2020 Illinois High School Cross Country Team Previews - Class 3A Boys

 

 

New Trier and York join defending champion St. Charles East in pursuit of the top spot in Class 3A

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

 

It started on the night of March 11 of this year. We knew that this would not be a normal year when the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus stopped sports in the United States. We lost a track season. Hopefully, we do not miss a state meet.

 

That is up to the IHSA and the State of Illinois who will make that final decision. For now, a state series is “TO BE DETERMINED”.

 

We hope we get to that point. This 2020 Cross-Country season will be an interesting one. St. Charles East is back with hopes of capturing back to back state championships. They have the talent to accomplish that. New Trier has a new coach but a boat load of talent with a roster that could go 10 runners deep. York found their way to the podium for a third-place finish and are hungry for more. They only return one runner that competed at state but are deep just like New Trier is.

 

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.

 

 

 

3A Boys Teams

 

 

 

1 St. Charles East

 

Coach – Chris Bosworth

 

2019 Finish – Class 3A State Champions

 

Runners to Watch – Micah Wilson JR (7, 14:31), Luke Schildmeyer SR (25, 14:47), Zach Loomis SR (39, 14:56), Connor Murphy SR (140, 16:40), Joseph Xotla JR, Payton Fischer SR, Matthew Connell SR, Tyler Tobin SR, Mitch Garcia SO, Memphis Patterson JR, Ethan Piercy JR.

 

Preview – St. Charles East Coach Chris Bosworth was getting out of his car early Sunday morning at the Portland, Oregon International Airport after enjoying the weekend where he got to watch from afar his team that he coached during the regular season. He talked about their finish at NXN, them winning the state championship, and most importantly how this team grew during this championship season.

 

He paused for a second. He then said, “We have four runners coming back. We are in good shape there. Now we just have to find a fifth runner. We will have time during the track season to do that.”

 

That time disappeared in the middle of March when COVID-19 wiped out all sports including high school track in Illinois. Where the public had no idea who would step up, Bosworth was already getting clues.

 

“I had the guys training really all the way up to May 1^st,” said Bosworth. “I scheduled timed efforts either on grass, roads, or tracks. Most of the guys ran 3 timed efforts: 800, 1600, 3200. Some ran lifetime PR's while others struggled during that time. I assume most teams had the same results.  We had weekly meetings via google meet to keep in touch.”

 

It will be different this fall in defending a state championship for any team. That is if we get to that point in Illinois. The IHSA still has not announced if they will have state series meet in October and November. If things procced like they normally do, St. Charles East again will be the team to beat in Class 3A.

 

For normal, Bosworth just wants to coach his kids like in normal times.

 

“I have not coached my guys since March,” said Bosworth. “Our summer camps were pushed back longer than most schools. This was a district move.  Along with my coaching staff, I felt that with the little time we had for actual summer camps, that it would be best if the team continued to train on their own using the plan we had set in place. We had a good plan set up and the accountability was there for my team to continue on their own.”

 

Bosworth’s plan was this: “This time apart from coaching reminded me of college summer training.  Getting most of the training in by yourself or in small groups is what we did in the summer at NCC and what my guys did.  Calling Al (Carius) to leave your weekly mileage and waiting for the newsletter from the alumni was something that separated most programs and is something that I really looked forward to. I brought that concept to the team this summer.  During this time, I reached out to some of my STC alumni who wrote letters to the current team members. During our weekly team meetings we discussed the message that was in each letter.  But throughout all of this, we kept going back to FOR EACH OTHER.  That phrase can be used in so many things right now, not just in running.”

 

Two of the runners back for the Saints are all-state runners. Micah Wilson concluded a great sophomore season as the team’s second runner finishing seventh in the state meet. Luke Schildmeyer was the team’s fifth runner for most of the season before becoming the fourth runner and earning all-state honors placing 25th. Zach Loomis was solid all last year as the team’s fifth runner. Connor Murphy was the team’s sixth runner at Nike Cross Nationals, seventh at state. All four could finish in the top 25 in November.

 

There are four runners that are interchangeable and could all run in the top five. Seniors Matthew Connell, Payton Fischer, and Tyler Tobin along with junior Joseph Xotla all put in great summers of training putting themselves in position to get that chance to run.

 

“Last year's success was fueled by what happened the year before,” concluded Bosworth. “Coming so close to earning the team’s first trophy in years really drove the group last year.  They were committed to each other and becoming the best team they could be.  It was not about winning, as a coach my direction was never to go out and tell them they had to win a meet. Rather, my direction for the team was to be in position to be successful and move when the time was right.  To race and be a part of something other than themselves was something that was talked about on a daily basis.  We will continue to use this philosophy in our training this season.”

 

 

 

2 Winnetka New Trier

 

Coach – Matthew Sloan

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Nick Falk JR (31, 14:51), Andrew Flynn SR (47, 15:02), Charlie Siebert SR (70, 15:17), Connor O’Neil SR (96, 15:22), Noah Rush SR (129, 15:37), George Cahill JR (133, 15:38), Patrick Jamieson JR, George Esteve SR, Blake Deger JR, Lincoln Crowe SR, Ben Keenan SR, Matt Flick SR, Carter Lindberg SR.

 

Preview – Matthew Solan steps in as the new Boys Coach at New Trier replacing longtime coach David Wisner who retired. There are usually changes in philosophies when there is a change in coaches. For this change, it started before Wisner left.

 

“Over the last two years, Dave Wisner and I collaborated on the training for our varsity athletes,” Sloan said. “Therefore, I would say that the changes to our training will be more evolutionary than revolutionary. I am a big believer in mixed sessions that work multiple energy systems during a given session. Races place a multidimensional demand on our athletes and, therefore, so should their workouts.”

 

Those changes started earlier when COVID-19 scrapped what Sloan was thinking of doing. Adaptation to something new to react to a situation can show the quality of a coach. Thus was the case with Sloan.

 

“During the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown there was some news swirling around regarding strenuous activity potentially placing athletes at great risk of contracting COVID-19,” added Sloan. “As a result, I scrapped my original plans for track training and redesigned the training to what essentially amounted to early summer XC training with lots of aerobic running, fartlek’s, and tempos with some speed at the end. The boys were obviously training individually. We made use of our team log on Google Sheets and then did core together on Mondays and Wednesdays. I also invited guest speakers ranging from former teammates and All-State runners for the Trevians such as my brother, Erik Sloan, and Dave Wishart to retired coaches such as Jim Knoedel, most recently of UIC. I also used Remind to send out motivational quotes to keep the athletes focused on our collective and their individual goals.”

 

This team is deep in talent. You could go as deep as 14 runners to find their top seven. The luxury with that is when one of your runners does not have it on a race day, there is always someone to step up. It is a display of what a strong program produces. New Trier has a strong program. We may find out how strong this fall.

 

The Trevians return their top six runners that finished 10th in last year’s state meet. That experience should pay dividends to these runners in which ever race they are put into this fall. Nick Falk was the team’s top runner for most of last season including state meet when he finished 31. Andrew Flynn was in the top seven all of last year and was 11 seconds behind Falk at state. Charlie Siebert, who was the team’s second runner in the sectional race the week before was 15 seconds behind Flynn. It gives New Trier a strong top three with all capable running under 15-minutes.

 

Connor O’Neil and Noah Rush rounded out the top five last year and will be going after top seven spots this fall. Patrick Jamieson was in the top seven early last year before an injury cut his season short. It would not be a surprise to see him in the top five. George Cahill and George Esteve ran close to each other in their conference meet. They are both ready to jump into the top seven. I would not cut this duo out.

 

There is a good mix of juniors and seniors on this team that again are capable of making the top seven. They do also have a good frosh/soph group but the depth of talent on the upper level is great. They may have to wait until 2021.

 

The top five split for the Trevians at state was 46 seconds. It was only 32 seconds in the sectional race when they finished third behind York and Wheaton-Warrenville South. That split went down to 28 seconds in their conference meet.

 

What ever lineup they put out there in meets this fall, their split is projected to be at 32 seconds. I see it going down instead of up. This team has the talent to win a state trophy. Let us hope we get to that point.

 

“The Trevians are excited by having an opportunity to race this fall,” Sloan said. “Will the 2020 season be different, of course, but given the strangeness of 2020, we are fired up about being able to compete, again.”

 

 

 

3 Elmhurst York

 

Coach – Charlie Kern

 

2019 Finish – 3rd, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Colin Hill SR (51, 15:04), Mickey Vreeland SR, Sam Ayers SR, Lukas Hund SR, Jeff Luka JR, Ethan Summer JR, Jackson Geiger JR, Garrett Schwan JR, Jonah Parayil JR, Luke Lestina SO, Payton Bryk SO, Eric Rutherford JR, Thomas Braun SR.

 

Preview – You would think it hard to put York in this position considering they have only one runner back that ran in last year’s state meet. It was not that hard actually looking at the talent that is coming up from their Frosh/Soph teams from last year. The Dukes also had a number of runners that were in their top seven at some point of last year but did not finish due to injury.

 

“We hoped that the state track meet would still take place and continued to train in small student-led groups,” Coach Charlie Kern said. “Once the state meet was cancelled, many athletes took a two week break. We then set our sights on preparing for the cross country season. Workouts were provided and a document was created to share the specifics of each athlete’s daily running. We have a couple Zoom meetings to check in with each other.”

 

This team did get some good training in. They had good examples of leadership from last year when seniors were among the top seven. Those examples just rubbed off.

 

“I don’t know if this team is more determined (than the 2019 team) at this point,” Kern said. “The 2019 team was the most determined team I have coached.  What I do know is that they now know what a state trophy looks like and what it takes to earn one.  They have been doing the work and each week one athlete makes a leap forward in their fitness.  This serves as inspiration for others and they too leap forward.”

 

Kern added: “Our summer camp was cancelled after four days due to students in other sports contracting COVID-19.  It has been difficult for me to support our athletes, but I have been proud of the leadership found amongst our seniors and can see the silver lining in the dark clouds of a pandemic.”

 

Hill has stepped up as one of the leader’s of this team. He did not run his best race of the season at last year’s state meet. He was under the weather when he finished 51st. He rebounded at the Nike Cross Nationals when he finished 49th. Mickey Vreeland stepped up after not being in the regular season top seven. He stepped in at NXN and was the team’s third runner placing 116th.

 

Sam Ayers was the team’s second runner at the Richard Spring Invitational and Palatine Invitational and then fourth runner at the Nike Twilight Valley Meet in Terre Haute, Ind. He missed the rest of the 2019 season. He is healthy now heading into this fall.

 

Jackson Geiger and Thomas Braun missed parts of last season due to injury and could step up. Jeff Luka, Ethan Summer, and Jonah Parayil have showed dramatic improvement during this time off. The three runners will figure in the top seven this fall.

 

Our number one message has been - Get Ready.  We guessed that the season would end sooner than usual and wanted to be ready to race in September,” stated Kern. “Additionally, we have a competitive group.  While we hope that we can compete with other teams, if we cannot, we will set up in house races (similar to the Bowerman Athletic Club) and race against the clock.”

 

York started their first practice with a 3200 Meter Run Time Trial. Six runners under 10-minutes gives onlookers an idea that they are ready. This is a traditional York team where you do not know who some of those runners are until the end of the season. This group is hungry for another trophy and have the talent to earn one.

 

 

 

4 Naperville North

 

Coach – Tim Brown

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Tommy Paltzer SR (52, 15:05), Chase Burrell SR (59, 15:09), Julian Head SR (60, 15:10), Gabe Ryan JR (148, 15:43), Nick Williams SR (150, 15:44), Harrison Boelke JR, Joe Tennyson JR, Peter Harrison JR, Colin Corcoran SO, Cameron Raedke JR, Gabe Russell SO, Luke Donaldson FR.

 

Preview – The Naperville North Boys team did lose their top runner Jake Allen who finished third in last year’s state meet. They do return five runners from the team that finished eight overall. A spring and summer of adapting to the normal will have the Huskies ready to go.

 

“At the end of May, I was able to meet with the cross country team via Zoom meetings on a weekly basis and was able to offer suggested workouts (at that time, we could not coach or have contact hours just yet) and base distances they could run assuming that a season would follow,” Coach Tim Brown said. “Luckily, but June 8th, our school was fortunate enough to offer a strength and conditioning camp to ALL athletes, but Dan Iverson and I were able to tailor what they would look like for boys/girls cross country runners. We were able to do many of our traditional summer camp routines, just in pods of 9, socially distanced, and meeting on Campus with masks. Then, when IHSA moved us into the next phase, we were able to continue to do workouts and camp routines.  Numbers on guys side were down this summer (35-40 guys per day), but I know (through emails and teammates talking) that other guys were still running on their own to build their base.  Our numbers now on team are just under 70.”

 

The one thing when you are going through adversity, it bonds a group closer together. That is what appeared to happen with this team. That should be benefit the Huskies if we gate to championship racing season. Then again with no meets this spring, every race should feel like championship racing season.

 

“At the same time, there were guys who did not run at all during quarantine, and summer camp was a great opportunity for them to start a routine to get in shape,” Brown said. “And, with a week of practice under our belt, there is a whole other layer of fitness level where you can tell they did no running this summer.  In terms of surprises, not a whole lot, really.  There is the typical physical maturity that happens each year, especially from freshman last year to sophomore this year.”

 

The top four runners back ran as a pack behind Allen last season. Their split in the sectional race was only 27 seconds. It was 38 seconds at state. Tommy Paltzer, Chase Burrell, Julian Head, and Gabe Ryan could be the team’s top runner. Ryan had a great summer and could be the one according to Brown. Nick Williams might take that step to the top five. He was the sixth man at state last year. Colin Corcoran has taken the next step during summer training and could be in the top five.

 

“I think my message this summer/season has been all about having the right mind set,” added Brown. “There are so many things we cannot control, but we can always control how we as individuals respond. Trying to run cross country (and live life in general) in a global pandemic can easily make us feel that there are so many negatives and make us feel that things are too different to run cross country. Obviously, things are different.  But the core of what running is and how personal/special/motivating PRs are have really hit home. A lot of the kids realize that although tangible ribbons/trophies/things of that nature are nice, there is a greater satisfaction and appreciation for doing something faster or farther than they have done before. We spend a lot of time talking about the right mind set to get to that place, and really focus on the PRs and improvements.”

 

The key for this team to contend for a trophy this fall is keeping their top five split under 42 seconds. At the same time, to get in the trophy discussion they will need at least two runners in the top 25. It is all possible with this team.    

 

 

 

5 Lake Zurich

 

Coach – JB Hansen

 

2019 Finish – 14th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Jacob Myers SR (21, 14:44), Jack Gilboy SR (99, 15:24), Danny Burns JR (117, 15:34), Jack Mason SR (168, 15:52), Aidan Markiewicz JR (182, 16:05), Kevin Loftus JR, Dylan Myers SO, Spencer Ejupi SR, Braden Eckman SO, Aidan Knappstein SO, Bodie McCall FR, George Sabev FR.

 

Preview – This will be a different season for the Bears. Everyone will have a different season. Not like Lake Zurich and the school members of the NSC (North Suburban Conference). The first for Lake Zurich was a COVID-19 breakout cancelled their summer camp after two days. The second was the way that their season schedule was structured.

 

“We currently only have a conference dual meet schedule and I have not been given permission to schedule non-conference opponents,” said Coach JB Hansen. “Our conference is only running time trials, staggering the start of competitions 1 runner every 15 seconds. I have heard most other conferences are actually going to be able to run races with kids starting at the same time.”

 

It will be interesting to see the progress of this team. I do hope that the Athletic Directors of this conference change their minds. The Bears could improve, but not in a traditional cross country race.

 

Five runners are back from their state team that finished 14th at Detweiller Park. Jacob Myers earned all-state honors by finishing 21st. Jack Gilboy was the team’s #1 runner in their sectional finishing 32 seconds ahead of Myers. Gilboy did not have his best race at state finishing 40 seconds behind. He should challenge Myers for the top spot.

 

Danny Burns will be a part of their top five. Kevin Loftus had a great summer of training and could challenge Burns for the third spot. Jack Mason should also be part of their top five.

 

That top five split should start the season between 42 to 45 seconds. It might not matter considering the way that they will be forced to race. I hope it changes for their sake.

 

“We may have to adjust our goals, because often times our cross country goals are based on  places and/or times at state/conference,” Hansen said. “But if we set training goals, we can remain goal-oriented athletes and seek excellence in our training.”

 

 

 

6 Downers Grove North

 

Coach – John Sipple

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Evan Cummins SR (34, 14:52), Roy Llewellyn JR (75, 15:18), Kyle McNally JR (84, 15:20), Chris Allen SR, Raymond Tipton SR, Topher Ferris SO, Vidhur Gunda SR, Karan Shetty JR, Leo Gartlan SO, Gabe Johnson JR, Jackson Flynn SR, Niall Brennen SR

 

Preview – Even though Downers Grove North only returns three runners from their 11th place state team, the Trojans are a team that are deep in talent that they could contend for a trophy.  There are 10 to 12 runners, outside of the runners that have state meet experience, would fit in with no problems into their top seven.

 

“We were not able to start our summer training camp in person, so we did a virtual summer camp,” said their Coach John Sipple. “The camp this summer went fairly well, and we have had a number of guys make some big progress.”

 

Evan Cummins, Roy Llewellyn, and Kyle McNally are the runners back with that state experience. Cummins could be among the top 15 runners this fall in Class 3A. Without a camp run by the coaches, these three took the initiative to lead their team. “A number of our  guys, Evan Cummins, Kyle McNally, Roy Llewellyn, and more guys than to even mention have accomplished some excellent training throughout the summer,” Sipple said. “I am proud of the maturity and growth in leadership that we have seen, despite not being able to meet in-person and conduct normal practices per usual.”   

 

Chris Allen, Karan Shetty, Topher Ferris, Raymond Tipton, and Niall Brennan are some of the runners that you could see in the top five for this team. The top five split is projected to be at 50 seconds off Cummins which is not bad. To survive in the WSC-Silver, you have to exhibit tight pack running to survive. I am sure the Trojans are up for that challenge.

 

The message has not changed even with the times that all of us are going through. “Our goals as a coaching staff are to help athletes grow their love of running and use the sport of distance running to help athletes learn more about themselves and help them refine their character,” added Sipple.  “We hope to help teammates grow as leaders and grow investment in each other to help each athlete achieve their and team goals.  While the focus was never really on a conference or state finish that is probably something that is not an easy goal to chase throughout the season this year, so this will actually really help our student-athletes focus on growing in a variety of different ways as a person.  With that said, if we get the opportunity to compete, our team will be ready to reach/push the envelope to help us and other teams see just what we/they are capable of.”

 

 

 

7 Wilmette Loyola Academy

 

Coach – Dan Seeburg

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A Lake Park

 

Top Runners – Spencer Werner JR (26, 14:47), Jack Garrigus SR, Spencer Dzyacky SR, Michael Solmos SR, Harry Wood Prince JR, Cameron Matejka SR, Aidan Simon JR, Daniel Riordan SR, Leo Stanton SR, Casey Gibbons JR, Owen Flom SO.

 

Preview – The Ramblers are motivated for this season after missing qualifying for last year’s state meet by three points. They finished sixth in the always tough Lake Park Sectional. The change in the climate of the schedule for last spring did not deter the focus that this team has.

 

“The seniors started organizing training runs early in the summer,” Coach Dan Seeburg said. “The theme was “Solitary but together.”  When we moved into summer camp, many were already well on their way to aerobic fitness.  Camp was very well attended.  We have started the official season hungry and motivated.”

 

There are four runners back from this team. They can go 10 deep in deciding their top seven. They are in shape and hungry for this year like their coach stated. Spencer Werner made it to state as a sophomore and just missed all state by one place. He ran in some meets early in the summer demonstrating his fitness. Jack Garrigus, their normal #2 runner, suffered a calf injury and is not running at this point. He is necessary for the success of this team.

 

Seniors Spencer Dzyacky, Michael Solmos, and Cameron Matejka along with juniors Harry Wood Prince and Aidan Simon are expected to be some of the runners that will contend for a top five spot.

 

The top five split off Werner, who could be among the top 10 in the state is projected to be a respectable 65 seconds. The split from their second through fifth runners is projected only to be 30 seconds. Without Garrigus in the lineup, the split jumps from 65 seconds to 95 seconds, and the pack split up to 60 seconds.

 

“We feel we are one of the better teams in the state,” stated Seeberg. “We have some good depth.  This is likely the best team I have coached since our National team of 2009 that finished three seconds from a national title.  We are not as nearly as strong as that team, but we do have some firepower up front with Spencer Werner, and we have a solid pack of very capable runners.  Werner, Dzyacky, Garrigus, Solmos, Wood Prince, and Simon will present a good challenge to most teams.”

 

 

 

8 LaGrange Lyons Township

 

Coach – Michael Danner

 

2019 Finish – 16th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Sawyer Madell SR (94, 15:22), Cade Nelson SR (112, 15:29), Owen Hays SR (130, 15:37), Charlie McLawthorn JR (145, 15:42), Sam Nowak SR (172, 15:53), Jocqael Thorpe JR (173, 15:55), Finn Gallagher JR, Jack Albright JR, Michael McDermott SR, Charlie McMahon SR, Aidan Collins SO.

 

Preview – I think there are some that will underestimate Lyons Township this fall. The Lions finished out of the top 10 for the first time in recent memory when they placed 16 at state. Much of that had to with injuries and illnesses that hit the team. Their school district would not allow a camp, but this team drove themselves to accomplish some good training. Six runners are back from that state team, plus they have more talent that will challenge for spots in the top seven.

 

“We will have to flexible to change,” said Coach Michael Danner. “That we have the ability to deal with it and perform at a high level. That sometimes we need different challenges to succeed in the end.”

 

The team was flexible to change in 2019. They did lose all-state runner Jack Ehlert to graduation. There are three runners that could step into the #1 spot. Owen Hays and Jocqael Thorpe are two of the runners. Both had a rollercoaster season. It would be a big plus if they stay off those rollercoasters and stay on flat grounds during the fall months. Sawyer Madell was slowed by a plate growth issue during the winter. He is ready to go for this season.

 

Finn Gallagher will be a plus for this team. He ran 9:44 for 3200-meters at the Illinois Meet of Champions. He should be in their top five if he can stay healthy. Charlie McLawthorn was the team’s sixth runner most of last year. He should step into the fifth spot.

 

This could be a dangerous team if they can stay healthy. The other teams in the WSC-Silver know that from the many times competing against them. The Lions could have a 30 to 35 second split on their top five. If they have that split and position themselves towards the front, Lyons Township will be in the hunt for a state trophy.

 

 

 

9 Glen Ellyn Glenbard West

 

Coach – Kyle Nugent

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Pierce Cousins SR (12, 14:39), Colin Hess SR (146, 15:42), Austin Nielsen JR, Jack Hatlestad JR, Ben McGrath SR, Andrew Dauksas JR, Sullivan Monteith JR, Michael Miller JR, Sean Rath JR, Tyler Yeager SR

 

Preview – The Hilltoppers missed making it to state as a team finishing seventh in their sectional. They missed qualifying for Peoria by six points. They did qualify three individuals to race and were scheduled to have those three runners back for this season. Their second runner William Hohe decided not to come out for cross-country this fall.

 

“The kids kept training as if there were going to be a conference, sectional and state meet,” said Coach Kyle Nugent. “The kids wanted to keep in routine and stay fit before their break before summer.  We held virtual team meetings 2 or 3 times per week since going virtual in school. During these meetings we discussed training, goals, had guest speakers.”

 

Pierce Cousins returns as the top runner for this team and one of the top runners in Class 3A. The senior finished 12th at state. Colin Hess steps into the second position with state meet experience. Nugent said they miss Hohe but have a group of juniors waiting for their chance to step. That will include Austin Nielsen, Jack Hatlestad, and Andrew Dauksas. Seniors Tyler Yeager and Ben McGrath could also step in after having good summers of training.

 

The top five split off of Cousins’ lead is projected to be 82 seconds. From second through fifth runners, the gap would be 52 seconds. The Hilltoppers will contend for the WSC-Silver title. They will need to cut down the pack split behind Cousins.

 

“This season will be about having fun, loving the sport, building relationships, working hard, improving and being resilient,” Nugent said.  “We do not know if there will be a state meet, but the love for running and our teammates will be the foundation for our team this season.”

 

 

 

10 Naperville Neuqua Valley

 

Coach – Paul Vandersteen

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Nicolas Dovalovsky SR (23, 14:46), Aidan Stone SR (104, 15:27), Noah Schalliol JR, Vasant Fong SR, Stephen Smilie SR, Luke Mennecke SR, Austin Burke SR, Nick Rohlwing JR, Ryan Palmer SO, Ryan Horn SR, Charlie Hook JR.

 

Preview – It was strange not to see Neuqua Valley’s team at the state meet last November. They finished seventh at the St. Charles East Sectional. The Wildcats have run as a team at the state meet since 2001. If we get to that point in 2020, I do expect this team back at Detweiller Park. Five runners are back from that sectional team.

 

“We are very fit,” said their coach Paul Vandersteen. “We have had some injuries that have hampered some training, but overall, nothing unusual.”

 

The experiences from last season should drive Neuqua Valley this year. Nicolas Dovalovsky and Aidan Stone were both individual state qualifiers last season. Dovalovsky earned all-state honors placing 23rd. He should be on of the top 10 Class 3A runners this season. Vasant Fong emerged out of summer training in the best shape of his life along with Stone and Stephen Smilie. Vandersteen expressed that Fong is one of the best leaders that Neuqua Valley has had in their program. The Wildcats have showed in years a solid front runner flowed by tight pack running. This could be one of those seasons. The team could have a 30 to 35 second split on their second through fifth runners.

 

“We have taken on an approach where knowing your why is very important,” said Vandersteen. “We have talked a lot about what commitment really looks like.  A lot of guys have stepped up to this challenge.  I can tell you one thing with certainty: this team is a lot better than last year.” 

 

 

 

11 Yorkville

 

Coach – Chris Muth

 

2019 Finish – 19th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ivan Westcott SR (44, 15:00), Austin Popplewell SR (76, 15:18), Jackson Edwards SR (138, 15:39), Colin Kachlic SR (139, 15:39), Nick Clever JR (197, 16:16), Nate Summers JR (198, 16:20), Aiden Goodwin SR (213, 17:05), Andy Cox SR, Hayden Reyes JR, Brody Ferko JR, Jack Stillmukes JR, Ben Whaley SO

 

Preview – A team that we could see in the top 10 sooner than later this fall. This senior oriented team will look to better their 19 place state finish from a year ago. All seven runners are back from that state team.

 

Ivan Westcott had a great summer of running and will surprise some this fall. He finished 44th last fall. The team ran a 76 second split on their top five at state. It was 43 seconds in their conference meet. One runner that will help shrink that split is Jack Stillmunkes. The junior has been hampered by injuries from growth spurts the past two seasons. He is healthy and could push for the second spot along with Austin Popplewell.

 

“The fitness level on the boys team is on par or higher than the teams that won AA State meets years back,” Coach Chris Muth said. “We didn’t lose anyone or gain anyone that I know of yet that would impact our top seven.  We have a talented senior class that will be really solid through six runners, but we are needing to develop a 7th and depth if we want to be constantly a top program for years to come.”

 

Jackson Edwards, Colin Kachlic, and Aidan Goodwin are seniors with state meet experience and will again boost their top five. Juniors Nick Clever and Nate Summers should also contribute. This team is deeper than last year, and also a year wiser with experience. They should challenge Minooka for the Southwest Prairie Conference title in October. 

 

 

 

12 Orland Park Sandburg

 

Coach – John O’Malley

 

2019 Finish – 4th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ismail Tineh SR (58, 15:09), Griffin Lehnhardt SR (167, 15:51), Ahmad Alhayek SR (181, 16:02), Brock Rice JR, Tommy Sieczkowski SR, Sean Marquardt JR, Declan Tunney JR, Grant Giblin FR, Michael Molloy SR, Angelo Quinones FR, Trent Anderson SO.

 

Preview – The Eagles came close to earning another trophy for their program. They finished fourth just three points away from third and a trophy. Sandburg returns three from their state team. Some would call it a rebuilding year. For this program, it is just a chance for some younger runners to go out and prove themselves.

 

“We are fit and strong,” said John O’Malley. I am in awe of this team's ability to develop during such a challenging time. Their sense of autonomy and empowerment paid off for our team as they took total ownership of the team. We are ready to be better than last year's squad with multiple guys stepping up to be strong varsity caliber runners.”

 

O’Malley stated how he handled the track season that never was:

 

“We attempted to construct a "track season" for our guys,” the Sandburg Coach said. “When discussing with them, they communicated the desire to race in any capacity and continue doing track workouts. I also felt that this served them best rather than adding on two months of "base building" for XC. They managed the workouts and races on their own. We actually got some great individual time trial performances. This was exciting but also highlighted the missed opportunity of last track season. I could not be prouder of the team and how they dealt with the disappointment and challenge of the season.”

 

Brock Rice did not get a chance to run in the state meet but will be big plus to this team in 2020. “Brock has always done things the right way and is a determined athlete,” added O’Malley. “He  has really stepped up and advanced. This is no surprise to us.” He will join Ismail Tineh, Griffin Lehnhardt, and Ahmad Alhayek who ran at Detweiller last season. One of those runners could be all-state this fall. There are seven other runners at least that could be in the top seven. This is one of those O’Malley teams that will develop and all of a sudden they will be challenging for a state title.

 

 

 

13 Hinsdale Central

 

Coach – Jim Westphal

 

2019 Finish – 12th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Daniel Watcke SO (82, 15:19), Piyush Mekla SR (86, 15:20), Henning Ley SR (90, 15:21), Colby Revord JR (171, 15:53), Colin Hill JR (192, 16:13), Grant Miller SO, Jesse Gamboa SO, Victor-Claude Jean-Bouret SR, Henry Gruber JR, Kian Bandukwale SR, Thomas Kusak SR, Mitchell Davis SR, Luke Gooding JR.

 

Preview –  It was a growing season in 2019 for the Red Devils. They still benefitted from the youth that was on their roster and still finished 12th at the state meet. Five runners are back from that squad, three of which are underclassmen.

 

For all teams in Illinois and the United States, the name of the game was getting from Point A, to Point B, and finally to Point C for Hinsdale Central. It was not about the practices for this team. It was about getting back to some type of normalcy.

 

“Really it was to provide more emotional support more than anything else,” said their coach Jim Westphal. “Many of the athletes, including coaches, were simply grappling with the situation and worked on staying positive, trying to put things in perspective that this is a pandemic and your priorities should be your health, family, and those loved ones around you. We did have check-ins to at least maintain some “normalcy”. We used either Google Meets or Zoom to connect with our kids. While we did lose connection with some of our kids, a majority did an unbelievable job of continuing to train and stick with a general training plan. This was largely accomplished due to some of our rising senior leaders.”

 

Piyush Mekla and Henning Ley are two seniors that stepped up and were leading at some points last season. Mekla missed their conference meet due to a minor injury but bounced back as their #1 runner in their regional race. He was the team’s third runner at the state meet. Lay was the team’s second runner for most of the season. When athletes were moved up to varsity from the frosh/soph level, Ley was the team’s fourth runner at sectionals and then state. He could be the team’s #1 runner at times this fall.

 

“No individuals really jump out, but I was incredibly impressed that a good amount, somewhat majority, of our kids were fit,” Westphal said. “Again, this was simply due to the focus and drive of our upperclassmen. What does that translate into a race distance? Who knows, but we were just thrilled to see the kids again in person.”

 

The one runner that could step out into the forefront this fall is Daniel Watcke. Westphal kept Watcke running in the lower level races during his freshman season. It was not that he was ready to step up to the varsity level. He was. It gave Watcke a chance to build his confidence winning races like the Red-Devil-Hornet Invitational to start the season, the Gary Goss Frosh/Soph Meet at York, the Palatine Invitational, the Naperville Twilight Meet, then the WSC-Silver Freshman Championship. He was then ready to step up to the varsity just in time for the state series. Watcke was the team’s second runner in their regional, sectional, and then state meet. Their sophomore class is strong with Jesse Gamboa and Grant Miller able to step up to the next level. They may stay down onto the sophomore level for this season. The junior group is also strong led by Colby Revord, Colin Hill, and Henry Gruber. Victor-Claude Jean-Bouret and Thomas Kusak are seniors that will also make an impact in the top seven this fall.

 

The Red Devils have the ability to run such a great pack this fall. They demonstrated that at the state meet when Watcke, Mekla, and Lay were only separated by two seconds. The team is projected to have a top five split of 36 seconds. That number could larger than it actually can be. There will be a good mix of seniors and underclassmen in the top seven this fall. This season will be about running, but it will also be getting this underclassmen group a run at a state championship in 2021.

 

Westphal’s message to the team was a simple one: “Be humble. If we have learned anything it is that we should be grateful for our health, families, friends, and teammates. Also, do not take anything for granted in life. We may get to compete but if the season gets cut short or is not a go, we should be grateful that we are or may be provided this opportunity. We are cautiously optimistic and any frustrations about this situation should simply be channeled in a positive response and not towards school administration, IHSA, or any other bodies having to make incredibly difficult decisions.”

 

 

 

14 Wheaton North

 

Coach -Nate Roe

 

2019 Finish – 18th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ryan Schreiner JR (74, 15:18), Will Roth SR (126, 15:36), Ryan Zydek JR (128, 15:36), Sam Walhout SR, Henry Frye SR, Alexander Nazor SO, Hudson Romaine SO, Aidan Herbel SO, Will Morrisey JR, Simeon Turner SO, Caleb Youngstedt SO, Colin Gilmour SR.

 

Preview – There have been seasons where Wheaton North has just missed making it to state meet by a matter of a handful of points. The table turned for the Falcons at the Lake Park Sectional when they finished fifth with two teams within seven points of them. They followed that up by finishing 18. It was not a matter of reacting to the situation of running in a state meet. This squad was prepared for it. It was the preparation they put in to get to that point. The same could be said about when the track season stopped in March.

 

“The day before everything shut down, I prepared my distance guys for the eventuality of being shut down for a little while,” said Coach Nate Roe. “We set up a Google Classroom and I used Remind to send out frequent reminders or words of encouragement.  We also began having weekly Zoom meetings, where we did a check in and update on the current situation with COVID-19 and the season.  As with everyone, our early hope was to resume by April or May sometime.  Therefore, I kept writing weekly workouts for the various groups (8/16 or 16/32) to do, bearing in mind that no tracks were really available.  As it became apparent that the season would not resume, I began offering options for the guys, freedom to experiment and explore if you will.  I gave general training guidelines and let them put the pieces together.  I challenged them to do some type of time trial every once in a while but did not mandate anything.  One of my guys used it as a chance to train to run a marathon, which he did in late May/early June!  My constant message to them was to find their reason to keep training; fitness, health(physical and mental), a specific goal, etc.  Our normal focus of training to race was really gone.  We are not a big time trial program like some seem to be, so I was not going to suddenly conjure up some magical feeling to get them to race hard.  The core of our group stayed faithful, but some also struggled with motivation and the uncertainty of it all.  I used this as a chance to remind them of the fragility of life, and that we are not promised tomorrow.  Make this day count, and then move on to the next.  It was hard, given that we are always so focused on things weeks or months in advance.  I think it was a healthy reality check, and many took it to heart.”

 

Three of their top five runners are back to lead the Falcons this fall. Like some schools this fall, there are a number of athletes chomping at the bit to run, to race. Not just to run in a huge meet that most likely we will not see, but just to compete.

 

“We ended up having a three week summer camp, which was great,” Roe added. “We took the approach with our top guys of being a bit more aggressive, knowing what they had already been up to.  Unlike most summers, I had them log their mileage on a Google sheet, as well as Strava so that we could check in on each other.  I also participated and my fitness is the best it has been in years.”

 

Ryan Schreiner stepped up from the frosh/soph level after their conference meet to become the team’s top runner at state. Will Roth and Ryan Zydek finished together at Detweiller Park last November and are in great shape for the start of this season. Sam Walhout was the JV king at the DuKane Conference meet last October. He will be ready for the top five along with fellow senior Henry Frye. Both are in great shape according to Roe. Collin Gilmour was in a camp in North Carolina but found time to run to the point where he could be in the top seven. Sophomore Caleb Youngstedt played soccer last fall. He has put himself into position to be in the top seven. “the core of our team is in great shape, as evidenced by a 2 mile TT where our top 5-7 were ahead of last year's group, who ended up top 20 in the state,” stated Roe.

 

The development of Schreiner in his first full varsity season will be something to keep an eye on. Their top five split is projected to be under 38 seconds. They will need to have that tight pack running against good teams in their conference meet. Wheaton North will be among the top 20 teams in Class 3A this fall. Do not be surprised if they are in the top 10 when all is said and done.

 

“With so much changing each day, week, month, I've shied away from the "State" montra, as there may be no State Meet,” Roe concluded. “I think the guys get it and they've become accustomed to the uncertainty of these days.  Each day is a gift, so enjoy time running and training together while we have it.  We had a great time these past 3 weeks, and it gives me great hope that we will be able to have some semblance of a season.  Our guys stayed smart, and healthy, and I think our school had maybe 1 case of an athlete testing positive out of almost 6-700 athletes participating in camps.  That tells me that we can do this, and that the media hype is maybe just that at times.”

 

 

 

15 Barrington

 

Coach – Thomas Root

 

2019 Finish – 15th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Joey Furlong JR (79, 15:19), Ben DeWeerdt SR (115, 15:30), Carter Hart SR (157, 15:48), Alfredo Arnieri SR (164, 15:50), Matt Hargrave SR (169, 15:52), Ryan Fryer JR, Zach Daniel JR, Jack FitzPatrick SR, Majdal Boulos JR, Jake Ziebarth SR, Blake Garrels SR.

 

Preview – Barrington should be one of the top teams in the Mid-Suburban League this fall. The Broncos return five runners from a state team that finished 15th in Peoria. Joey Furlong missed most of the season due to injury. He did come back to run at state and was the team’s second runner. This junior could be in for some big races this fall.

 

This team should have a good pack to have splits under 40 seconds on their top five runners. Seniors Ben DeWeerdt and Carter Hart should lead that group.

 

 

 

16 Wheaton-Warrenville South

 

Coach – Christopher Kuntz

 

2019 Finish – 2nd, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Michael Atkins JR (102, 15:26), Michael Macabobby JR (180, 16:02), Carson Rewiski SR, Andrew Colina JR, Alexander Gazarek SR, Gabe Ham SR, Matthew Lifka SR, Matthew Dale SR, Charlie Sanders SR, Rowan Fahey SR, Samuel Cruz SO, Nathan Virginelli SO, Zachary Dudek SR.

 

Preview – This will be a reloading year, not a rebuilding year for the Tigers. Wheaton-Warrenville South lost a great group of seniors that were part of a state championship in 2018 and a second-place finish last year that produced the second lowest point total for a second-place team in state meet history. This team will be young in 2020, but prepared.

 

“Our kids have been running since we left school at the end of March in the spring,” said their coach Chris Kuntz. “We used "Classroom" to communicate with our kids every day and the kids have continued training.  Starting June 1st we conducted a virtual summer running camp. We would meet with the kids every morning at 7:00 and the kids would complete their workouts for the day and log them on Classroom.  In July we were able to meet with the kids for 3 weeks in person for a real summer camp. We have continued our training on the assumption that we will have a season and that we will be ready. We have done everything that we have done in the past to prepare for a fall XC season. The kids have been absolutely incredible.  We have had great leadership from our captains. The kids have been All-In.”

 

Three runners with big meet experience are back to lead the 2020 edition of this team. Juniors Michael Adkins and Michael Macabobby ran on the state team last fall and will battle for the #1 position in races. Atkins and senior   ran in the NXR Midwest Regional and the Nike Cross Nationals post season. All three give Kuntz a solid core to build from.

 

There are runners that will surprise some finally getting a chance to run in the top seven this fall. They did not get that opportunity since the senior group from a year ago was just that good. Junior Andrew Colina could be part of that top seven. So could seniors Alexander Gozarek, Matthew Lifka, Matthew Dale, and Gabe Ham be a part of that top seven. Some will see how good this group of seniors is by the time we get to the beginning of October.

 

The Tigers are projected to have a top five split under 50 seconds to start the season. I would not worry about a front runner on this team. I believe Atkins could make that jump to the next level running with some of the other team’s top runners. That split should come down with every race they run. Do not count out this team. They could finish among the top 10 Class 3A teams by the end of October.

 

 

 

17 Downers Grove South

 

Coach – Brian Caldwell

 

2019 Finish – 21st, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Tim Neumann JR (189, 16:11), Luc Alvarez SR, Robert Del Cotto JR, Alex Huerta SR, Nick Mortella JR, Caleb DeBaer SR, Nolan Witt SR, Colin Meyer SR, Joey Puccillo JR, Nick Novotny SR.

 

Preview – It could be a year of discovery for the Mustangs after graduating six of seven runners from their state team that finished 21. The opportunities will be there to step up to the next level. Some of their team started stepping up in the middle of March.

 

“This spring, I set up google classroom where I shared resources,” said Coach Brian Caldwell. “We continued to use Steeple Web as our online training log. At least for the first month, most athletes continued training for Track. After that point we (in one of our several Zoom meetings or Zoom pasta parties) talked about athletes having options. Some continued to do track focused workouts, which got harder once we were denied access to the track while other elected to change gears and alter their focus looking ahead to XC. We had some cool things where some of our seniors, once they realized it was over, took to running some different distances. Ben Skibe met his goal of 10 miles under 60 minutes (for a 400/800 guy pretty impressive), while Tyler Bleau chose to run a marathon by himself after about 10 miles of his long run... just kept going.”

 

The lone returnee from last year’s state team stepped up his game at the beginning of the indoor season. Tim Neumann 9:40.6 for 3200-meters in his first meet. He then ran personal bests for 1600-meters (4:32.13) and 800-meters (2:03.29) before the season was cutdown. I believe this is the one guy that will surprise people this fall if we get to a state series.

 

Seniors Luc Alvarez and Alex Huerta along with juniors Robert Del Cotto and Nick Mortella could be the runners that step up into their top five behind Neumann. Those four runners are projected to have a 15 second split among themselves. There could be a 30 second split between Neumann and the rest of the pack.

 

“While this is a consistent message always, we’ve placed even more emphasis on being process orientated,” Caldwell concluded. “We cannot control a lot of things, but we can control our efforts, the way we treat one another on the team and just in general. Something I have been explaining to them since March 13 is that we are distance runners. The season may change from track to XC, and thing may get cancelled, but being a distance runner is not something that can be taken away or cancelled. With that, we are going to train to run as fast as possible for 3 miles in late October no matter the circumstances or status of the sport according to IHSA, WSC, or District 99. They cannot stop kids from running fast.”

 

 

 

18 McHenry

 

Coach – Kevin Horst

 

2019 Finish – 20th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Carlos Montes SR (118, 15:32), Enrique Robles JR (160, 15:49), Jackson Albanese SO (162, 15:50), Caleb Schopen SR (185, 16:06), Noah Bahnsen JR, Rayaan Ahmed SO, Nate Rotundo JR, Matt Sikora JR, Nate Pels SR, Braeden Bohannon SO, Erik Tapia JR.

 

Preview – McHenry was the one team that not many people were talking about at the start of last season. They came on strong at the end of the year. The Warriors won the tough Fox Valley Conference, followed by getting to the state meet n which they placed 20th. Four runners are back from that team with hopes of repeating as the Fox Valley Conference champions and then advancing from there.

 

Carlos Montes should be the one runner to watch in the front for McHenry. He could have company with him. Jackson Albanese was the team’s fourth runner at Detweiller Park. He has had a strong summer and is ready to have a breakout sophomore season according to his coach Kevin Horst. Enrique Robles and Caleb Schopen should again solidify their top five spots. Diego Montes was supposed to be their projected fifth runner but transferred to Illinois Math & Science Academy. Noah Bahnsen lead a group of six runners that will challenge for a top five spot.

 

There should be a tight pack in the front with that four runner group projected to have a split of under 20 seconds. The gap could be as big as 85 seconds from four to five. Watch for the development in the fifth spot this season.

 

“Our challenge is to maintain a team-centered focus with the new reality of isolation and distancing,” Horst said. “Nurturing athletes' love of running for its own sake has been another goal. We train for cross country because we are runners, not the other way around. Therefore we are happy to run even with the uncertain future of IHSA sports.”

 

 

 

19 Aurora Waubonsie Valley

 

Coach – Kevin Rafferty

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Zach Benziger SR (24, 14:47), Aidan Oster JR (144, 15:42), Ethan Marshall JR (179, 16:02), Anders Perez-Degadillo JR, Jacob Tukker JR, Angel Solis JR, Daniel Sprout SR, Josh Bormann SR, Joey Sweeney SR, Kyle Sullivan SO, Gavin Ebenezer SO, Chris Miserendino JR.

 

Preview – Waubonsie Valley made their first trip as a team last fall since 2007 finishing 13 in the 3A state finals. For a program that had not raced in a state meet, it did not show in the seven runners that toed the line. Every day leading up to that race was in preparation for that moment. The same can be said about this year’s team.

 

“Initially we were told we could have zero contact with our spring athletes,” said Coach Kevin Rafferty. “We were told if we had contact with them (not met up for practice, just simply communicated with them) we would be fired from our teaching position and lose our benefits. After a week of calls, texts and emails from parents asking me for help to give my kids some structure I asked and receive permission to start communicating with my athletes. We would have a weekly zoom call for checking-in and sharing updates. My distance guys received workouts through Google Classroom and then they asked me to also use Strava. Some of the guys did a good job communicating on a daily basis. Some guys I had zero idea what they were doing. When the IHSA officially cancelled the remainder of the track season I ended up allowing my guys to follow whatever path made sense to them prior to our summer camp starting in June. Some guys were emotionally worn out and needed a break immediately. Other guys were in a great training block and setup great workouts and time trials. Just like a classroom we had to differentiate what we were doing with each kid to fit their individual needs.”

 

Three runners are back from that state team. Zach Benziger stepped up last fall and was the team’s top runner in the state race. He also earned all-state honors placing 24. The sky is the limit for this senior in 2020. Aidan Oster has taken his running to the next level pushing workouts according to Rafferty. He could be close to Benziger. Ethan Marshall also has that state experience and will be close to Benziger and Oster. Juniors Angel Solis and Anders Perez should step into the top five. “Gavin Ebenezer has probably made the biggest leap of anybody during our time away,” added Rafferty. The sophomore could surprise some being in their top five.

 

This team is young with Benziger the only senior projected in the top five. The experience of the 2019 season will be helpful for the Warriors. Their second through fifth runners are projected to have a 20 second split. The gap then to Benziger could be as much as 45 seconds. This team thrives off strong pack running. Keep an eye on how their underclassmen race this season.

 

“We're focusing on taking advantage of the opportunities we have right now,” Rafferty said. “We are aware that nothing that's on paper is guaranteed. If everything stops tomorrow we have put in good work and have spent our time together in a meaningful way. I really stressed to my kids that they are responsible for earning future opportunities. I have had two athletes take time away just to make sure that there was zero chance they brought anything back to the team and did not risk shutting down our season. We also look really good. I keep promising the boys we are going to have an opportunity to show off our fitness and they just need to be patient until we get to race days.”

 

 

 

20 Minooka

 

Coach – Kevin Gummerson

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Vincent Van Eck (80, 15:19), Daniel Schalk JR (97, 15:22), Emerson Fayman JR (170, 15:53), Adam Shaw SR (203, 16:34), Jake Manning SR, Hunter Reade SR, Jason Riley JR, Alexander Forster JR, Zachary Balzer SO, Ben Resar SO.

 

Preview – Minooka had a strong 2019 season finishing ninth at the state meet. The team had the depth last year that should pay off in this season. It will also be beneficial that the Indians are part of the Southwest Prairie Conference and will race against strong programs such as Yorkville, Oswego, and Oswego East.

 

Vincent Van Eck was making steps up during last falls season. He appeared to be taking that to another level before the track season was cancelled. The senior ran a 1:57.4 split at the Mustang Relays in March. He had a strong summer of training according to his coach Kevin Gummerson. He finished 80 last year. He could be among the top 25 Class 3A runners this fall.

 

Juniors Daniel Schalk and Emerson Fayman were difference makers in the top seven as sophomores last season. They too should be taking their running up another level. Seniors Adam Shaw and Jake Manning could be among the runners challenging for a spot in the top five. The team could have a 30 second split on their top three runners. Keeping their top five split under 70 seconds will be something to watch for this season.

 

“There are a lot of different messages that we are bringing forth,” Gummerson said. “The first one, is to enjoy the opportunity to compete.  These boys have not raced since early March, and I know they are getting ready to compete.  If there is ever a time when the importance of high school athletics is at the highest, it is right now.  We want them to get excited about working with  their teammates (in-person and not virtually), doing something meaningful every day, and being grateful that you get the opportunity to train and run a race instead of doing a puzzle under a stay at home order.  While we will not get the chance to run in these huge 50 team invites or under the lights in Naperville, we will have a chance to compete in the purest setting.  I cannot wait to see these boys toe the starting line.  I know this is something that they  have worked hard for and I know they miss it.”

 

 

 

21 Oswego

 

Coach – Dan Whipple

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Balin Doud JR, Owen Erickson SR, Ethan Forsell JR, Benjamin Huey JR, Brady Nelson SO, Colby Lee JR, Braden Cardamone JR, Benjamin Forsell JR, Jacob Everix SR, Bryan Flentge SR.

 

Preview – The third of four Southwest Prairie Conference teams in the Class 3A top 30. Oswego finished 10 in last year’s sectional race and return four from that group. Balin Doud will challenge for the top spot on the team with Owen Erickson and Ethan Forsell. All were within two seconds of each other in their sectional race. Juniors Benjamin Huey and Colby Lee along with sophomore Brady Nelson will challenge for the other two scoring spots. The top five split could be as little as 25 seconds this fall. The key will be moving that pack closer to the front.

 

 

 

22 Oswego East

 

Coach – James Milner

 

2019 Finish – 5th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Alexander Das SO (141, 15:40), Nick Henz SR, Noel Velasquez SO, Charlie McElyea JR, Parker Nold SO, Jeremy Ortiz SR, Christian Spear SR, David Roach SR, Roman Cornelius JR, Jacob Lanzora SO, Carter Pankiewicz SO.

 

Preview – The Wolves concluded a successful 2019 season finishing fifth in the state meet. It was the best finish for Oswego East in their program’s history. With only one runner back from last year’s state team, Oswego East still is a team to watch in repeating a trip to Peoria if we get to that point.

 

“I was pretty impressed with what the entire group came in with this summer,” said Coach James Milner. “We have always raced a lot in our program so to see them come in with some great fitness after not racing, showed a lot of their dedication to improve over the spring.”

 

Alexander Das raced on the Frosh/Soph level most of last season as a freshman. His results showed that he could have been moved up sooner. That success on the lower level will help him in his racing this fall. Nick Henz was in the top seven most of last season. He had a great summer of training according to Milner and will push Das in the front. The future is bright for the Wolves. Their sophomore class, led by Das, Noel Velasquez, and Parker Nold, figure to be in the top five this fall. Charlie McElyea is a junior you should also see within that top five.

 

Pack running was a key for Oswego East last fall when they finished fifth at state. Das and Henz should be leading the group. There could be close to a 60 second split on their top five. That split should come down as the season progresses.

 

“I've kept the focus on growth, improvement, and camaraderie,” said Milner. “These kids have impressed me so much throughout all of this.  It has been so much fun working with them and teaching them this Summer. We have been able to focus on things that we have never done before because, for a while, we were not sure there would be a season and we had no direction as to what one would look like if there was. So, we keep looking towards growth and improvement, while enjoying being together.”   

 

 

 

23 Naperville Central

 

Coach – David Ashton

 

2019 Finish – 24th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Arthur Graham SR (78, 15:18), Brandon Kamp SR (165, 15:50), Nicholas Keeling JR (176, 15:58), Samir Hussain JR, Kyle Rose SO, Samuel Barnard SO, Benjamin Smith SR, Philip Maurero SR, Stelios Gerousis SR, Luke Noren SO.

 

Preview – The Red Hawks will challenge for one of seven spots in their sectional. Three runners are back from last year’s state team that finished 24th. Arthur Graham will be the team’s top runner. His finish (78th) was not a true evaluation of what he could have done on that day. He just decided to push the pace with Josh Methner in that first half mile of that race. Graham is a good runner that could see him among the Class 3A top 20 runners this fall.

 

Nicholas Keeling could be a surprise on the state level this fall. He has the talent to do some big things. Brandon Kamp is the other returning top seven runner.

 

 

 

24 New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central

 

Coach – John Taylor

 

2019 Finish – 23rd, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Caden Simone JR (132, 15:38), Nolan Sams SO (158, 15:48), Connor LeBeau SO (184, 16:05), Jay Parker SR (199, 16:23), Kurt Kreis SO (205, 16:34), Andrew Flais JR, Ryan Flais JR, Ethan Hoff SO, Jake Starklauf JR, Ross Horn SO.

 

Preview – This team will be young in 2020. Nine of the top ten runners will be underclassmen. They will miss all-state runner Jared Kreis who has graduated. They do return five runners from last year’s 23rd place team. “We had a great summer of running,” said Coach John Taylor. “Senior Captain Jay Parker put in a lot of quality miles and is ready to lead the Knights this season. The guys are ready to begin competitions again and are excited to had any kind of racing this fall.”

 

Parker was the team’s fifth runner and could be one of the top three spots this season. Caden Simone and Nolan Sams are figured to be the top two runners for the Knights. Sophomores Kurt Kreis and Connor LeBeau ran at state as freshmen. They could make a big impact this fall. Central should have a good pack projected at 40 seconds on their top five. The key for this group is moving closer to the front.

 

“We have stressed to the guys that we will handle the changes this season to the best that we can. We will modify our plans to help the athletes do their best, Taylor said. “We have a young team with only one Senior and one Junior in the Top 7; all the others are Sophomores. It will be exciting to see how much they have improved.”

 

 

 

25 Chicago Jones Prep

 

Coach – Andrew Adelmann

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Aaron Hou SR (122, 15:34), Luke Benes SR,, Matthew DeSantis SO, Andy Niser SR, Alexander Papadopoulos JR, Alan Menninger JR, Sam McCain JR, Andrew Nelson FR, Alex Leonard FR, Spencer Dixon FR, Sam Berlinghof FR, Ethan Sterling JR.

 

Preview – What Jones Prep had to go through in last season with the Chicago Teachers Strike will get them ready for the COVID-19 season of 2020. Their eighth-place finish at the Lake Park Sectional is not indicative of how good this team was. They found out Friday evening before the sectional they could run, and then came out and missed qualifying for state by eight points.

 

“The one benefit of having gone through what we went through last October is that it really prepared us for what happened in March, as well as what we are continuing to face now,” said Coach Andrew Adelman. “For better or worse, while most athletes were (rightfully so) caught off-guard and not sure what to do, our guys just picked up where they left off and came together like they did during the strike. If we get the chance to have a season, I think that is going to be a huge advantage for us.  All of this takes a brutal toll on people. Look at Sectionals this past fall. Just the emotional and mental exhaustion of the 2.5 weeks leading into the meet cost us dearly. Nobody was at their best. If you look at how well we did at NXR two weeks later after we regrouped a bit, it just shows how important routine and normalcy is. I believe that our performance in Terre Haute showed unequivocally that we were a Top-10 team as we had been all year.”

 

The Eagles return four runners from the team that ran in the sectional meet. They also had a great class of freshmen joining their team that could set this program up for the next four years. Aaron Hou was one of three individual qualifiers to Peoria. He still ran a personal best of 15:34 despite the circumstances. He will be one of their leaders Luke Benes and Andy Niser were consistently in the top five last fall and will push for a spot in the top five. Matthew DeSantis is a transfer from DePaul College Prep that was their second runner last year as a freshman and had a personal best of 16:03. He should make an immediate impact.

 

Then comes their freshmen class, three of which will come from Old St. Mary’s who won the IESA Class 1A State Team Championship. Andrew Nelson, Alex Leonard, and Spencer Dixon all finished in the top 20 in that race. All will be difference makers the next four years. All could have an impact this fall.

 

Let us hope that Jones Prep has some kind of a season. With the limitations that Chicago Public Schools’ teams will have with everything, I just hope they get to compete against another school.

 

“Even if things are a ‘go’ for us, we are going to have our own set of unique challenges that most other schools don’t have (except for other selective enrollment or private school that goes full virtual),” added Adelmann. “For example, our students are supposed to be behind their screens from 8:00 - 3:15 now. So what does that mean for practice? We are not like a suburban school where everyone lives within 15 min of the school. Most of my guys have to commute one hour on public transportation (some as much as 75-85 minutes. If they leave their house by 3:30, that means we cannot get started until 4:30. If we go 2 hours, that gets them home at 7:30. It is just not feasible. We may still be training 100% solo if that is the case. That also does not consider parents who are not comfortable with their students taking public transportation due to the virus. We may have students who need to opt out.”

 

 

 

26 Deerfield

 

Coach – Scott Friedlander

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Josh Puyear SR, Ryan Bernstein JR, Cole Bernstein JR, Ben Zamler SR, Lucas Moskovitz JR, Eric Lakemaker JR, Alex Luo JR, Asher Kriegel SR, Jonah Kaplan SR, Andrew Osborn SR, Zack Greco SR, Jonah Satyr JR.

 

Preview – It should be a good year for the Warriors. Six runners are back from the Deerfield team that finished ninth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Their finish in that race is not indicative how talented this team could be.

 

“The fitness level from the team is great,” said Coach Scott Friedlander.  “It is pretty much where I would expect it to be even if we had a normal summer. Huge kudos to them for having the motivation to wake up and train independently. We woke up for quick 6:30 AM video calls Monday through Friday for the past nine weeks to help get everyone up and out the door before it got too hot and before other activities got in the way. We had between 31 and 43 runners on every call, which blew away my expectations.”

 

The team could have a tight pack on their top five runners. Josh Puyear and Ryan Bernstein should be leading that group. Cole Bernstein, Lucas Moskovitz, and Ben Zamler should be part of that top five that could have a split of near 40 seconds.

 

“I attended a Zoom coaching clinic where John O'Malley (Sandburg HS) suggested telling everyone that 2020 is the most important cross country season ever,” said Friedlander. “And I bought that. There's a bit of devastation thinking that this year's team is our best in a long time (we return 9 of our top 10 from our 9th place Busse sectional team), and it looked like we were primed to break our streak of 33 straight 3A seasons (or 2A prior to 2007) without qualifying for State, especially because reduced enrollment might knocked us down to 2A next year. But even if there is no State Series, this year is still the most important year because it will demonstrate what our response to a crappy situation was. This team will forever be remembered as the COVID-19 team whether good or bad. Whatever opportunities they get, whether there is a chance to qualify for State or not, I hope this team shines bright despite the circumstances. And we will celebrate that. Motivation isn't truly tested until adversity hits, so here we go.”

 

 

 

27 Edwardsville

 

Coach – George Patrylak

 

2019 Finish – 22nd, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Ryan Watts JR (114, 15:30), Geordan Patrylak JR (175, 15:57), Drew Stover SR (196, 16:15), Ryan Laitjohan JR (204, 16:34), Jaylin Ruckman SR, Owen Gruben SO, Xavier Valdez SO, Jacob Gramdone JR, Drew Law SR.

 

Preview – Edwardsville , like every other school in the nation, will be experiencing dealing with problems during this COVID-19 season. The Tigers will be restricted to their conference and their region to come up with new meets. No traveling upstate to Peoria, Palatine, Lockport, and Wheaton this fall. Their second “difficulty” is finding a new home course since they can no longer use the course at SIU-Edwardsville.

 

This will be a fun team to watch in 2020. Four runners are back to start the season. Three of them are juniors. “Once we canceled our home indoor meet, I saw the writing on the wall and had the kids do a 1600 time trial,” said Coach George Patrylak. “I busted out our state uniforms and let all of the seniors wear them for the time trial. After that, I told the athletes that I would post recommended workouts on our TeamSnap and Facebook pages.  Having a son who runs for me, I was kept in the loop with the times posted. My varsity group, including my seniors at the time, all did the workouts and time trials I recommended and held each other accountable.  Unfortunately, as time went on, fewer and fewer athletes continued to follow the plan, but all of my runners who ran in the State XC Championships trained like they were getting ready for state. I was always excited to get the updates from my son. For the first time in my coaching career, I had three sophomores under 10:00 minutes for the 3200 meter run (Watts, Luitjohan and Patrylak).  Watts ran a 9:34 3200 time trial and a 4:27 1600 to lead the way.”

 

Ryan Watts and Geordan Patrylak appear ready to have breakout seasons leading this team. Ryan Luitjohan and Drew Stover give Edwardsville a solid first four pack. Luitjohan suffered from iron deficiencies last fall but is ready to go. “After that, it will come down to senior, Drew Law, juniors, Jaylin Ruckman, Oliver Ferdinand, and Jacob Grandone, sophomores, Owen Gruben and Ben Ziobro and Freshman, Alex Uder,” said Coach Patrylak. “I am very anxious to see how Alex continues to develop.  He was injured during the end of his 8th grade year but may surprise some people by the end of the season. We also have Wyatt Erber back on the team after spending last school year in Germany. Wyatt has been with us the entire summer and has been working hard.  He has his mind set on being in the top seven.”

 

The top five split at the beginning of July was projected to be close to 50 seconds. It could be bigger especially with Watts and Geo Patrylak improving. “My message is similar to the message I gave the girls, but this boys team is poised to take the next step the next two year,” the coach said. “We have a lot of juniors that should be in our top seven.  I do not see more than 2 seniors possibly being in our top seven. My top four are leading by example and must continue to lead the group so we can solidify our top seven.”

 

 

 

28 Palatine

 

Coach – Chris Quick

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Jack Casaccio SO, Andrew Jordan SO, Brandon Waller SR, Mason Krieg SO, Andrew Johns SR, Thomas O’Sullivan JR, Rohan Nanbaouthiri SO, Angel Adaya JR, Owen Elliott SO, Tyler Murphy JR, Christian Keller SO.

 

Preview – When you have three runners in your top seven that are freshman and you finish seventh in a sectional meet; you know will be seeing and talking about this team for the next three years. This is the case with Palatine who came on strong at the end of the season to also include a second-place finish at the Mid-Suburban League Championship.

 

“We communicated exclusively through our GroupMe app, sending workouts that way and trying to keep our community alive. Unlike some, we did not choose to just flow through a schedule of track workouts. We pulled back a ton as events ran their course,” Coach Chris Quick said. “Many of our guys stayed connected and many were running, but none were really training hard core. We felt the landscape was too indefinite, so we just encouraged them to be outside each day moving their bodies.

 

Two sophomores Jack Casaccio and Andrew Jordan should be the top runners on this team. They were separated by only two seconds in the sectional race. “In terms of improvement, I would like to laud four seniors who have stepped up in a major way as leaders and athletes: Darwin Maco, Michael Woodward, Andrew Johns, and Brandon Waller,” added Quick. “Maco and Woodward were All-MSL in the JV race last year and have really stepped forward with unparalleled work ethic and leadership. Andrew Johns was heading toward a breakout track season and that fitness has carried over through this summer. He has been our co-best athlete during this summer period. Our other breakout senior is Brandon Waller. Brandon is a great story. He is a special education student who has previously been state champion in the Special Olympics 400 and 800 meters. He was also varsity All-MSL last year as a junior and ran 15:48 in our Regional at DG East. He is our most improved guy and has been running in excess of 100 miles a week for most of the summer. I did not advise or ask that, but he feels most comfortable in that routine of running twice a day and getting after it. He and Andrew have been our best two runners this summer.”

 

One thing that could hurt this squad, especially the sophomores, is that they lost their track season. It is hard to replace races on the tracks with tempo runs. I am excited to see what this team is capable of doing. They will be tough this year and also especially tough in the following two cross-country seasons.

 

“I think we are fit as a group, but not at all ready to race,” said Quick. “We had so many young guys miss out on their track seasons and that really hurt us in terms of gathering experience. We have a lot of fit guys with a solid base behind them. They just are not sharp and ready to race yet.”

 

 

 

29 Gurnee Warren Township

 

Coach – Bill Dawson

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Griffin Pasha SR, Luke Wiley JR, Max Zeisler JR, Carlos Villa SR, Cole Kaether SO, Fahim Rafi SO, Nathan Garcia JR, David Lora JR, Ozzie Bandera JR, Brayden Sweene JR.

 

Preview – Warren Township just missed qualifying for the state meet last season. They finished sixth overall at the Hoffman Estates Sectional missing the fifth qualifying spot by 14 points. It could be tough for the Blue Devils in this crazy season. The North Suburban  Conference’s stance on racing is predicated on Time Trials against teams. Warren returns four runners from that sectional team. “We were scheduled to start camp and our school board decided to shut them down when the decision was made to start the school year online I guess assuming sports were not going to happen in the fall,” said their Coach Bill Dawson about their summer training. “So we haven't met for a workout since March although I have been following those posting their workouts on Strava.”

 

Dawson has two stud runners that could be all-state this fall. Griffin Pasha finished 16th in his sectional missing state by seven seconds. His teammate Luke Wiley was another 10 seconds and five places back. Both have the talent to have some special races this fall.

 

“This is a fluid situation and we have to be prepared to adapt for everything and anything. Enjoy the comradery and the chance to compete and be with friends,” Dawson added. “We have a couple of runners who are capable of running competitively in college in Griffin Pasha and Luke Wiley.  This will give them the chance to compete and show colleges they are worth recruiting.”

 

 

 

30 Park Ridge Maine South

 

Coach – Greg Nordahl

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Matt Cull SR (48, 15:02), Matt Coyle SR (109, 15:29), Eamon Brady SR (194, 16:14), Danny Murges SR, Luke Prevacek SO, William Huddleston SO, Luca Accuri SO, Will Fehrman JR, Alex Wille SO, Cole Baruffi JR.

 

Preview – Mane South came on strong at the end of last season first finishing fourth in a tough Lake Park Sectional and then sixth at the state meet. The Hawks do have the talent to finish again in the top 10 by the end of this season. Three runners are back from that state team.

 

Matt Cull is on the verge of a dynamic senior season. He finished summer track running 1:57 for 800-meters and 4:22 for the 1-Mile Run at the end of July. Teammates Matt Coyle and Eamon Brady had solid summers of training giving Maine South a solid top three. This is only Brady’s second year of running after transitioning from soccer in 2019.

 

Keep an eye on this team’s sophomore runners this fall. They could do some special things in a couple of years. The group is led by Luke Prevacek and William Huddleston.

 

“Summer camp has been good and attended well by the varsity athletes. Our top 3 look strong,” Coach Greg Nordahl said. “All we can do is practice social distancing, wear your mask, wash your hands, and get your 8 hours of sleep every single night. We cannot afford to lose any athletes at all.”

 

 

 

Next 20 Schools (In Alphabetical Order)

 

 

 

Algonquin Jacobs

 

Coach – Kevin Christian

 

2019 Finish – 16th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Andrew Doetsch JR, Daniel Sanders SR, Kyle Horn SR, Connor Maloney SR, Mitchell Ruffin JR, Jacob Godinez JR, Zachary Omanski JR, Julian Van Antwerp SO, Alex Melendez SO.

 

Preview – A young team with only two seniors among their first 10 runners. Jacobs returns four runners from their sectional team that finished 16. Their big plus is the return of Andrew Doetsch who should be the team’s top runner.

 

“Andrew ran 15:30 as a freshman, ran an early sub 15:30 as a sophomore at the Peoria Invitational before getting injured, and now is solely focused on running quitting basketball,” said his coach Kevin Christian. “He has huge upside and has really learned a ton this year.  Andrew has finally put in some  great mileage finally could contend for the FVC Individual title.”

 

The top five split is projected to be near 80 seconds. Daniel Sanders and Kyle Horn should be leading that pack. Alex Melendez transferred from Dundee-Crown and could have an effect on  their top five.

 

 

 

Arlington Heights Hersey

 

Coach – Kevin Young

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Luis Vasquez SR (135, 15:39), Sean Safford JR, Quinn Born SR, Luke Linscott SR, Luke Attmeyer JR, Conner Oiler JR, Johnny Lifka JR, Harrison Gillespie JR, Aidan Nishimura SO, Michael Renner JR, Liam Naughton FR, Cameron Donner FR, Remy Jankusky SR, Nick Parsekevas SR.

 

Preview – There will be a different look to Hersey this fall after losing six of their state top seven to graduation including multi-state champion and Detweiller Park record holder Josh Methner. The Huskies still will be one of the top teams in the Mid-Suburban League. Tradition and dedication were two of the things that got this team through the summer.

 

“We were communicating a lot at the end of the season. We had team zoom meetings twice a week, so the guys could see each other in hopes of maintaining some familiarity and keep smiles on their faces,” said Hersey Coach Kevin Young. “There are a few ways I communicate our plan with them electronically, so we maintained those same avenues of communication. They knew what I expected from them, training wise, and I knew what they were doing based upon their logs. I tried my best to keep things light and fun, so I challenged the guys to reach out to other professionals. We had many different guests on our zoom calls throughout the quarantine which gave us all something to look forward to each day.”

 

Young added: “They've shown determination, resiliency and true passion for the pursuit of excellence. Its unimaginable what this group has gone through, and to think the guys are only high school athletes. They have made me proud from the moment we went on quarantine to now when we can finally have something that resembles a practice. Our guys are in great shape, and I just hope they get to have fun out there and compete. We don't know what kind of opportunity we will get, but I'm positive they'll be ready when we get that chance.”

 

Luis Vasquez is the lone Huskie that has state meet experience. He should lead this team with Quinn Born and Sean Safford close to him in races. Their top five split is projected to be near 55 seconds. I am sure after a couple of races that time will go down.

 

“We've had a couple messages these past few seasons that ring true now more than ever,” said Young. “The first one being, "stronger together." We are all going through these struggles and navigating the unknown as best as we can. Given the day, hour or even minute, we all need to know that someone is there and going through the same battles. This sure is not easy, but they are doing a great job! The second is "we do because we can." We do not have to be healthy. We do not have to go out for a run. We do not have to go to practice. We do not have to do the next interval. We get to do all of these things, and as we just experienced in the spring, it all can be taken from us. Embrace the moment and enjoy the moment.”

 

 

 

Batavia

 

Coach – Bronco Meeks

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ryan Mansour SR, Quinton Lowe SO, Jonah Fallon JR, Matthew Miller SO, Owen Billie SO, Ian Rousseau SR, Alex Ebel SO, Evan Rudek JR, Anders Nylund JR, Tyler Piron SR.

 

Preview – Batavia came so close to earning a trip to Detweiller Park but missed by one place and 2 points at the St. Charles East Sectional. That was the beginning of their 2019-2020 rollercoaster. “Track was challenging,” said Coach Bronco Meeks. “To say it was a rollercoaster of emotions does not do it justice. Our poor seniors went from running one of the top 10 times in the nation for the 4x800 to losing their season within a week. Adding another layer to our frustration and disappointment was that our first meet to be cancelled was Batavia Distance Madness. Coach Freeman and I tried to remain in contact with the athletes as much as possible. Lots of individual check-ins, especially w/ our seniors. We provided a workout schedule to try and stay race ready in case we somehow were able to recover some portion of our season. As it became clear that we would not have a season we switched our focus to the mental health of our athletes. We started having 1-2 google hangout meetings per week. We also had scavenger hunts throughout the tri-city area and team trivia nights.

 

Four runners are back from that sectional team led by Ryan Mansour and Quinton Lowe. The two runners have put in some great training and are ready for this upcoming season. This team is young with underclassmen in the next spots. Junior Jonah Fallon along with sophomores Matthew Miller and Owen Billie should step into top five positions. Batavia thrived last year when they had good pack running. Their top five split is projected to be at under 80 seconds at this point. It will get lower after a few races.

 

“I think now more than ever it's critical that we communicate that we love our athletes, Meeks said. “We have tried to stress that we care for them as people, we hope that they feel they can come to us in times of need, and that we value our time with them. I think the one positive that has come from COVID is that it has made it easier for athletes to understand why we place so much emphasis on valuing our time together. It is difficult, under normal circumstances, for underclassmen to grasp just how they are going to feel after their last race of their senior year. The overwhelming emotions after coming to the realization that you will not wear your school uniform again, will not ever race again for your team and will not have the same relationship that you used to have with your teammates. These athletes have all had things taken away from them and understand that nothing is going to be guaranteed. I feel this has given them a unique appreciation of our day to day interactions together. The last message we have been giving our athletes is to run each practice, workout and meet like it is their last. Our season could end on a moment's notice. While the track season was very frustrating and emotional, I think the one solace our seniors had as the season gradually began to deteriorate was that they gave everything they had in their last meet. If things begin to go south with COVID, we need to make sure we have a positive memory to reflect on to help us navigate the difficult times.”

 

 

 

Cary-Grove

 

Coach – Lane Holter

 

2019 Finish – 15th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ian Barnes JR, James Grant JR, Dominic Garrard JR, Carson Hendrey SR, Ryan Peters SR, Logan Hublea JR, Connor Elbert JR, Ethan Rische SR.

 

Preview – Four runners are back from their top seven that finished 15 in their sectional race. Three of those four runners are juniors led by Ian Barnes and James Grant. The Trojans finished sixth in last year’s Fox Valley Conference Championships and will hope to get in the top half of that meet.

 

 

 

Chicago Lane Tech

 

Coach – Kris Roof

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Declan Toomey SR, Jonathan Archer SR, Hunter Whitney SO, Denys Chelak SR, Aidan Pacius SR, Theo Canji SR, William Archer SO, Tommy Stecz SO, Colum McNally JR.

 

Preview – Lane Tech will again challenge for the Chicago City Championships. They finished second in that meet a year ago. Declan Toomey was the teams second runner at the end of last season and should step into the top spot for this team. Jonathan Archer and Denys Chelak should lead a good pack behind Toomey. Their top five split should be under 45 seconds. A key will be moving that pack closer to the front.

 

 

 

Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

 

Coach – Ross Widinski

 

2019 Finish – 25th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Nolan Rogers JR (153, 15:45), Nolan Enright SR (190, 16:17), Justin Falejczyk SO (193, 16:14), Jack Roberts SO (208, 16:43), Gerry Cushing SO (209, 16:45), Adam Drumheller JR (210, 16:46), Rohan Chaudhary SR (211, 16:49), Hayden Stairs JR, Robert Trainor SR, Manuel Tsaukatos JR.

 

Preview – It hurt for this team that their leader and #1 runner Brett Gardner announced the week of the state meet that he would not be running due to an injury. It did affect this team as they finished 25th overall. The experience that they received from that race can be used entering this season. All seven of those state meet runners are back for the Griffins.

 

The split on five runners at state was 79 seconds. With Nolan Rogers running 15:45 on that day, that gap was too big. Work will need to be done to move the pack up while cutting that split. Nolan Enright and Justin Falejczyk should lead the pack behind Rogers.

 

 

 

Geneva

 

Coach – Peter Raak

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ben Calusinski SR (120, 15:34), Isaiah Roeder SR, Nathan Lehman JR, Colby Coronado SR, Logan Keen JR, Adam Coats SR, Jack Kuehl SO, Tim Archibald SR, Anthony Ross SO, David Roeder SO, Brady Ahern JR.

 

Preview – Geneva returns five runners from the team that finished 11th in their sectional race. “We tried to stick to training for track speed as much as we could even after the season was officially cancelled,” said Geneva Coach Peter Raak. “I feel that having a balance between XC endurance and track speed is important for all HS distance athletes.”

 

Ben Calusinski ran 15:07 earlier last season at Detweiller Park. He did not have his best race at state running 15:34. You should watch for him to bounce back this fall. Isaiah Roeder should lead the pack behind Calusinski. Nathan Lehman was the projected third runner for the team. A stress fracture for Lehman means he will miss most of the season. “Ben Calusinski, Isaiah Roeder, and Brady Ahern have all had great summers of training and logging some good running weeks,” Raak said. “I have been impressed how the boys have stepped up and taken ownership of their running.”

 

 

 

Glenview Glenbrook South

 

Coach – Kurt Hasenstein

 

2019 Finish – 17th, Class 3A State

 

Runners to Watch – Brian Hiltebrand JR (77, 15:18), Mrugesh Thakor SR (183, 16:05), Matt Finkel SR (200, 16:27), Jayson Stamm JR, Elie Nessif JR, James Scott SR, Cody Slutzky SR, Preston Davidson SR, Harrison Woolney SR.

 

Preview – The Titans will look to improve on their 17th place state meet finish that is if we do have a state meet. Three runners from that state team return. “I am very pleased with our general fitness,” said Coach Kurt Hasenstein. “I can tell that our guys have been putting in some work. Our seniors really stepped up and took on the leadership role early in the summer.”

 

Brian Hiltebrand had a good summer of running. He was the team’s third runner a year ago. He should be ready to step to the top spot. Mrugesh Thakor and Matt Finkel also have state meet experience and should find spots within the top five. Their top five split off Hilterbrand’s lead is projected to be 90 seconds.

 

 

 

Highland Park

 

Coach – Steve Buti

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Lake Forest Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Jason Polydoris SR (19, 14:44), Alex Brown JR, Erik Anderson SR, Alejandro Seiden JR, Max Friedman SR, Angel Zeferino SO, Jason Werneth SR, Nate Wehner FR

 

Preview – Highland Park will look to better their fifth-place finish in the Central Suburban League as well as their seventh-place regional finish. “We had a solid summer of training for a number of our runners,” said coach Steve Buti. “Our top three returning runners have progressed nicely (Jason Polydoris, Alex Brown, and Erik Anderson).”

 

Polydoris might be the one runner again to watch for the Giants. He finished 19 at the state meet last year as a junior. As a senior, he could be one of the top five Class 3A runners in the state.

 

“Our overall message is that consistency is the key to success in distance running,” added Buti. “We need team members that are committed to the training and to each other. The other part of the message is due to the unique situation of this season. It is summed up with the quote "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." -John Wooden  We want to work hard to be prepared for whatever opportunities we have to compete this season.”

 

 

 

Hoffman Estates

 

Coach – Emilio Saraga

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Prospect Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Ken Winston SR, Iverson Solis SR, Preetpaul Singh JR, Ahmar Khan SR, Jerry Jimenez JR, Getsemani Aguirre JR, Rudolph Lafave SR, Jeffrey Lindquist JR.

 

Preview – Hoffman Estates will look to stay in the top half of the Mid Suburban League as well as moving on to sectionals (if there is one). The Hawks six runners from their regional team. “This past spring was a great learning experience for our team,” said Coach Emilio Saraga. “It was a perfect opportunity to explain what my coach, Al Carius, meant by  his philosophy of running for fun and personal bests. I feel that our team internalized this message. Many of them organized time trials on our own, and everyone was pleased with their results.  As for communication, I guided my runners based on what they could do on their own. I would follow up on Strava to check out the details of their runs and to create community.  It was a great way to differentiate and still keep the team as the focal point.”

 

Ken Winston again should be the #1 runner for his team entering the season. Getsemani Aguirre ran 15:42 in Peoria at the end of September. He had a great summer of training according to Saraga and could race right next to Winston. Iverson Solis, who qualified for sectionals with Winston, has also trained wee and could be close to the two. “With all the uncertainty surrounding the season, my message will be the same as it has been since winter last year,” said Saraga. “The boys will try to build the greatest team they can by challenging themselves and others to be better and to uphold our team standards.”

 

 

 

Lake Forest

 

Coach – Matthew Jerina

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Kaleb Whiteside SR, Casey Hippel SR, Peter Elliott SR, Ethan Haller SR, Nicholas Tegel SR, William Meyer JR, Race Medema SR, Maxwell Yates JR, Jonas Kobza SO.

 

Preview – Lake Forest will miss all-state runners Ben Rosa and Nathan Schmidt who have graduated. The Scouts return their remaining five runners that finished 11th at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Kaleb Whiteside was a solid second/third man last season. He will step into the spotlight as the top runner for this team. He may step also into the state spotlight. There should be close to an 80 second gap between Whiteside and the pack led by Casey Hippel. The pack split is projected to be near 40 seconds.

 

 

 

Libertyville

 

Coach – Stuart Mendelsohn

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Liam Tucker SR, Ali Faiz JR, Jack Hamilton JR, Andrew Clark SR, Dylan McCarty JR, Ian Burke SO, Chase Houser SO.

 

Preview – Six of the seven runners that crossed the line in their sectional meet are back with improving on last year’s finish at Busse Woods. The team should have a split on their top five near 70 seconds led by Liam Tucker. Jack Hamilton and Ali Faiz should be close behind. “We just have to make everyday count,” Libertyville Coach Stuart Mendelsohn said. “At any moment, out of our own control, the state, IHSA, or IDPH could shut us down. Do it for yourself and your teammates.”

 

 

 

Lockport Township

 

Coach – Tom Razo

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Devan Callahan SR, Will Kiley SR, Austin Molitor SR, Tim Nielsen SR, Matt Johnson SO, John Swaki JR, Frank Bramonte SR, Jaxson Gauthier SO, John Kalmowicz JR.

 

Preview – Lockport finished seventh last year at the Hinsdale Central Sectional. They return three of the runners from that top seven led by Devan Callahan, Austin Molitor, and Will Kiley. Tim Nielsen was one of the team’s top runners a year ago until an injury sidelined him after Locktoberfest. The top five split heading into this season is projected to be 64 seconds.

 

“I am pleased with the guys how they took it upon themselves to keep everyone motivated from the spring to the early summer,” said Lockport Coach Tom Razo. “It seems to me this team has a special bond to each other. They did a fantastic job working out and encouraging each other up to this point.”

 

 

 

Mt. Prospect-Prospect

 

Coach – Jay Renaud

 

2019 Finish – 14th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Jack Dechoudens SR, Sean Kura JR, TJ Garland JR, Nic Squillacioti SR, Luka Kuzmonovic SO, JT Bautista SR, Asher Warmanen SR, John Chirmael JR.

 

Preview – Jay Renaud steps in as the new Boys Coach replacing the retired Mike Stokes. The Knights finished 14 at last year’s Hoffman Estates Sectional and return four runners from that team. TJ Garland has stepped up over the summer to become the team’s top runner. “We had a solid time trial at the end of July,” said Renaud. “TJ Garland was 10 seconds in front of our pack then our 2-5 runners were all within 1 second of each other.”

 

Sam Kura and Jack Dechoudens should also be pushing for the top spot. “My message was to control the controllables, train like we are having a full season, and let's have some fun along this crazy wild ride,” said Renaud. “Our kids are better for having trained all spring and summer not knowing what the fall will look like. This will serve them well in life.”

 

 

 

Northbrook Glenbrook North

 

Coach – Bill Race

 

2019 Finish – 18th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Nick Ihrke SR, Daniel Weaver SR, Nick Redstone SR, Jack Stolyarev JR, Sam Rubsenstein JR, Nathan Stolyarev JR, Patric Herbst JR, Alex Krall SR.

 

Preview – Glenbrook North finished last season placing 18th at the Hoffman Estates Sectional. Five runners that were in that race are back. Nick Ihrke is about 30 seconds ahead of the rest of the returnees for North. He should be the team’s #1 runner. Their top five split is projected to be at 70 seconds to start this season.

 

 

 

Oak Park-River Forest

 

Coach – Christopher Baldwin

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Eamon Cavanaugh SR, Brady O’Connor SO, Liam Newhart SO, Wes Morrison JR, Leo Rooney JR, Owen Augustine SO, Cooper Ricks SR, Adam WeisJR, Ryan Leonard JR.

 

Preview – In any other conference in the state, Oak Park-River Forest would be among their top three teams. The Huskies finished sixth last year in the WSC-Silver out of seven teams. They are not bad. This conference is that good.

 

Oak Park returns four runners from their 11th place Lake Park Sectional team led by Eamon Cavanaugh. This season will be getting experience for 2021. The Huskies should have five or six underclassmen in their top seven. “It was great to have a few Summer contact days even though they looked different it was nice to check in with the team,” Coach Chris Baldwin said. “As a team I believe we come into the season much deeper than we started the 2019 campaign, I hope that puts us in a great position but who knows what or how this season will look. There are a lot of unanswered questions as to how the season will look or play out.  We will train to peak for October 24th. They should stay positive, enjoy their teammates, and to believe in themselves.”

 

 

 

O’Fallon

 

Coach -Jon Burnett

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A Normal Community Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Nick Edwards SR (178, 15:59), Peyton Mueller JR, Nico Parker SR, Jack Peterson SR, Alex Tillock SR, Ryan Garrett SR, Nick Novy SR, Nick Westrater JR, Ben McCoy SR.

 

Preview – O’Fallon just missed making state last year finishing sixth in the Normal Sectional. Four runners are back from that sectional. They will also have Ryan Garrett, a transfer from Oklahoma, that could step into the team’s top seven. All eyes should be on Nick Edwards this fall. He did qualify for the state meet last year. He could be ready to take that next step up.

 

“Nick Edwards is in phenomenal condition,” said his Coach Jon Burnett. “He has used his time to his advantage. The team has done a great job staying motivated.  I am proud of these guys.”

 

 

 

Pekin

 

Coach – Cole Stoner

 

2019 Finish – 11th, Class 3A Normal Community Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Jackson Custer JR, Jonathan Blanchard JR, Jeremy Leichtenburg JR, Huston Gillespie SO, Drae Heiple SR, Russell Sarff SR, Skylar Speck SR.

 

Preview – Pekin will look to get back to the state meet if there is one. The Dragons finished 11 in last year’s Normal Sectional and return six of their top seven runners. That sectional experience and this season should pay off for Pekin. Their top four runners should all be underclassmen led by Jackson Custer. This team again will rely on pack running. Their projected top five split should only be 38 seconds.

 

 

 

Plainfield North

 

Coach – Andy Derks

 

2019 Finish – 6th, Class 3A Plainfield North Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Oliver Burns SO, Ryan Maseman SR, Ian Morrison SR, Andrew Radulovich SR, Cooper Shelton JR, Suchir Sumant JR, Jeremy Drag SR, Ryan Tracey SO, Dylan Young SR, Ryan Casey SR.

 

Preview – After finishing sixth at the Hinsdale Central Sectional, Plainfield North will return five runners from that sectional team. The team is strong enough that they could challenge for a position in the top half of the Southwest Prairie Conference. “Oliver Burns has really elevated and been a leader for us in harder workouts,” said their coach Andy Derks. “While not exactly a surprise, it has been fun to watch him elevate and grow in confidence. He and Ryan Maseman have been our leaders, often running side by side in workouts. They also ran the fastest two 2-mile time trials on our Commissioners Park 2-mile course that we have ever had. We have a really nice pack of guys developing behind our top 2, and our ability to run close together in our upcoming dual meet schedule could help us.” Burns is only a sophomore.

 

This is a team that I would keep an eye on. Their top five split is projected to be only 37 seconds. With Burns and Maseman moving up, it could make this team even tougher.

 

“We have continued to preach staying positive and working hard despite the many unknowns,” said Derks. “It is a cliché, but also just focusing in on the things we can control has helped as well.  Our guys have had high goals for the 2020 XC season that they have been talking about since the 2019 season ended.  Our leadership is amazing, this is the most mature group I have ever coached as far as getting things done on their own, adapting, owning their training, and continuing to motivate and encourage each other throughout the summer. Regardless of how the season goes, I am extremely proud of these guys and I try to tell them that often. We have some really competitive guys in leadership positions which has helped shift the dynamic of our team a bit. I love our attitude and refusal to back down to any obstacle.”

 

 

 

Quincy

 

Coach – Matt McClelland

 

2019 Finish – 15th, Class 3A Normal Community Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Fiker Rosen JR (20, 14:44), Devin Heimsmeier SR, Ayden Triplett JR, Eric McClelland SO, Demetrius Leaphart SR, Zachary Drew SR, Logan Marks SR, Tommy Hess FR, Ian Malaney FR.

 

Preview – The Blue Devils return their entire top seven from the team that finished 15th at the Normal Sectional. One of the returnees is Fiker Rosen. He earned all-state honors last placing 20 at Detweiller Park. He will be one of the top five Class 3A runners this fall.

 

“With the season being full of dual meets, we are going in the with the attitude of trying to win every meet,” said Coach Matt McClelland. “I talked to them about how Cross Country will kind of get a breath of fresh air this year, throwing us back into the 80's.  We will run more duals and triangular meets with an emphasis on winning as a team.  We have very few invitationals left on the schedule, so it gives us a head to head look at other teams. With more emphasis on winning instead of running certain times, it will be more fun as a team.” 

 

 

 

20 More Schools to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

 

 

Aurora East

 

Coach – Shane Gillespie

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A Oswego East Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Hugo Diego SR, Max Garcia SR, Alejandro Nino JR, Jullian Acosta JR, Martin Mata SR, Jesus Martinez SR, Frankie Walter SO.

 

Preview – Four runners are back from the Aurora East team that finished eighth in the Oswego East Regional. Hugo Diego and Max Garcia were close to each other in races last year. They should be the top runners for the Tomcats.

 

Aurora East is a member of the Upstate Eight Conference. The schools decided to determine the conference title through dual meets. There will be no conference meet this season.

 

 

 

Aurora West

 

Coach – Tony Rizzo

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Oswego East Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Seth Kunio JR, Nathan Lindstrom JR, Jacob Roberts SR, Jesus Sanchez JR, Horacio Rosario JR, Ty Rodgers JR, Braydon Peterson SO

 

Preview – Seth Kunio and Nathan Lindstrom qualified to sectionals last season. The team finished seventh at the Oswego East Regional and return four runners from that team. Coach Tony Rizzo has four freshman runners joining the team that could make their top seven. That could change the prospects of this team this fall.

 

“I will also say that my main message is control the controllables to these kids,” said Rizzo. “We can control our training we can control our attitudes we can control what we put in our bodies and how much sleep we get, but we can't control when somebody tells us that we can't race or that we need to wear a mask or that we can't practice. As frustrating as that may seem controlling our only means is how you are going to maintain sanity.”

 

 

 

Bartlett

 

Coach – Dennis Lau

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Carter Eid JR, Kevin Prashaad SR, Louie Paul SR, Braydon Barth JR, Anthony Martinez JR, Bradley Richey JR, Chase Konstanzer SR.

 

Preview – Bartlett graduated their top three runners but return their next four runners from the squad that finished 13th at the St. Charles East Sectional. Their fourth and fifth runners from a year ago, Kevin Prashaad and Carter Eid, should be the top runners for 2020.

 

The Hawks finished second in the Upstate Eight Conference and could win considering dual meets instead of a conference meet will decide the champion in this season.

 

 

 

Belleville East

 

Coach – Brad Pfeiffer

 

2019 Finish - 10th, Class 3A Normal Community Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Byron Jones JR (195, 16:15), Quin Gray SO, John Shindler SR, Ben Harris JR, Devaun Faulkner SR, Connor Barnsley JR, Connor Brink SR.

 

Preview – Belleville East only returns three from their sectional team that finished 10 at Maxwell Park. The Lancers still have the talent to finish in the top half of the Southwestern Conference. Byron Jones did not have his best race of last season at the state meet in which he qualified as an individual. He finished 195th in that race running 16:15. He did run 15:13 earlier in the season at the Peoria Invitational.

 

 

 

Berwyn-Cicero Morton

 

Coach – Bill Bloom

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Daniel Chavez JR, Alex Bacci JR, Joseph Prochaska JR, Gabriel Ruiz SR, Jonathan Boyton SR, Silas Gudino SR, Gael Arroyo JR.

 

Preview – Coach Bill Bloom was not allowed to have a summer camp due to the high rates of COVID-19 in the school’s community. They are now back together with hopes of completing a season. Four runners are back from their top seven that finished ninth in the Hinsdale Central Sectional. It looks like four juniors will be among the team’s top seven to start the year led by Daniel Chavez.

 

“The message I will send them is that is important that we follow all the rules so we can finish the season and other sports can have a shot at a season,” Bloom said. “We all just can't wait to get back together.”

 

 

 

Carpentersville Dundee-Crown

 

Coach – Ronald Delarmente

 

2019 Finish – 9th, Class 3A Palatine Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Daniel Montoya SR, Christian Azar JR, Tyler Tams JR, Cristian Rodriguez SR, Jose Castro SR, Anthony Fernandez JR, Alex Patinaux JR

 

Preview – Dundee-Crown finished ninth last fall at the Palatine Regional. Four runners are back from that team led by #1 runner Daniel Montoya. Tyler Tams and Christian Azar give the team a solid top three. “Every chance we’re able to get out there as a group for practice or competition is a gift and an opportunity to get better,” said Coach Ronald Delarmente. “The season, the next race, and the next day are not guaranteed so enjoy and appreciate every minute.” 

 

 

 

Chicago Whitney Young

 

Coach – Bob Geiger

 

2019 Finish – 19, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Paxton Ferencak SR, Aidan Lorenz SR, Parker Yanez SR, Carlos Moreno SR, Daniel Murphy SR, Ryder Kern JR, Carlos Barillas JR.

 

Preview – If the Chicago Public League allows a fall season, Whitney Young will be a team to watch to challenge for the Chicago City Championships. The Dolphins finished fourth in the city championships last fall and return all top seven from that team. Seniors Aidan Lorenz, Daniel Murphy, and Paxton Ferencak will be the runners to watch in the front. “We just tried to keep them motivated to keep running using weekly zoom meetings and emails,” said Coach Bob Geiger said.  “A lot of that was directed by Adrian Barrientos, our assistant coach who coaches the distance runners during track.”

 

 

 

Elgin

 

Coach – Christopher Vargas

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A St. Charles North Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Noah Munoz Sr, Emmanuel Lopez SR, Connor Humphreys SR, Aaron De La Torre JR, Yahya Arastu JR, Ome Patel JR, Zander Myers SR.

 

Preview – Elgin finished fourth last year in the Upstate Eight Conference Championships. Six runners are back from the team that finished seventh in the St. Charles North Regional. Noah Munoz and Emmanuel Lopez, seniors that qualified for the St. Charles East Sectional, should be the top two runners for the Maroons.

 

 

 

Evanston Township

 

Coach – Don Michelin

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 3A Lake Park Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Ellis Allen SR, Samuel Bennett JR, Solomon Green JR, Declan Allen SO, Sonny Granzetto JR, Dylan Eyler JR, Luke Ng SO.

 

Preview – Four runners are back from the Evanston team that finished 13th at the Lake Park Sectional. Ellis Allen should step in as the top runner for the Wildkits followed by Samuel Bennett and Solomon Green. Their top five split is projected to be between 55 and 60 seconds.

 

 

 

Fox Lake Grant

 

Coach – Jeff Durlak

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Palatine Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Colton Romig SR, Charlie Hamann JR, Randal Holm JR, Josh Delgado SR, Hunter Harvey SR, Dane Glover SO, Emilio Figueroa SR.

 

Preview – It was heartbreaking for Grant in last year’s regional meet. The Bulldogs finished seventh at the Palatine Regional missing advancing to sectionals by two points. This team should be good this fall. Five runners are back from that regional team.

 

“We have been meeting for summer camp for the last 4 weeks from Monday-Friday,” said their coach Jeff Durlak. “Our boys numbers are strong right now and we do have a good number of incoming freshman coming in as well. Our fitness level has definitely improved over these last 4 weeks. Each week is getting better and we are healthy heading into the season.”

 

Colton Romig advanced to sectionals last year as an individual qualifier. He should be the team’s top runner. Charlie Hamann will lead the pack behind Romig. Their top five projected split is 80 second. The split from Hamman to the fifth runner is only 31 seconds.

 

“We just want to enjoy each day that you get to practice and try to not look too far ahead,” Durlak added. “We have no idea what will happen during this season.  Focus on what you can control in taking precautions and being safe so that we can hopefully have a full season.”

 

 

 

Huntley

 

Coach – Matt Kaplan

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Charlie Kucz JR, Ryan Bosch SR, Thomas Patel SR, Owen Cravens SR, Hudson Fischer SO, Rishi Vedpathak JR, Brady Bird SR, Luke Grubbs FR, Jaden Gutierrez FR, Zach Zuzzio FR, Adonai Yops FR.

 

Preview – This will not be a rebuilding year for Huntley this fall. It will be more like reloading and learning for the Red Raiders in this year of discovery. Huntley finished eighth at the St. Charles East Sectional and return four runners from that team. They also have an influx of freshman that could make an immediate impact.

 

“Our team was excited to have the opportunity to meet as a team at summer camp,” said Coach Matt Kaplan. “Our top returning runner Charlie Kucz has been doing a great job maintaining his focus throughout these months. I expect him to set the tone for our team this season.  Once we were together as a team again it looks that our top 5 returning boys from last season are in a good place right now.  They have all done a great job being the leaders of this group. Overall, the boys who have signed up and re-joined for our summer camp have been keeping up on a weekly plan.”

 

Kucz was the team’s second runner in 2019 and will step up as the #1 runner. He will be the leader like Kaplan stated. He also could be the mentor to the freshmen entering the program. Huntley’s Middle School team won the IESA 3A title last fall. Four of those runners, led by Luke Grubbs and Jaden Gutierrez, will be the next group that will develop into a great team in a couple of years. This teams will be good in 2020.

 

“My message to the team has been to take advantage of this opportunity,” added Kaplan. “We all had hoped to have a 2020 season and now I've continued to remind them that if we do things the right way, we will have a better chance to finish the season.  I have talked about making the most of each day and keep the excitement I saw from them on the first day back together.”

 

 

 

Joliet Central

 

Coach – Doug Cherry

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A Normal Community Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Jay Dworak SR (29, 14:49), Eddie Martinez JR, Angel Melgarejo SR, Erik Tejeda SR, Alex Ortiz JR, Edwyn Ochoa-Garcia JR, Abraham Ortiz JR.

 

Preview – Four runners are back from Joliet Central’s eighth-pace sectional team. Their top runner again will be Jay Dworak. He just missed all-state honors finishing in 29. He did run 14:49 in that race. He should be one of the top 10 Class 3A runners this fall. After Dworak, it could be Eddie Martinez that will lead Central’s pack. Development will need to occur in their third through seven positions. Their top five split is projected to be close to three minutes.

 

“We are lacking depth this year,” said their Coach Doug Cherry. “We are missing the growth that normally happens over a track season, so we are trying to play catch-up. We will need people to step up and fill the #4 -10 spots for us and we are waiting to see who those guys will be. We normally do not get freshmen that have a lot of experience, so we are hoping for surprises out of our newcomers.”

 

 

 

Joliet West

 

Coach – Adam Conrad

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A Minooka Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Zander Gottner SR, Luke Pollock SR, Romeo Grembowicz SO, Chris Velez SR, Patrick Olson SR, Gabino Olvera SR, Jake Pollack SR.

 

Preview – Adam Conrad steps in as the new Boys Coach replacing Brian Newman. Conrad has coached with Newman for the past nine years so there will be continuity with workouts for this team. The Tigers finished 8th last year at the Minooka Regional and return five runners from that lineup.

 

“Our fitness level is only a little behind normal for this time in the summer,” Conrad said. “The lack of speed training through March – April – May and long runs done alone through June led to less than optimal training. However, I have been proud of the way our core group has hung together. We have had a nice group of very dedicated freshmen this summer, as well. One of those freshmen, Marcellus Mines, has shown us lots of determination and talent already. He will likely be one of our top runners this fall. Oscar Becerra has also come out for our camp this year. He has run track in the past but is making the switch from soccer to XC this year.”

 

Xander Gottner advanced to sectionals last year and should be the team’s top runner. Luke Pollack finished ahead of Gottner in their conference race and should be right with his teammate.

 

“Over the summer, we tried to focus on the popular mantra, “Control what you can control.” Guidance on camps and schedule, whether we would even have a season, changed on a daily basis, so we had to focus on positives, such as a chance to come together as a group and continue to improve with sport-specific training,” said Conrad. “Many sports were so limited in what they could do to get ready to compete, but we could do most of the things we would do anyway. My message lately has been selling the idea of opportunities. We are lucky to have a season and maintain a team culture. Let us take full advantage of the opportunity most athletes don’t have right now.”

 

 

 

Mundelein

 

Coach – Kurt Rutz

 

2019 Finish – 8th, Class 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Elian Salgado SR, Carter Laureys SO, Nathan Clapp SR, Tyler Miller SO, Andrew Brizzell SR, Sebastian Wojdacz SR, Christopher Rooney SR

 

Preview – This could be a year where Mundelein will be re-building. Half of their roster this fall will be freshmen. They do lose their leaders from last year Dillon Blake and Carter Schorr who graduated. Three runners are back from their team that finished eighth at the Hoffman Estates Sectional.

 

Elian Salgado should step into the top spot with Carter Laureys pushing him. 5 to 10 seconds should separate both of them in races. Nathan Clapp is the third returnee who could stay close to Laureys. The top three split should be near 22 seconds. The split on the next two runners should be close to 90 seconds.

 

“Due to my team primarily being freshmen, we kept it pretty simple,” said Coach Kurt Rutz. “We are fortunate to be having a season at all. This is a chance for us to come together, to regroup, reload, and establish the groundwork for our future.”

 

 

 

Normal Community West

 

Coach – Chad Aubin

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Minooka Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Josh Perry SR, Sky Riddle SO, Quentin Irwin JR, Cody Dunn JR, Austin Feaman SR, Grayson Talaski SR, Logan Soufley SR.

 

Preview – The Wildcats missed advancing to sectionals last fall. They finished seventh missing the sixth qualifying spot by eight points. They will miss Charlie Wetzel who graduated but return the rest of the top seven. The top five pack will be tight projected to be near 27 seconds. Finding a runner (like Wetzel) that will challenge in front will be something to watch for. Josh Perry and Sky Riddle should be the runners to lead that pack.

 

 

 

Plainfield Central

 

Coach – Jeff Purdom

 

2019 Finish – 13th, Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Paul DeAvia JR, Cam Mulyk JR, Mike Forbear JR, Tommy Adelmann SR, Aaron Wycoff JR, Daniel Hale SR, Alex Rojo JR, Tanner Torri SO.

 

Preview – The top seven will be young this season with six of their top seven being underclassmen. Five runners are back from the top seven that finished 13th at the Hinsdale Central Sectional.

 

“We have had a nice jump from a few guys this summer,” said their Coach Jeff Purdom. “Tommy Adelmann has really stepped up his training and leadership. He will most likely be our only senior in our top 7. Mike Forbear has also take a big step forward, he is always right on Tommy’s heels in workouts. Those two reflect what the guys decided to commit to this summer. We have seen huge strides from all of the guys who committed to putting in the work this summer. Our entire group has taken a positive attitude into an unsure situation and improved as a runner.”

 

Paul DeAvila stepped up to the varsity for the state series and should be the team’s top runner. Adelmann, Forbear, and Cam Mulyk will push each other for the second spot.

 

 

 

Plainfield South

 

Coach – Jason Crowe

 

2019 Finish – 10th, Class 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Matthew Graham SR, Ethan Reynoso SO, Grant Trentz SR, Scott Crabb JR, Roman Uresti SO, Grant Swanson JR, Emelio Venegas JR.

 

Preview – Plainfield South returns four runner from last year’s sectional team that finished 10th overall. One of their runners that was in the top seven Riley Jepsen decided not to come out or the team this fall. Matthew Graham could be the team’s top runner. He did not have his best race at sectionals running as the team’s sixth runner. Grant Trentz has stepped up and will be a solid #2 runner.

 

“Senior Grant Trentz has been excellent all summer,” said Coach Jason Crowe. “He has earned our team captain position through his hard work and leadership. He will have a good season.”

 

The team is projected to start the season with a 59 second split on their top five runners.

 

 

 

St. Charles North

 

Coach – Kevin Harrington

 

2019 Finish – 12th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Noah Eng SR, Eric Zankowski SR, Cooper Hornstrom SR, Ryle Traub JR, Alex Stone JR, Conner Chen SO, Robert Vavra JR.

 

Preview – The first three spots will have experience in the three seniors that ran in last year’s sectional race. It is anyone’s guess after that who will step in the next four spots. Noah Eng missed making it to the state meet finishing in the eighth individual position. That race may push him to big things this fall. “Team-wise we lost depth at the end of last season and there was certainly a significant question mark about SCNXC 2020,” said their Coach Kevin Harrington. “I have been impressed by several athletes that have made the jump to significant improvement. I look forward to our first few meets to see the actual improvement.”

 

 

 

Skokie Niles North

 

Coach – Jonathan Roberts

 

2019 Finish – 7th, Class 3A Niles West Regional

 

Runners to Watch – Sloan Abrams SR, Liam Perreault SR, Lukas Tichata JR, Kyle Kenmotsu SR, Benail Dero JR, Matthew Abraham SO, Noah Battle JR.

 

Preview – Niles North missed making it to sectionals last year finishing seventh in the Niles West Regional. Three runners advanced to sectionals for the Vikings. Five runners total are back from their top seven. Sloan Abrams and Liam Perreault are the senior leaders on this team and could run within a second of each other. Lukas Tichota did not run in any state series races last year but could be among the top three when the season starts.

 

 

 

South Elgin

 

Coach – Kari Turcan

 

2019 Finish – 14th, Class 3A St. Charles East Sectional

 

Runners to Watch – Dylan Lainez JR, Christian Gleba SR, Konrad Sacha JR, Seth Schmitt SR, D’Alessandro Aguilar SR, Rey Pozos JR, Andrew Strama SO.

 

Preview – South Elgin ended last season by finishing 14 at the St. Charles East Sectional. Five runners are back from that team. Junior Dylan Lainez should start the season as the team’s top runner. Their top five split is projected to be 104 seconds.