2021 IHSA State Cross Country Season Previews - 1A Boys Teams

 

Newcomers Riverdale and Hamilton/Warsaw join perennial favorites Elmwood and St. Joseph-Ogden at the top of Class 1A

 

 

By Michael Newman

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The size of 1A teams is smaller than the other two classes obviously. It also means there is more fluctuation among the teams.

 

It was Harvest Christian Academy and Arthur-Lovington that were leading the way. This season it starts with Elmwood and St. Joseph-Ogden. It might not stay that way before the first update of the rankings are released on September 7. Elmwood builds through the season peaking at the right time. The first Peoria race will tell us who is ready to take on the leader’s role.

 

The new kids in the group this year is Riverdale and Hamilton/Warsaw. Both are similar with tough lead runners and a solid pack of returners that make these teams. Riverdale has Tommy Murray. Warsaw has Miles Shepperd. Warsaw took a small step back losing last year’s #3 runner who did not come out for the team. They still have the talent to challenge for a trophy.

 

Arthur-Lovington lost Layton Hall to graduation but return everyone else. Harvest Christian Academy lost two of their star runners and will rebuild. They will be in the top 10 by state series time and then who knows. Latin School has the best 1-2 duo in Class 1A. They still need to solve their pack behind them. Amboy is another new kid that will surprise everyone but themselves this season.

 

Buckle up. It should be fun watching this classification over the next few months.

 

Cheer up. We are back to normal. We will be running a championship race at a championship location with runners running against each other and teams running in seven runner packs. How nice that will be when we get going on August 23.

 

The rules changed for qualifying last year. It will take real effect this fall with five sectionals with six teams qualifying for the state meet from each group. For that, ILXCTF.com will rank the top 30 teams weekly beginning with the first update on September 7. This preview includes the top 30 ranked teams to begin the season and 20 more teams that are close to making the next jump into the group.

 

 

 

1A Boys Top 30

 

1 Elmwood

 

Coach: Gregg Meyers | Prairieland Conference

 

Preview – It is a position that Elmwood is accustomed to being in at the end of their season. Why not beat the rush and put them at the top if 1A at the beginning of the year? Coach Gregg Meyers likes to start his team out slow at the beginning of each year. They may be running hard but will not be racing in spikes. The spikes come out when racing season begins in October. The Trojans had a strong 2020 winning the PORTA Regional and then finishing second in their own sectional. Elmwood followed that up by finishing fourth at the ShaZam Club Championships last November. Four runners are back from their state series team.

 

Thomas Harmon steps in as the top runner for this team. This senior seems like he has been on this team forever since he was in the top seven as a freshman. Now it is his turn to lead. He could be one of the top 15 1A runners this fall. Isaiah Hill (SO) was the team’s fifth runner in their regional and sectional races. Do not be surprised if he becomes one of the top 25 runners in Class 1A. Brendan Williams (JR) and Nick Feller (SR) have big meet experience and should step into the top five. LJ Higgs (SO), Dylan Sparks (JR), and Jayden Brandt (JR) are some of the runners that could challenge in the top five.

 

Harmon and Hill will provide low numbers for their team up front. It will be interesting to see how this team develops over the next few months. Their top four split is projected to be near 40 seconds. It is finding a fifth runner that will be a key. A 52 second top five split may be enough this season for the Trojans to claim a state championship.

 

2 St. Joseph-Ogden

 

Coach: Jason Retz | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Spartans should prosper again this fall even though they are in one of the toughest 1A areas and conferences in the state. St. Joseph-Ogden prepared for the 2021 season by finishing second in both the regional and sectional hosted by Decatur St. Teresa. St. Joseph-Ogden ended their season by finishing seventh at the ShaZam Club Championships. Coach Jason Retz welcomes back five of the top seven from last year’s team. “They are great friends that enjoy being with each other,” Retz said. “When they get together and train, they can be very good.”

 

SJO does lose their #1 runner Brandon Mattsey to graduation. This team could have any of three runners that could step into the top spot. Carson Maroon (SO) was the team’s #1 runner in the sectional race. If he can stay healthy this season, he could be one of the top 25 1A runners in the state. Charlie Mabry (SR) ran close to Maroon most of last year. It won’t be a surprise if he leads the team in some of the races. Seniors Luke Stegall and Elijah Mock gives the team leadership in the top five. Spencer Wilson (SO) and Ethan Blackburn (JR) are some of the runners that will challenge in the top five. Peyton Wendell (JR) transfers in from Champaign Centennial where he was the team’s fifth runner in their regional meet. He could make an immediate impact on this squad. Freshmen Mason Guido and Joe Griebat are two newcomers that you could see in the team’s lineup by the time we get to the state series.

 

“I left a lot of the training to them, added Retz. “With track going so late into June, I told them to come back to training when they were ready to start. I believe they'll be ready when it's time.” In a year where it is wide-open in this classification, that scenario could suit this team just fine. Maroon and Mabry are possible all-state runners. This team is projected to have an 80 second split on their top five to start the year. That split should come down by the time they get to the state series.

 

3 Port Byron (Riverdale)

 

Coach: Kevin Claus | Three Rivers Athletic Conference

 

Preview – Class 1A Boys is so open in the chase for the team championship in 2021. The one team that will sneak up everyone is this school located near the Mississippi River just north of the quad cities. Forget the fact they finished second at the Alleman Regional and fourth at the Seneca Sectional. The Rams return all their top eight runners.

 

“This is our third season together as a team and each summer we’ve done a better job of preparing for the fall,” said their coach, Kevin Claus. “Everybody took a decent break after track season and we got back to the grind late-June, early July. Since then, we’ve had a steady diet of easy runs, strides, a weekly long run, and a couple mini workouts. We’re ready to get the season started.”

 

It is always good if you are going after a state championship is to have the front runner and a great pack. This team meets that description. Tommy Murray (JR) did not have a good race at ShaZam finishing 48. He did finish third at Seneca. He did earn all-state honors in the 3200 during the track season. He could be one of the top five runners in Class 1A. Landon Musser (JR) should lead the pack behind Murray with Caden Ludin (SR), Peyton Sand (JR), and Cameron Overton (SR) behind. This team is deep. They also have a good freshman group coming in with Andy Murray, Silas Peschang, and Adam Benoit who may push for positions in the top five.

 

“We’re resilient and adaptable,” added Claus.  “My former coach at Augustana College, Paul Olsen, once told me: “There’s no such thing as conflict, only adjustment” and I’ve tried to pass that same mentality off to the kids. We tried to do the best we could with what we were given. Making adjustments and managing imperfect circumstances are a big part of life.”

 

Riverdale fought through a COVID-19 filled 2020 season and are ready for this latest challenge. Murray will be among the elite in Class 1A this fall. Musser could also have an all-state spot within reach. The third through fifth split will need work. Right now, it is projected to be at 60 seconds. Keep an eye on that split during the season. It could be an indicator whether this team contends for a trophy.

 

“I’d say most of the team showed great improvement over the last 5-6 months,” Claus concluded. “Last track season was basically the cross-country team’s first track season because we were so underclassmen-heavy; so, it was nice for them to get a chance to spin the wheels a little bit during the spring/summer. Our entire team dropped their PRs significantly.”

 

4 Hamilton/Warsaw

 

Coach: Brad Neisen | West Central Conference

 

Preview – I had the Titans as a team to contend for the 1A state title this fall when I started this process in February. They returned all their runners from their sectional lineup. It changed when one of their top five runners decided to come out for the team. This team is still good and will chase after a state trophy. Warsaw last year won the Liberty Regional and then finished third in a tough Elmwood Sectional. Warsaw finished 11th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“Training was harder because we got a later start and we could only meet 20 days, and the dead period hurt the week before because some runners need that motivation of coming to practice,” said their coach, Brad Nielsen. “Many families planned a lot more summer vacations and some runners played other sports during the summer.

 

It does help Nielsen that he has one of the top 1A runners in the state Miles Sheppard (SR) leading the way. Sheppard showed his fitness level in July when he ran 15:11 in sweltering conditions at Detweiller Park. Noah Stout (SR) is a solid #2 runner for this group and could also be an all-state runner. They will miss their #3 runner Parker Quinlan who decided not to come out for the team this fall. Quentin Althar (SO), Dominick Quinlan (SO), and Nick DuPont (SO) will need to step it up as the third through fifth runners. Gabe Miller (SR) missed most of last season with his last race at Liberty in September. Miller could give this team a big boost if he returns.

 

“Covid-19 was enough motivation to get out of the house and do something,” added Nielsen. “That something was to run which really allowed us last season to be really successful.” 2020 was a year for this team to step into the spotlight. This year should allow them to climb the mountain and try to touch a trophy at state. Sheppard will be chasing after a state title. Stout could be all-state. Warsaw developing a pack behind these two will be something to look for this fall.

 

5 Chicago (Latin School)

 

Coach: Dan Daly | Independent School League

 

Preview – The Romans navigated the COVID-19 season quite well in 2020 winning their own regional and then finishing third at the Harvest Christian Sectional as well as the ShaZam Club Championships. Latin School will lose top five runners Peter Bernhardt and Henry Coleman to graduation. Latin School does have five runners back with sectional experience. The Romans also have a good freshman class coming in that will turn a possible rebuilding season into a reloading campaign for 2021.

 

“The team stayed focused on the end of the season goals and delivered in important meets (in 2020),” said their coach, Dan Daly. “Our training went very well for our Varsity boys. They all put in the needed foundational miles.”

 

Latin School could have three runners on this team that could finish in the top 25 at state. Ryan Hardman (SR) and Akili Parekh (JR) have come on strong and could be among the top five runners in 1A. Hardiman suffered a broken collarbone in a mountain biking accident in Colorado in July and won’t be back until the middle of September. The big addition to this team is Ben Gibson (FR). He had great breakout eighth grade season that included finishing second in the Middle School Mile at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. He has a personal best of 4:33. It will be interesting to see how it translates to this fall.

 

Finding a fourth and fifth runner will be something to watch from this team as the season develops. Will Del Hierro (JR), Matthew Kotcher (JR), and Miguel Hernandez (SO) will be some of the runners that will challenge for those spots along with freshmen Miles Daly, Jackson Darke, and Jack Lyons. The addition of Gibson is a huge plus for this team making them a trophy contender. Forget about a top five split for this group. Keeping their fourth and fifth runners within 90 seconds of the front pack will be something to watch for.

 

6 Amboy

 

Coach: Michael Robinson | Northwest Upstate Illini Conference

 

Preview – Another team that took big steps in 2020 that should change into huge strides in 2021. “We aren't going to give up,” said their coach, Michael Robinson. “We were hit with several mandatory quarantines throughout the season and the guys just stepped up and made it work. We didn't lose to a 1A team until sectionals and some of those meets were running with only 5 guys.” The Clippers through all those struggles won the Peru-St. Bede Regional and then finished third at the Seneca Sectional. All their top seven runners are back.

 

Brock Loftus (SR) qualified for the 3200 Meter Run last June for the State Track Meet and leads this team. Loftus finished sixth in sectionals last fall. He could be among the top 20 1A runners this fall. Kyler McNinch (JR) and Ian Eller (SR) lead the pack behind Loftus. Charlie Dickerson (JR) and Andrew Jones (SR) were also in last year’s top five. Freshmen Hayden Zacharias and Jaden Haley could make an impact on the top five by the time this team gets to the state series. The top three split is projected to be only 30 seconds starting this season. The split on five could be close to 120 seconds. Work will need to be done to get that split down.

 

“Training went better than expected, with track ending later and about half of our team playing baseball,” Robinson said. “We took it a little easier in June, but they stepped it up in July and the first part of August so far. We have high expectations for ourselves this year. We are going to go out and compete and show the other teams what we can do.”

 

7 Arthur-Lovington

 

Coach: Lyle Dorjahn | Lincoln Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Knights took big steps up the mountain in 2020 winning regional and sectional titles at Decatur St. Teresa before finishing second at the ShaZam Club Championships. They will lose their top runner Layton Hall to graduation. Arthur-Lovington does return five runners hoping to prove to other teams that they are here to stay.

 

“2020 was obviously good for our team as they adapted to change and by season end embraced the flight system,” said their coach, Lyle Dorjahn. “That group accepted the challenges and bought in to the need to perform every week to develop a performance resume.”

 

Logan Beckmeier (JR) was the team’s second runner most of last year and should step into the top spot. He could be one of the top 15 1A runners in the state. Jace Green (SR), Lyle & Jacob Adcock (JR), and Jacob Duzan (SR) could be in the top five. Reggie Edmonds opted not to come out for the team this fall. Steven Edwards (SR) is out for the team for the first time and could contribute. Jesus Corona (SO) is having a great summer and could be a surprise on this team.

 

8 Herscher

 

Coach: Rob Grosso | Illinois Central Eight Conference

 

Preview – It does help to have one of the top runners in the country on your team. It is true for Herscher as they have Drew Rogers for his final year of high school running. Rogers and four of his teammates are back after winning the McNamara Regional, finishing fifth in the Harvest Christian Sectional, and ninth at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

“We learned how mentally tough these guys are last fall,” said their coach, Rob Grosso. “The amount of uncertainty these kids faced each day with the threat of a quarantine and weeks away from the team was tough to handle as an adult. The fact these kids still took to each workout with effort and focus despite the chance it would be derailed was so incredibly impressive. Personally, I missed taking some time to take in all the small joys each season brings when so much worry was put in to doing everything we could to keep kids healthy and COVID compliant so that we would have as strong a chance as possible that this group could get the chance to show their stuff at the sectional and Shazam race.”

 

Rogers will be tough to beat this fall as he has been since his sophomore year. Ben Morgan (SR) and Thomas Morgan (SO) had good track seasons as well as good summer training giving the team a good nucleus on their pack. Blaine Dodds (JR), Finley Cracco (JR), and Tyler Boyston (SO) give this team good depth in the pack. Matthew Benoit and Brayden Shepard are freshman could also be contributing in the top five.

 

“I couldn’t be happier with the way our summer training went this year,” added Grosso. “We had tremendous turnout especially on the long run Mondays. With track lasting deeper into the summer, getting such a good turnout on the long runs, and having dependable veteran group that will get the miles in outside of contact days we were able to do more strength and focused tempo work to maintain as much speed and power as possible.” That will benefit this team when they get to the state series in October. Rogers is good for one point in races. A tight pack behind him will be needed for Herscher to challenge for a state trophy.

 

9 Paxton-Buckley-Loda

 

Coach: Dustin Franckey | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Panthers should be among the top 10 1A teams this season. The Panthers finished second in the McNamara Regional and then followed that up by finishing eighth at the Harvest Christian Sectional. Five runners are back including three of their top four runners.

 

Ryder James (SR) again should be the team’s top runners. He finished fourth last November at the ShaZam Club Championships and should be one of the top 1A runners. Keagan Busboom (SR) and Aiden Kerr (JR) give PBL a solid duo behind James. Sophomores Landon Barfield and Nico Varon along with seniors Daniel Busby and Jesse Barfield will challenge for top five spots. This team could have a good pack behind James with a split of 40 to 45 seconds on the scorers. If the pack can stay within 95 seconds of James, good things could happen for this team.

 

10 Normal (University)

 

Coach: Lester Hampton | Central State Eight Conference

 

Preview – The IHSA moved the Normal University Boys’ team down to 1A to join the school’s Girls squad. This is a team that had a good 2020 season in 2A. If could be even better in 2021. The Pioneers finished fourth in the Metamora Regional and fourth in the Peoria Notre Dame Sectional. Four of their top six runners are back from that team.

 

“It's been good to have a summer where we can properly prepare for the upcoming season,” said their longtime coach, Lester Hampton. “Last year because of Covid-19, we had zero summer running days together.  This summer's training looked the same as in the past, 3 days a week focusing on long and tempo runs.  Hopefully this group will continue to build on the momentum we built last year. If we can approach the post season healthy, I feel we can be very competitive.”

 

Sachit Muduli (SO) had a great freshman season stepping up as the team’s top runner. Even more could be in store for him when he gets to state series meets. Brandt Henderson (JR), Zach Hutchins (SR), and Ryan Rice (SR) are the other runners back for U-High. Gabe Zacharias (FR) could be in the top seven by the state series. He is currently dealing with severe tendonitis according to Hampton. Juniors Ethan Reisinger and Jonah Harms along with sophomore Jonah Kaeb are runners that could contribute in their top five. The move to Class 1A could mean big things for this team. They would have made it to the 2A state meet if there was one in 2020. If this team keeps their top five split under 62 seconds, the trip to the 1A state meet could happen.

 

11 Aurora (Central Catholic)

 

Coach: Troy Kerber | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Chargers are one of those 1A schools that has a schedule that is lumped with a ton of 2A and 3A schools. That kind of competition pays dividends by the time they get to the state series. Aurora Central Catholic was extremely strong at the end of last season finishing second in their regional and fourth at the sectional held at Harvest Christian. Five of their top eight runners from the regional and sectional teams are back.

 

“Overall, I thought we had a state caliber season, and despite the adversities raced pretty well throughout the abbreviated season,” Coach Troy Kerber said. “We did lose a key athlete for medical reasons two days before the Shazam State meet. In essence, we learned to run each workout and race like it was our last, especially with such uncertainty.”

 

James Stolfe (JR) and Armando Acosta (JR) are the top returning runners from last year’s team. Acosta was the team’s second runner at ShaZam. Sophomores Kevin Lilliwitz and Patrick Hilby along with junior Zach Gates will challenge for the top five. Team newcomers Matt Dean (JR) and Jacob Gay (SO) with freshmen David Valencia and Chris Ginnochio will also challenge for those spots. This squad will need to rely on pack running this fall with a top five split of 55 to 65 seconds necessary to earn a starting spot at Detweiller Park.

 

12 Rockford (Christian)

 

Coach: Randy Moore | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview – This is a program that finds ways to conquer adversity. The 2021 season is another one of those opportunities. Their projected top runner Adison Elliott has moved with his family to Fort Meyers FL. “Losing him is a major blow to our team culture,” said their coach, Randy Moore. “Adison is irreplaceable as a leader and teammate.” Another senior, seventh runner from ShaZam Ben Capriola, will not be out for the team this fall. They do return four runners that were part of teams that won the Oregon Regional and the Seneca Sectional. The Royal Lions finished 10th at the ShaZam Club Championships.

 

Seniors Ethan Walsh and Tony Chen should again be part of their top five. Weston Forward (SO) was the fourth/fifth runner for his team last fall. He could step into the first spot. Noah Shook (JR) has transferred from Troy Christian OH and should be an immediate part of their top five. Connor Curry (SR), Joseph Chan (SR), and Aidan Sosnowski (JR) will also challenge for top five spots. Tyler Nalley (JR) has showed improvement and could be a surprise in the top seven.

 

“The boys have had an excellent summer. I’ve been pleased with their discipline and motivation. They’ve done the work and they’ve done it together. Most of the miles have been as a team,” stated Moore. “We try to focus on the journey with the emphasis on “how” and “why” we train, race, and live.”

 

13 Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

 

Coach: Steven Bland | Northeastern Athletic Conference

 

Preview – It seemed to be a perfect year for this school ending with the Class 1A State Track & Field Championships. Their cross-country season was just as good winning the regional and sectional titles on their home course. The Lions concluded that season by winning the ShaZam Club Championships. This could be a rebuilding year for Harvest Christian Academy. For most teams, it would mean advancing to sectionals. For the Lions, it could mean finishing in the top 10 at state.

 

Hayden Colclasure and Mathew Olech were last year’s top two runners for the team and have graduated. Daniel Winkelman (JR) will step up into the #1 spot. He should be one of the top 10 Class 1A runners in the state. Three other runners are back from last year including Carson Welsh (SR), David Peterson (JR), and Cannon Lambert (SR). Soren Grey (FR) might be in the top seven according to Coach Steven Bland. Sam Rozier (SO), JJ Gonnam (SO), and Chase Young (JR) are some of the other runners that could break into the top five.

 

“We knew we would need to be resilient, committed and optimistic.  We were all of that, but I was not surprised,” Bland said about the last school year. “Our summer went okay, I backed off and gave our athletes space.  Our mileage was down but I am good with that.  We are planning a rebuild year but still hope to finish in the top 10 at state.” Winkleman will get his team low number points. A strong pack of next four runners will be expected. The split is projected at this time to be 75 seconds. Lowering that split will raise the promise of this team.

 

14 Williamsville

 

Coach: Tyler Casson | Sangamo Conference

 

Preview – The Bullets will be a team to keep an eye on in Central Illinois this fall. Williamsville last season finished second in the PORTA Regional before finishing eighth at the Elmwood Sectional. Expectations are high for this team with all seven of their state series runners returning. Of the runners back, five of the seven are underclassmen. Daniel Giacomini (JR), Avery Glascow (JR), and Cody Szafranski (JR) were within 47 seconds of each other in their sectional race. It was only 40 seconds the week before in regionals. Nolan Bates (JR) missed the October racing season but could join this pack in the front. Logan Giocomini (SR) along with sophomores John Janssen and Drew Mirabile could strengthen the scoring group. Pack running is something that will need to be emphasized for this team this fall. 52 seconds on their top five is the split that is projected as we start this season.

 

15 Franklin

 

Coach: Rich Smith | MSM Conference

 

Preview – A team to keep an eye on from the western part of the state. Franklin showed promise at the end of last year first finishing second at the Liberty Regional and then ninth at the Elmwood Sectional. Their entire top seven returns for the Flashes. Jake Gutzman (SR) was the team’s top runner all last year and should step back into that role this season. There should be a good pack behind Gutzman with Noah Lyons (SO), Thad Bergschneider (JR), and Robby Biesenthal (JR) all projected to be within 15 seconds of each other. Tyler Kanganis (SR), Chris Bandy (SO), and Carson Bowman (JR) were also a part of the team’s state series top seven. The top five split is projected to be 74 seconds. That type of split could push Franklin towards a berth at the state meet.

 

16 Sterling (Newman Catholic)

 

Coach: Patrick Warkins | Three Rivers Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Comets return seven with state series experience that finished second at the Peru St. Bede Regional and ninth at the Seneca Sectional. The top three spots are interchangeable with all three runners at the same talent level. John Craft (SR), Lucas Simpson (SO), and Ken Boersen (JR) would be runners to watch in that area. Landen Summers (SO), Lucas Schaab (SO), Carver Grummert (SO), and Maxwell DeForest (JR) are runners form the 2020 top seven. This team is young with four sophomores in the top seven. Their top five split is projected to be at 75 seconds to start the season.

 

17 West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)

 

Coach: Chris Felinski | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – The Warriors are a team that appear that they could make a state meet appearance this November. Wheaton Academy finished fourth in the regional and sixth in the sectional held at Harvest Christian. Four runners are back from that team. Seniors Sheldon Powell, Christian Ruch, and Daniel Kersey were #1 runners for the Warriors in the final three races of last season. All three will battle for that top spot. Weston Meyers (SR) ran in the sectional race. Joseph Urban (SO) ran in the regional race. Both should contribute in the top five.

 

“We learned during the COVID-19 period that we need to be thankful for each day. We never knew when the season was going to end, or if it would finish,” said their coach, Chris Felinski. “I hope to finish in the top 3 in our conference. Given the fact that the top 6 now qualify for state, I feel like we should be able to qualify as a team, and that is one of the team goals.”

 

18 Newton

 

Coach: Brock Tarr | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Eagles are another team in the Decatur Sectional area that could make their presence known at the state level. Newton finished third at the Chrisman Regional. They followed that by placing ninth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. All seven athletes that ran in the sectional are back.

 

Nick Zwilling was the #1 runner for his team all last season. The senior again will lead his team with hopes of being among the top 25 1A runners in the state. Owen Mahaffey (JR) had a good summer of training and could be among the top runners on this team. Nicholas Shamhart (JR) is running cross-country for the first time after having a good track season. Keep an eye on him. Sophomores Luke Weber and Clay Berghower should again be in the top five. Ben Street (JR) should also be in the mix for a top five spot. There will be a gap between Zwilling in the pack. Keeping that gap under 50 seconds on Zwilling will be a plus for this team.

 

19 Shelbyville

 

Coach: Chris Mosley | Central Illinois Conference

 

Preview – Injury and health issues slowed this team down somewhat in the 2020 season. The Rams were still able to win the Carlinville Regional before finishing tenth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. Shelbyville finished 18th the following week at the ShaZam Club Championships. Six of the seven runners from their sectional race are back. It would not surprise me if this team were ranked in the top 10 by the time we get to the state series.

 

“Our summer training went really well for us, the late track season helped keep us focused into the summer. I would say our team sprint speed is way higher than it’s ever been in August due to the late season and that’s never a bad thing,” said their coach, Chris Mosley. “Our expectations for the 2021 season are to improve on our 2020 season. We return 6 of our 7 that ran on our regional championship team and had some quarantine issues that we hope are in the past.”

 

One of their health issues of last fall is that they lost one of their top runners Phoenix Firnhaber (SR) during most of last year. He came back in track to run 2:03/4:41. He should be one of the top runners on this team in 2021. Lucas Stokes (SR) and Calvin Miller (JR) will be solid for this team and will also challenge for the #1 position. Breyton Beck (SR) had similar problems as Firnhaber but came back at the end of the year to be the team’s second runner. He also had a good track season and will be towards the front. Ty Zerrusen (SR) and Bo Hilbert (JR) could also challenge for a top five spot. This team is designed for some solid pack running and could have a top five split of 45 to 50 seconds. The key is moving that pack closer to the front as the year progresses.

 

20 Monticello

 

Coach: David Remmert | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding season for the Sages. Jackson Grambart, who was the team’s #1 runner most of last year, was diagnosed with a stress fracture. The senior will be out for the year. Three runners are back from the teams that finished third at both the regional and sectional held at Decatur St. Teresa.

 

“Each summer it seems to go largely the same: some who are fed up with mediocrity train hard and want to make a solid impact, others don’t,” said their coach, David Remmert. “The track season did impact our summer training period to some degree.  Our top returning runners spend a week at altitude in Colorado and we only had a small window to fit the trip in this summer. We had a great trip, but things have felt rushed.”

 

Ed Mitchell (SR) was the team’s third runner last year. He will need to step into the #1 spot with the loss of Grambart. Logan Sikorski (JR) and Rylan Good (SO) were sixth/seven runners at the end of last year. They will be expected to step into scoring roles this fall. Caleb Wood (FR) has the talent to step in the top five and should contribute immediately. Jacob Elston (JR) and Charlie Hill (SO) also can be expected to challenge in the top five.

 

21 Aledo (Mercer County)

 

Coach: Peter Nelson | Lincoln Trail Conference

 

Preview – The Golden Eagles return their entire top seven from the team that finished third at the Aleman Regional and seventh at the Seneca Sectional. Derek Coulter (JR) again should be the team’s top runner with Dalton Koenig-Plath (SR) and Lucas Arnold (JR) within 30 seconds of the front. Jude Hofmann (SO), Corbin Sturgill (SO), Jackson Long (JR), and William Fredrickson (SO) round out a solid top seven. Mercer County is projected to have a top five split of 100 seconds.

 

22 Chicago (DePaul College Prep)

 

Coach: Mitchell Baum | Chicago Catholic League

 

Preview – Six teams qualify out of each 1A sectional this season. This could be the year that DePaul makes it downstate as a team. Six of their top seven runners are back from the team that finished third at the Latin Regional and tenth at the Harvest Christian Sectional. The team will need a 72 to 76 second split in their top five to be one of those six qualifying teams. Right now, it is projected to be at 96 seconds. James MacKittrell again should be the team’s top runner. Sophomores Bryan Malkowski, Davis Order, and Joseph Flynn, Ethan Castette (SR), and William Beebe (JR) should all be challenging for top five spots.

 

23 Robinson

 

Coach: Tony Cork | Little Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Maroons are a team we expect to challenge for a spot in the state meet. It will take work with four runners returning from a team that finished fifth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. They finished second the week before at the Chrisman Regional. Donnie Tillman (JR) was the #1 runner at their conference meet. He should step into the leader’s role in meets this season. Evan Ferris (JR) could be a runner that will challenge for that top spot. Sophomores Austin Wesley, Elijah Robb, Noah Gilmore, and Duke Thompson all gained state series experience as freshman and should benefit this team in the next few months. All of Robinson’s top seven runners are underclassmen. This team should have a good pack with a top five split hovering around 60 seconds.

 

24 Seneca

 

Coach: Kim Foster | Illinois Central Eight Conference

 

Preview – The Irish is a team that we should see in Peoria this November. Four runners are back from the team that finished third in the Peru St. Bede Regional and then fifth at the sectional on their home course. “With the last track season, we felt it was important to give the athletes some rest and family time,” said Seneca Coach Kim Foster. “We started summer conditioning later than usual, but we still got plenty of running in.”

 

Austin Aldridge (SO) had a standout freshman season and should again be the team’s top runner. Chris Poyner (JR) showed improvement last spring after running track for the first time. He could be within 45 seconds of Aldridge this fall. It was a 61 second gap in their sectional race. Calvin Maierhofer (JR) and Brady Danek (SR) were in the top five last year and should push this team farther up the rankings. Freshmen Connor Pabian, Chris Smith, and Nate Sprinkel could boost their top seven by the time we reach the state series meets.

 

25 Sandwich

 

Coach: Bolaji Adeoti | Interstate Eight Conference

 

Preview – It felt like Sandwich was the team in Class 2A that was always in the shadows of the larger 2A teams. That will change this fall as the Indians were moved to Class 1A by the IHSA. They finished third in the IS-8 Conference Meet behind Kaneland and Sycamore last season. Sandwich finished sixth in the Kaneland Regional. Three of their top five runners from the regional team are back.

 

“We are excited for this upcoming season, especially with moving down to 1A, and returning most of our young, developing athletes,” said the Sandwich Coach Bolaji Adeoti. “We are not taking any moment for granted and the boys are excited to compete the best at the end of October. Our top 5 are looking strong and the goal is for them to continue to feed off each other and make each other stronger during training and meets.” Sandwich did lose two of their top seven, Luis Baez and Johnny Rizzuto, who decided t go out for other sports. Wyatt Miller (JR) and Dalton Beatty (JR) again should be the team’s top runners. Max Cryer (SO) had a strong track season and looks to get closer to the front two runners. Josefh Hernandez won a middle school sectional title and could be in the top five by October. Hudson Wills (JR) and Jaedon Thompson (SO) also look to give the team a boost in the top five.

 

26 Breese (Mater Dei)

 

Coach: Colton Strotheide | Independent

 

Preview – Mater Dei is one of the teams from the southern part of the state that will challenge for a spot to get to the state meet. The Knights finished fifth at the Freeburg Regional and eighth at the sectional at Belleville Althoff. They do return six runners from those teams. Tommy Marron (SR) again will step into the top spot for the Knights in his final season for the school. Fellow seniors Evan Schlueter and John Veahaus give the team a solid presence in their top five. Juniors Jack Shelton and Jonathan Holthaus should solidify the team’s top five.

 

27 Stanford (Olympia)

 

Coach: Brendan Hoskins | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It might be a rebuilding year for the Spartans after losing their top 2 runners Charlie Kistner and Logan Wheeler to graduation. Olympia won their own regional as well at the Elmwood Sectional last year. They finished fifth at the ShaZam Club Championships. Only three runners are back from those championship teams. Owen Dare (SR) and Carter Phillips (SR) could be interchangeable in the first position. Anthony Ragland (SR) gives the Spartans a solid third runner. The key is finding runners that can step into the fourth and fifth spots. Juniors Seth Jenkins and Ethan Evans along with sophomore Logan Demling will need to give a boost in those final two spots. Their top five split is projected to be over two minutes. Work will need to be done for this team to get to the state meet.

 

28 Bismarck-Henning

 

Coach: Todd Orvis | Vermillion Valley Conference

 

Preview – Coach Todd Orvis starts his second season as coach at Bismarck-Henning with high expectations after finishing fifth in regionals and seventh in sectionals in tough state series meets at Decatur St. Teresa. “Last season was my first with the program, so it there was an adjustment period for all parties,” Orvis said. “I had to get to know most everyone, assess their ability and how hard I could push them.  I believe the team had the more difficult task of getting used to a new coach, system, and training plan.  The fact that it was a COVID season didn't make things any easier. Having to police mask wearing and social distancing was challenging to say the least.”

 

Eli Mojonnier (SR) had a breakout junior season first finishing 18 at ShaZam. It was better last June when Mojonnier won the Class 1A State Championships in the 800 Meter Run. That confidence from that state title could drive him to big things in the fall. All seven sectional runners are back led by Emerson Thorlton who off a strong track season gives the team a solid #2 runner. Juniors James Dulin and Murphy McCod along with Ayden Ingram (SR) give this team a solid top five.

 

29 El Paso-Gridley

 

Coach: Michael Melick | Heart of Illinois Conference

 

Preview – The Titans should be in the mix for another trip to the state meet. EPG finished second at the Olympia Regional and then fifth at the Elmwood Sectional. Four runners are back from the state series meet teams. Coach Michael Melick had hoped that star runner Asa Smith would return to the team after running track last spring. Smith is not still with his focus on Basketball.

 

“We gave the kids one week off and then got right back at it,” Melick said. “That being said, many opted to take the whole summer off, and a couple freak injuries sidelined otherwise consistent runners.  I think we are raw coming into first practice on August 9.”

 

Noah Ludy (SR) should come in as the top runner for this team. Reed Newcomb (SO), Joe Korner (SR), Sam Bushert (JR), and Lucas Holderby (SO) are the next four runners expected to step into the top five.

 

30 Eureka

 

Coach: Olivia Morris | Heart of Illinois Conference

 

Preview – It will not be a surprise to see the Hornets in the top 30 early this season. They just missed it in the pre-season. They return five runners from a team that finished seventh at the Elmwood Sectional and fourth at the Olympia Regional. Charlie Bartwell (JR) was the #1 runner in their conference meet. Carson Lehman (SO) was in front in the state series races. The two again will be in front this fall. Gabe Gerber (JR), Noah King (SR), and Brady Monk (SO) should be part of that top five. Eureka should have another top five split under 60 seconds this fall. The progression of Bartwell and Lehman towards the front in races should be something to watch for.

 

Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Benton

 

Coach: Brent McLain | Southern Illinois River to River Conference

 

Preview – The Rangers are a school that we think could get into the top 30 sometime this fall. They do have a good shot to travel up to Peoria for the state meet. They will miss graduated Reece Johnson but return five runners from the teams that won the Marissa Regional, Belleville Althoff Sectional, and finished eighth at the ShaZam Club Championships. Benton’s strength last fall was the 1-2 punch they had up front with Johnson and Gavin Genisio (SO). The sophomore will have to go it alone this fall but still will be one of the top runners in Class 1A. Mason Tieffel (SO) and Chase Owens (SR) give the team a solid 2-3 behind Genisio. It’s the gap between three and four that could be worrisome for this team. 90 seconds could separate three and fourth runner Roman Rechsteiner (SO). A two-minute gap is possible before projected fifth runner Holden Allsapp (SR). The hope of a good freshman class coming in can only be a plus for this team.

 

Bloomington (Central Catholic)

 

Coach: Bill Rhodes | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – The Saints always seem to be on the verge on making it to state meet competition in Peoria. This could be the season that BCC breaks through even though they did not qualify for sectionals finishing seventh at the Olympia Regional. Alex Evans (SO) emerged as the team’s top runner at the end of the year. Jack Morgan (SR) missed most of last season due to an injury and should be in the front with Evans. Jonathan Prabhu (SO), Garrett Hortrich (SO), and Josh Ryan (JR) will provide a good pack for this team behind their top two runners. Freshman Jack Ludwig could step up for this team by the time they get to the state series. This group should get them to sectionals with the hope of taking that next big step.

 

Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)

 

Coach: Dennis Fraikes | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – IVC made it to sectionals last year finishing 13th at Elmwood. They finished fifth the week before at the Elmwood Regional. The Grey Ghosts could be back in the same situation this fall with six of their top seven runners coming back. Brecken Fahrenkrug (SO) emerged as the top runner at the end of last season and should lead this team. The pack behind Fahrenkrug should be strong led by Steven Braun (SO), Bubka Carlson (SO), AJ Boyle (SO), and Matthew Moland (SR). That group could stay within 30 seconds of each other. The pack will need to stay within 50 seconds of their top runner for this team to improve on their sectional performance.

 

Decatur (St. Teresa)

 

Coach: Todd Vohland | Central Illinois Conference

 

Preview – There are a ton of variables for this team entering the 2021 season. Where they will be placed when the state series assignments come out. Staying healthy is another. The Bulldogs did not make it to sectionals finishing seventh in their own regional. The talent is there for this team to climb up the mountain in the next few months. “This is potentially the best Boys team in our school's history,” Coach Todd Vohland said.  “There is competition for the top 5 and top 7, and we think we will have a pretty good pack.  I feel like we can be a top 25 team in terms of ranking, but that may or may not translate to a state berth, our Sectional is very tough as always, heck depending on assignments our Regional is likely to be about the best in 1A.” Five runners are back from their regional team. They do lose third runner Carson Kernaghan who will return to playing football. They do gain Nate Smith (SO) who played golf last year and could find himself in the top seven. Vohland has a good freshman class coming in led by Evan Cook who could also find his way in the top five. Caleb Kernaghan (JR) advanced to sectionals and could be the top runner on this squad. Martin Velchek (JR), Cameron Kernaghan (JR), and Gus Strigles (SO) give this team even more depth. The top five split could be under 50 seconds with no seniors in the top seven. St. Teresa could be a team to watch for in the top 30 this fall. They could be in the top 10 in 2022 or even higher.

 

East Dubuque

 

Coach: Michael Eyres | Northwest Upstate Illini Conference

 

Preview – The Warriors were not on anyone’s radar last fall, yet they still finished second in the Oregon Regional and tenth at the Seneca Sectional. East Dubuque should make it back to sectionals in October with four runners back. Matt Foote (SR) is a solid front runner come could qualify for the state meet individually. Dawson Feyen (SR), Hayden Schemmel (SO), and Braydon Yoerger (JR) give the team a solid nucleus in their top five. Will Quinn (JR) is expected to be the fifth runner. Their split from two to five could be near 80 seconds. That will need to come down for this team to challenge for a state qualifying spot.

 

Erie

 

Coach: Elizabeth Green | Three Rivers Athletic Conference

 

Preview – The Panthers return four runners from a team that finished fourth in the Alleman Regional and eighth at the Seneca Sectional. Finding a fifth runner in their top five could be something to watch for this fall. Erie ran a 62 second top five split in their sectional race with Jacob Nelson (SO) leading the way. Andrew Bomleny (SR), Charlie Link (SO), and Parker Holldorf (JR) are also a part of that returning group. Sophomores Alex Bomleny and Zeke Weidel are possibilities to also be in that top five. The split beginning the season is projected to be near 100 seconds. Getting it under 60 seconds could mean good things for this team.

 

Freeburg

 

Coach: Carl Florczyk | Cahokia Conference

 

Previews – Freeburg is usually one of the top teams in their sectional area every year. This year should be no exception. The Midgets won their conference meet and regional last year. They then finished third at the Althoff Catholic Sectional. Freeburg did lose their top two runners to graduation. They do return everyone else. Josh LaChance (JR), Keary Thompson (SR), and Colin Van Pelt (JR) are interchangeable talent wise and could be top runners this fall. Jared Beals (SR), and Evan Schlichting (SO) are some of the runners that should challenge for the next two scoring spots. The Midgets should have a split of 75 seconds or under to start the season. It should go lower as the season progresses. Freeburg is a usual attendee to the starting line at the state meet. This year should be no exception.

 

Joliet (Catholic)

 

Coach: Jason Midlock | East Suburban Catholic Conference

 

Preview – The Lisle Sectional again should be a tough one in 2021. Joliet Catholic found that out last year finishing seventh at the Harvest Christian Sectional and fourth at the McNamara Regional. Four of the top five runners and five of the top seven runners are back for the Hilltoppers. Owen O’Connor (SR) again should be the top runner for this team. Andrew Ciarlette (SR), Luke and Zach Pekol (JR), and Nathan Ciarlette (SO) should step into the top five for this team. The key will be keeping a top five split off O’Connor at two minutes or faster for this team to make a Peoria trip.

 

Kankakee (McNamara)

 

Coach: Haven Provost | Metro Suburban Conference

 

Preview – A team that has the talent to challenge for one of six sectional qualifying spots. The Irish should be stronger than last year when they finished fifth in their own regional and 12 in the sectional at Harvest Christian. Five runners are back from that team. “I definitely see a huge lift in the boys’ spirits,” McNamara Haven Provost said. “Last year was difficult not knowing if we were going to be allowed to race week to week. We got a late start to summer training, but most runners were track participants and there for in decent shape to start off with.” A plus for McNamara will be senior Grant Fouts who transferred from Bradley Bourbonnais after last cross-country season. He could step up to be the team’s top runner this fall. He will be challenged by Chase Provost for the top spot. The senior is healthy after an injury filled track season. Sophomores Carter Heinrich and Sam Musterman will be key runners in the top five. Don’t be surprised if you see this team in Peoria in November.

 

Lowpoint-Washburn

 

Coach: Kyle Daubs | Tri-County Conference

 

Preview – A team that could be a surprise in their sectional area and perhaps statewide. The Wildcats did not advance to sectionals placing seventh last fall at the Peru-St. Bede Regional. Six runners are back from that regional team. “ These kids are hungry. The summer turnout was outstanding,” said Coach Kyle Daubs. “We had about 8-10 kids show up daily. Our expectations are always to compete. The boys are hungry to win the TCC for the first time since the 1990s. It's going to be a very fun year.” Seniors Luke Getz and Colin Delagrande advanced to sectionals last year and should be the team’s top runners. Joel Weber qualified for state in the 400 Meter Dash and was one of the team’s top runners. He will be playing soccer this fall. Braden Clark (SR) should lead the pack behind them. Newcomers Zeke Kearfott (SO) and Kody Knecht (FR) should also contribute in the top seven. Getz in the front in most races will be a good thing. Getting the pack within 70 seconds of him will be another good thing.

 

Niles (Northridge Prep)

 

Coach: Mike Egle | Independent School League

 

Preview – The last year for the Knights has been groundbreaking for their cross country and track teams. Northridge Prep finished third in their regional and second in their sectional held at Harvest Christian. Their school year culminated with a tie for third place in the 1A State Track Meet in June. Too bad there wasn’t a state meet at Detweiller Park. There are only two runners back from that sectional team. Max Elder (JR) qualified for the 3200 Meter Run finishing 13th at state. Mark Masaka (SR) was all-state in three events and will pair with Elder as the team’s top runners. Joey Carney (JR) ran at Niles Notre Dame at state in 2019 and was Northridge’s fourth runner at the ShaZam Club Championships last November. He will be a factor in the top five. John Kipp (SO) ran track last spring and could find his way into the top five along with freshmen James Barde and Tom Hansen.

 

Petersburg (PORTA)

 

Coach: Jacob Wooldridge | Sangamo Conference

 

Preview – It could be an interesting year for the Bluejays. PORTA just made it to sectionals last year finishing fifth in their own regional. They followed that up by placing 14th at the Elmwood Sectional. Expectations could be higher for the team with their entre top five back. “We did every well as a team as we win 5 of the 10 meets, we had, got 2nd in our conference in the overall, and made to end of the season with Sectionals,” said PORTA Coach Jacob Wooldridge. “I think that really built up the boys’ confidence that we can hang with the big dogs of 1A. Also, by going to the Elmwood Sectional, they saw exactly the gap between themselves and the Elmwoods, U-Highs, Monticellos, and Olympia teams that we need to beat to earn a ticket to state. That has really motivated them this summer.” Haven Gronewold (SO) will be the top runner on this team. He ran PR’s of 10:41 and 4:49 at his track sectionals. He should build from that this fall. Parker Fox (SR) and Camren McCoy (SO) look to challenge for top five spots along with Aden Mathis (SR) and Quincy Stuhmer (SO). Nine of their top ten runners were underclassmen last season. Keep an eye on this team this fall.

 

Pontiac

 

Coach: Michael Lucas | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – In a normal season, Pontiac would have advanced to the state meet last year. 2020 was no normal year. The Indians finished sixth at the Seneca Sectional after placing fourth at the regional in Peru-St. Bede. Five runners are back from that team that include three sophomores. One of those sophomores, Aidan Lee, was the top runner in their sectional race and should lead this team again this fall. Seniors Sam Fogarty and Dustin Brockett should be part of the top five along with sophomores Weiland Torkelson and Aidan Christenson. Lee is a possibility to qualify individually for the state meet. Their top five split is projected to be close to three minutes. Freshmen or runners coming out from other sports could get that split lower.

 

Pinckneyville

 

Coach: Ryan Bruns | Southern Illinois River to River Conference

 

Preview – It will be interesting to see how this team fairs this fall especially losing three of their top seven to graduation. The Panthers looked extremely strong at the end of last year winning the Marissa Regional and then finishing second at Belleville Althoff the following week. “The boys had a little more consistency to their summer.  We lost great leadership from last year’s graduating class, but a few of these guys know what it takes, and are doing a nice job of taking on the responsibly that comes with being a varsity runner,” said their coach, Ryan Bruns. “We have a solid core returning. I feel like we will be competitive with most teams in the deep south.” Isaac Teel was one of the top freshman runners in the state last season. That should lead him to one of the top runners in 1A this fall. Dylan Bledsoe (SR), Dawson Chaney (JR), and Holden Clark (SR) provide Bruns a solid pack behind Teel. Freshmen Landen Carter and Chad Lynch could give their top five a big boost. Their top five split was 104 seconds in last year’s sectional race. It was only 36 seconds between their second and fifth runners. A similar split can move this team back into the top 30 teams. It could also mean a return trip to the state meet.

 

Pleasant Plains

 

Coach: Derek DeBarr | Sangamo Conference

 

Preview – The Cardinals missed advancing to the sectional meet by two points after finishing sixth in the PORTA Regional. In a normal year, Pleasant Plains would have lived to race another week or more. Six runners from their regional team are back led by their top runner Jack Willenborg. The sophomore along with teammate Riley Flanigan (SR) advanced as individuals to sectionals and should again lead this team. Hunter Tabb (JR), Brandon Daughtery (SR), and Jack Pearce (SR) should provide this team with a solid top five. Their top five split is projected to be just over two minutes. It was 108 seconds in their regional race. Work to get their top five split off Willenborg needs to be 94 seconds or faster for this team to be in the mix for a state berth.

 

Princeville

 

Coach: Jeremy Melick | Lincoln Trail Conference

 

Preview – Princeville had a banner 2020 season finishing third at the PORTA Regional and then tenth at the Elmwood Sectional. Things changed dramatically changed when four of their top seven runners decided to return to the football team. Sophomores Joey Bosch and Parker Melick should be the team’s top runners. Luke Pipkins (SR) will lead the pack behind Bosch and Melick. Freshmen Tucker Sennett, Jack Lied, and Luke Graham could contribute immediately in the top five. “We had a number of runners who were banged up last season,” said their coach, Jeremy Melick. “We were more deliberate this summer about working on strength and mobility in hopes of better preparing our bodies for the mileage this season.”

 

Rock Falls

 

Coach: Mark Truesdell | Big Northern Conference

 

Preview – A team that had similar circumstances to Pleasant Plains as they finished sixth at the Peru-St. Bede Regional last October. They do have the talent to make some noise on the sectional level as well as the state level as they return all their top seven. Matthew Marcum (SR) earned all-state honors in June in the 2A State 300 Hurdles. He is the team’s top returning runner. Juniors Jose Gomez and Victor Rivera along with sophomores Carter Dillon and Brady Root give this team a good core in their top five. Their split last year on five was close to two minutes. That time needs to come down for this squad to advance to sectionals and state.

 

Tolono (Unity)

 

Coach: Meghan Houk | Illini Prairie Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Rockets. They return three runners from a team that finished fourth in both their regional and sectional races at Decatur. Thomas Cler (SR) and Clayton Jamison (SR) should be the top runners on this squad. The two runners traded off the fourth spot in the regional and sectional races. Bryson Denny (SO), Brendan Graven (JR), and Nolan Miller (SR) give the team a solid 3-4-5 in the back of their pack. Unity could have a solid 40 to 45 second split on their top five. The key to watch for is seeing that pack move closer to the front.

 

Tuscola

 

Coach: Lacy Diaz | Central Illinois Conference

 

Preview – Lacy Diaz steps in as the new coach for Tuscola. The Warriors finished eighth at the St. Teresa Regional last fall. Six of their top seven runners return for this fall. “We will continue more of a base building phase a little later into the season this year as many kids had a late start due to track,” said Diaz. “Other than that, we could have a similar pattern but maybe a bit shorter of a specific preparation period than usual.” Josiah Horton (SO) was the top runner for the team at the end of last year. He could be pushed by Jackson Barrett. The sophomore has been running within 15 seconds of Horton according to Diaz and could give this team a solid 1-2 in the front. Seniors Riley Wallace and Logan Wallace along with sophomore Will Foltz could give Tuscola a strong top five. The improvement of Barrett should be a plus for this team this year in getting into the sectional meet. It could also mean bigger things down the road for the Warriors.

 

Urbana (University)

 

Coach: Rachael Brewer | East Central Illinois Conference

 

Preview – It could be a rebuilding year for the Illineks. U-High missed sectionals last year by finishing sixth at the St. Teresa Regional. They were supposed to return five runners from that team, but #3 runner Lukas Grosse-Perdekamp and #4 runner Gus Miller decided to play soccer in the fall.  Henry Laufenberg (SR) will again be the team’s top runner that could find his way to the top 25 at state. “Henry is the leader of our boys’ team and has been putting in a lot of great work this summer,” said his coach Rachael Brewer. “He had a breakthrough track season which I hope will give him some confidence going into the 2021 XC season. I think with the training he has done this summer it will set him up well for a great XC season. A lot of our younger guys look up to Henry.” Brewer does have a good freshman group with Kai Schwartz, Ross Kimme, Bruce Tang, and Pieter Duursma that could make the top five strong by state series time. Sophomores Kelby Svendsen and Walter Kraatz could also make the top five a little stronger.