2022 IHSA XC Season Previews - 1A Boys Individuals

 

By Michael Newman [email protected]

 

The big three of Ryder James, Drew Rogers, and Miles Sheppard have graduated to the land of D1 running.

 

Three runners step into those three spots with senior Daniel Winkelman of Harvest Christian Academy and two juniors Isaac Teel of Pinckneyville and Gavin Genisio of Benton. To be honest, all three had great track seasons so it makes it impossible to sort who is 1-2-3.

 

Just call it 1A, 1B, 1C.

 

Genisio and Teel will race against each other a number of times this fall. Winkelman will just lurk in the weeds waiting for that moment at state.

 

Here is a look at some of the runners to watch for this fall in Class 2A.

 

1 Daniel Winkelman – SR – Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

Notes – Winkelman enters this season as the #1 returning runner from last year’s state meet when he finished fourth overall running 14:42. He has already run 15:01 at Detweiller at Dark in 15:01 in July. He won his first race if the season last week at Genoa-Kingston.

 

His track season was one to look at. His focus at the end of the year was on the 4x800m Relay and then the 800 and 1600 at the state meet. He ran good in all three races. He anchored his team to a third-place finish in the 1A 4x800m Relay. He came back to finish sixth in the 800m Run running 1:56.12. His 1600 Meter Run was amazing as he finished second behind Isaac Teel running 4:19.37 which was a personal best. Winkelman ran 9:28.53 indoors in the 3200 Meter Run. “Daniel has always led by example,” said his coach, Steven Bland. “We’ve been working with him to become a complete leader for the past year. We hope he excels at that this year. Daniel came out of the basketball season physically and emotionally worn and with injury.  It took us to the middle of July to get him in a good spot, hopefully we are now ready to begin to get some solid training into him.”

 

2 Gavin Genisio – JR – Benton

Notes – I’m not amazed at what Gavin runs in every race. I just nod my head positively and say “Yeah, he just did that.” Genisio just keeps getting better in every race he is in. Genisio ended last track season with the sixth fastest time for sophomores nationally in the 800 Meter Run (1:53.15), the fastest at 1600-meters (4:07.71), and second in the 1-Mile Run (4:09.23). The last two times came in winning Magis Miles. He was all-state last season in the 2A 800 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. He was all-state last fall at Detweiller Park running 14:47 to finish sixth. He has already done some great things in his high school career. That will just continue. “Gavin was consistent with mileage. He will be ready to run with the front group in November,” said his coach, Brent McLain. “It will be fun to watch Gavin. He keeps getting better each week.”

 

3 Isaac Teel – JR – Pinckneyville

Notes – Took the next step up in a great sophomore season. That progress will continue this fall. It started in last year’s state series. He had finished second behind Gavin Genisio in the regional and sectional races that they were in. That changed the following week at state when he ran 14:45 to finish fifth. He took off from there in the spring. He was disappointed in his state race when he ran a personal best 9:34.85 to finish fifth in the 3200 Meter Run. His response to that race is he came back to become state champion in the 1600 Meter Run with a personal best 4:17.59 time. He also achieved a personal best in running 1:58.61 for 800-meters. “Isaac is Isaac, and does what he does,” said his coach, Ryan Bruns. “He has been all over his training paces and hammering out what is thrown his way. Seeing him at Detweiler at Dark was pretty nice.  He is our leader, and the younger runners are trying to step up to him.” Teel has started off strong this season running 14:45 to win at Detweiller at Dark. He won last week at Mascoutah running 15:10.

 

4 Akili Parekh – SR – Chicago (Latin)

Notes – A runner that continues to improve and could be among the above top three when all is said and done. He will be the team’s top runner as they look to defend their Class 1A State team title. He ended last season all-state running 15:18 to finish tenth. He improved in his track season last spring. He was all-state in the 3200 Meter Run finishing seventh. He also qualified in that meet in the 1600 Meter Run running a personal best of 4:22.16 in the prelims. His 3200m time dropped during the season running 9:21 at the beginning of April at Arcadia and ending running 9:18.99 in June at the Music City Track Carnival.

 

5 Tommy Murray – SR – Port Byron (Riverdale)

Notes – Murray had a standout junior season and will look for a great senior campaign. Murray was all-state last fall finishing ninth in the state meet with a 15:17 time. He has started this season strong running 15:03 at Detweiller at Dark in July and 15:31 to finish second last week at Moline. Murray was double all-state in track running 9:31.76 to finish fourth in the 3200 Meter Run and running 4:21.98 to finish third in the 1600 Meter Run. His times in the 1600 dropped post season running 4:19.25 for 1600-meters at Midwest Distance Festival. “Tommy is tremendously balanced, incredibly disciplined, and genuinely uplifts and supports everybody on the team,” said his coach, Kevin Claus. “He’s been a true inspiration to me, our team, and our community the last three years and it’s been awesome to see how his hard work has translated to individual and team success. Tommy had an awesome summer of running and we’re excited to see where his preparation leads him.”

 

Runners to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Jacob Adcock – SR – Arthur-Lovington

Lyle Adcock – SR – Arthur-Lovington

Logan Beckmier – SR – Arthur-Lovington

Notes – These three teammates were on the squad that finished second in Class 1A last November. All three could be all-state this fall. Beckmeier was as he finished 13th running 15:20. Jacob Adcock was 35 seconds behind Beckmeier running 15:55 to finish 45th. Lyle Adcock was just two seconds behind his brother Jacob at state. “Logan Beckmier continues to lead our pack going into his senior season,” said their coach, Lyle Dorjahn. “He had a nice 5K at Terra Haute on 7/29. Not far off his 3 mile PR. Expect him to follow up his 2021 all state performance with an excellent fall.

Lyle and Jacob Adcock are virtually interchangeable. At this time, Jacob appears to be a little ahead in conditioning. I expect them to better their top 50 standings in 2021 and challenge for all state positions at Detweiller in November.”

 

Jacob Elston – SR – Monticello

Notes – Elston surprised some last fall early last year when he ran 17:55 at the Richard Spring Invitational in September. His times dropped considerably to state when he ran 15:54 to finish 43rd. He had run 16:48 three weeks before on the Detweiller Park course. He has started his season finishing fifth at the Saber Corn Classic. Elston ran season bests of 4:56 for 1600-meters and 10:31 for 3200-meters last spring.

 

Brecken Fahrenkrug – JR – Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)

Notes – A runner that we could see in the top 25 this fall. Fahrenkrug had a good state series races finishing fifth in the Eureka Regional and ninth at the Elmwood Sectional. The then sophomore ran 15:49 to finish 34th in the 1A State Meet. He ran personal bests of 2:01.38 in the 800 Meter Run and 4:45.51 in the 1600 Meter Run this past spring.

 

Weston Forward – JR – Rockford (Christian)

Notes – Forward has somewhat of a breakout sophomore season last year. He should continue to climb the mountain his junior year. He finished fourth last fall in the Oregon Sectional before placing an all-state 19th in the state meet with a 15:28 time. He also shined during the track season as he was all-state in the 3200 Meter Run (9:44.44) finishing eighth overall. He ran a personal best of 4:36.08 in the prelims of the 1600 Meter Run two days before his state 3200. “Weston Forward and Aidan Sosnowski have both taken a step up in the volume and intensity,” said Rockford Christian Coach, Randy Moore. “They have quickly become complimentary training partners. Weston has helped stretch Aidan’s endurance and bump in mileage. Aidan has challenged Weston’s speed and intensity with intervals. They might become our best 1-2 punch in program history.”

 

Ben Gibson – SO – Chicago (Latin)

Notes – We knew that Ben Gibson would be a good runner from his middle school running. There were some things that Gibson did last fall that will continue to grow over the next three seasons. Gibson could be among the top 1A runners in the state this fall. He was the third runner on their championship team finishing 20th in the state meet. Gibson focused on the shorter distances during track. He qualified for state in both the 800 Meter Run and the 4x800m Relay. He ran a personal best of 2:03.32 in the prelims. He ran a personal best of 4:28.49 for the 1 Mile Run indoors at the end of January.

 

Bryson Grant – SR – Gilman (Iroquois West)

Notes – Grant has already started off to a strong senior season after becoming all-state last fall placing 18th at Detweiller Park. He already run 16:00 to win the PBL Kickoff Meet on August 25. He won last Saturday at the Saber Corn Classic running 16:00. Grant had a great track season that culminated in running 4:23.34 to finish fourth in the 1A State Finals in the 1600 Meter Run.

 

Brandt Henderson – SR – Normal (University)

Notes – Henderson should be the team’s top runner most of this season until his teammate Sachit Muduli returns from injury. Brandt just missed all-state last fall finishing 29th at state. The start of this season has been successful for this senior. He won the Boys race at Clinton last Saturday running 15:43. He missed qualifying for state in track running a personal best of 4:36.78 to finish third at the Metamora Sectional. “Brandt is working hard,” said his coach, Lester Hampton. “He is showing a lot of promise not only as a runner but as a leader too.  I can’t wait to see where this journey will take him this season.”

 

Josiah Hortin – JR – Tuscola

Notes – Hortin did not finish his sophomore season the way that he wanted to. He finished sixth at the Tuscola Regional and tenth at the St. Teresa Sectional. His race at state was not the best as he finished 59th overall. He was on the quartet that qualified for the finals of the 4x800m Relay at state. He also qualified in the 1600 Meter Run. “Josiah and Jackson (Barrett) I believe that their past and future success in XC and track are very intertwined,” said new Tuscola coach, Neal Garrison. “Both have relied on each other as training partners and racing partners in the past. They appear to be the most likely runners to lead our team in meets physically. Josiah and Jackson are also great leaders for our team in regard to shaping the team's standards and character. They enjoy running and are disciplined in their running.”

 

Mac Kittrell – SR – Chicago (DePaul College Prep)

Notes – Mac Kittrell took some huge steps up last fall that will take him to bigger things in the next couple of months. Top six finishes in his three meets prior to state set up to finish 16th in last November’s state meet. His track season may have been even better running a personal best of 9:23.43 to finish third in a highly competitive 3200 at state. He ran a then personal best 4:26.01 to reach the state finals in the 1600 Meter Run. The following week after state he ran 4:24.55, another personal best, at Magis Miles. “Mac is super focused on maximizing his potential as a competitive distance runner this season,” said his coach, Mitchell Baum. “He’s dialed in and looking to make a serious impact on the 1A scene.”

 

Josh LaChance – SR – Freeburg

Notes – LaChance finished last season running 16:11 to finish 62nd. He should improve on that performance this season. He ran a personal best of 4:53.98 on the track last spring. “He had a strong track season and consistently trained throughout the summer,” said his coach, Carl Florczyk. “I am excited for him to see what he can do this fall.”

 

Aidan Lee – JR – Pontiac

Notes – Lee was off most everyone’s radar for most of his sophomore season. It changed around the state series finishing eighth in his conference meet, third in the regional, and 11th in sectionals. His final race was finishing 41st in Peoria in the state meet. His finish at the end of this season should be higher. He ran personal bests of 10:22.51 for 3200-meters and 4:45.82 for 1600-meters during his track season. “Aidan Lee is a naturally talented runner who is willing to run uncomfortable,” said his coach Michael Lucas. “I feel he does not experience the gains other runners do during track season because he suffers from terrible blisters which impact his training consistency. Aidan had a really solid summer. He finished at 15:52 last year and I feel if healthy all season he can drop below 15:30 this year in November at Detweiller.”

 

Calvin Miller – SR – Shelbyville

Notes -  Miller should be the top runner for the Rams this fall after finishing 48 in last year’s state meet. He ran 15:58 at state. Three weeks before in the Patriot Invitational, he only ran 17:10. Miller qualified in the spring for state in the 1600 Meter Run with a 4:37.06 personal best at the Tuscola Sectional.

 

Wyatt Miller – SR – Sandwich

Notes – Miller will be the top runner for a team that will surprise some at the end of the year. His junior year finished as he placed 37th in the state meet. He qualified in the spring with his teammates for state in the 4x800m Relay. “Wyatt Miller is a tremendous athlete and a great leader,” said his coach, Bolaji Adeoti.  “He has led by example by being at every practice and doing extra to better his teammates. He is hungry to do something special this year and has worked hard this summer to work towards achieving his goals. I am extremely proud of how much he has grown as a person, as well as all of the accomplishments he’s had so far.”

 

Sachit Muduli – JR – Normal (University)

Notes – It may take a little while this fall for Muduli to get back to full steam. “Unfortunately, it has not been the summer Sachit was hoping for, between an extended illness in the spring and a bad hamstring he has not been able to train,” said his coach, Lester Hampton. “We’re hoping to get him healthy and back on track soon.” Muduli finished 38th in last year’s state meet as the team’s second runner.

 

Camden Quarton – JR – Litchfield

Notes – Quarton ran strong at the end of last season winning his regional race, finishing sixth in his sectional, and then all-state as a sophomore with a 23rd place finish at Detweiller Park. I doubt he will sneak up on people this fall. Quarton qualified for the state meet in both the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. He achieved personal bests during the season of 10:14.96 for 3200-meters and 4:39.40 for 1600-meters in the state prelims.

 

Charlie Richardson – SR – Chicago (DePaul College Prep)

Notes – Richardson just became all-state last fall finishing 25th in the state meet. “Charlie’s unfortunate injury at the end of the track season has kept his summer focused mostly on recovery and building fitness via other cross-training methods,” said his coach, Mitchell Baum. “Through it all though, Charlie has not lost his deeply competitive spirit. He’ll surely be back, stronger than ever by the season’s end.”

 

Aidan Sosnowski – SR – Rockford (Christian)

Notes – The success that Sosnowski had during his junior track season will carry over to this fall’s season. He anchored the Royal Lions to a state title last May in the 4x800m Relay with a 1:57 anchor leg. He started off this fall running 16:03 for the win at Rock Falls. Sosnowski finished 54 in last year’s state meet. A top 25 finish this fall is within his reach. “Weston Forward and Aidan Sosnowski have both taken a step up in the volume and intensity,” said their coach, Randy Moore. “They have quickly become complimentary training partners. Weston has helped stretch Aidan’s endurance and bump in mileage. Aidan has challenged Weston’s speed and intensity with intervals. They might become our best 1-2 punch in program history.”