2019 IHSA Cross Country Class 2A Sectional Previews

 

By Michael Newman

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It is put up or shut up time at five sectional meets across the state this weekend. For some teams and athletes, they will live to run another race. For some, their season will be complete.

The crazy weather that has hit Illinois in the past week will change some runner’s strategies when they step to the line Saturday morning. Instead of looking for a fast time, it might be the survive and advance strategy of getting to the state meet.

Strange things could happen. Slippery and wet grounds could mean unexpected falls where favorites may not advance and the runners who were not thought to make it to Peoria will earn that chance.

Here is a look at each of the five sectional meets and the 10 races that will take place.

 

Belvidere Sectional

Belvidere HS – 3.0 Miles

 

Girls Race – 10:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #2 Belvidere North, #7 Prairie Ridge, #8 Dixon, #9 Crystal Lake South, #12 Lakes Community, #20 Kaneland, #24 Crystal Lake Central, #25 Sterling

Sectional Qualifiers: Burlington Central, Grayslake Central, Grayslake North, Antioch, Rockford Boylan Catholic, Wauconda, Sycamore, Richmond-Burton, Belvidere, Rochelle

Runners to Watch: Brooke Stromsland-Lakes Community; Isabella Gonzalez-Crystal Lake South; Kelli Tosic-Grayslake North; Siobhan Stoll-Marian Central Catholic; Mackenzie Aldridge-Crystal Lake South; Gianna Sagona-Belvidere North; Madison Diercks-Belvidere North; Olivia Schmitt-Lakes Community; Rachel Richtman-Kaneland; Paige Stees-Dixon; Jade Miller-Dixon; Colette Janik-Prairie Ridge; Sydnie Elder-Belvidere North; Kylie Smith-Crystal Lake Central; Jessie Pakaski-Wauconda; Sarah Benes-Antioch.

Preview – Eight ranked teams are in this race with five teams ranked in the top 12. Defending Class 2A Champion Belvidere North was hampered early this year with injuries but appear to be peaking at the right time. Gianna Sagona and Madison Diercks will be in the top 10 with Sydnee Elder close behind. The Blue Thunder had a 70 second split on their top five runners in last week’s regional race. They will need close to a 60 second split on their scorers to win the team title.

Dixon was only four points behind Belvidere North last week and would like to finish ahead in Saturday’s race. Paige Stees and Jade Miller should be in the top 10. The Duchesses need all 5 runners in the top 30 to contend for the win. Prairie Ridge  finished four points ahead of crosstown rival Crystal Lake South in last week’s Kaneland Regional. The Wolves have a good pack led by Colette Janik that will need to stay within 70 seconds or under of each other. South has Mackenzie Aldridge and Isabella Gonzalez that could finish in the top five individuals. The Gators could have runners in the top 35 that would be good enough to possibly win this team title.

Lakes Community has Brooke Stromsland who will be the big favorite in the individual race. Olivia Schmitt is having a great senior season and could finish among the top 10 runners. Lakes wins this team title if they have fiver runners finish in the top 25 with their fifth runner ahead of Belvidere North’s fourth runner.

The five above teams are close to locks to make it to Peoria. This sectional is so tough that I would not count out Kaneland and Crystal Lake Central to make it into the top five. Rachel Richtman should be in the top 10 for Kaneland. Their top five runners need to be in before 54th place to get this team close to a state qualifying bid. Kylie Smith could be close to the top 10 for Crystal Lake Central. The Tigers need a good team race with five in the top 60 to get close to the top five teams.

Brooke Stromsland was dominant in winning last year’s sectional title and should repeat in this race. The race for second should be exciting between Isabella Gonzalez, Mackenzie Aldridge, Kelli Tosic, Siobhan Stoll, and Gianna Sagona all challenging for the second spot.

 

Boys Race – 11:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #1 Kaneland, #3 Dixon, #7 Marmion Academy, #11 Belvidere North, #18 Sycamore, #19 Burlington Central, #24 Lakes Community

Sectional Qualifiers: Crystal Lake Central, Woodstock, Sterling, Grayslake Central, Hampshire, Antioch, Marian Central Catholic, Grayslake North, Rockford Boylan Catholic, Freeport, Plano

Runners to Watch: Anthony Farmer-Burlington Central; Charlie Smith-Antioch; Austin Adams-Kaneland; Daniel Occhipinti-Kaneland; Brock Dregenberg-Dixon; Max Beutel-Belvidere North; Alex Carlson-Marmion Academy; Anthony Zangler-Marmion Academy; Peter Walsdorf-Marian Central Catholic; Ryan Jones-Marian Central Catholic; Christian Seagren-Dixon; Cadyn Grafton-Dixon; Isaiah Dallal-Kaneland; Craig Hundley-Grayslake Central; RJ Migas-Lakes Community; Luke Chaffin-Marengo.

Preview – Is this sectional race a preview for next week’s state meet? Kaneland and Dixon are the only teams that have been ranked #1 in Class 2A this fall. I could see less than 10 points separating the two teams on Saturday.

Kaneland has Austin Adams and Daniel Occhipinti that could be in the top five individually in this race. The Knights will need five runners in the top 20 with a split under 50 seconds to secure the top spot. Dixon will need a top five split under 40 seconds to counter Kaneland’s strength in the front. Brock Dregenberg finishing between Adams and Occhipinti would be a plus for the Dukes. Four runners in before 13th place and five runners in before 19th place could get Dixon the win.

Marmion Academy looks solid in the third position in this race Alex Carlson and Anthony Zangler should finish in the top 10. The Cadets make it to Peoria with five runners finishing in the top 30.

It is kind of murky trying to figure the next two teams qualifying for state. Five schools will challenge for those two positions. Belvidere North has been coming on with a conference win and a strong second-place finish behind Dixon at regionals. Max Beutel could be close to a top five finish. If their two through five runner pack can stay within 20 seconds and place in the top 50, the Blue Thunder could make it to state for the final time for retiring coach Troy Yunk.

Sycamore has a solid pack that should start between 15th and 20th places led by Aaron Trier and Jack Cambier and hopefully finish before 49th place to make it to state. Burlington Central has one of the individual favorites in Anthony Farmer and Gio Martinez finishing in the top 20. Their fourth and fifth runners will be back and will need to finish 70th or better for the Rockets to make it to Peoria as a team. Lakes Community could have RJ Migas finish in the top 15 and will need runners across the finish line by 67th place to clinch a state bid. Crystal Lake Central could even make it but will need big races from Austin May and Thomas Landt.

This individual race will be a great run with Charlie Smith and Andrew Farmer challenged by Austin Adams for the sectional title. Max Beutel, Brock Dregenberg, and Daniel Occhipinti will be among the runners in the front pack.

 

Bloomington Sectional

Maxwell Park, Normal – 3.0 Miles

 

Girls Race – 9:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #4 Dunlap, #10 Peoria Notre Dame, #13 Bloomington, #17 Mahomet-Seymour, #18 Urbana, #21 Washington, #22 Geneseo, #23 Morton

Sectional Qualifiers: Metamora, Champaign Central, Galesburg, Canton, Morris, LaSalle-Peru, CH Marian Catholic, Ottawa, Streator, Kankakee

Runners to Watch: Emma Skinner-Morton; Olivia Rosenstein-Urbana; Saniya Mathew-Dunlap; Kaitlin Skeate-Bloomington; Maria Stedwill-Peoria Notre Dame; Ashley Heagy-LaSalle Peru; Eileen Zopel-Peoria Notre Dame; Celia Barbieri-Urbana; Eleanor Fournier-Canton; Macy Priess-Dunlap; Raegan Kaeb-Bloomington; Elizabeth Sims-Mahomet Seymour; Joy English-Washington; Abby Banister-Dunlap; Lacey Laxton-Geneseo.

Preview – Dunlap rested their top seven last week as they finished fourth in their regional. The Eagles should be the favorite in this meet led by freshman Saniya Mathew and Macy Priess who should finish among the top 10. Peoria Notre Dame, led by freshmen Maria Stedwill and Eileen Zopel, have given their team a boost and could contend for the team title. The Irish positioning their four runner front pack in the top 20 would be a good start.

It could be even between the next six teams as they fight for the final three qualifying spots. Bloomington surprised some by winning at Metamora and could be one of the five state qualifiers. Kaitlin Skeate could be one of the top five finishers along with Raegan Kaeb placing in the top 15. The Purple Raiders placing all their scorers in the top 40 will help. Mahomet-Seymour could make the trip back to Peoria next week but will need Elizabeth Sims near the top 10 with five runners in the top 50.

Urbana will get a top five finish from Olivia Rosenstein and a top 10 finish from ever improving Celia Barbieri. The Tigers will need five runners among the top 45 to punch their Peoria ticket. Washington has a solid pack led by Joy English and Brooke Evans. The Panthers will need a split under 60 seconds with English and Evans finishing in the top 20 to get Washington back to state.

Morton could surprise led by individual favorite Emma Skinner. Their two through five runner pack needs to stay within 110 seconds of Skinner to make the state trip. Geneseo could be a surprise but will need Lacey Laxton finishing in the top 15 and five runners placing in the top 59 to get them close to the top five teams.

Emma Skinner has moved into top five at state finishing position and should be the favorite in this race. Skinner ran 17:05 two weeks ago at Detweiller Park and last week ran the second fastest time ever at Donovan Park. Olivia Rosenstein has run 17:25 at Detweiller Park and should be the next in with Dunlap freshman Saniya Mathew close by. Keep an eye on Maria Stedwell and Kaitlin Skeate that should be in position for top five finishes.

 

Boys Race – 10:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #4 Metamora, #5 Morton, #9 Bloomington, #14 Peoria Notre Dame, #15 Mahomet-Seymour, #17 Normal University, #23 Geneseo, #25 Bartonville Limestone

Sectional Qualifiers: Washington, Dunlap, Champaign Centennial, LaSalle-Peru, East Peoria, Morris, CH Marian Catholic, Rich South, Streator, Rich Central

Runners to Watch: Sam Lange-Morton; Adam Gilbreath-Glaub-Metamora; Ian O’Laughlin-Metamora; Luke Manolakes-Champaign Centennial; Jackson Ward-Washington; Bradyn Olmstead-Bloomington; Evan Turnbull-Bloomington; Cade Zobrist-Morton; Colton Barb-Metamora; Kyle Nofziger-Mahomet Seymour; Logan Johnson-LaSalle Peru; Keaton Vandel-East Peoria; Alex Ahmari-Champaign Central; Joseph Scheele-Mahomet Seymour; William Plumley-Geneseo; Wilson Georges-Bartonville Limestone.

Preview – This should be close for the top two spots with regional champions Metamora and Morton challenging for the team title. Adam Gilbreath-Glaub and Ian O’Laughlin give Metamora the strength in the front along with Colton Barb. The Redbirds will need five runners in the top 30 to capture the team title. Morton will have individual favorite Sam Lange up front with Cade Zobrist a possibility in the top 10. Morton’s two through five runner pack projects to be between 25 to 30 seconds. The Potters five runners ahead of Metamora’s fourth runner to put them in position to win. It should be close with a 5 to 10 point margin separating the two teams.

Bloomington should make it back to state but will need top 10 finishes from Bradyn Olmstead and Evan Turnbull with a 50 second split on their top five runners.

It gets interesting at this point. Peoria Notre Dame would be lucky if they have a runner finish in the top 20. The Irish has a good pack led by Logan Keene and Patrick Couri that could have a split on their top five under 40 seconds. Mahomet-Seymour is a young squad that has had up and down races the past three weeks. The Bulldogs could return to state but will need Kyle Nofziger and Joseph Scheele finishing in the top 15 to get them there. Normal University could make it to Peoria after qualifying last year in Class 3A. Alex Hess finishing in the top 20 with a top five runner split under 42 second could help the Pioneers finish in the top five.

Bartonville Limestone would be in contention for a state berth if their #1 runner Wilson Georges in their lineup. Georges was diagnosed with pneumonia after his conference meet and appears to be questionable if he will race Saturday. Limestone will need a 30 second or under split on their pack that will need to finish starting at 24th place if Georges is not racing.

Sam Lange has run under 14:48 three times at Detweiller Park this season and should be the prohibitive favorite especially with Wilson Georges not at 100%. Adam Gilbreath-Glaub has improved over the past three meets and could challenge Lange. Luke Manolakes, Ian O’Laughlin, and Jackson Ward could be among the runners in the front pack.

 

Decatur MacArthur Sectional

Hickory Point Golf Course, Decatur

 

Girls Race – 10:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #11 Chatham-Glenwood, #15 Highland, #16 Mt. Zion

Sectional Qualifiers: Troy Triad, Mascoutah, Olney Richland County, Springfield, Carbondale, Bethalto Civic Memorial, Rochester, Waterloo, Charleston, Mattoon, Columbia, Jacksonville, Centralia, Effingham, Jersey

Runners to Watch: Tatum David-Olney Richland County; Nia Gibson-Chatham Glenwood; Colleen Zeibert-Rochester; Grace Meyer-Highland; Madeline Prideaux-Carbondale; Chloe Latour-Mascoutah; Jessica Borror-Highland; Rachel Patterson-Waterloo; Julia Loeh-Highland; Kylie Haacke-Mattoon; Jade Anderson-Chatham Glenwood; Parker Doggett-Chatham Glenwood; Megan Garrett-Charleston; Lucy Griffith-Mt. Zion; Anna Schurz-Carbondale.

Preview – It could be wide-open on who wins in the team race and who are the five teams that advance out of this sectional. Chatham-Glenwood could have the edge with Nia Gibson among the front runners in this race. The pack behind Gibson was only separated by 16 seconds in their regional race led by sophomores Emma Leahy and Parker Doggett. Five runners in the top 20 could be the key to watch for the Titans to win the team title.

The one team that could challenge Glenwood is Highland. The Bulldogs will need Grace Meyer, Julia Loeh, and Faith Brindley to finish in the top 10 to counter Glenwood’s pack. Highland will need to get their fifth runner across the line before Glenwood’s sixth runner to give them the edge for the team title.

Mt. Zion is coming on strong having won their conference and regional titles in the past two weeks. Lucy Griffith and Emma Mallory finishing in the top 15 will help the Braves. Their pack is good. A split of 35 seconds or under on their top five could get this team into a top three finish. Three teams are close enough to challenge for the final two state positions. Mascoutah should have Chloe Latour among the top 10 finishers but will need their top five runners to finish in the top 45. Troy Triad has a solid pack but will need Alyssa Kowalski or Chloe Gough to finish in the top 20 to get this team to state. Carbondale has good front runners with Madeline Prideaux among the top five best and Anna Schurz a top 15 finisher. Having their fifth runner in before 60th place could get the Terriers to the Detweiller Park starting line. Richland County will have Tatum David up front. Their pack will need their next two runners in the top 40 and their final two runners in the top 65 to make it to state. Charleston has an outside shot to make it to Peoria but will need big races from Megan Garrett and Grace Spoonhour to accomplish that.

Tatum David has run by herself all season. This sectional race will be another occasion to do that before state. The question will be if someone can finish less than two minutes behind her. Nia Gibson, Madeline Prideaux, Grace Meyer, and Colleen Zeibert will be some of the runners in the chase pack.

 

Boys Race – 11:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #6 Chatham-Glenwood, #10 Springfield, #13 Mascoutah, #16 Centralia, #20 Troy Triad, #21 Waterloo

Sectional Qualifiers: Olney Richland County, Mt. Zion, Rochester, Highland, Jacksonville, Marion, Mattoon, Taylorville, Bethalto Civic Memorial, Danville, Carbondale, Charleston

Runners to Watch: Eli Ward-Waterloo; Brooks Harlan-Centralia; Gavin Kirby-Olney Richland County; Tucker Poshard-Carbondale; Chris Cherry-Taylorville; Nick Hanratty-Highland; Cory Fleeman-Centralia; Jackson McAlister-Waterloo; Kristian Knecht-Mascoutah; Mark Eldridge-Bethalto Civic Memorial; Matt Herren-Rochester; Kyle Boughter-Springfield; Josh Jackson-Mt. Vernon; Max Klebe-Mt. Zion; Drake Bleier-Troy Triad.

Preview – The chase for the team title could come down to four teams challenging for the top spot. Chatham-Glenwood will rely on tight pack running now that their #1 runner Graham Turk was lost for the season with a stress fracture in his tibia. The Titans had a 21 second top five split in winning their regional last week. That pack will need to start with Cameron Smith and Drew Verenski finishing in the top 15.

Springfield placed second behind Glenwood last week with Anthony Peralta and Kyle Boughter finishing in the top six. The two top runners need to finish in the top 15 with a split on five runners under 45 seconds to capture the sectional win. Mascoutah should have Kristian Knecht and Avery Cozzi among the top 15 individuals. The key for this team is having five runners in the top 35 with a 40 second split to capture the win. Centralia should get top 10 finishers from Brooks Harlan, Cory Fleeman, and Matt Speidel. The Orphans will need their fourth and fifth runners in before 60th place to bear in the front.

Troy Triad has been up and down this season and will need an up week to advance to state. The Knights have a solid pack that were within 27 seconds of each other in their regional race. Drake Bleier finishing in the top 15 will be something to watch for in beginning their pack finish. Waterloo tied Triad last week and could pass them in this meet especially if Eli Ward and Jackson McAlister finish in the top 10 and Joe Schwartz finishes in the top 20. Highland could also be a surprise in this race. The Bulldogs will need Neil Hanratty finishing in the top 10 with their top five split under 80 seconds pushing them closer to a top five finish. Keep an eye also on Richland County that could find their way into the top five if Gavin Kirby finishes in the top five and the team has a 20 second split on their second through fifth runners with that pack starting between 50th and 55th places.

Eli Ward and Brooks Harlan should challenge for the individual race title. Tucker Poshard, Gavin Kirby, and Chris Cherry will be some of the runners that you will see in the front.

 

Fenton Sectional

Fenton Campus XC Course, Bensenville – 3.0 Miles

 

Girls Race – 10:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #3 Latin School, #5 Vernon Hills, #6 St. Ignatius Prep, #14 Fenwick

Sectional Qualifiers: St. Viator, St. Francis, Carmel Catholic, Trinity, Glenbard South, Fenton, Elmwood Park, Ridgewood, Noble School/ITW Speer, Resurrection, De La Salle Institute, Noble School/Chicago Bulls

Runners to Watch: Ava Parekh-Latin School; Rose Sheridan-Vernon Hills; Kristina Dalton, Lexi Affolter, Rhiannon O’Keefe-St. Ignatius Prep; Katie Castelli-St. Viator; Emma Wakefield-Vernon Hills; Maggie O’Malley-Fenwick; Marianne Mihas, Bea Parr-Latin School; Reina Hill-Vernon Hills; Maria Quinn-Fenwick; Isabel Ashley-Carmel Catholic; Minnie Rolston-St. Francis; Keyaira Moore-De La Salle Institute.

Preview – This could be an intriguing team race with three of the top six Class 2A teams in this 15 team field. Latin School will have individual race favorite Ava Parekh in the front but will need Marianne Mihas and Bea Parr finish in the top 10 in this race. The Romans will need five runners in the top 20 to accomplish the sectional win.

Vernon Hills will have Rose Sheridan close to Parekh. What will get the Cougars the sectional title is if Emma Wakefield and Reina Hill finish among the top 10 and five runners in the top 20. Their fifth needs to be ahead of Latin’s fifth runner to secure the win.

While the focus is on those two teams, St. Ignatius Prep could sneak in to capture the title. The Wolfpack could have Kristina Dalton, Rhiannon O’Keefe and Lexi Affolter among the top five runners in this race. The team’s key is having their fourth runner among the first 15 and fifth runner placing 22nd or better. The margin could be 15 points between these three teams.

Fenwick will make it and could be within 15 to 20 points of these first three squads. Maggie O’Malley could be among the top 10 finishers with the team getting five runners in the first 30.

It come down to four teams challenging for the final spot. St. Francis should have Minnie Rolston finish in the top 15. The Spartans will need a top five split under 55 seconds to finish in the top five. Carmel Catholic should also have a top 15 runner with Isabel Ashley. Their pack will need to move up in order to catch St. Francis. St. Viator will have a race front runner in Katie Castelli. Their pack will also need to finish in the top 50 to get into the top five team places.

Ava Parekh is ready for the state challenge and will be the big favorite in this race. Rose Sheridan could push the pace up front with Parekh. Marianne Mihas and Katie Castelli could be challenging for a top spot.

 

Boys – 11:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #2 St. Ignatius Prep, #8 St. Francis, #22 Glenbard South

Sectional Qualifiers: St. Viator, Fenwick, Vernon Hills, Fenton, Elmwood Park, Niles Notre Dame, St. Patrick, Carmel Catholic, Ridgewood, Noble Schools/ITW Speer, Noble Schools/Chicago Bulls, De La Salle Institute, Noble Schools/Muchin

Runners to Watch: Dan Weizeorick-St. Francis; Jacob Flynn, Michael Lesak, Liam Linnen-St. Ignatius Prep; Patric Natindim-St. Viator; Chris Covone, Luke Orwig, Tom England-St. Francis; Zach Kiley, Brian Moore-St. Ignatius Prep; Sam Elizondo-Fenton; Chris Brady-Fenwick.

Preview – This race should come down to a two team battle between St. Ignatius and St. Francis with the rest of the field more than 100 points behind them. St. Ignatius has a good chance to place all of their seven runners in the top 12 with Jacob Flynn and Liam Linnen leading five runners in the top nine. St. Francis is a sure bet to make it to Peoria led by individual race favorite Dan Weizeorick. The Spartans could place five runners in the top 16.

Glenbard South has showed improvement over the last month and is in position to finish among the top five teams. Ethan Woods and Ryan Allspach lead a tight Raider top five pack that could finish between 20th and 30th with under a 45 second split. Fenwick should also advance with Chris Brady in the top 20 and the rest of his teammates among the first 40 finishers.

The loss of Payton Prep and Mather from competing in the state series because of the Chicago Teachers strike opens the door for some other schools to place among the top five. St. Viator could be one of those teams along with Fenton and Elmwood Park prepared to be in the top five with good races on Saturday.

It should be a race to the finish for the sectional individual title between Dan Weizeorick and Jacob Flynn. Patric Natindim along with a pack of St. Ignatius Prep runners led by Liam Linnen should be the runners you see in the front.

 

 

Thornridge Sectional

Thornridge HS, Dolton – 3.0 Miles

 

Girls Race – 10:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #1 Benet Academy, #19 Lemont

Sectional Qualifiers: Riverside-Brookfield, Nazareth Academy, Oak Forest, Hinsdale South, Providence Catholic, St. Laurence, Bremen, Evergreen Park, TF North

Runners to Watch: Kaylie Politza-Lemont; Colette Kinsella-Nazareth Academy; Joy Jackson, Emily Spellman, Elisabeth Camic, Meaghan Andrews, Louisa Andrews-Benet Academy; Taylor Jurgens-Riverside Brookfield; Abby Petersen-Hinsdale South; Bryce Pacourek-Riverside Brookfield; Mia Nutile-Oak Forest; Marin Schiffman-Lemont.

Preview – There will be no question in this sectional that Benet Academy should overwhelmingly win this sectional team title with Lemont a solid second-place. The only thing that could prevent it is the two teams not getting to the starting line on time.

Benet Academy, the top ranked team in Class 2A, should get all seven runners in the top 10 led by Joy Jackson and Emily Spellman. The Redwings only needed a 44 second split on their top five and 57 seconds on their top seven to win last week. We should see similar numbers in Saturday’s race.

Lemont has Kaylie Politza leading them in one of the first spots with their pack in the teens behind her. Their split was 40 seconds from their second through fifth runners in their regional race. That should be more than enough to secure the second place position.

Riverside-Brookfield should be one of the next three qualifying teams led by Taylor Jurgens finishing in the top 10. Nazareth Academy could be one of those teams with freshman Colette Kinsella a possibility of winning this race. Oak Forest will need five runners in the top 42 led by Mia Nutile and Allison Ramsey finishing in the top 15 to secure a state berth. Hinsdale South has freshman Abby Petersen that could finish among the first 10 runners. The Hornets will need their other four scorers in before 47th place to take the team trip to the state meet.

Kaylie Politza missed most of the season due to a stress fracture but has come back strong and should be the favorite in this race after winning the regional title a week ago. Colette Kinsella is having a great freshman season and will be the one runner to challenge Politza with the Benet Academy top five close behind.

 

Boys Race – 11:00 AM

Ranked Teams: #12 Benet Academy

Sectional Qualifiers: Brother Rice, HL Richards, Bremen, Hinsdale South, Lemont, TF North, Oak Forest, Riverside-Brookfield, Nazareth Academy, Mt. Carmel, St. Laurence, Evergreen Park, St. Rita, Thornridge

Runners to Watch: Julian Watson-Hinsdale South; Mike Reif-Oak Forest; David Olmos-HL Richards; Sean Donnelly, Niklas Anderson, Ben Grundman-Benet Academy; Paul Proteau-Riverside Brookfield; Jimmy Maguire-Brother Rice; Matt Lovrich-Bremen; Dominic Adams, Jack Tams-Benet Academy, Steve Haley-Riverside Brookfield.

Preview – Just as in the Girls race, Benet Academy will be the team to beat in this race. Sean Donnelly and Niklas Anderson will finish among the top five runners with their top five pack within 35 seconds of each other and finishing in the top 12.

Brother Rice appears to have the edge on the second-place position. Jimmy Maguire should be among the top 10 runners in this race. The Crusaders will need to keep their top five runners within 55 seconds of each other placing in the top 25. HL Richards has snuck up on teams with strong races in their conference and regional meets. David Olmos should be in the top five with his teammates finishing in the top 35. Bremen edged Hinsdale South for third in the regional race last week at Midlothian Meadows. The two teams could be close on Saturday. Bremen’s Matt Lovrich leads his team that will need to keep their split under 70 seconds to advance to state. Hinsdale South will have Julian Watson up front among the leaders. The Hornets need their second through five pack under 45 seconds to make the trip down to Peoria. Riverside-Brookfield, TF North, and Lemont all could make it to Peoria in this small 15 team sectional field.

The individual race should be close with Julian Watson, David Olmos, and Mike Reif all challenging for the individual sectional title.