this season. Keep an eye on him to possibly move into the top five. Is that hunger there for Harvest Christian Academy like it was a year ago? We will find out in their first couple of meets. “I fear that because we won and are returning 5 of our top 6 we have taken the other teams for granted. We may have under estimated how much they might be willing to work and we may have taken our foot off the pedal. If we could make a jump from #10 (2017) to #1 then so can someone else,” Bland added. “I look at where Tolono was in 2014 and what they did in 2015. It seems like that 4th place finish in 2014 lit a fire in them and then they obliterated everyone in 2015. I am wondering if we are going to see something like that again. None of the top teams are going to lay down for us and I hope we haven’t made that assumption.”
2 Rockford Christian 2016 Finish – 4th 1A State Coach – Randy Moore Top Runners – Riley Wells JR (8, 15:17), Josiah Vogel SR (73, 16:11), Brent Brunner JR (90, 16:19), Nicholas Capriola JR, Cal Granite JR (142, 17:05), Carter Fryer SO, Stephen Thomas FR, Daniel Isley SO, JT Emenecker SO, Josh Honkamp JR. Notes – Is this the year that Rockford Christian makes the step up to the podium? The Royal Lions did it one time before when they finished third in 2014. Five runners are back from the team for Coach Randy Moore. This team is not interested in the elephant in the room of what place they finish in November. “Our philosophy is that performance targets like times and trophies will happen when they happen,” Moore said. “We try to focus on what we have control over: attitude and effort. That being said: there is a feeling amongst the boys that this will be a special season.” That specialness could start with their top returner Riley Wells. He had a great sophomore season finishing eighth at Detweiller in the fall and then winning the 800 Meter Run at the IHSA State Track & Field Championships. The pack behind Wells will be the key led by Josiah Vogel and Brent Brunner who will have to step up to the second and third scoring spots. Freshman Stephen Thomas ran under five-minutes for 1600-meters in middle school. He could be a runner that fits into the top five. Carter Fryer has also improved and could give this team depth in the top seven. Rockford Christian has showed good pack running in recent seasons. You can expect the same for this group behind Wells this fall. The spread on their top five at state last year was 62 seconds. With a summer of good training and the talent in this group, expect for that split to get smaller. “The goals that the boys have set for themselves have more to do with our team culture than with accomplishments,” Moore added. “Thus far, our training and preparation this summer looks to be commensurate with these expectations. It should be a fun fall with this talented, dedicated, and seasoned crew.”
3 Athens 2016 Finish – 12th 1A State Coach – Kerry Trueblood Top Runners – Wyatt McIntyre SR (2, 14:27), Noah McIntyre SO (42, 15:47), Ryan Nordsiek JR (124, 16:45), Will Hill SO (126, 16:46), James Goodenow SO (149, 17:11), Joseph Goodenow SO (153, 17:15), Kyle Sholtes SO, Nick King SO. Notes – Athens flew under the radar early in the 2016 season. The development of four freshmen that dropped into the top seven helped this team qualify for state and then finish 12th in the state finals. Six runners are back from the group that ran at Detweiller. Expectations could be high for this team this fall. It does not hurt to have one of the top 1A runners in the state leading the way. Wyatt McIntyre is the top returning placer back in 1A. He also had a good track season dropping his personal best at 3200-meters down to 9:11. His brother Noah was one of the freshman last year that gave this team a boost. He finished 42nd in the state race and could find his way to all-state waters this fall. Both runners will give Athens small numbers up front. The key will be getting the pack behind them just a little bit closer to the two. If the pack can stay within 20 seconds of each other as well as 30 seconds of Noah McIntyre, this team could contend for a top three finish at Detweiller Park.
4 Carlinville 2016 Finish – 18th 1A State Coach – Charles Helton Top Runners – Jason Landon SR (67, 16:07), Samuel Mock SR (95, 16:22), Charles Helton IV SR (109, 16:34), Bailey Lippold JR (125, 16:46), Briley Roper SO (160, 17:24), Cale Williams SO (172, 17:37), Grayson Armour SR (196, 18:18), Seth Evans SR. Notes – It is hard to figure out this team from the 2016 times that the Cavaliers ran. Carlinville did not run their best race of the year placing 18th at the state meet after finishing fourth in their sectional. Times from other parts of the season show that this team is better than that. With all their top seven back, that experience could pay dividends in a state trophy this fall. Jason Landon was their top runner most of last year running 16:07 at the state meet. That time was 37 seconds slower than his performance at the Peoria Invitational at the beginning of October. This team used pack strategy in their two state series races. The split on five was 32 seconds in their regional and 25 seconds at sectionals. Landon could be one of the top runners in 1A this fall possibly being in the top ten. Carlinville could follow him. Their split at state on five was 77 seconds. This is a team that could earn a trophy this year. The experiences of last season may help them in achieving that.
5 Deer Creek-Mackinaw 2016 Finish – 10th 1A State Coach – Sam Ingram Top Runners – Gary Cates SR (37, 15:45), Colby Johnson SO (79, 16:15), John Carnicle JR (104, 16:30), Neal Scheuermann SR (127, 16:46), Dalton Myers SR (134, 16:55), Garrett Forrest SO (198, 18:22), Sam Brodahl SR, Jacob Henderson JR, Bryan Huizenga JR, John Blumeyer FR, Ben Sanders FR, Kolin Wilkins FR, Will Cates FR. Notes – The 2016 team made history for their program and school as they qualified for the state meet for the first time finishing 10th. Six runners are back from that squad. Now that Deer Creek-Mackinaw has the taste of running at Detweiller in November, they would like to get back there again in 2017. Those chances are good. “Summer training was really effective to help our freshman boys transition into high school cross country,” said Dee-Mack Coach Sam Ingram. “I have seen a lot of improvement in the fresh/soph runners and got to see my first group of students I have coached for the 3 seasons showing the new runners the established team culture.” Gary Cates finished 37th last year and will lead this team hoping for a top 25 finish. The spread on five was 61 seconds at the state meet. With top runner Dakota Myers graduated, a little work will need to be done to keep that kind of split. It could be a strong group of freshmen coming in led by John Blumeyer could jump into the top five immediately. With Class 1A wide-open this fall, it would not surprise me to see this team getting a trophy in November. “Last season was the first time the Dee-Mack boys team qualified for state and with only Dakota Myers not returning this year the boys will look to improve on their top ten placing from last year,” Ingram stated. “We hope to place in the top five teams at all of our invitationals against 1A and 2A schools.”
6 Elmwood-Brimfield 2016 Finish – 5th – 1A State Coach – Gregg Meyers Top Runners – Cooper Hoffmann SR (32, 15:39), Trevor Dunkel SR (38, 15:45), Alex Hermann SR (80, 16:16), Logan Whitney JR (87, 16:18), Jacob Brown JR, Eli McKinty SO, Thomas Adkins SO, Logan Wallace SO, Eli Stevenson FR, Victor Lampe FR. Notes – It basically is the same routine for Elmwood-Brimfield every year. They finish among the top teams in 1A, graduate a couple of seniors, and then repeat the routine again. It is not a matter of rebuilding for this team but reloading. Such is the case this year for this team with the exception that they finished fifth a year ago. Their team expectations are simple. “We just want to get back to the awards stand at state,” Coach Gregg Meyers said. This team starts out slow and builds as the season progresses looking for their best race at the end of the year. That is the name of the game. The Trojans return four from the 2016 team that ran at state. They do have the depth again to reload. Cooper Hoffmann and Trevor Dunkel placed in the top 40 a year ago and could be in the top-25 in November. Alex Hermann and Logan Whitney had a good summer of training and could close the gap to the front two by 15 seconds. It is anybody’s guess but the talent is deep for the fifth spot. It could be freshman Eli Stevenson or Victor Lampe that could have an impact on the top seven. Injuries slowed down the team last year. Hopes are there that does not happen again. When we start to look at the sectional results at the end of October, I’m sure Elmwood-Brimfield will be in position to contend for another trophy.
7 Robinson 2016 Finish – 7th 1A State Coach – Tony Cork Top Runners – Lukas Baird SR (41, 15:47), Kobe Lorance SR (45, 15:50), Wyatt Bonnell JR (77, 16:14), Trayton Tragesser JR (163, 17:30), Zach Buttolph SO (181, 17:51), Maverick Wright SO, Koty Andahl SO. Notes – If this team stays healthy this fall, they should be one of the top teams in the Carlinville Sectional. Five runners are back from last year’s team that finished seventh in the state. Lukas Baird and Kobe Lorance ran close to each other last fall with only three seconds separating them at the state meet. A big worry for Robinson Coach Tony Cork is that Lorance had not been to any of the summer workouts. It could be injuries or something else. They will need a healthy Lorance in the lineup for this team to be successful. “If all our people are healthy and available, we should have a decent team like last year's team,” Cork said. “But we have to be healthy.” Their three runners should be strong with Wyatt Bonnell within 20 seconds of Baird and Lorance. Cork mentions a good class of freshmen coming into their program. It might take them until October to adapt. If the freshmen class develops into top five runners and within 65 seconds of Baird, I would keep an eye on this team. They do need to be healthy especially in their top three to contend for a state trophy.
8 Tremont 2016 Finish – 6th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Mike Lynn Top Runners – Leland Sumer SO (54, 15:58), Dalton Petro JR, Jesse Pflederer SR, Austin Shafer JR, Andrew Hallrigel JR, Sebastian Martin SR, David Smalley JR, James Getz SO, Dakota Wilson SO. Notes – The Turks just missed making to the state meet by sixth points in finishing sixth at Elmwood. Leland Sumer did make it individually finishing 54th at Detweiller. Four other runners are back from that team with hopes of finishing one place or better in their sectional race. Dalton Petro and Jesse Pflederer ran close to each other last year and will give Sumer a strong 2-3 behind him. The team ran a 66-second split on five in their sectional race. That time will need to come down for this team to make it to Peoria in November.
9 Freeburg 2016 Finish – 2nd 1A State Coach – Carl Florczyk Top Runners – Charlie Parrish SR (13, 15:25), Corbin Schwable JR (63, 16:05), Blake Hatter JR (94, 16:21), Carson Smith JR (123, 16:45), Ben Fiedler SR, Landon Miles JR, McKallen Smith SO, Evan Wilkerson FR, Cade Smith FR, James Trentman FR, Joshua Merz FR. Notes – It was a great season for Freeburg as they won their first trophy in the program’s history by finishing second. Three of their top five runners from that team have graduated. It is not a matter of rebuilding for the Midgets but going after another trophy in 2017. “Training for the team went great! We consistently had a large group that met for our summer workouts,” said Coach Carl Florczyk. “I think in general, I have seen the team collectively work hard this summer and it should really show in an overall improvement for all of our returning runners.” Charlie Parrish finished 13th last fall and should be one of the top 1A runners this season. Corbin Schwable, Blake Hatter, and Carson Smith have showed vast improvement and could be within 20 to 25 seconds of Parrish. Freeburg had a good JV team last year led by Ben Fiedler and Landon Miles. There is also a good freshmen group coming in led by Evan Wilkerson. Florczyk could have some choices to make on who could be in the top seven. “We were thrilled with the season that we had and I was so incredibly proud of the guys,” Florczyk added. “I know they are very hungry to get back into the mix this year, especially with being so close to a state title last year. There are many great teams in the state, so it's hard to say where exactly we will fit in. But we would love to think we can compete with all the great teams in the state and be in the mix at state once again.” This team should be the top 1A team in the south part of the state. What Freeburg’s goal this year could be is the best team in the state.
10 St. Joseph-Ogden 2016 Finish – 8th 1A State Coach – Jason Retz Top Runners – Wyatt Wolfersberger SR (25, 15:35), Isaiah McCune JR (74, 16:11), Braden Pridemore SR (101, 16:25), Austin Rein SR (151, 17:12), Tom Nickels SO (180, 17:51), Taddy Pettit SO (204, 18:55), Kaleb Harshbarger JR, Brandon Mattesy FR, Cailer Kellenberger FR, Gabe Preston FR. Riley Baker SR. Notes – The Spartans have taken a step down the past couple of years including last year when they finished 10th overall. Things are about to change for this team where a chance at a trophy is a realistic grasp away. “We had a good summer,” said Coach Jason Retz. “A hand full of them went out to the Nike Boulder Camp and had an opportunity to get in some quality miles and run with some elite athletes. With the season half over, we'll see what jumps we have made.” This team has six runners returning from their state team led by all-state runner Wyatt Wolfersberger who finished 25th last year at state. The runners coming in to the program could make this team even better. Riley Baker, who was all-state last spring in the 300 Hurdles, is moving to cross-country from soccer and could jump into the top seven. Retz also has a good freshman team coming in with Brandon Mattesy, Cailer Kellenberger, and Gabe Preston that the coach believes could end up in the top five. “We hope to be at our best when November hit. If we do all the little things, we should be able to have a little success,” added Retz.
11 Lawrenceville 2016 Finish – 16th 1A State Coach – Bill Bandy/John Christy Top Runners – Jack Holden SR (26, 15:36), Blane Hesler JR (86, 16:18), Max Smigiel SR (97, 16:24), Gavin Rucker SR (140, 17:02), Cole Sumner JR (162, 17:27), Colin Benson SO (179, 17:50), Patrick Murphy SR. Notes – Lawrenceville surprised some last fall first finishing 3rd at the St. Anthony and then 16th at the state meet. The top six runners from that state team are back hoping to improve on their state finish. That improvement most likely will happen. Jack Holden missed an all-state position by one place last year. He is a good bet to get within that exclusive group. What kept this team in the teens at state was that their spread on the top five was at 111 seconds. It was 96 seconds in their sectional race. If the team can lower their top five split under 80 seconds, we could see this team back at state looking for a top ten (or higher) finish.
12 Decatur St. Teresa 2016 Finish – 17th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Todd Vohland Top Runners – Jackson Stewart JR (15, 15:25), Luichi Caceras JR, Clayton Bolen SR, Tyler Ohl SO, Jack Dinscomb SR, Adrian Caceras JR, Cayden Brilley SR, Boston Stewart JR. Notes – It is usually the Girls program that we talk about from St. Teresa at the beginning of the year. The Boys team could be just as good this season. The Bulldogs did not have the best race of the season last fall when they finished 17th at the St. Anthony Sectional. The talent is there to make it to the state meet. “This has a chance to be the best boys team we have had here,” said coach Todd Vohland. “Obviously everyone's goal is to qualify the whole team for state. Tall order in our Sectional, but a goal none the less.” Jackson Stewart had a great sophomore season earning all-state honors placing 15th. He could challenge for the top ten this season. The group behind Stewart is vastly improved. Vohland is waiting to hear if Stewart’s brother Boston, who transferred from Sangamon Valley will be eligible for the cross-country season. He could be a big boost for this team. Cayden Brilley, who was on the golf team last year, is expected to be a tremendous help for this team according to Vohland. Adrian Caceras, who was the team’s third runner in a couple of meets last year, had a great summer and could also jump into the top five. This team is “sneaky-good”. We will find how good in October.
13 Eureka 2016 Finish – 9th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Olivia Morris Top Runners – Kyle Johnson JR (66, 16:07), Connor Standish JR, Eli Steinbeck JR, Alex Heinold JR, Keith Walder SR, Jack Cook SO, Cade Walder FR, Mitchell Danner FR, Don McFarlin SR, Patrick Donovan JR. Notes – This is a team that is ready to take the next step to the state meet. Olivia Morris takes over as coach of the Eureka cross-country program from Brett Charlton. Morris does have a good team to greet her as six runners are back from Eureka’s ninth place sectional team. Kyle Johnson qualified individually placing 66th at state. A second through fifth runner pack behind Johnson will be a help. It potentially could be near 30 seconds for the group. Freshman Mitchell Danner could step into the top five helping lower that gap.
14 Pinckneyville 2016 Finish – 15th 1A State Coach – Ryan Bruns Top Runners – Garrett Johnson SR (47, 15:54), Grant Batteau SR (53, 15:58), Dustin Bartnicki SR (110, 16:34), Liam Oliver JR (158, 17:21), TJ Bourque SR (193, 18:13), Dan Garavaglia FR, James Robb FR, Trent Morgenstern FR, Reid Keene FR. Notes – Senior leaders Garrett Johnson and Grant Batteau lead three others back from last year’s top seven. Pinckneyville finished 15th at last year’s state meet. The key is to keep the top three within 45 seconds of each other. The key after that is finding a fourth and fifth runner that can give the team an overall 80 second split on the first five.
15 El Paso-Gridley 2016 Finish – 9th 1A State Coach - Michael Melick Top Runners – Bo Halverson JR (78, 16:14), Noah Smith JR (113, 16:36), Matt Ingalsbe SO (119, 16:42), Will Bushert JR (139, 17:00), Zach Nelson SO (183, 17:52), Aidan Killian SO, Jordan Shelton SO, Brett Endress SO. Notes – The Titans did lose their top two runners Adam Ludy and Andy Hayden to graduation. They do return their remaining five runners from last season’s ninth place team with the idea of trying to duplicate that finish. Bo Halverson finished 78th last season and is the top returner from that team. Last year’s top five spread at the state meet was 61 seconds. The potential right now is having a spread of close to 80 seconds. If their second and third runners Noah Smith and Matt Ingalsbe can get to within 10 to 15 seconds of Halverson with him finishing in the first 50, this team does have the talent to make it back into the first ten teams at Detweiller Park this November.
16 Sterling Newman Catholic 2016 Finish – 6th 1A State Coach – Patrick Warkins Top Runners – Spencer Mauch JR (27, 15:36), Shay Hafner JR (68, 16:07), Matt Hodge SR (92, 16:21), Ben Sheats SO (168, 17:34), Quentin Larson SR (176, 17:42), Lucas Velasquez SR, Noah Welty FR. Notes – The Comets had their best race of the year at state finishing sixth after finishing fourth the week before at the Oregon Sectional. They lost all-state runner Chris Ahlers to graduation but do have five runners back. Spencer Mauch will step up to be the top runner on this team. He finished 27th last year and could move into the top 15 this November. A good group behind Mauch led by Shay Hafner and Matt Hodge will be a plus. The improvement of Ben Sheets who had a great summer should jump into that front pack. Freshman Noah Welty could also jump into the top five. “Their expectations are just as high as mine and are willing to do what it takes to get there,” said Coach Patrick Warkins. “We need to avoid injures to any of the runners on the team as we do not have substantial numbers on our roster.” Just like last season, this team will start out slow. If they stay healthy heading into the state series, another run into the top five is possible.
17 Monticello 2016 Finish – 7th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – David Remmert Top Runners – Alex Helmuth SR (6, 15:09), Garrett Dixon JR (18, 15:28), Keegan Davis JR, JC Wilkin SR, Eric Tate SR, Ethan Bryant JR, David Alexander JR, Justin Bayshore JR, Josiah Ratts JR, Nick Wilkin JR, Luke Sokolowski FR, Morgan Dixon FR, Andrew Rudolph FR. Notes – The Sages have the history of being one of the top 1A teams in the state. Last year was not one of them as they failed to make it to state finishing seventh at the St. Anthony Sectional. Monticello does have one of the top 1A runners in the state with Alex Helmuth. The senior finished sixth last year. Junior Garrett Dixon was also in the top 25 placing 18th. Monticello will be guaranteed some small numbers from their first two runners. Last year’s team was young and did not run great at the end of the season. That experience could payoff this season. The addition of a deep freshman class in which one or two could challenge for the top five will also be a help. The three through six runners will be tight perhaps within 15 seconds in the group. The key is moving that pack within 45 seconds of Dixon. That could mean a trip as a team to Detweiller in November. “Last year was a rather disappointing year for our Boys’ team,” said Coach David Remmert. We had the talent to do well, but we were very young and the season simply didn’t play out the way I thought it potentially could. These are good kids and I expect they’ll find it within themselves to do much better.”
18 Carthage Illini West 2016 Finish – 11th 1A State Coach – Ryan Bliss Top Runners – Jacob Bryan SR (29, 15:37), Dalton Melvin SR (115, 16:39), Kevin White SR (145, 17:08), William Andrews SR (177, 17:44), Austin Torrence SR, Matt Peacock JR, Eli Newton FR. Notes – It could be tough for Illini West to get back to the state meet after last year’s 11th place finish. They do return four runners from that team but suffered a big loss when their second runner Cayden Kirkham transferred to Waterloo. The Chargers do have Jacob Bryan back. In his first year of cross-country, he figured out some of the aspects of the sport ending up as the team’s top man finishing 29th at state. We all know what kind of track season Bryan had with two individual track all-state finishers as well as helping his team win the 3200 Meter Relay. Dalton Melvin will lead the pack that could be as much as 60 seconds behind Bryan. A key will be who will step up into the third spot to help Melvin. “We have the expectation to get back to the state meet,” said Coach Ryan Bliss. “The guys realized what an accomplishment it was to get there last fall and know the kind of effort it will take. If pieces fall into place then there's no reason not to think we can do it again.”
19 Champaign St. Thomas More 2016 Finish – 14th 1A State Coach – Andrew Wszalek Top Runners – Dominic Magrini JR (64, 16:06), Michael Lee SR (65, 16:06), Ian Clapper SO (136, 16:56), AJ Wrobel SO (137, 16:57), Lucas Simpson SR (190, 18:09), Ian Miller SO, Jace Carpenter JR. Notes – It could be a rocky road for St. Thomas More at the beginning of this season. At the beginning of August, long time coach David Behm stepped down as coach. His assistant Andrew Wszalek takes over as coach. What also hurts is that their top runner from last year Luke Manolakes has transferred from St. Thomas More to Champaign Centennial. The loss of him from the top spot will hurt this team especially since they do not have much depth. Five other runners are back from last year’s 14th place state team. Dominic Magrini and Michael Lee should step into the top spot. Their first four runners should be within 45 seconds of each other. The thing to watch is who steps into the #5 position. It could be Ian Miller who was the team’s fourth runner at their conference meet. A split under 72 seconds on their top five could get them back to the state meet.
20 Clifton Central 2016 Finish – 6th 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – David Ladehoff Top Runners – Jeremy Snejberg JR (56, 16:00), Isaiah Ditta SO, Blake Stua SO, Trevor Swanson SO, Travis Felchlia JR, Caleb Kent JR, Jarod Snejberg SO, Andrew Lamping SR, Wayne Tracy JR, Dominick Panozzo JR, Carson Perzee SO, Mick Panozzo SO, Christian Ladehoff FR. Notes – Last year’s meet experience should pay off for Clifton Central this cross-country season. After winning the Kankakee McNamara Regional, the Comets failed to qualify for the state meet finishing sixth at the Lisle Sectional getting beat by teams that beat them the week before. This team is loaded returning all their runners from last year’s team. “We had a very disappointing Sectional to say the least,” said Coach David Ladehoff. “Missing State is not going to happen. They are leaving nothing to chance. We even have depth this season.” Jeremy Snejberg qualified individually for state placing 36th. The chances are god that he places in the top 25. The team most likely will have a 60 to 65 second spread between their second to fifth runner. The key is keeping that group anywhere from 10 to 15 seconds of Snejberg. The talent on this team is deep. So is the drive and will of this group who does not want to duplicate what happened in 2016.
21 Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central 2016 Finish – 13th 1A State Coach – Dennis Fraikes Top Runners – Owen Haberger SR (24, 15:33), Jordan Gerberding SR (50, 15:57), Noah Slater SR (120, 16:42), Elias Bergman SO (130, 16:49), Finnian Jetton JR (192, 18:12), Collin Eisenbarth FR, Jacob Quinn SO, Arthur Harris JR. Notes – The Grey Ghosts made it to the state meet last year placing 13th. Owen Haberger and Jordan Geberding lead three others back from that team. Haberger finished 24th last year. After a good track season, we can expect him to be in the top 15 in November. Geberding closed the gap at the end of last season getting to within 24 seconds of Harberger at the state meet. That gap needs to close even more for this team to have success. IVC peaked at the right time last year with a 76 second split on their top five. That is a number that can also come down as well. The improvement of Arthur Harris should help with the pack as well as freshman Collin Eisenbarth.
22 Elmhurst Timothy Christian 2016 Finish – 24th 1A State Coach – Dick Zylstra Top Runners – William Terpstra SR (103, 16:28), Clint Fincher JR (148, 17:10), Xavier Ross SR (161, 17:27), Caleb Mitchell SO (165, 17:32), Alex Oldenburger JR, Simon Detmer SR, Noah Bezanson JR, Daniel Winston JR, Tristan Iwema SO. Notes – The Trojans could make a return trip to Detweiller Park returning four of their top five from their 24th place team. William Terpstra placed 103rd last year. For this team to make it back to state, he needs to improve by at least 20 seconds. The same will apply with the pack behind him as they will need to keep within 20 seconds of each other. Finding a fifth runner will be a priority and getting him close to the pack. There are at least three runners that are 60 seconds of the pack.
23 Rock Falls 2016 Finish – 6th 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Mark Truesdell Top Runners – Dawson Smith SO, Matt Laws JR, Rio Salas JR, Javier DeLaTorre JR, Drew Henson SR, Noah Schueler SO, Jerome Warren SR, Lennon Allison SO. Notes – Four runners are back from Rock Falls’ team that just missed qualifying for state placing sixth at the Oregon Sectional. They will also miss their top runner state champion Brayden Hamblen who has graduated and now at the University of Illinois. The one runner who should be a surprise is Dawson Smith. As a freshman last year, he ran with Hamblen in most of the workouts and within 50 seconds of him in races. He does have the potential to be among the top 25 this fall. For this team to make it to Peoria, they will need to lower their projected five runners split down from 150 seconds.
24 Nashville 2016 Finish – 8th 1A Edwardsville Metro E Lutheran Sectional Coach – Jean Orr Top Runners – Brandon Schnitker SR (14, 15:24), Caleb Zgonina SR (135, 16:55), Landon Davis JR, Gavin Love SO, Derek Bough SO, Evan Anderson JR, Nicholas Orr JR, Zach Langa SO. Notes – Nashville’s presence at Detweiller Park last fall was confined to two individuals. They would like to bring their entire team up for the state meet. Brandon Schnitker should be the runner to watch on this team. He showed major improvement during the track season dropping his personal best down to 1:53.53 to finish second in the 800 Meter Run. The senior finished 14th a year ago. He should be in the top ten this season. Nashville finished eighth last year at Edwardsville. Even with everyone returning, they will need to work on their five-man split that could be over three minutes this season off Schnitker. If they can keep a two to five gap off second runner Caleb Zgonina under 60 seconds, this team could make Peoria plans. “The boys are motivated by trying to make it to state as a team,” Coach Jean Orr said. “I think the core group of runners are beginning to realize the importance of summer training (building that base), and were pretty dedicated to it.”
25 Paxton-Buckley-Loda 2016 Finish – 11th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Dustin Franckey Top Runners – Kody Harrison SR, Kyle Price SO, Alec St. Julien JR, Jordan Giese JR, Brady Barfield SR, Erik Reck JR, Nick Schnable SO, Gavin Ogburn SR, Trevor Morse SO, Levi Garret SR. Notes – This is a team that I would keep an eye on this fall. They did not run their best race last year at sectional meet placing 11th. Kody Harrison was one of the runners who was off that day. He was usually the team’s top runner. He was the sixth at the sectional. He will lead the team with Kyle Price and Alec St. Julien needed to be from 15 to 20 seconds behind Harrison. If they can keep their five-runner spread under 80 seconds, this team could be in the hunt for a state meet berth.
The Next 15
Urbana University 2016 Finish – 8th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Doug Mynatt Top Runners – Nicholas Ramkumar SO, Aditya Yedetore SR, Grant Allen SR, Henry Krantz SO, Sam Atkinson SO, Alex Swanson-Linville SR, Mariano Herrera SO, Ethan Ashbrook SO, Brian Zilles SR, Grant Boey SO, Alex Dolcos FR, Aryan Lalwani, Ray Jones FR. Notes – We might not see the best of this U-High tea until we get to the state series. Even though five runners are back from the eighth-place sectional team, it could be a group of newcomers that make an impact on this squad. “We’ll go into the season with a roster of 27 boys, which is huge for a school our size and, with the caliber of runners we’re adding to our returning roster, the competition within the team should provide challenges for the varsity spots all season long,” said U-High Coach Doug Mynatt. “We’ll be a very young team up front, but a young team with depth. That will make the process of maturation fun to watch and fun to be a part of over the next few years.” Nicholas Ramkumar was the top runner most of last year and could lead again in 2017. It is anyone’s guess who will make up the top five. It could be freshmen Alex Dolcos and Ray Jones that step up. There are up to 12 runners that jump into any of the seven spots. What will need to happen is getting their five-runner split at 35 seconds and the first runner in the 15:50 to 16:00 range.
Benton 2016 Finish – 6th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Brent McLain Top Runners – Mason Wills JR (100, 16:25), Kyle Sneed SR, Triston Summers SR, Avery Potter JR, Brady Gischer SO, Ethan Krieger JR. Notes – Benton missed the state meet last year by finishing sixth in their sectional race at Edwardsville. Their top five are back with hopes of taking that next step to Peoria. Mason Wills made that trip individually placing 100th. He will have a good pack behind him led by senior Kyle Sneed. Keeping their spread on five under 80 seconds will be something to watch. Going under that number with Wills up front could mean good things for this team this fall.
Aurora Central Catholic 2016 Finish – 8th 2A Hinsdale South Regional Coach – Troy Kerber Top Runners – Tony LoPresti SO, Mac Doherty SR, Daniel McCully SR, Kennedy Cross JR, Jacob Montelongo JR, Robbie McCarty JR, Damon Becker JR, Josh Malanyaon SR, McKinnon Engelhardt SR, Luke Mitchell SO, Chris Alcala FR, Patrick Engelhardt FR. Notes – For a team that has an enrollment of 584 students, Aurora Central Catholic has been classified in Class 2A for a LONG-time due to the IHSA multiplier. The Chargers were finally moved down to 1A for the 2017 season. They did not make it to their 2A sectional last year. They could go a long way in 2017. “Overall, we had a great summer training with a core group of about 20 athletes training consistently,” ACC Coach Troy Kerber said. “ACC would like to state qualify as a team this season and beyond.” The team is young led by sophomore Tony LoPresti and junior Kennedy Cross. Only three runners are back from the 2016 team. There is talent on their squad where they could run a 45 second spread on their top five. The key is moving that pack up during the year. A schedule running against 2A and 3A schools could help with that.
Taylor Ridge Rockridge 2016 Finish – 12th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Jacqy Peterson Top Runners – Caleb Kibling SR, Tyler Kibling SO, Gage Rogers JR, Sam Whittington JR, Gawyn Marshall JR, Colton Landi SR. Notes – Six of the top seven are back for Rockridge from last year’s 12th place sectional team. Their split on five must come down for this team to finish among the top ten teams in their sectional. Right now, it is projected near two minutes. Brothers Caleb and Tyler Kibling should lead this team.
Peotone 2016 Finish – 19th 1A State Coach – William Benner Top Runners – Peyton Walker SR (89, 16:19), Joey Uthe SO (166, 17:32), Andrew Grzeskowiak JR (186, 17:58), Nick Stefinsky SR (199, 18:25), Derek Walker SO (206, 20:34), Shane Austin SO. Notes – Five runners are back from Peotone’s state team. It could be tough making it back especially with the loss of Zack Crocker who finished 51st and has since graduated. Peyton Walker should step into the #1 spot. There spread on five could be close to 110 seconds. That number is something that needs to be worked on with this team.
Steeleville 2016 Finish – 20th 1A State Coach – Neal Haertling Top Runners – Mel Mulholland JR (102, 16:28), Gavin Conway JR (106, 16:30), Jacob Fedderke SR (174, 17:51), Logan Fulkerson SO (175, 17:52), Brad Merert JR, Austin Block SR, Connor Warhausen JR, Luke Bartens SO. Notes – Mel Mulholland leads three other runners back from Steeleville’s 20th place state team. It could be tough to make the return trip. Mullholland finished 102nd a year ago. He will need to drop his time under 16 minutes by the end of the year. The team could start the year with a five-runner spread of over two minutes. It needs to be lowered to 90 seconds with Mulholland up front by the time they get to the state series.
Williamsville 2016 Finish – 15th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Tyler Casson Top Runners – Thomas Hafferkamp SR, Evan Horn SO, Jacob Hinds JR, Chase Law JR, Quentin Smith JR, Keaton Hill SO, Joey Janssen JR, Brandon Elliott SR, Nathan Clark SO. Notes – Six runners are back from last year’s team that finished 15th at the Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional. Chances are good that they find their way into the top ten. Evan Horn and Thomas Hafferkamp traded off the top spot last year and should be up front for their team again this year. Their split on five in the sectional meet was 83 seconds. This team has improved and the pack should move forward. The split also needs to come down by at least 15 seconds for this team to threaten for a top five spot.
Quincy Notre Dame 2016 Finish – 13th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Kristin Sturhahn Top Runners – Zach Haley SR (59, 16:01), Nathan Haxel JR, Owen Ley JR, Alex Mast JR, Sam Schlegl SO, Hayden Donaldson JR, Sam Finson SR, Jonathan Finley SO, Dalton Steinkamp JR. Notes – This team is unique in that there is no track program at Notre Dame. The potential is there for this team to finish in the top ten in their sectional. They finished 13th last year at Elmwood-Brimfield but advanced Zach Haley to the state meet individually. He finished 59th last year and should improve on that this fall. Their pack behind Haley should be good with a spread projected to be 40 seconds between their second through fifth runners. That pack needs to get within 80 seconds of Haley for good things to happen for this school this fall.
Seneca 2016 Finish – 10th 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Kim Foster Top Runners – Christopher Collet JR (19, 15:28), Ben Krause SO, Wyatt Baldauf JR, Jon Ugolini JR, Trevor Till SO, Isaac Brockman JR, Joey Thomas JR, Calvin Wilson SR. Notes – All seven runners are back from last year’s 10th place Oregon Sectional team. Christopher Collet again leads this group. He has put in more miles than he had the past two years during the summer. Collet finished 19th last year as a sophomore. He could be in the top ten this season. Seneca’s pack behind Collet was over three minutes in their sectional race. That split needs to come down for this team a chance to advance to state.
McLeansboro Hamilton County 2016 Finish – 7th 1A Edwardsville Metro-E Lutheran Sectional Coach – Sam Wilson Top Runners – Hunter Braden JR, Logan Hunt SR, Matt Rubenacker SR, Clay Ragan SR, Trenton Butler SR, Evan Shelton SO. Notes – Six of their top seven is back from last year’s 7th place Edwardsville Sectional team. Hunter Braden and Logan Hunt give Hamilton County a strong 1-2 up front. The split on five last year in their sectional race was 52 seconds. The top five just needs to move closer to the front for this team to end up in the top five in their sectional.
Marshall 2016 Finish – 6th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach - Ryan Arthur Top Runners – Ryan Wells SR, Adam Richey JR, Wilson Burress JR, Gage Fraser JR, Trevor Maynard JR, Phillip Gorrell SR, Jay Green SO. Notes – Marshall just missed making the state meet finishing sixth at the St. Anthony Sectional. It could be tough this year as their top two runners from 2016 have graduated. Four runners are back led by #3 runner form last year Ryan Wells. This team will find themselves pack-wise early in the year. Their key will be getting their split under 70 seconds as well as getting Wells and Adam Richey closer to the front in races.
Westmont 2016 Finish – 7th 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Steve Wolf Top Runners – Matt Gedraitis JR (62, 16:05), Jasper Requiron SR, Jake Dooley JR, Jason Eiermann SO, Elias Hanba SO, Connor Alessi JR, Dominic Santoro SO. Notes – Five runners were supposed to return from last year’s seventh place Lisle Sectional team. Kyle Casper, their #3 runner last year, decided to return to football. They do have a good group coming back led by state qualifier Matt Gedraitis. Jasper Requiron was one of the top runners for Westmont last fall. He had a bad race at sectionals finishing as the team’s seventh runner. Both Gedaitis and Requiron could make it to state individually. Both could finish in the top 25 according to Coach Steve Wolf. Their depth is down a little. We will have to watch in September to see how the pack behind their top two develops.
Melrose Park Walther Christian 2016 Finish – 22nd 1A State Meet Coach – Paul Goffron Top Runners – Luis Dieguez SR (81, 16:16), Julio Padilla JR (152, 17:15), Nathaniel Nunez JR (191, 18:10), Darryl Norwood SO (200, 18:35), Quang Dang SO, Jacob Czuherrat SO, Rafael Serpico JR, Isaiah Tyler SO. Notes – Walther Christian made it back to state last year finishing 22nd overall. Four runners are back led by senior Luis Dieguez. Walther just made it to state by finishing fifth at the Lisle Sectional and a five-runner split of two minutes. This team snuck up on some last year. With developing a new pack behind Dieguez, they could hit their stride at the beginning of October.
Clinton 2016 Finish – 14th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Steve Cors Top Runners – Ty Brennan SO, Bruce Reeves SR, Terry Hendrix SO, Reid Thomas JR, Max Stauffer SO, Skyler Williamson SO, Evan Deavers SO, Jacob Phillips SO. Notes – This is an up and coming team. Six runners are back from a team that finished 14th at the St. Anthony Sectional. Ty Brennan, who was the team’s second runner most of last year, should step into the top spot.
Tuscola 2016 Finish – 10th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Dustin Dees Top Runners – Noah Woods JR, Michael Holmes SR, Jordan Middleton JR, Bradley Kramer SR, JD Barret JR, Nicholas Woods SO, Mason Day SO, John Hill SO, Aidan Beachy FR. Notes – I would keep an eye on this team this fall. They could be a surprise in the Carlinville Sectional. Five runners are back from their 10th place sectional team led by junior Noah Woods and senior Michael Holmes. “I believe our athletes will strive to be the best that they can be,” said Tuscola Coach Dustin Dees. “I think that there is a buzz in our program right now and our kids want to be successful and compete with the best.”
Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Arthur-Lovington 2016 Finish – 18th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Derik Eaton Top Runners – Logan Hall SR (3, 14:44), Austin Romine JR, Jordan Miller SR, Clayton Young SO, Justin Miller SO. Notes – All eyes at Arthur-Lovington meets will be on Logan Hall who will go after the 1A individual state championship. Improvement in their sectional would be big this season. Their team finished 18th last year at the St. Anthony Sectional.
Breese Mater Dei 2016 Finish – 23rd 1A State Coach – Marv Eversgerd Top Runners – Kevin Medlin SR (99, 16:24), Alex Detmer JR (167, 17:33), Luke Goebel SR (207, 19:08), Nick Wolden JR, Andrew Stevenson SO, James Sullivan JR, Toby Uew SO. Notes – Only three runners are back from last season’s 23rd place state team. Luke Goebel was their seventh runner at state, but was their top runner most of last season. He will rebound and could find his way into the top 25. It could be tough for the Knights to get back to Peoria. A lot of rebuilding on their pack will need to be done. Their split off Goebel could be close to 150 seconds.
Downs Tri-Valley 2016 Finish – 14th 1A Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional Coach – Todd Schneider Top Runners – Matthew Kovich JR, Drew Guimond JR, Brandon Green SO, Caleb Stevenson JR, Thomas Kauzlarich SR, Jeff Martell SR, Carson Schaefer JR, Gabe Foss SR. Notes – A young team with their top four runners projected to be underclassmen. Tri-Valley should climb into the top half of the Elmwood-Brimfield Sectional this fall. Juniors Matthew Kovich and Drew Guimond should lead a group that will need to keep their five-runner spread under 90 seconds.
Kankakee McNamara 2016 Finish – 11th 1A Lisle Sectional Coach – Ken Klipp Top Runners – Kellen Saindon JR, Wes Provost SO, Jack Quigley SO, Josh Quigley SR, Alec Hayden SO, Cameron Poortinga SR, Connor Powers SO, Jaiden Peters SO. Notes – Even though this team finished 11th at the Lisle Sectional last year, I would keep an eye on McNamara this fall. Six of their top seven return form that team led by Kellen Saindon. He finished more than 80 seconds ahead of the returning group in the regional and sectional races. The pack behind him needs to keep within 42 seconds of each other and 65 seconds of Saindon to get into the sectional top five.
Minonk Fieldcrest 2016 Finish – 14th 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Carol Bauer Top Runners – Braden Peck JR, Logan Schmillen JR, Ryan Gochanour SO, Connor Gochanour SO, Andrew Gochanour SO, John Megow JR, Luke Jaquet JR. Notes – Fieldcrest has five runners back from a team that has hopes of getting into the top ten of the Oregon Sectional. They finished 14th in 2016. Braden Peck will lead a team with a tight pack that could be as close as 30 seconds to each other. The key for Fieldcrest is moving that group closer to the front this season.
Niles Northridge Prep 2016 Finish – 17th 1A State Coach – Mike Egle Top Runners – John Presberg SR (178, 17:46), John Madigan SR (187, 18:17), Anthony Glatz SR, Michael Waltz JR, Nathan Gomez SO, Gabe Checri SR. Notes – This could be a rebuilding year for Coach Mike Egle. Only two of the top seven are back from last year’s state qualifying team that finished 17th at Peoria. Anthony Glatz was one of the top runners early last season but did not race after early September. If he is back with the team, he could be the top runner along with John Presberg.
Sullivan Okaw Valley 2016 Finish – 13th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – JD Graham Top Runners – Logan Pedigo SR, Isaiah Plank SR, Jadon Nuzzo JR, Atticus Harris SR, Spencer Johnson JR, Seth Bricker SR. Notes – A team that could jump into the top ten of their sectional after finishing 13th at St. Anthony last year. Five runners are back from that team led by Logan Pedigo and Isaiah Plank. Numbers could be low on this team. Staying healthy and a pack within 60 seconds would be an immense help.
Toledo Cumberland 2016 Finish – 15th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Jim Miller Top Runners – Kort McClellan JR (12, 15:22), Blake Sutherland SO, Michael Carpenter SO, Jay Stierwalt SR, Nick Dill SO, Joel Heynen SO. Notes – Kort McClellan earned all-state honors last fall finishing 12th at the state meet. He will lead this team with his hopes of finishing among the top five in the state. Five other runners are back that have top seven experience led by sophomore Blake Sutherland.
Tolono Unity 2016 Finish – 12th 1A Effingham St. Anthony Sectional Coach – Thomas Mathis Top Runners – Cameron Woodard JR, Luke Woods SR, Evan Morris SR, Rhett Frank SR, Derek Dayton SO, Nathan Gonzalez JR, Noah Baxley SO, Brandon Downen SR, Gabe Luhrsen SO. Notes – A team that could be close to the top five in their sectional this fall. The Rockets return their second through seventh runners from last year’s 12th place sectional team. Cameron Woodard dropped his personal best down to 10:06 during the track season and should be the team’s top runner. Woodard will be closer the front. The key is having their top five spread under 110 seconds by the time they get to the state series.
Winnebago 2016 Finish – 7th 1A Oregon Sectional Coach – Janet & Joe Erb Top Runners – Devin Tervelt JR, Dylan Pavlak SO, Chase Upmann JR, Tyler Hendricks JR, Ollie Johnson SR, Brady Doyle SO, Robert McCarty JR, Logan Kast SO. Notes – The Indians just missed making itto state finishing seventh at the Oregon Sectional. Five of their top seven return led by #2 runner from last year Devin Tervelt. Keeping their five-runner spread under 80 seconds could help this team get into the sectional top five. More news |
