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2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Team Previews - Class 1A BoysPublished by
2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Team Previews - Class 1A Boys
The top four from last season ready in Class 1A led by defending champion Monticello
By Michael Newman
At least we have a high school cross country season.
I have my fingers crossed that we are able to get our act together so that we can all venture to Detweiller Park. That means wearing a mask, social distancing. It is that discipline to do what is impossible and tough that runs through the veins of a long distance runner.
The chase for the 1A Boys title, if we have one, has so many twists and turns.
Monticello is the defending state champion. Stanford Olympia missed a trophy but were ranked near the top all last season. Both teams are missing key runners from their 2019 teams.
There lurks Harvest Christian Academy and Elmwood. Just when you think they are done; they pop up ready for a run at a state title. Harvest Christian Academy could be better than they were last season.
Herscher is the newcomer in this state elite club. They have all of their runners back. They also have a defending individual state champion who could be the top runner in this state and could push his team to heights that they could not imagine.
The main thing is that these kids get to run with their friends and race. That is what this sport is all about. It might not be invitational meets. It might be just dual meets and that is okay with me.
In February, when things changed with the formatting of sectionals in the state series, I made the decision to increase the weekly rankings that I do from 25 to 30 teams to reflect the change with the IHSA. At this time, I have yet to determine if we will do weekly rankings due to the fact that it is mathematically tough to compare teams on just dual meets (That might change).
The previews that have been written are focused on IF we have a state series and IF we have a state meet. As of this time, that is yet to be determined.
There was never the chance that these would not be written for the upcoming season. It is more of a tribute to the student/athletes that did not get a chance to compete this spring and now have that opportunity this fall. This preview is for all of you.
Class 1A Boys Teams
1 Monticello
Coach – David Remmert
2019 Finish – Class 1A State Champion
Runners to Watch – Josh Bayshore SR (28, 15:32), Ed Mitchell JR (36, 15:42), Morgan Dixon SR (47, 15:52), Jackson Grambart JR (54, 15:55), Joey Wenke SR (103, 16:29), Holden Miller SR (139, 16:54), Shawn Derby SR, Logan Sikorski SO, Alex Murphy SO, Ethan Robson FR.
Preview – It was supposed to be all of their top seven would be back to defend their state title. That changed this summer when their #1 runner Luke Sokolowski chose not to run this fall. “Luke has elected not to join XC this season,” said his Coach David Remmert. “We will certainly miss him, not only as a runner but a teammate who factored into the dynamic of our team really well.”
The team has the talent to repeat in Class 1A if we get to that point. Josh Baysore just missed all-state honors by three spots last fall. He will be among the top 15 this fall. Ed Mitchell, Morgan Dixon, and Jackson Grambert were separated by less than 35 seconds in most races last fall. They again will need to rely on that pack for success.
The Sages had a 38 second split on their top five last year at state. Sokolowski not coming out for the team means someone step up to the fifth scoring spot. It could be Shawn Derby or Logan Sikorski. Both are having good summers of training according to their coach. Joey Wenke, the team’s sixth runner at state, is a runner to keep an eye on. “All we need to do is get back to our normal routine,” Remmert added. “It’s time to embrace the season. We will again have to support one another, especially this year.”
2 Stanford Olympia
Coach – Mike Neisler
2019 Finish – 4th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Charlie Kistner SR (9, 15:16), Logan Wheeler SR (33, 15:40), Anthony Ragland JR (50, 15:53), Owen Dare JR (88, 16:20), Lucas Lawless SR, Carter Phillips-Fairfield JR, Alec Pfeffer SR, Chase Mayberry SR.
Preview – Olympia was ranked #1 in Class 1A for parts of last season. They finished the year just missing a trophy placing fourth. This team is deep in talent even though they just return four runners from last year’s team. Dylan Bennet, who transferred to the school last year from Tennessee and was the team’s third runner, decided not to come out for the team this fall.
“Our team made the transition to cross-country training the first week of May in fine fashion,” said their Coach Michael Neisler. He was not in contact with the team until May since he was not the distance coach in track. “We were able to start doing some training June 15th as a team (following state guidelines of course). We have had good attendance and most of the boys have stayed in good condition. I will not know for sure how good of shape we are actually in until we start practice on August10. Based on the number of miles they have logged in; we will be on pace with last season.”
Charlie Kistner stepped up last fall ending his year in the top 10 in the state meet. He finished ninth. Logan Wheeler was on an average 20 seconds behind Kistner in races last year. Watch him closer this fall. Anthony Ragland was a consistent fourth runner during the state series. Owen Dare and Lucas Lawless are expected to be close to Ragland. Carter Phillips-Fairfield had a good summer of training according to Neisler and could challenge for a top five spot.
3 Elgin Harvest Christian Academy
Coach – Steven Bland
2019 Finish – 2nd, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Matthew Olech SR (16, 15:21), Hayden Colclasure SR (34, 15:40), Daniel Winkelman SO (35, 15:40), Carson Welsh JR (60, 15:57), Cannon Lambert JR (106, 16:31), Alex Powell SO, David Peterson SO, Connor Murray JR.
Preview – It could be a n understatement that Harvest Christian Academy Coach Steven Bland likes to fly under the radar. They did not compete in the big invitationals last year. When it came down to state, the Lions surprised some by finishing second. Five runners are back from that state team with the potential of taking that next step up. Getting them ready for what is ahead is something that Bland will work on.
“Keeping hope alive was my primary focus, constantly reminding our athletes that we were either preparing for a restart of the track season or laying the foundation for the fall,” stated Bland. “We sent out weekly workouts based on what we would have been doing if the track season were in play and we ran time trials. We stayed engaged by having Zoom Team Nights, mostly, we had fun with those and on occasion talked culture and philosophy.”
The top three that HCA has could finish among the top 15 if we have a state meet. Matthew Olech ran 4:27 recently in a track meet. He finished 16th last fall. He will be among the top 10 runners in Class 1A this fall. Hayden Colclasure and Daniel Winkelman finished together at state in 2019. They have showed growth in their training and could find their way into that top 15 range.
This team will be low in numbers. The key will be keeping healthy. The small meet concept of last year will fit in fine with this team especially the way meets will look in the next couple of months.
“We could not control what happened in the spring and we can’t control the future,” Bland added. “We don’t know what opportunities are going to present themselves, but we better be prepared in case they do.”
4 Elmwood
Coach – Gregg Meyers
2019 Finish – 5th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Luke Hoffmann SR (22, 15:24), Blake Rosenbohm SR (48, 15:52), Thomas Harmon JR (84, 16:16), Tyler Sheridan SR (105, 16:31), Victor Lampe SR, Nick Feller JR, Brendan Williams SO, Eli Stevenson SR, Isaiah Hill FR.
Preview – Elmwood has a training plan that they administer every season. The Trojans start out slow, but always find themselves in the mix for a trophy when they get to state. Let us hope we get to see them at Detweiller at the end of year to watch that peak work.
This team will reload with five of their top seven runners from state back. “All I could really do was have Facetime meetings with them once we went to remote learning,” their Coach Gregg Meyers said. “The approach was pretty basic once we realized there would be no track season and that was to just use running as a way to cope with the uncertainty. Running is something they know, and it is one of the things that can be normal for them. So many of our guys used running as a coping mechanism.”
Luke Hoffmann earned all-state honors last year placing 22. He has bettered himself with a great summer of running. A top 10 state finish would not surprise me. Thomas Harmon also improved himself and could be close to Hoffmann. Blake Rosenbohm, Nick Feller, and Tyler Sheridan are some of the runners that could find themselves in the top five. Freshman Isaiah Hill could help in the top seven this fall according to Meyers.
“I think our overall fitness level is great. I think most of our guys have done a fantastic job considering the circumstances. When we were allowed to have contact with our runners again, I thought we had 3 or 4 guys that were looking stronger than I thought,” added Meyers. “My theme was control what you can control. Find the fun in running and enjoy being with your teammates.” This team will be tough again challenging Stanford Olympia for the top spot in their own sectional.
5 Herscher
Coach – Rob Grosso
2019 Finish – 14th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Drew Rogers JR (1, 14:30), Ben Morgan JR (91, 16:21), Trevor Stutz SR (144, 16:58), Blaine Dodds JR (169, 17:19), Finley Cracco SO (192, 18:02), Connor Jaffe SR (197, 18:09), Kamden Lockwood SR, Tod Martinson SO, Connor Overacker SO.
Preview – A team to watch in Class 1A this fall. Their top nine runners are back ready to roll after finishing 14th at last year’s state meet. “The squad has blown me away at their level of commitment and dedication despite the uncertainty this summer,” said Herscher Coach Rob Grosso. “Each returning runner has set a new summer mileage high, and participation in the weight room has been very impressive. I cannot say enough about how impressed I am with the level of fitness the team has started the season with.”
It is nice to have a defending state champion leading the way. Drew Rogers even during the time off put in some tough performances including running 4:18 for 1-Mile at the Illinois Meet of Champions. It will be interesting to see how fast he goes this fall. Ben Morgan leads the pack behind Rogers followed by Kamden Lockwood. The pack behind Rogers is projected to have a 40 second split from their second through fifth runners. The key is getting that pack closer to their state champ.
“Most of our vets were already hit hard by what they missed out on during the spring cancelations,” said Grosso. “They understand the opportunity they have in front of them this fall. The guys are wanting to make their mark on a state level and will be ready if given the chance. The season already feels so different than what we are all used to, but something is better than nothing, and getting the chance to run with teammates is something they are all grateful for.”
6 Deer Creek-Mackinaw
Coach – Sam Ingram
2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – John Blumeyer SR (51, 15:53), Kolin Wilkins SR (116, 16:37), Ben Sanders SR (123, 16:42), Hunter Johnson SR (133, 16:48), Colton Knowles JR (137, 16:53), Lucas Blumeyer SO (161, 17:11), Tyler Spurlock SR, Tayte Albritton JR, Will Scroggs FR.
Preview – Dee-Mack finished ninth in last year’s state meet and will hope to improve on that finish this fall. Six of their top seven runners that ran at state return for this season.
“Our school's approved plan was pretty far reaching and erred on the side of caution for our athletes, so all of our in-person summer training was not sport-specific and done in very small groups,” said their coach Sam Ingram. “The cross country runners had a personal mileage log maintained online outside of the school training days and we had some athletes log over 200 miles and quite a few over 150 miles. We are not traditionally a high mileage program and I am happy with what our students accomplished essentially on their own. Senior Ben Sanders stood out running nearly 300 miles on his own, only backing off later in the summer to make sure an injury would not prevent him from running this season.”
John Blumeyer could be in a top 25 position after finishing 51st at state last year. Sanders, Hunter Johnson and Kolin Jackson give this team a tight pack behind Blumeyer. Their second through fifth runner pack should be a cozy 19 seconds. Keeping that pack within 20 seconds of Blumeyer is possible. Freshman Will Scroggs finished in their top five in a recent time trial. He could be a plus for this team.
“I have tried to instill a sense of gratitude in our team that they get the chance to compete as the only fall sport at our high school currently allowed under the IHSA decision,” said Ingram. “We are also the first sport to operate under these guidelines and it is important that we follow them so our other sports can also get their chance to play. If we learned anything from this spring, any race might be your last and it is a reminder to live in the moment and enjoy every opportunity to compete.”
7 Niles Northridge Prep
Coach – Mike Egle
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Andrew Brockmeier SR (52, 15:54), Aidan Martin SR (55, 15:55), Max Elder SO (70, 16:06), Sam Schuler SR (111, 16:35), John Pins SR (141, 16:56), Anthony Vasquez SR (196, 17:29), Javier Gomez JR, Gabe Costanzo SO, Mark Masaka JR.
Preview – There are so many good teams in Class 1A this fall. Here is another one. The Knights have the talent to move up the ratings sooner not later. Six of last year’s top seven that finished 7th at state are back. Five of them are seniors.
This could be the best team that Coach Mike Egle’s had since he started coach at Northridge Prep. His top three runners during the time off have run under 4:35 including Andrew Brockmeier, Michael Masaka, and Max Elder. Masaka is the newcomer on this team transferring from Terre Haute North Vigo IN. Aidan Martin was the team’s second runner last year and should be with the front pack. Sam Schuler has put in a good summer of training and will be in the mix for the top five on this squad. “We have four runners that could run under 15:40 and a fifth runner under 16:00,” Egle said. “That would usually get us a trophy. Not this year in Class 1A.”
8 Tolono Unity
Coach – Jarred Koerner
2019 Finish – 19th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Ben Gavel SR (64, 16:00), Jarrett Cox SR (114, 16:36), Connor O’Donnell SR (120, 16:40), Clayton Jamison JR (143, 16:57), Thomas Cler JR (156, 17:08), Brendan Graven SO (182, 17:40), Nolan Miller JR, Shane Ogden JR, Braden Lane SO.
Preview – Tolono Unity surprised some by just making it to the state meet last fall placing 19. That could be the first of many steps up for the Rockets. Six of their top seven runners that ran at state are back.
Ben Gavel again should be the team’s top runner searching to be one of the top 30 Class 1A runners in the state. Jarret Cox and Connor O’Donnell should be the leaders of the pack behind Gavel. The potential is there for this team to be good. Their projected top five split should be just under 65 seconds. A split under 50 seconds with Gavel among the top 35 will get this team into the top five teams in this classification.
9 St. Joseph-Ogden
Coach – Jason Retz
2019 Finish – 18th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Brandon Mattsey SR (43, 15:48), Charlie Mabry JR (119, 16:40), Elijah Mock JR (149, 17:02), Luke Stegall JR (159, 17:09), Logan Wolfersberger SR (175, 17:28), Lukas Hucherson SR, Braden Clampitt JR, Ethan Blackburn SO.
Preview – The Spartans are another team that are ready to make the next jump up. St. Joseph-Ogden finished 18th at last year’s state meet. They return six of their top seven runners. “Our team is trying to get back in the grove of taking care of all the details not just running,” said Coach Jason Retz. “If we can get back to that we should see some good improvements.”
Brandon Mattsey should take the next step up among the Class 1A elite runners after finishing 43rd at state last year. The team could have a second through five runner split of under 40 seconds led by Charlie Mabry and Elijah Mock. Keeping that pack under within 35 seconds of Mattsey will be a key.
10 Chicago Latin School
Coach – Dan Daly
2019 Finish – 10th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Akili Parekh SO (46, 15:52), Peter Bernhardt (63, 16:00) Ryan Hardiman JR (112, 16:36), Henry Coleman SR (121, 16:41), Ronan Hussar JR (131, 16:47), Will Benford JR (148, 17:02), Matthew Kotcher SO (181, 17:39), Will Del Hierro SO, William Breman SO, Jackson Ballard SO.
Preview – The Romans will once again challenge Northridge Prep for the Independent School League Championship this fall. Latin edged Northridge for the team title in 2019 by three points. This could be the best Boys’ team in the school’s history according to their coach Dan Daly.
Akili Parekh has showed improvement during the down time of this past spring. He could be one of the top sophomores in Class 1A this fall. Ryan Hardiman did not have his best race at state. He was the top runner on the team for most of last season. Hardiman and Parekh form a formable do in the front. The team ran on the average of a 60 second split on their top five at the end of last year. They will need to maintain that kind of split especially if Parekh and Hardiman are pushing for top finishes in this fall’s meets.
11 El Paso-Gridley
Coach – Michael Melick
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Nathan DeMarb SR (59, 15:57), Mason Ringger SR (81, 16:13), Sebastian Meyer SR (102, 16:28), Noah Ludy JR (118, 16:39), Joe Kerner JR, Payton Romersberger SO, Soren Halvorsen SR.
Preview – The dynamics have changed for the Titans entering this season. Their projected top runner Asa Smith will not be running on the team this fall instead focusing on basketball this season. “As expected, my upperclassmen have trained consistently,” said Coach Michael Melick. “Sebastian Meyer, in particular, has come out of this stronger than ever. Honestly, I think we are actually ahead of where we have been for the first of August compared to previous years.”
Meyer will be one of the senior leaders on this team. Another senior, Nathan DeMarb, should be the top runner on this team and could find himself in the top 25. The first four runners on this squad should be within 40 seconds of each other. A low stick for DeMarb will be a big plus. Joe Kerner could be the team’s fifth runner. He has showed improvement during the summer. Getting him close to that pack will be a key. “Our message has been never take training together and racing for granted,” added Melick. “Appreciate every moment your health allows. Be there for each other and enjoy the journey.”
12 Rockford Christian
Coach – Randy Moore
2019 Finish – 23rd, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – D’Artagnon Beaver SR (65, 16:01), Ben Capriola JR (130, 16:47), Ethan Walsh JR (135, 16:49), Adison Elliott JR (138, 16:53), Stephen Thomas SR (171, 17:24), Tony Chen JR, Aidan Sosnowski SO, Tyler Emenecker SO, Weston Forward FR.
Preview – The Royal Lions did not have their best race to end the season in 2019 finishing 23rd at state. Five out of their top seven runners return. The summer did not go as planned for Coach Randy Moore as he was hit by a car while riding his bike. “No surgery required. I am still bruised and swollen and still limping around, but so grateful that God spared my life,” Moore said. “Like everyone else, I had limited contact with my team this summer, but have not been able to meet with the boys since the accident. I have only seen part of the squad 3 times this summer.”
Eight of Moore’s runners went past 500 miles this summer building that unity that pays off during the racing seasons of the fall. D’Artagnon Beaver is one of two seniors back that will lead this team. He finished 65th at Detweiller Park last November. Stephen Thomas was the second runner for most of last year. He did not have a great race at state finishing 171st. Moore also stated that Thomas showed great leadership this summer preparing this team for the season. Ben Capriola should be close to Thomas. Aidan Sosnowski had a great summer of training and could be among the top five runners along with freshman Weston Forward.
“We have always tried to approach the season with the mindset that how and why we run matters more than what we achieve,” Moore added. “Given the uncertainty surrounding the season and the state meet, we believe that philosophy will continue to serve us well now and in the future. The theme we established for this season is Forged by Fire. The idea being that our physical ability and spiritual character can be strengthened when refined in the furnace affliction.”
13 Glen Carbon Father McGivney
Coach – James Helton
2019 Finish – 15th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Tyler Guthrie SR (15, 15:20), Brandon Ahring SR (73, 16:10), Tanner Fox SR (158, 17:09), Andrew Dupy SR (190, 17:59), Riley Strack SO (194, 18:06), Noah Bettramea SR (201, 18:18), Noah Shearer SO, Evan Rybak SO.
Preview – The Griffins should be among the top teams again in the Benton Sectional region this fall. Father McGivney returns six of their top seven from last year’s 15th place state team. “Our distance squad had the best winter of training we’ve had at FMCHS,” said their coach James Helton. “We were looking forward to the next phase of training and racing. Working through Google Docs/TeamSnap/texts/calls, we were able to communicate a running schedule, feedback, and time trials. We did try to implement a quicker phase of training similar to what we would have done in track (for at least 6 weeks); those who were faithful to the plan set career PR’s in numerous distances.”
Tyler Guthrie took the next step up the success ladder last fall finishing 15 at the state meet. He could be one of the elite 1A runners in his senior season. Brandon Ahring showed great improvement this spring and summer. He could close the gap on Guthrie giving this team a strong 1-2 punch in the front.
“We adjusted training a bit,” Helton said. “I am not sure what was going to happen with the length of the season. Hopefully, we will be ready for whatever comes our way. We are just thankful to able to compete.”
14 Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central
Coach – Dennis Fraikes
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Collin Eisenbarth SR, Jordan Norris SO, Reese Nowack SO, Matthew Moland JR, Gabe Ross SO, Nathan Koch JR, Qifan Niao SO.
Preview - Illinois Valley Central just missed making it to state last year placing sixth in the ever tough Elmwood Sectional. Last season could be the push this team this fall. They will miss graduated Elias Bergman. IVC does have five runners back from that team. Collin Eisenbarth should step into the top spot for this squad with sophomore Jordan Norris right by his side. What will make this team go in 2020 are the prospects of a tight top five pack split. It is projected to be under 40 seconds. Eisenbarth and Norris closer to the front with that type of split will be something to watch for.
15 Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Coach – Dustin Franckey
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional
Runners to Watch – Ryder James JR (5, 15:05), Ashton Goss SR, Paul Cleary SR, Jessie Barfield JR, Daniel Busby JR, Keagan Busboom JR, Liam McMullen SR, Jarrett Hazelwood SR.
Preview – A team ready to make a trip to the state meet if we have one. The Panthers missed qualifying for last year’s state meet after finishing seventh at the St. Anthony Sectional. The talent is there to make the Peoria trip. PBL returns six of their top seven sectional runners.
Ryder James will be one of the top Class 1A runners this fall and leads this team. It is a nice luxury having a runner leading your team that guarantees you single digit points in big meets. It will be the pack behind James that will need to be watched. Ashton Goss will lead that pack that will need to keep their split under 50 seconds.
16 Roxana
Coach – Scott Edwards
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Benton Sectional
Runners to Watch – Carlos Ruvalcaba SR (68, 16:04), Kaleb St. Cyr SR, Matthew Olbert SR, Austin Walker SR, Dalton Baremore SR, Kaleb Smith SR, Nathan Gilbert SO.
Preview – The top six runners for Roxana should be seniors starting this season. It is a good bet that they will be pushed by last year’s sixth-place sectional finish at Benton. Carlos Ruvalcaba qualified as an individual runner for state and finished 68. The team’s top five split should be close to 110 seconds which will need to come down. Look for a big improvement from Kaleb St. Cyr this
fall.
17 DuQuoin
Coach – Eric Kirkpatrick
2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Benton Sectional
Runners to Watch – Landen Swiney JR (30, 15:33), Nathan Smith JR, Jonathan Gomes SR, Slayde Huntley JR, David Gomes SR, Reese Tilley SR, Brian Winters SR, Tavion Garrison SO, Eli File SR.
Preview – The Indians could be a surprise team coming out of the Benton Sectional region. DuQuoin does return five runners from last year’s ninth-place sectional team. “Our entire squad has been putting in a lot of time the past 4 months on their own. They are in good shape considering the situation,” said their coach Eric Kirkpatrick.
Landen Swiney will be the one runner to keep watch for on this team. Swiney finished 30th at state last year as a sophomore. This season could be big for him. Nathan Smith leads the pack behind Swiney. Their split from their second through fifth runners is projected to be near 150 seconds. Getting that split down could get this team among the top six in the Benton Sectional.
The spring intermission seems to have driven runners to new heights over the past four months. That coming back together is something that DuQuoin will cherish. “We need to value every practice, every meet that we have together,” stated Kirkpatrick. “After we announced that we were going to take a two-week break in March, we never imagined that was going to be it. That was the end of their season. Kids now have a real-life example of how things can end at any moment. We all need to do a better job appreciating each other and what we have.”
18 Benton
Coach – Brent McLain
2019 Finish – 12th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Reese Johnson SR (23, 15:24), Chase Owens JR (86, 16:16), Parker Sievoking SR (179, 17:35), Dash Holman SO (209, 20:27), Chase Rubenacker SO, Gavin Genisio FR, Mason Tiefel FR.
Preview – Benton lost three runners to graduation after finishing 12 at last year’s state meet. Instead of rebuilding, the Rangers will be re-building off senior all-state runner Reese Johnson who finished 23rd at state. Two freshmen should step into the next two spots. Gavin Genisio surpassed the middle school state record for 1600-meters in a time trial in May (4:30.8). He has been running side-by-side with Johnson during their summer running.
Another freshman, Mason Tiefel, is known for his age-group wrestling where he is ranked in the state. He has never run cross-country before but has stayed with Johnson and Genisio in most runs. Chase Owens gives them a solid fourth runner in this pack. The key will be finding a fifth runner as the season progresses.
19 Effingham St. Anthony
Coach – Eric Zeller
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional
Runners to Watch – Brian Dust SR (92, 16:22), Ty Wiedman SR, Conlan Walsh SO, Noah Tegeler SR, Griffin Elder SO, Nick Wiedman SO, Austin Faber SR, Mick Willenborg JR.
Preview – A team that could be ready to take a step up from sectionals up to state if we do get to that point. St. Anthony returns all of their runners from the sectional team that finished eighth on their home course. Brian Dust again should be the team’s top runner. He ran as an individual at state finishing 92. The pack behind Dust should be dynamite led by Ty Wiedman. The split on their second through fifth runners is projected to be only 20 seconds. The gap from the pack to Dust needs to stay under 60 seconds for good things to happen for this team.
20 Trenton-Wesclin
Coach – Tyler Weis
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Benton Sectional
Runners to Watch – Justin Mumford SR (8, 15:15), Gavin Hill JR, Cole Grunke SO, Grant Miller SR, Landon Auxier SO, Henry Kuistad SR, Cale Frisse JR, Caleb Locke JR, Jack Van Gorkom SO, Carter Missey FR, Justin Weihe JR, Conner Garsnett JR.
Preview – Another team from the Benton Sectional region that could make some noise on the state level. “I let the kids know that they should have a new appreciation for things in life,” Coach Tyler Weis said. “ By that I do not mean just in athletics, but in going to school to learn, seeing their friends, and visiting family. All of that was taken from us for a significant amount of time in spring and hopefully those that went through that experience can learn to appreciate those moments more.”
Five runners are back from last season’s seventh-place sectional team. Justin Mumford has suffered health problems and injuries during high school career. He is healthy and should be one of the top runners in Class 1A. Gavin Hill leads the pack behind Mumford that could have as tight as 40 seconds on those four runners. Weis has some new runners joining the program that could challenge for top seven spots. Justin Weihe will run this fall with soccer being moved to the spring of 2021. Connor Garsnett, a basketball, and track athlete will run this fall to get themselves in shape for those sports. “I think both are going to surprise themselves and others with how well they can hang with our varsity guys,” added Weis. Carter Missey is a freshman that Weis believes can also contribute to the top seven.
21 Chicago University
Coach – Alex Clark
2019 Finish – 16th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Nicky Edwards-Levin SR (21, 15:24), Zachary Gin JR (124, 16:42), Gideon Mitchell SR (145, 17:00), Jeffrey Hong JR (189, 17:57), Cristian Ferreyra SO (205, 18:36), John Patras JR, William Montague SO, Alex Lopez SO.
Preview – This is one of those teams that do not know if they will be competing this fall. The main thing that Coach Alex Clark can do is keep it positive. “I am still trying to keep my team as optimistic as possible that we will get some kind of season in,” Clark said. “We are still waiting on approval from our school to allow us to compete, so right now the message is keeping them excited to get back out there, whenever that may be.”
Five runners are back from last year’s state team that finished 16th. Nicky Edwards-Levin was al-state last year when he finished 21st. He could be close to the top 10 (or higher) this fall. The team will need to tighten up their top five split. Until Clark sees his team, it is hard to judge how good they could be. Clark was not allowed contact with his team during the summer.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to have any kind of summer camps this year,” Clark said. “The only communication I have really had with my athletes regarding their training has been through running logs, for those that actually use them. My tops guys seem to be getting some miles in, but I think it is going to be a pretty big mystery as to what kind of shape they are in as a whole.”
22 Aurora Central Catholic
Coach – Troy Kerber
2019 Finish – 22nd, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Rohn Ritchie SR (140, 16:54), James Stolfe SO (142, 16:56), Max Meyers SR (170, 17:19), Jose Lopez SR (187, 17:51), Armando Acosta SO, Angel Lopez SR, Noah Herbst SO, Ray Deleon JR, Nick Cassany SR, Kevin Lilliwitz FR.
Preview – The Chargers are a good bet to be one of the top six teams to come out of the Oregon Sectional if we get a state meet this fall. Aurora Central Catholic loses their top two runners to graduation. They do return four runners from their state squad that have improved during this off time. Rohn Ritchie was the team’s third man running 16:54 in Peoria. He dropped his 1600m time down to 4:28 during a time trial. Sophomores James Stolfe and Armando Acosta have improved and could be difference makers. Freshman Kevin Lilliwitz could make the top five according to their coach Troy Kerber.
“One message that we have told our team is to get the most out of your abilities and efforts and train and race, as if it’s your last day,” Kerber added. “There has been so much uncertainty, which includes this upcoming season.”
23 Urbana University
Coach – Rachael Brewer
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Aryan Lalwani SR (19, 15:24), Henry Laufenberg JR (153, 17:07), Nick Ramkumar SR, Joel Armas SR, Nicholas Phillips SR, Ray Jones SR, Gus Miller SO.
Preview – Rachael Brewer steps in as the new Cross-Country Coach replacing Doug Mynatt who is no longer teaching at the school. This is Brewer’s third year with the team. It could be a building year for the Illineks. Three runners graduated from last year’s top seven that finished sixth. Seniors Alex Dolcos and Aniket Gargya decided not to run this fall.
Their top runner Aryan Lalwani almost did not come back. He was going to focus on academics. The decision at the University of Illinois to do online classes changed his mind and he will run in the fall. He could be among the top 10 runners in the state. Henry Laufenberg had a great summer of training and could be the second runner behind Lalwani.
“Our message this year is “go with the flow.” We do not really know what this season will look like,” said Brewer. “We are going to continue to control the controllable things and be ready to adjust if things change. We will run each race like it could be our last, but also to enjoy the season. This will be unlike any season, ever, so we just have to take it in stride and adjust to whatever comes our way.”
24 Joliet Catholic
Coach – Jason Midlock
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Andrew Ciarlette JR, Owen O’Connor JR, Zach Bertino SR, Jacob Capalbo SR, Luke Pekol SO, Noah Jones SR, Zach Pekol SO.
Preview – Five of the top seven runners are back for Joliet Catholic that ran on the seventh-place Lisle Sectional team. “Overall as a team we are trying to get in shape,” said their coach Jason Midlock. “The team was running some miles during the spring/early summer but lacked the type of training you get when you have a partner or small group pushing you.”
This team will need on tight pack running to move among the top six teams in the Lisle Sectional. Andrew Ciarlette and Owen O’Connor could be interchangeable in the front for this team. The first four pack split could be under 15 seconds. Their top five split needs to stay under 45 seconds. They do have the talent to achieve that.
“We are trying to focus on what we can control and look to improve each day,” Midlock said. “At best, we will improve throughout the season and be able to compete. If something negative happens in regard to the season and COVID-19, we will still have some good cardiovascular fitness that can be used in other sports. Having the opportunity to run is a gift and we are trying to make the most of what we have. This situation is allowing some new athletes to experience the magic of running cross country.”
25 Sherrard
Coach – Joe Lopez
2019 Finish – 24th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Jacob Belha SR (67, 16:02), Mike Gorey SR (150, 17:04), Dayton Hauger SR (178, 17:35), Noah Beaderich JR (188, 17:57), Hayden Steagall JR (195, 18:07), Dylan Russell JR (200, 18:17), Ryder Roelf JR (207, 18:32), Wyatt Dachterman JR, Adam Brimeyer JR, Caden Colbrese JR.
Preview – Sherrard was one of the bigger surprise teams in Class 1A in 2019. They first made it to state placing fifth at the Oregon Sectional. In their first appearance at the state meet, the Tigers finished 24th. Good things are ahead for this squad returning all of their runners from the state team.
Jacob Belha stepped up as the team’s top runner finishing 67 in Peoria. Some feel that this team just has him. Sherrard is better than you think. “We have talked about our conference rivals who look at us as a one-man team,” said their coach Joe Lopez. “So my top 5 have taken that to heart and are working to prove the nay-sayers wrong. I have also mentioned the hard part about being a State qualifier, is to repeat and show we DO belong at that level and it was not a one and done deal.”
The pack split at state behind Belha was 64 seconds with a 62 second split from one to two. Mike Gorey and Dayton Hauger were separated by two seconds in the sectional race. They should be leading that pack. Cutting the split getting closer to Behla will be one thing to watch from this team this fall.
26 Freeburg
Coach – Carl Florczyk
2019 Finish – 17th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Evan Wilkerson SR (76, 16:10), Cade Smith SR (95, 16:22), Keary Thompson JR (128, 16:44), Kye Trautman JR, Josh LaChance SO, Joshua Merz SR, Jared Beals JR, Colin Van Pelt SO.
Preview – Three runners are back for Freeburg after finishing 17 in last year’s state meet. Evan Wilkerson is ready to take the next step up. He was the team’s top runner finishing 76th. You could see a 20 to 30 second improvement from him during this season. Cade Smith and Keary Thompson also have that state meet experience which could benefit them this fall. “We want to take advantage of each day, each practice, each meet,” aid their coach Carl Florczyk. “Nothing is guaranteed. Live in the "now"! We are thrilled to be practicing/training together and looking forward to getting a chance to compete! We are also preaching that we need to lift up/support one another, as our xc program is really a family.”
27 West Chicago Wheaton Academy
Coach – Chris Felinski
2019 Finish – 10th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Sheldon Powell JR, Blake Wittstock SR, Daniel Kersey JR, Westen Myers JR, Andrew Mueller SO, Caleb Demas SR, Zeke Thelan SO, Matthew Stoner JR, Shaun Yun SR.
Preview – It will interesting to see how the Warriors run in what could be their final season in Class 1A. Their enrollment could push them to Class 2A in 2021. Six runners are back from their sectional team headed by Blake Wittsock and Sheldon Powell. Shaun Yun, a transfer from Harvest Christian Academy could impact the top five along with former soccer player Christian Ruch and Daniel Kersey.
“We are keeping our eyes on personal bests as we don’t know what the season will look like and we don’t want disappointment if there isn’t one (although we know there would be that disappointment),” Coach Chris Felinski said. “We hope for a state series of some sort. If we had a normal state series, the 5 varsity boy runners would be making a run at a state qualifying berth.”
28 Amboy
Coach – Michael Robinson
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional
Runners to Watch – Brock Loftus JR (93, 16:22), Kyler McNich SO, Ian Eller JR, Ryan Dickinson SO, Andrew Jones JR, Calvin Deering SR, Wyatt Lundquist JR, Charlie Dickinson SO.
Preview – Michael Robinson steps in as the coach for the Clippers. All seven runners are back from a team that just missed making it to state by finishing sixth at the Oregon Sectional. “Those boys are all amazing,” Robinson said. “Nothing they can do is beyond belief anymore. They were so excited when they found out they were getting a chance at a season. They all worked really hard over the summer. Our top 3 for sure are looking to be in fantastic shape and are ready to get the season started.”
Brock Loftus made it to state as an individual qualifier in 2019 and will lead this team. Kyler McNich is expected to lead the pack behind Loftus. Keeping that pack within 45 seconds of each other could push Amboy into a state qualifying spot if we have a state meet.” We are just keeping an open mind. They have to be ready for anything because as we have seen over the past couple of months, anything can and will happen,” said Robinson. “Because of our region in the state, once we get some meets scheduled, we could be running up a class or two. We are going to be ready for anything and I feel it is going to make us better.”
29 Gilman Iroquois West
Coach – Jim Price
2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Connor Price SR (58, 15:56), Lucas Alvarez SR, Andrew Schutte-Jibril JR, Jacob Kuipers SR, Tony Espinosa JR, Ryan Ritzma SR, Max MacTaggart SR.
Preview – This could be the year that the Raiders could make a trip to the state meet. The team finished 11th in the Lisle Sectional last year and return all seven runners that toed the line in that race. Connor Price is emerging as one of the top runners in his region. Do not be surprised if he finishes among the top 25 individually. He qualified for the state meet individually last year.
Iroquois West could have a strong pack behind Price led by another senior Lucas Alvarez. This team could finish in the top six at Lisle but will need to have their pack within 50 seconds of each other.
30 Chicago DePaul Prep
Coach – Mitchell Baum
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Ethan Castelle JR, Charlie Richardson SO, Nathan Moyer JR, James MacKittrell SO, William Beebe SO, Joseph Hartman JR, Trent Norberg SR, Jack Fry SO, Patrick Costello SO.
Preview – DePaul did have two major losses during this past season. First was that their all-state runner Alfredo McLaughlin graduated. The second was that last year’s #2 runner Matthew DeSantis transferred to Jones College Prep. DePaul does return their remaining runners that just missed qualifying for state placing sixth at the Lisle Sectional.
This team will have no seniors in their top five. It could be a year of growth and experience that will be beneficial to them in a year. Charlie Richardson and Nathan Moyer should step up to the top spot. The team could have a split on their top five under 55 seconds. The key is moving that pack closer to the front.
Next 21 Schools (In Alphabetical Order)
Arthur-Lovington-Hammond-Atwood
Coach – Lyle Dorjahn
2019 Finish – 6th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional
Runners to Watch – Layton Hall SR (42, 15:42), Logan Beckmeier SO, Lyle Adcock SO, Jace Green JR, Connor Edmunds SO, Jacob Adcock SO.
Preview – The Knights came oh so close to making it to the state meet but fell short placing sixth at the St. Anthony Sectional. Five of the top seven from that team are back for the start of the 2020 season. Layton Hall did not have his best race of the season at state when he finished 42. He was in the front in some races last fall. A top 10 is a possibility this fall for this senior. Logan Beckmeier will lead the pack behind Hall.
Bloomington Central Catholic
Coach – Bill Rhodes
2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A Olympia Regional
Runners to Watch – Jack Morgan JR, Will Foley SR, Landyn Cross JR, Josh Vogel SR, Josh Pagan SO, JJ Jangky SR, Alex Dixon JR.
Preview – It was a surprise that the Saints made this preview after finishing ninth in one of the toughest regionals in the state at Stanford Olympia. Central Catholic did not have all of their top seven in the lineup in that race. This is a sneaky good team that could surprise some this fall. Jack Morgan and Josh Vogel could be close to each other in races. The team will need to rely on a tight pack. It most likely will be near 40 seconds on their top five. The key will be moving that pack closer to the front.
Breese Mater Dei
Coach – Marv Eversgerd
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Benton Sectional
Runners to Watch – Tommy Marron SR, John Venhaus JR, Ryan Gerdes SR, Evan Schlueter JR, Jonathan Holthaus SO, Joe Goring JR, Nolan Ritzheimer SO.
Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Knights. Four runners that have state series experience return for Mater Dei who finished eighth in the Benton Sectional. Tommy Marron and John Venhaus are expected to be the top runners on this team. The top five split is projected to be near 100 seconds. Cutting that split down by 20 seconds while moving the pack closer to the front will be something to watch for.
Centralia Christ Our Rock Lutheran
Coach – Tim Bierbaum
2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Zach McKowen SR (39, 15:45), Sam Britt SR (110, 16:35), Nickoly Bierbaum SR (117, 16:44), Ryan Wiebles SO (208, 19:51.
Preview – Christ Our Rock Lutheran was on nobody’s radar at the beginning of last season. All of a sudden, there appeared the Silver Stallions. They won the Benton Sectional on a sixth runner tie-break. They went to state where they finished 11th overall. “You do find those who want to be a part of a winning program, but success also turns some away who decide that they just aren't good enough,” said their coach Tim Bierbaum. “We will have a girls team this year, our first year for that, and only the second year that we have girls running in the 5 years since we started Cross Country at Christ Our Rock. That is an exciting place to be as a coach.”
Zach McKowen should step up to be the team’s top runner. What boosted CCORL last fall was the addition of Nickoly Bierbaum who joined the team right before the state series after playing soccer. That gave this squad the boost to take the next step higher. Sam Britt and Ryan Wiebles, plus some newcomers, will push this team back into one of the top squads in the region. That could take some time especially with the state guidelines in place.
“We have an opportunity to run, let's take advantage of it,” said Coach Bierbaum. “Cross Country is always a difficult sport to get people out for, especially those who are not dedicated long distance runners. I always hear "I can't run that far." I let them know that I do not expect that right now, but that they will be able to make it if they are willing to work a little bit.”
Chicago Leo Catholic
Coach – TBD
2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Jakeem Cole SO, Damen Ward SR, Kobe Roberts SR, Richard Coleman SR, Timothy Wilson SO, Tyler Smith SO, Joshua Carey SR, David Hannah SO.
Preview – A team that could be a surprise in 2020. The Lions return their entire top seven after finishing 13th last year in the Lisle Sectional. The team, led by Jakeem Cole and Damen Ward, ran a 70 second split on their top five in that race. The split on their first four runners was only 11 seconds. The potential is there for this team to move up and challenge for a top six finish in their sectional.
Eureka
Coach – Olivia Morris
2019 Finish – 20th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Charlie Bardwell SO (126, 16:43), Mitchell Danner SR (129, 16:46), Cade Walder SR (154, 17:07), Noah King JR, Dylan Geiser SO, Cade Knapp SR, Sye Vanmiddlesworth SO, Gabe Gerber SO, Carson Lehman FR, Brady Monk FR.
Preview – Three runners who ran in last year’s state meet are back for Coach Olivia Morris. Eureka will benefit from the IHSA sports shift of Football and Soccer to the spring as some of those athletes have now joined to run cross country.
“The pace and toughness of our young guys have impressed us the most,” Morris said. “We have worked on trying to lower the average pace of our runs for the guys. We are hoping to build a pack this year and work on moving that pack up throughout the season. The guys we have coming back have definitely put more miles in this summer than last summer.”
Charlie Bardwell was the team’s second runner at state last year. He has stepped up during the summer to lead this team. Another sophomore, Gabe Gerber, is running for his first year after playing football last fall. He has been in the front pack along with Carson Lehman, Dylan Geiser, and Cade Waldner. The Hornets will need tight pack running to get them back among the top six teams in the tough Elmwood Sectional.
Franklin
Coach – Rick Smith
2019 Finish – 12th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Thad Bergschneider SO, Jake Gutzman JR, Shayne White SO, Codey Smith SR, Robby Biesenthal SO, Tyler Kanganis JR, Carson Bowman SO, Jacob Heironimus SO.
Preview – A team that could be on the rise this fall. The Vipers return six of their top seven runners that finished 12th at the Elmwood Sectional in 2019. The top five ran an 86 second split in their sectional race. Watch for that split to come down this season. Thad Bergschneider and Jake Gutzman will be the runners to step up to lead this squad.
Hamilton (COOP)
Coach – Brad Niesen
2019 Finish – 16th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Miles Sheppard JR (3, 14:53), Noah Stout JR, Tommy Capito SR, Andrew Cochran SR, Kyle Simeon SR.
Preview – A team that could be a surprise in the Elmwood Sectional after finish 16 in the 2019 race. Everything starts with Miles Sheppard for this team. The junior has been productive during this time off. He should be one of the top runners in the state this fall. Noah Stout has showed great improvement during this off time and could be a surprise in the front. “I think we have what it takes to be one of those six teams that make it out of the tough Elmwood Sectional,” said their coach Brad Niesen. “Let us hope we get a chance to find out this season.”
Johnsburg
Coach – Chris Setzler
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional
Runners to Watch – Ethan Berthoud SO, Andrew Andon SR, Noah Boon SO, Jackson Batt SO, Brad Wizceb SR, Grady Germann SR, Braden Horne SO, Ryan Conner SO.
Preview – The year of experience could payoff for the Skyhawks heading into the 2020 season. All seven runners that were in the Oregon Sectional where the team finished seventh are back. The team will need to keep a tight pack to put itself among the top six team in their sectional. That split could be near 40 seconds this year on their top five. Ethan Berthoud, Andrew Andon, and Noah Boon should be the runners to watch in the front for Johnsburg.
The message from Coach Chris Setzler is clear and is in the flow with other coaches throughout the state. “First, we have to be OK with ambiguity, things are so fluid & changing so quickly that we have to be adaptable & roll with the punches,” said Setzler. “Second, we have to be relentlessly positive & have a state meet focus. We know there is a chance that there will be no state meet, but we have to believe a state meet will be there and we have to aim for it. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I do not want there to suddenly be a state meet & not be prepared to take advantage of it. Third, that we will face adversity & challenges that we never anticipated in past seasons. We have to persevere through those challenges & face up to the adversity. In the end it will be a testament to the character of our team and our runners.”
Kankakee McNamara
Coach – Preston Provost
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A McNamara Regional
Runners to Watch – Chase Provost JR (31, 15:36), Gavin Phillips JR, Pedro Hernandez SR, Matthew Lampley SR, Kyle Lampley SR, Ben Grzelak JR, Christian Provost FR, Sam Munsterman FR.
Preview – The Irish just missed making it to the Lisle Sectional last year finishing eighth in their own regional. They should make it to Lisle this year as a team and maybe to Peoria. Chase Provost qualified as an individual finishing 31 at state. He should be among the first 20 runners in Class 1A. His younger brother Christian Provost won the IESA Class 1A title last year running 10:29 for two-miles. Christian, along with fellow freshman Sam Munsterman, should make this team tougher.
Lombard Montini Catholic
Coach – Eric Bechtel
2019 Finish – 12th, Class 1A Lisle Sectional
Runners to Watch – Nick Fisch SR (62, 15:59), Tommy May JR, Mick Flannery JR, Lupe Herrmann JR, Kenny Sledzinski SO, Ned Kalata JR, Miguel Jaojoco JR.
Preview – Another team that could get close to the top six in the Lisle Sectional. All seven runners that were in that race are back for the Broncos that finished 12th in 2019. Nick Fisch was an individual qualifier that could be among the top 30 in Class 1A. The gap between Fisch and the pack, led by Tommy May, will need to be under 60 seconds. It was 84 seconds in the sectional race.
Macomb
Coach – Randy Ames
2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Stan Melkumian SR (80, 16:12), Amir Oden-Shabaaz JR, Noah LaPrad SR, Ryan Ames SR, Payton McGruder JR, Carl Blame JR, Jacob Rouse JR.
Preview – Six runners are back from the team that finished 11th in the Elmwood Sectional. Stan Melkumian should again be the top runner on this team. Melkumian individually qualified for state finishing 80th in Peoria. The Bombers should be solid through four runners led by Amir Oden-Shabaaz and Noah LaPrad. The key will be finding a fifth runner to push this team into sectional qualifying position.
Marshall
Coach – Ryan Arthur
2019 Finish – 9th, Class 1A St. Anthony Sectional
Runners to Watch – Ben Ross SR, Dylan Stilwell SR, Eli Hart SO, Skylar Simon SO, Randall Robinson SO, Cole McFarland SR, Connor Compton SO.
Preview – Five of the top six runners from last year’s sectional race are back for Marshall. They will look to improve on their ninth-place sectional finish. Dylan Stilwell was the top runner most of last season. He should be joined by fellow senior Ben Ross in the front. The St. Anthony Sectional region is traditionally tough. Moving their 3-4-5 pack closer to the front will benefit this team later in the season.
Pinckneyville
Coach – Ryan Bruns
2019 Finish – 11th, Class 1A Benton Sectional
Runners to Watch – Daniel Garavagia SR, Dawson Chaney SO, Steven Hirte SR, Trent Morgenstern SR, David Wagner SR, Ethan Baggett JR, Brayden Schubert JR, James Robb SR, Nick Greer SR.
Preview – The Panthers are navigating through the new normal that 2020 brings us. They could be a team to watch return all of their runners that were in the sectional race.
“The approach didn’t necessarily change, but the accountability was put more on the runners during the month of June,” said Coach Ryan Bruns. “I stayed in touch via text. They would let me know where they small groups were meeting, and I would lead them from a distance. Steven Hirte has been the best leader from offseason up till now that I have ever had. He has been the communicator that organized everyone else. I believe our fitness is as good as it has been in several years.”
Hirte should be one of the front runners for this team. Daniel Garavaglia was the #1 runner in Pinckneyville’s regional and sectional meets. Keeping their top five split under 50 seconds with the top five closer to the front in races will be something to watch for.
Port Byron Riverdale
Coach – Kevin Claus
2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional
Runners to Watch – Tommy Murray SO, Landis Musser SO, Cameron Overton JR, Peyton Sand SO, Caden Ludin JR, Caleb Ballinger SO, Lucas Butterfield SR.
Preview – This is a team that could be a factor on the state level in a year. It could be sooner. The first six runners back are either sophomores or juniors. The Rams should improve on their 13th place sectional finish from 2019. Tommy Murray should again be the top runner on this team. Their top five split at the end of the year was over three minutes. That needs to come down if they want to move up.
Robinson
Coach – Tony Cork
2019 Finish – 13th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Parker Middleton SR (104, 16:30), Cameron Shaw SO (191, 18:01), Evan Ferris SO (193, 18:04), Carter Shaw SR, Seth Trimble SR, Donnie Tillman SO, Jordan Caballero SR.
Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Maroons after losing their first three runners from last year’s state meet to graduation. Robinson finished 13th in Peoria. Parker Middleton was the team’s fourth runner throughout 2019 and should step into the top spot. The top five split is projected to be from95 to 100 seconds. Middleton could be under 16-minutes as the season progresses.
Seneca
Coach – Kim Foster
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Oregon Sectional
Runners to Watch – Billy Glasscock SO, Eli Ettievoog SR, Spence DeGraaf SR, Jon Wright SR, Brady Danek JR, Noah Petty SR, Chris Poyner SO, Owen Feiner JR, Joey Nelson SO, Wilson Widman SR.
Preview – The Irish could have a solid top three pack of Billy Glasscock, Eli Ettievoog, and Spencer DeGraaf that could be within 20 seconds of each other. Seneca returns six of their top seven runners from last year’s eighth-place sectional team and could find their way to the state meet if there is one.
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin
Coach – Josh Bluhm
2019 Finish – 8th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Martin McGrath SR, James O’Reilly JR, Max Kersting JR, Ryan Shea SO, Alex Eggleston SR, Andrew Dailey SO, Charlie Pittman JR.
Preview – Three runners from last year’s top seven are back that finished eighth in the Elmwood Sectional. Martin McGrath and James O’Reilly are runners that you will see in the front for the Cyclones. The key for this team will be finding their fourth and fifth runner early this season.
Steeleville
Coach – Neal Haertling
2019 Finish – 25th, Class 1A State
Runners to Watch – Christian Rees JR (172, 17:24), Ray Dagner SR (174, 17:27), Eli Rushing SO (180, 17:36), Evan Reitz SO (185, 17:47), Carter Wasson SO (198, 18:14), Clayton Donagher SO (203, 18:29), Joey Stoffel SR, Gabe Schwartzkopf SO.
Preview – The Warriors just made it out of the Benton Sectional finishing fifth in that race in 2019. The experience that they acquired in their state race could be invaluable as they enter this season. Six of their top seven runners that toed that Detweiller Park line are back for this team. The team had only a 23 second split on their top five in that race. What should be watched is seeing that pack move closer to the front. Christian Rees, who finished 172 in that state race, should be one of the top runners for Steeleville along with Ray Dagner.
Tremont
Coach – Mike Lynn
2019 Finish – 7th, Class 1A Elmwood Sectional
Runners to Watch – Clayton Brown SR, Zach Voss SR, Caleb Steiner JR, Josiah Kellum SR, Cooper Chaney SO, John Love SR, Ian Koch SO.
Preview – It might be a rebuilding season for the Turks as they return four runners from last season’s top seven. Clayton Brown and Zach Voss ran close to each other in 2019 races. They should be expected to be Tremont’s top runners.
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