2023 ILXCTF.com IHSA/Illinois XC Previews - Class 2A Boys Individuals

 

By Michael Newman

 

Do we see a record time at Detweiller Park from a runner from a Class 2A school this fall?

 

At the end of last year, all eyes were on Dylon Nalley of Marion as he seemed to freight train the field in every race he was in. He ran 14:03 at the Peoria Invitational at the beginning of October last year. Nalley ran 14:06 the week before state at the Chatham-Glenwood  Sectional showing some he could be ready to break the state meet record. Rain changed that narrative the following week making Nalley wait until this fall.

 

Enter Ethan Hogan of Columbia who finished sixth in the Class 1A race last year. Hogan has seen some dramatic improvement in the last month including setting a new 2A State Meet record in the 3200 Meter Run. He followed the following week at Festival of Miles running 4:06 for 1600-meters on his way to the Developmental Division Mile. Should went mention the 8:49 that he ran at Arcadia in April.

 

Columbia is now in Class 2A and will probably be in the same sectional as Marion. We will be talking about these two runners racing against each other this fall. Hogan started off his season running 15:19 Monday at New Athens winning by almost two minutes. Nalley and Hogan are scheduled to race against each other at the Granite City Invitational on Saturday.

 

The next time they would meet is in the sectional race. Hogan is scheduled to race at Detweiller Park at the First to the Finish Invitational on September 9. Nalley is scheduled to race twice at Detweiller at the Richard Spring Invitational on September 16 and then two weeks later at the Peoria Invitational.

 

This is a loaded class in 2023. Dale Johnson of Sterling finished second last year at state. Finn Richards of Benet Academy and Trey Sato of Grayslake Central are some of the runners that could challenge in the top five at state.

 

High noon on November 4 should be the culmination of a year of excitement.

 

Here is a showcase of some of the runners that you could see up front this season in races that has 2A schools in it.

 

1 Ethan Hogan – SR – Columbia

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:55.71; 1600m – 4:06.62; 3200m – 8:49.62; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 1A – 6th place

 

Notes – Let’s consider where Ethan Hogan was dealing with his last two cross country seasons. His final race in his sophomore season in 2021 where he finished 22 in the Trenton-Wesclin not making it to the state meet. He made it through to Detweiller last season finishing sixth in the 1A State Meet. It makes it interesting what he could do over the next couple of months after the track season he had. Hogan’s drop of personal best times last spring was dramatic. His best time in the 3200 Meter Run at the end of his sophomore year in the 1600 was 4:31.63. His best was at the end of last year when he ran 4:08.36 for the mile (4:06.62) to win the developmental race at Festival of Miles. He was all-state in the 1600 Meter Run in the 2A State Meet finishing second. His best at the end of 2022 in the 3200 Meter Run was 9:43.48. He dropped his time down to 9:00.96 indoors in the event, then outdoors dropping his time to 8:49.61 at the Arcadia Invitational. He was state champion in the 3200 Meter Run in Class 2A setting a new state record. There are a lot of quality runners in this Class 2A. The one he will face the most is Dylon Nalley who he will see at the Granite City Invitational this Saturday.

 

2 Dylon Nalley – SR – Marion

2023 Bests – 1600m – 4:20.98; 3200m – 9:16.33; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – State Champion

 

Notes – I think the one thing that is noticeable about Nalley’s track season is that he ran two personal bests. “During track season Dylon had a hamstring issue that prevented him from doing any fast speed work,” said his coach, Scott Gill. “His training is going very well now. He is looking very fit and should have an exceptional senior season.” He ran in a few meets during his indoor season. He ran three meets outdoors. Nalley ran a personal best of 9:16.23 in the Salem Sectional to finish second behind Hogan. Nalley finished fourth to earn all-state honors. He ran 4:20.98 in the prelims at the state meet qualifying for the finals. He ran out of steam in the finals finishing 12th. The fact he ran those time with little speed work means a lot on what he could do ready to go this season. His 2022 season was fantastic that included running 14:03 at Detweiller Park at the end of September. His sectional race where he ran 14:06 was just as impressive. He is not afraid to take the pace out fast. We saw that at NXR Midwest when he led the pack with a fast 4:22 mile. He looked good in Peoria at the end of July running 15:02 at the end of July. The fun should start this weekend when Nalley and Hogan face each other at Granite City for the first time this season. The first of many for the defending Class 2A state champion.

 

3 Dale Johnson – SR – Sterling

2023 Bests – 800m – 1:55.30; 1600m- 4:17.46; 3200m – 9:08.77; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 2nd place

 

Notes – The third piece of this puzzle in Class 2A this fall. Johnson is a six-time all-state runner with a seventh-place finish in 2021 followed by his second-place finish in cross-country. He has been all-state twice in the 1600 Meter Run, once in the 4x800m Relay and the 3200 Meter Run. His times dropped down to elite levels last spring going down four seconds in the 800m Run, 10 seconds in the last year in the 1600m Run, and close to 30 seconds in the 3200 Meter Run. He won 6 of 11 races last fall against good competition. He will be tougher to challenge this fall.

 

4 Finn Richards – JR – Lisle (Benet Academy)

2023 Bests – 800m – 2:03.56; 1600m – 4:30.70; 3200m – 9:35.33; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 45th place

 

Notes – It could be a tough first month for Richards. Perhaps one where he carries a heavy heart after his younger brother passed at the end of July. He is a tough runner that will lead the Redwings this season after qualifying for the Class 3A State Meet. He did run under 15-minutes at Peoria last year at the end of September. His improvement in track shows that he could be among the top 10 runners in Class 2A to help his team challenges for a state championship. Going from his sophomore year to his junior year could produce some great performances. He improved from 10:05 as a freshman to 9:35 last spring. He made state in that event finishing 12th in the finals. He also qualified for state in the 1600 Meter Run. Big things are ahead for Richards this fall in his junior season.

 

5 Evan Nosek – JR – Maple Park (Kaneland)

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:30.29; 3200m – 9:26.59; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 7th place

 

Notes – An athlete that has put himself in position to become an all-state runner for all four high school seasons. He is halfway there finishing 21st as a freshman and seventh last November. He ran 9:26.59 indoors, and then 9:27.65 to finish sixth outdoors at state. He started this season running 15:25 to win at the Kane County Invitational last Saturday. “Nosek has a tremendous drive to succeed,” said his coach, Chad Clarey. “He is very aware of his training and has no problem revving the engine and pushing the pace. Nosek's strengths run longer, but we have every hope that (David) Valkanov will be in close proximity to Evan in the longer cross country events. When David's mindset remains positive, his faith in his own abilities is inspiring. It's a definite blessing to have each of these boys in our lineup, just as it is a blessing for each of these boys to have one another as a training partner.”

 

Runners to Watch (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

 

Julian Baker – SR – Mt. Zion

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:59.62; 1600m – 4:20.37; 3200m – 9:26.19; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 3rd place

 

Notes – Baker will be one of those runners that you could see in the front at Detweiller Park. His third-place finish at last year’s state meet proved that. Baker was a double state qualifier in track in the 3200 and 1600. He was all-state in the 3200 running 9:36.94. He made the finals in the 1600 Meter Run. He ran 4:20.37 at Distance Night in Palatine last April. Do not be surprised if he runs under 4:15 in his senior season. “Julian returns after placing 3rd in 2022,” said Coach Kelly Fox. He had a very good summer of training. He spent 3 weeks training at altitude in Colorado in late June and then went to Millikin U. distance camp for one week upon his return.   He seems to be very fit and well and is looking forward to another great season in a very competitive 2A field.”

Connor Carlson – SR – Aurora (Marmion Academy)

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:36.43; 3200m – 9:53.72; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 15th place

 

Notes – Carlson took big steps during last fall’s cross-country season earning all-state honors placing 15th. He also ran in the state meet in 2021 where he finished 83rd. Carlson had an up and down track season missing close to a month of racing outdoors. His times should come down in his senior season. He started last weekend finishing fourth at the Kane County Championships. “Connor made a statement last year achieving All-Stats Honors at the XC State Meet, but still missed that experience of qualifying the whole team for the state meet,” said his coach, Andrew Lifka. “Going into his senior season, Connor's experience and maturity as a man and runner will equip him to do what he has to do to get his team on the Detweiller start line next to him this year. He is ready going into the season.”

 

Matthew Conroy – SR – Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:10.62; 1600m – 4:35.73; 3200 – 9:38.21; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 46th place

 

Notes – Conroy bounced back last year after missing the second half of his sophomore season. He could be one of the top 15 runners on Class 2A after running last fall in Class 3A. He had a considerable drop in the 1600m Run from 4:55 as a sophomore to 4:35 at the end of the year at the Chicago Catholic League Championships. He was consistant at the end of track in the 3200 Meter Run. He did qualify for state in the event with three of his four races in that distance under 9:43.

 

Adan Cordova – SO – Grayslake (Central)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:10.2; 1600m – 4:38.26; 3200m – 9:37.52; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 21st place

 

Notes – Cordova is one of the reasons why the Rams will challenge for the 2A team title this fall. He could finish as high in the top 10 individuals. His 3200 Meter Run during the outdoor season was impressive going from an indoor best of 9:55.04 to running a personal best of 9:37.52 to finish sixth at the 3A Grayslake North Sectional. Big things are in store for him over the next three years. “Adan had an outstanding track season and was one of the best 3200m freshmen in the state of Illinois,” said Coach Jimmy Centella. “He should make a big jump this fall.”

 

John Daffenberg – SR – Aurora (Marmion Academy)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:05.30; 1600m -4:30.64; 3200m – 10:01.30; 2022 State XC Finish – 36th place

 

Notes – Daffenberg gives Marmion Academy a good 1-2 punch in the front with Connor Carlson. The junior started this season at the Kane County Championships last Saturday finishing third overall just one place ahead Carlson. Daffenberg has run in the state meet twice finishing 36 last year at Detweiller Park. He was part of the Cadets’ quartet that made it to state last spring in the 4x800m Relay. “John made great leaps this track season with a 4:30 mile, 2:00 800 split, and 10:01 3200m PR,” said Coach Andrew Lifka. “He put in a full year of healthy consistent training last year, earning him new strength as a runner. Having competed twice as an individual at the State Meet with Connor Carlson, he is ready to lead the team as a group to State to see what the Cadets can do together.”

 

Jaden Frederick – SR – Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:11.20; 1600m – 4:26.96; 3200m – 9:36.43; 2A State XC Finish – Class 2A – 25th place

 

Notes – The second all-state runner for the Raiders from last year’s third-place trophy team. He has run on Glenbard South’s Varsity team when he was a freshman. Frederick did not have his best race in 2021 when he finished 111. Look what he did over the last year. His 3200m time on the track dropped close to 30 seconds to 9:36.43. He qualified for the state meet in both the 3200 and 1600. He just missed a;;-state finishing tenth in Charleston. He is one the verge of doing big things this fall. “Jaden is looking really good and focused, he has been putting in 60 - 70 miles a week,” said Coach Doug Gorski. “He attended the University of Wisconsin CC camp this year and was in the top group. Top 10 at Dettwiller in November would be nice.”

 

Will Gelon – SR – Crystal Lake (Prairie Ridge)

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:59.62; 1600m – 4:18.06; 3200 – 9:33.50; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 19th place

 

Notes – Two time Cross-Country All-State runner finishing 23rd in 2021 and then 19th last fall. His finish at Detweiller Park this November should be higher. He looked strong leading up to state finishing third at the Fox Valley Conference Meet, then fourth in both the Belvidere Regional and the Kaneland Sectional. His focus during the track season was in the 1600 Meter Run. He qualified for the state meet in that event but missed qualifying by one spot. The time is a breakthrough for Gelon that should transfer to what he does this fall. “Will Gelon had a strong finish to his track season, finishing his season with a personal record and a strong race in the 1600m prelims at state,” said Coach Judd Shutt. “Will continued to lead our workouts throughout the summer. Will does a nice job of enjoying his teammates and focusing on the goal for each days run. He keeps our team having fun even with weighty expectations. His training numbers indicate that after 2 all-state medals in XC, he is still poised to have his best XC season yet.”

 

Tim Jochum – SR – Glen Ellyn Glenbard South)

2023 Bests – 800m – 1:57.26; 1600m – 4:28.18; 3200m – 10:05.93; 2022 XC State Finish – Class 2A – 31st place

 

Notes – The success that Jochum had last track season should transfer over quite nicely over the next couple of months. He had a dramatic improvement from his sophomore year to last year when his 800 Meter Run time dropped from 2:06 to 1:57. His first outdoor race started at 2:00.33. His final four races were all under 2-minutes including running 1:57.21 in the state meet prelims to make the finals where he earned all-state finishing ninth running 1:57.26. This was after he anchored Glenbard South to second-place in the 4-800m Relay. He ran the 3200 for the first time in two years, He dropped his time down a minute to 10:05.93. “Tim has also had a good summer,” said Coach Doug Gorski. “He doesn't run the miles per week as Jaden, but they push each other in workouts. He gained some confidence during a successful track season(4th 4x800MRelay & 9th 800M run) Look for Tim to be ALL State in XC this year.”

 

Daniel Kasperan – SR – Chicago Heights (Marian)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:00.79; 1600m – 4:36.89; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 28th place

 

Notes – Kasperan emerged last fall as a runner that was capable of earning all-state honors in cross-country. He just missed the top 25 by three places last fall but ran some strong races to get there. Daniel finished second at the ESCC Meet and also the Morris Regional and then a solid third-place at the Metamora Sectional. He qualified in track in both the 800 Meter Run and the 1600 Meter Run but did not make the finals. The week before, he was sectional champ in the two events at Kankakee. He is on the tip of doing some good things on the cross-country course. Kasperan started the season Saturday finishing second at St. Viator. His big meet will be at Niles West at the end of September.

 

Ryan Kries – SR – Burlington (Central)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:09.35; 1600m- 4:39.53; 3200m – 10:02.91; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 94th place

 

Notes – This could be a breakout senior season for Kries. His sixth-place finish at the Kaneland Sectional which was the toughest sectional in Class 2A. It showed what this runner could do. His state race did not go as planned as he finished 94th. He finished 130th the year before. Kries did qualify for Illinois Top Times at the end of the indoor season. His times during track were slightly better indoors compared to outdoors. “Ryan had a tremendous summer of training,” said Coach Vince Neil. “His mileage has increased; his strength has increased, and he looks stronger than ever.  I believe that Ryan is going to continue to improve meet after meet and will be ready for competition deep into the postseason.” His season started Saturday at the Kane County Meet where he finished sixth.

 

Caleb Mathias – SO – Champaign (Central)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:06.33; 1600m – 4:33.78; 3200m – 9:41.83; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 24th place

 

Notes – Mathias stepped up as one of the top runners of the Maroons in his freshman season. Mathias and Fynn Bright should be the team’s top runners. “Fynn and Caleb are very hard workers and great teammates who are committed to having the best cross country season they can have,” said Coach Steven Kessler. “Caleb is always very impressive with his approach, diligence, and maturity, and he really helps motivate everyone around him. Fynn is incredibly driven, one of the most determined guys you'll find. They push each other at practice and are significantly outperforming their workouts from last season, which were often paced by seniors Peter Smith and Nick Bonn. I think both are headed for a big season.” Mathias missed close to three weeks last fall missing his conference and regionals. He came back strong with his state performance. Mathias made it to the state finals in the 3200 Meter Run where he finished in 15th place.

 

Ishan Patel – SR – Woodstock

2023 Bests: 400m – 53.50; 800m – 1:59.99; 1600m – 4:29.09; 3200m – 9:50.62; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 12th Place

 

Notes – It could be Patel is underrated the most in Class 2A, yet he finished 12th last November at Detweiller Park. His improvement has been gradual and good enough to finish in the top 10. He was the lead off runner for Woodstock that earned all-state honors finishing seventh in the 4x800m Relay. Patel also made it to state in the 1600m Run. Looking forward to seeing how fast that Ishan and his brother Aryan push their team to the front. “The Patel’s both had good summers,” said Coach Jay Fuller. “Upbeat, they’re every day, running at night on their own, and just being the Patel’s.  Fun to be around and just enjoy being with their teammates.”

 

Trey Sato – SR – Grayslake (Central)

2023 Bests: 400m – 49.2; 800m – 1:53.1; 1600m – 4:12.74; 3200m – 9:19.77; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 11th place

 

Notes – We’ve said the Class 2A Boys is loaded with talent this fall. We should be adding Sato to the front runners along with Nalley, Hogan, and Johnson. He had a huge improvement on the track getting his time even lower last spring. Let’s see how that transfers to his performances this fall. I think it will. “After being sick the week of state XC, Trey trained hard over the winter and had a breakout track season running 50/1:53/4:12/9:19 and finishing with two all-state track medals,” said Coach Jimmy Centella. “He has found a new level of dedication this summer and has been putting in some serious miles.  I would not be surprised if he makes a run at Jack Aho’s school record of 14:12.” The double of the 800 and 1600 at state in Class 3A was amazing and probably the confidence he will have this season. He finished 12th as a sophomore in 2021 and 21st as a freshman at Shazam Club Championships in the 2020 COVID season.

 

Drew Twyman – JR – Troy (Triad)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:03.72; 1600m – 4:30.90; 3200m; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 40th Place

 

Notes – Twyman is ready to take his running to the next level after finishing top 50 in last year’s state meet. He did not make it to state in his freshman season. His three-mile time in cross-country last year improved from 16:38 to start the season to 15:27 at the Chatham-Glenwood Sectional where he finished eighth. He made it to the state meet in the 1600 Meter Run with a personal best performance.

 

Josh Weeks – SR – Morton

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:30.70; 3200m – 9:33.73; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 10th Place

 

Notes – The season last spring did not end the way he wanted it to. Weeks is ready for a strong 2023-2024 starting this fall. He was all-state last year after finishing 39th as a sophomore in 2021. Weeks qualified for state last year in the 3200 Meter Run. He did finish sixth indoors at that distance in the 3200 Meter Run at Illinois Top Times. “Josh has been determined to have a strong summer,” said Coach Joseph Zeller. “He's turned in some monster aerobic workouts and is looking to pick up where he left off last year.”