Which runner steps up in Class 2A?

 

By Michael Newman

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Photo: ©2018 Laura Duffy

 

2018 Class 2A State Champion Matthias Powell has graduated. Second-place finisher Nathan Schmitt’s school has been moved up to Class 3A. Who steps into the top spot in this classification in 2019?

We could get a clue of what to expect this fall at the First to the Finish Invitational on September 14 when Anthony Farmer, Charlie Smith, and Daniel Occhipinti race against each other in the meet’s 2A race. Smith and Occhipinti showcased their talents in Class 3A track last spring both earning all-state honors in the 1600 Meter Run. Farmer broke his jaw at the end of the indoor season, but still helped his Burlington Central teammates earn all state in the Class 2A State Meet.

Three runners with high motors that could drop a time under 14:30 in the state finals on November 9 is something that we should watch for in this classification.

Here is a look at some of the top runners that will participate in Class 2A this fall.

 

Charlie Smith

SR – Antioch

Notes – Charlie stamp marked himself as one of the Class 2A favorites last year when he won the First to the Finish Invitational in early September. We could see the same scenario at the start of this season on September 14. Smith is the second Class 2A returning runner behind Anthony Farmer. What puts Charlie a step ahead is his track season where he finished second in the Class 3A 1600 Meter Run. He is running with confidence heading into this season.

His Coach Christopher Bailey said: “Charlie is coming off an incredible junior year, placing 4th in the 2A XC championships and runner-up in the 1600 3A finals.  He's determined and motivated and will be a contender for the individual state championship.  He's one of the most coachable kids I've ever had, we trust each other, and I know he will do what it takes to put himself in the best possible position in November.”

2018 XC Finish – 4^th, Class 2A State Meet (14:54)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:15.47; 3200m – 9:20.83

 

Anthony Farmer

SR – Burlington (Central)

Notes – His track season was slowed down by a broken jaw at the end of indoor season. Farmer still trained through that losing 20 pounds in the process. It just shows how much drive and heart he has in his life and running. He was still able to help his team when they finished second in the Class 2A 3200 Meter Relay. His indoor time at Huntley (9:41.39) is something to keep an eye on this fall. Charlie Smith, Farmer, and Daniel Occhipinti will face off at the First to the Finish Invitational on September 14. Farmer finished fourth last year in that race.

His Coach Vince Neil said: “Anthony had a great summer of training and he is ready to have a tremendous fall season. After an injury in the spring Anthony is determined to be in championship form this year.  He is healthy and ready to race.  Look for him to do some special things this fall.”

2018 XC Finish – 3^rd, Class 2A State Meet (14:53)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:02.86; 1600m – 4:29.84; 3200m – 9:41.93i

 

Daniel Occhipinti

SR – Maple Park (Kaneland)

Notes – Daniel made the big jump from sophomore to junior season last fall. He ended his soph year finishing 66^th at Detweiller Park. He was all-state last year finishing ninth. I think last season taught him just how good he could be. His track season also showed us what his potential could be at the state track meet. Occhipinti just made it to the Class 3A finals in the 1600 Meter Run by finishing 12^th in the prelims. He earned all-state honors by finishing ninth. His senior season is something that you should keep an eye on.

His Coach Chad Clarey said (about Daniel Occhipinti and Austin Adams): “Occhipinti and Adams hope to race as close on the course as they are as friends off of it. They spent some time running together on vacation, up in Wisconsin, at the start of the summer. Daniel is on target to reach his mileage goals for the start of our regular season. Austin actually is completing his first summer of any training. He walked on last August and rose up the depth chart, mostly based off of his own athletic ability, coupled with his championship mindset. The success that both experienced in 3A track was surprising and hard fought. After each made finals in the heat, both took advantage of their situations in respective events, and earned medals. More than anything, they carry that hunger for what's next. We just want to keep them both healthy and prepared for October and whatever is to come in November. Our success won't be about our front two, but rather the full lineup of seven. We have a lot of senior leaders. Seniors, traditionally, get the job done. It's a tremendous blessing to coach the front two, and all of their teammates. You don't get to have groups like this very often. We won't take any day for granted.

2018 XC Finish – 9^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:06)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 1:57.89; 1600m – 4:22.63; 3200m – 9:53.00i

 

Adam Gilbreath-Glaub

SR – Metamora

Notes – The key for Adam this fall is staying healthy. Injuries slowed him down last fall where he did not race until the Peoria Invitational. He was not 100% at the state meet but still earned all-state honors in the top 25. He was all-state as a freshman finishing 20^th. If he stays healthy to November 9, he could be tough to beat. He did make it to the Class 2A 3200 Meter Run finals last May but finished 15^th.

His Coach Gene Jones said: “Injury last year played a part in his State Meet (was not at full speed for

the Meet). It is his Senior Year so looking to be a top runner in the 2A Boys Season.”

2018 XC Finish – 22^nd, Class 2A State Meet (15:15)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:07.31; 1600m – 4:33.79; 3200m – 9:31.32

 

Eli Ward

SR – Waterloo

Notes – I just have a hunch about this runner heading into this fall. Eli did not have the finish to the track season that he would have liked. He ran a personal best in winning his sectional race in the Class 2A 800 Meter Run. He was the 10^th qualifier after the state prelims. He finished 12^th in the finals. He finished in the top three in six of his nine cross country races last fall including running 15:06 to finish third in the Class 2A race at the Peoria Invitational. The feeling is there that he will be in the hunt for a state championship when we get to November.

2018 XC Finish – 18^th, Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 1:57.00; 1600m – 4:30.36i

 

2A Runners to Watch (in alphabetical order)

 

Austin Adams

SR – Maple Park (Kaneland)

Notes – Consider the fact that this runner did not run a cross country race until last fall. He has been on Kaneland’s track team all three years of his high school career. He spent his fall season the first two years playing football. Austin just missed all-state honors at Detweiller Park by one spot last year. That is how talented he is. Adams will be one of the reasons why Kaneland will contend for a state title. Adams broke out during his track season as he finished fourth in Charleston in the Class 3A 800 Meter Run.

See Coach Chad Clarey notes in Daniel Occhipinti Profile

2018 XC Finish – 26^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:19)

2019 Track Bests – 400m – 52.19; 800m – 1:56.48

 

Kyle Boughter

SR – Springfield

Notes – it should be an interesting autumn for Kyle as  he looks to improve on last year’s 10^th place finish. The 2A Boys classification is wide open this fall. He could be among the top five. He peaked at the right time finishing fourth at his conference, third in his regional, and fourth at his sectional.

2018 XC Finish – 10^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:08)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:07.47; 1600m – 4:32.82; 3200m – 10:04.94

 

Chris Cherry

JR – Taylorville

Notes – It is hard to get a grasp on this runner since Chris does not run track in the spring. His sophomore cross-country season last fall speaks volumes. He finished in the top ten in all the races he was in in 2018 entering the state meet. He did not qualify for the state meet as a freshman finishing 76^th in his sectional race. His growth last year was enormous. He will continue to improve in 2019.

2018 XC Finish – 25^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:18)

 

Brock Drengenberg

JR – Dixon

Notes – Another junior that had a good sophomore season searching for a higher finish this fall. Brock was the team’s second runner at last year’s state meet. He will be the #1 runner of this group. Drengenberg led off Dixon’s 3200 Meter Relay team that won the Class 2A State title in Charleston.

His Coach Evan Thorpe said: “He split time this summer between swim/Track/XC. I assume he will have a slow start, but Brock never ceases to surprise me.”

2018 XC Finish – 16^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:12)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 1:56.8r; 1600m – 4:46.13

 

Jacob Flynn

SR – Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep)

Notes – The move down to Class 2A this fall will benefit St. Ignatius as well as Jacob. His state meet time in 3A would have placed him among the top 30 in 2A last year. This fall, Flynn could be among the top 20 Class 2A runners. His personal best in the 3200 Meter Run came in the snow at the Palatine Relays at the end of April.

His Coach Ed Ernst said: “Senior Jacob Flynn was a 3A individual qualifier last year out of the tough Niles West Sectional, and he was runner up at the Chicago Catholic League meet.  He will compete at the front of any 2A sectional and at the CCL again this year.  His track season was not what he hoped, but he has had a good summer of training.  He has big hopes for cross country.”

2018 XC Finish – 107^th, Class 3A State Meet (15:24)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:07.37; 1600m – 4:33.56; 3200m – 9:44.25

 

Wilson Georges

SO – Bartonville (Limestone)

Notes – It will be extremely interesting to see how much Wilson improves in his sophomore season. Let’s remember, he qualified individually as a freshman last fall and still finished in the top 50. Then again, that was not any ordinary freshman.

His Coach Brian Glaza said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to know Wilson since 5th grade, and I’ve never met anyone quite like him. During his 5th grade season, he was competing against 6th and 7th graders in the 800 at the IESA sectional, and with 300 meters to go, as I cheered him on, he turned to me and screamed out at the top of his lungs, “I got this coach,” only to take 3rd and just miss a spot in state. From that point on, I knew that Wilson was a special kid.

Last year, Wilson had a great XC season that culminated with him finishing as the top freshmen in the 2A class, something he had his eyes set on all season. Transitioning into track season last year, Wilson had a great winter of training, and he came into indoors ready to rumble. While he qualified for the indoor top times meet, he never fully looked like himself, like he was lacking his natural zip. I don’t know how else to explain it, but something seemed off all season. Wilson hung on to qualify for state in the 1600, taking 2nd in his sectional, but even in that race, it just seemed that something wasn’t right. This became even more evident the following week, when he stepped out onto the track at Charleston in the heat of the day and simply looked gassed. He had one gear, and he just looked tired.

After that race, I was nervous for Wilson’s reaction. He is harder on himself than anyone I’ve ever met, and I’ve seen him have some meltdowns after bad races, where it eventually became hard to find the words to help. When we made it back to the hotel, we spoke one on one, and his fire was back. While Wilson is ultimately his biggest critic, he’s never one to give up. To paraphrase, he told me this was only going to make him better and it would be a burning reminder all summer as he trained for cross country, and boy has it ever.

From the start of summer, Wilson has put in the work. Whether it is logging the miles or doing the little stuff behind the scenes, he has dedicated himself to getting better in any capacity he can. His mileage has increased slightly from last summer, but more than anything, the quality of those miles has improved tremendously. For perspective, looking back on his long runs last year, he’d average just over 7 minute pace for 10-11 miles. This summer, his most recent long run he logged was for 13 miles at 6:40 pace. He’s fitter than I’ve ever seen him, and he’s only going to improve from here, which is bad news for the rest of the state.”

2018 XC Finish – 42^nd, Class 2A State Meet (15:39)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:32.39; 3200m – 9:55.5

 

Brooks Harlan

JR – Centralia

Notes – Brooks took his running to another level during last spring’s track season. He ran an indoor personal best in winning the 1600 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times at the end of March. His success continued outdoors when he qualified for the IHSA Class 2A State Meet in the 1600 Meter Run. He made it to the finals where he finished fourth earning all-state honors. Brooks should be among the top 25 runners this November.

His Coach Kyle Fitzgerald said: “Brooks Harlan (junior) has had a great summer of training.  He spent a week in Colorado doing some high altitude training at the University of Colorado camp in Bolder.  His weekly mileage has been well above 50 miles a week and has been injury-free throughout all of it.  We have yet to introduce any kind of speed work, but hills and light fartlek’s have been a staple of his weekly routine.  I expect him to be in the front pack at every race this year and help encourage his teammates to be right there alongside him.”

2018 XC Finish – 49^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:43)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:04.90; 1600m – 4:25.21; 1 Mile – 4:28.47i; 3200m – 9:50.33

 

Matt Herren

JR - Rochester

Notes – Matt made a huge jump last season after ending his freshman season finishing 32^nd in his sectional race. Herren just missed the top 25 at state last year by two places. He should again make a huge jump in his running this fall. Matt qualified for both the 3200 Meter Run and the 160 Meter Run in the Class 2A State Meet. He missed qualifying for the 600 finals by two places.

His Coach Bill Owens said: “Matt looks to be in pretty decent shape and should improve hoping to be all state this year.”

2018 XC Finish – 27^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:20)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:35.44; 3200m – 9:57.48

 

Ryan Jones

SR – Woodstock (Marian Central Catholic)

Notes – Ryan came so close to getting into the top 25 in Peoria his first two years of cross country. He broke through that barrier in 2018 but just barely by finishing 24^th. That led to great things during the track season. He qualified for both the 3200 Meter Run and the 1600 Meter Run in the Class 2A State Track Meet. He ran a personal best by 15 seconds to finish fifth in the 3200 Meter Run. He came back to finish ninth in the 1600 Meter Run. Keep an eye on him. He will surprise a lot of people this fall.

2018 XC Finish – 24^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:18)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:26.48; 3200m – 9:39.39

 

Gavin Kirby

JR – Olney (Richland County)

Notes – A runner that could be among the top 25 this year. He should again be his team’s top runner. Gavin started his season running 16:02 to win at Fairfield on August 27.

2018 XC Finish – 57^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:48)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:05.0r; 1600m – 4:34.49; 3200m – 10:10.3

 

Sam Lange

SR – Morton

Notes – Sam has taken us running up another level after last year’s cross country season and should be among the top 10 in November. He showed that when he ran 15:11 in July at Detweiller at Dark. He progressed during his track season with a huge personal best in the 1600 Meter Run. Lange earned all-state honors when he finished sixth in the IHSA Class 2A State Meet 3200 Meter Run.

His Coach Joel Zehr said: “Sam has continued to progress not only in his fitness, but in his racing ability. He ran a 15:12 at the Detweiller at Dark race at the end of July and we are looking forward to an exciting fall.”

2018 XC Finish – 51^st, Class 2A State Meet

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:24.07; 3200m – 9:40.51

 

Luke Manolakes

SR – Champaign (Centennial)

Notes – Luke will look to bounce back after last season finishing 29^th last November. He finished 23^rd his sophomore year. He just missed qualifying for the Class 3A State Meet while finishing third in the 3A Bloomington Sectional.

His Coach Jeremy Owen said: “Luke is looking to have a big season this year after having an injury last year towards the end of the season that impacted about a month of his training. He has ambitions to finish well at state and chip away at his best times. I believe Luke was on his way to a sub 15 time last season before his injury, and I'm excited to see him show everyone what he can do.”

2018 XC Finish – 29^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:22)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 1:59.9r; 1600m – 4:25.22; 3200m – 9:47.81

 

Ian O’Laughlin

JR – Metamora

Notes – Ian had a good sophomore season that should morph into a better junior campaign. O’Laughlin was his team’s second runner at the end of the season and should be running closer to teammate Adam Gilbreath-Glaub. He ran 9:54 for 3200-meters early during the outdoor season. After that, he ran six races between 10:00 and 10:10.

His Coach Gene Jones said: “Ian had a good Sophomore season and dropped his Detweiller time from

Freshman Year by 100 seconds. Ian ran track this past spring and was running the

3200 under 10 minutes fairly consistently – looking for Ian to run even better this CC Season.”

2018 XC Finish – 46^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:42)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:10.48; 1600m – 4:43.74; 3200m – 9:54.29

 

Bradyn Olmstead

SR – Bloomington

Notes – Bradyn should step into the top spot vacated by graduated all-state runner Nick Doud. Olmstead should be among the top 20 by the time we get to November. He ended last cross-country season by finishing sixth in his conference meet, seventh in his regional race, and tenth in his sectional race before he got to state.

His Coach John Szabo said: “Bradyn Olmstead was slowed by a leg injury but is up and running and should have another good year. Bradyn, along with Evan Turnbull could earn All-State honors with Drew Gibson and Bryce Reed close behind. We will need somebody to step up as our 5th runner.”

2018 XC Finish – 33^rd, Class 2A State Meet (15:29)

2019 Track Bests – 1600m – 4:39.99; 3200m – 10:19.37

 

Aaron Trier

SR – Sycamore

Notes – Aaron should rebound after missing last track season due to an injury. He should be the top runner for a Sycamore team that will surprise some this fall. Don’t be surprised if he finishes in the top 20 at state.

His Coach Michael Lambdin said: “After missing the entire track season due to a knee issue, Aaron seems eager for the cross country season to begin. He certainly has the potential to achieve a lot this year. Aaron’s summer preparation has mirrored that of the team. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out.”

2018 XC Finish – 30^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:28)

2019 Track Bests – missed season with injury

 

Graham Turk

SR – Chatham-Glenwood

Notes –Graham’s finish in last November’s state meet is not indicative of his talent. After running 15:05 at the Peoria Invitational, he suffered an injury that slowed him down the rest of the 2018 cross-country season. Look for big things from him this fall. I could see hm finishing in the top five.

His Coach Mike Garber said: “Graham Turk has his eyes wide open for 2019. A mid-season knee issue limited him in the run to State, but he still made enough of an impact to ensure our State Championship last fall. He told me near the end of last season his 15:05 at Peoria High was just the tip of the iceberg. I believe him. This season, he wants the be one of the top runners in 2A. He has put in a great summer of swimming and running to balance his cardio and strength. Graham is focused on smashing through the 15 minute barrier early in the season and seeing how far down he can take his time by State. After talking to him about our training plans and having his own sky high expectations, I'd count on him to be near the front of every race in which he participates. I can't wait to train another talented young man from Chatham.”

2018 XC Finish – 32^nd, 29^th Class 2A State Meet (15:29)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:01.22; 1600m – 4:34.74; 3200m – 10:04.10

 

Julian Watson

JR – Darien (Hinsdale South)

Notes – I think we could see big things from Julian in his second year of cross-country running. In his first meet of 2019 at Downers Grove South, Watson improved his time from the year before by 55 seconds. Do not be surprised if he finishes in the top 25 in November.

His Coach Jim Dickerson said: “Julian has only been running for a little over a year, so his rate of improvement has been great. He is a great kid, tough competitor, hard worker, and quiet leader. He has lofty goals and I see no reason why he can't reach them.”

2018 XC Finish – 47^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:42)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:06.92; 1600m – 4:44.21; 3200m – 10:05.88

 

Dan Weizeorick

SR – Wheaton (St. Francis)

Notes – Dan just missed all-state last fall finishing 28^th at Detweiller. He could be among the top 15 when we get to November. Dan had a good track season earning all-state honors finishing eighth in the Class 2A 1600 Meter Run. He also helped his team in finishing fifth in the 3200 Meter Relay in Charleston.

2018 XC Finish – 28^th, Class 2A State Meet (15:20)

2019 Track Bests – 800m – 2:03.50; 1600m – 4:24.69; 3200m – 10:17.62