2023 ILXCTF.com IHSA/Illinois XC Previews - Class 3A Boys Individuals

 

By Michael Newman

 

A kick to the finish at the end of a muddy state meet gave Aden Bandukwala of Hinsdale Central a state championship a year earlier than he thought he would as he expressed after the race. It has opened the door for him as we saw last spring with two last second wins in the 1600 Meter Run at the state meet last May and the following week in the 1 Mile Run at Magis Miles.

 

Camyn Viger of Plainfield South was second in both of those track races and has the vision to finish ahead of the state champion this fall. Viger had the fastest time in Class 3A at Detweiller Park (14:22.8).

 

As of now, those two runners are ahead of the rest of the field. There were a number of graduations in this classification from last season. There are 40-60 runners that could be in the hunt for a top 25 finish by the time we get to the state series. We have a lot of talent in this class. The first month could weed out the contenders from the pretenders.

 

Here is a showcase of some of the runners that you could see up front this season in races that have 3A schools in it.

 

1 Aden Bandukwala – SR – Hinsdale (Central)

2023 Bests: 400m – 49.42; 800m – 1:53.67; 1600m – 4:09.42; 3200m – 9:10.42; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – State Champion

 

Notes – In the real world, Bandukwala’s running life changed in the final 400-meters at Detweiller Park edging Liam Newhart to the 3A State title. To some, he gained his confidence from that race. In reality, he had that before that moment of time. The Hinsdale senior has not finished better than fourth in any cross country race. He is now the hunted instead of the hunter. His races in a matter of a week at state last spring where he finished third in the 3200 Meter Run and then the kick that he unleashed first at state and then at Magis Miles where he won both races using a final kick that was unreal. He ended his spring going with his teammates and friends and Oregon for Nike Cross Nationals. His 1:51 opening split led Hinsdale Central to win a second outdoor national win in the 4x800m Relay with the second fastest high school time ever. Now it is his turn entering his senior season.

 

“Aden will be the first to tell you that he really benefited from having great training partners in Dan Watcke & Michael Skora last year,” said Coach Jum Westphal. “ Every workout with those guys was a learning experience for Aden and he learned how to be a better competitor and teammate. We noticed Aden's confidence really grew at our conference meet when he took the lead somewhere before the 2 mile mark, heading up the long hill at KLM, and really pressed two of the top kids in the state in both Watcke & Liam Newhart. He threw in a second surge in the later stages of that race that really kind of jumped out to us as coaches. Aden's recent spring success will help him in that he's learned to compete no matter the situation and not matter if he's feeling good or not. This is an incredible senior class and Aden knows it and is taking nothing for granted.”

 

2 Camyn Viger – SR – Plainfield (South)

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:51.92s; 1600m – 4:09.34; 3200m – 9:13.18; 2022 State XC Finish – 11th place

 

Notes – Viger will look for his third straight all-state performance this fall at Detweiller Park after finishing seventh as a sophomore in 2021. Camyn finished off his fall season placing 35th at the NXR Midwest Regional and then 38th at the Nike Cross Nationals. He did run an early best at Detweiller Park with a 14:22.8 time. He should be faster than that this fall. Viger had a great track season. He ran a 1:51.92 anchor split that helped the Cougars finish third in the 4x800m Relay. He doubled back to run 4:11.92 to finish second in the 1600m Run. He followed at Magis Miles where he ran 4:10.75 to finish second in the 1 Mile Run trailing Bandukwala by just one hundredth of a second. “Both Camyn and Dylan continue to make each other better,” said Coach Jason Crowe.  “They are not only good friends, but even better teammates who push each other.  They both went out to Colorado along with Gavin Borger and had a great time training at altitude for 5 weeks.  They both have big goals this season for their team and individually as well.  One thing that stands out about Camyn is his racing IQ.  This past year, he has really learned from his racing experiences and has grown a lot as a competitive runner.  It has been fun to witness.”

 

3 Grant Giblin – SR – Orland Park (Sandburg)

2023 Bests: 400m – 50.50; 800m – 1:55.19; 1600 – 4:20.67; 3200 - 9:43.9; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 6th place

 

Notes – Giblin moved up last year after finishing tenth at the Waubonsie Valley Sectional placing sixth the following week at Detweiller Park. He finished 49th the year before in the 2021 State Meet. Grant helped his team on the track qualifying for the finals in the 4x899m Relay. He anchored Sandburg to another all-state performance finishing eighth in the finals. Giblin made the finals of the 800 Meter Run after running 1:55.19. He ran under 1:57 in three of his four final races in the distance.

 

4 Nicholas Strayer – SR – LaGrange (Lyons Township)

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:55.78; 1600m – 4:17.29; 3200m – 9:34.16; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 9th Place

 

Notes – Strayer raced up to the next level this fall teaming with teammate Cillian Helling to finish ninth in the state meet. Helling finished two spots behind his teammate. Strayer finished 46 at the state meet in 2021. The two runners were within a couple of seconds of each other in four of their five final races. His efforts on the track focused on his teammates as he qualified with them in the 4x400m Relay and 4x800m Relay. He qualified for state individually in the 1600 Meter Run. Strayer helped his team to a fifth-place finish in the 4x8. He improved his 800 time at New Balance Outdoor Nationals. His training is ahead of last year’s according to his coach, Mike Danner.

 

5 Caden Weber – SR – Downers Grove (North)

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:12.63; 3200m – 9:23.03; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 13th place

 

Notes – Weber again will be one of the top runners for the Trojans as they go after another state trophy. He finished 12 last year at the Waubonsie Valley Sectional before finishing 13 at state. Weber had a breakthrough track season that will boost him to big things this fall. Weber was on the DGN 4x8 relay that finished second at the 3A State 4x800m Relay. He came back to run 4:12.63 to finish fourth in the 1600 Meter Run. Five of his final six races in the 1600 Meter Run were all run under 4:17. The team including Weber had a good summer of training readying themselves for the season ahead according to Coach John Sipple.

 

Runners to Watch (Listed in Alphabetical Order)

 

Hussein Almousawi – SR – Bolingbrook

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:58.23; 1600m – 4:45.02; 3200m – 10:20.75; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 43rd place

 

Notes – The top runner for the Raiders qualifying for the state meet finishing 16th at the Waubonsie Valley Sectional. Almousawi helped his teammates in the spring qualify for the state meet for the first time in the 4x800m Relay. He qualified for state in the 800 Meter Run but scratched so he could help his teammates in their qualified 4x400m Relay. The Raiders earned all-state honors in the 4x4 placing eighth. “Hussein Almousawi is an exceptional human being,” said Coach Jeff Lester. “At the State Track meet, he made the ultimate team move to scratch from the open 800 to make sure the 4x400 would make finals.  He is an athlete that can split a 51 in the 4x400, 1:57 in the 800, and 15:13 in XC last year (at the tough WV course). He will be turning some heads this season by the end of the year.”

 

Jacob Barraza – JR – DeKalb

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:57.45; 1600m – 4:18.95; 3200m – 9:40.45; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 27th place

 

Notes – Steps up to the top spot for the Barbs after multi all-state runner Riley Newport graduated. Barraza has improved over the past three seasons having qualified individually for the State Cross Country Meet twice missing all-state by two places. Barraza qualified for state in the 1600 Meter Run but did not advance out of the prelims. He dropped his time down 10 seconds during last spring. “Jacob recognizes that he is going to have to push himself during workouts and not just gauge his effort based on where a fast teammate is,” said Coach Mike Wolf.  “Jacob is a strong racer and he and Riley often had different race plans, so I feel he'll be fine in races.  Jacob just missed all-state last season (27th) and he wants to show strong improvement during his junior season.  Riley often talked to Jacob about being confident and how he does belong at the top level of competition.”

 

Joe Bregenzer – JR – Barrington

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:20.78; 3200m – 9:18.26; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 24th place

 

Notes – Bregenzer had tremendous improvement last fall in his sophomore season. He was all-state finishing 24th overall. A week later at the NXR Midwest Regional, he finished second in one of the open races. His personal bests on the track dropped in a big way> his time improved in the 1600 Meter Run by almost 18 seconds. His 3200 time dropped 36 seconds from freshman to sophomore seasons. He ran a personal best of 9:18.26 to win the 3200 Meter Run at the Batavia Sectional. He was all-state the following week placing ninth. He should have a monster junior season. A top 10 finish at state is not out of the question for this runner. “Joe is likely the most no-nonsense, all-in runner I have ever coached,” said Barrington Coach Thomas Root. “He is superpowered in the focus department, meticulously taking care of his training and demanding excellence from all around him. His greatest area of growth over the last year has been in the way he lifts up his teammates around him. He has zero fear of setting his sights on lofty goals because there is no doubt in his mind that he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve those goals.”

 

Zac Close – SR – Naperville (Neuqua Valley)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:03.37; 1600m – 4:23.20; 3200m – 9:14.60; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 15th place

 

Notes – The fire was in the eyes of Zac Close as he made away around his home course last Saturday. Close showed his fitness in the race running 14:15 for 2.9 miles winning by 23 seconds over a good field that included Downers Grove North. He was all-state last year finishing 15th. He wants a higher finish in 2023. He was all-state in the 3200 Meter Run finishing sixth overall. “Zac is such a coachable kid,” said Coach Jaime Janota. “He does everything to the best of his ability and is a real example for how to be a number 1 kid yet also do it with a humble heart.  We talked this summer about ensuring he gets the proper rest and listening to his body, yet also pushing beyond what he thinks his limits are.  I'm really excited to see what he can do this season.”

 

Ben Crane – JR – Winnetka (New Trier)

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:19.42; 3200 – 9:18.97; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 30th place

 

Notes – Carne did not have his best race last November at Detweiller Park finishing 30 in the 3A race missing a top 25 finish by five places. He looked strong last fall finishing in the top 15 at First to the Finish and at Palatine. He ran 14:48 to finish fifth a week later at the Peoria Invitational. He was the top runner for the Trevians at the Hoffman Estates Sectional finishing sixth. Crane missed all-state in track by one spot in the 3A 3200 Meter Run. Crane put up some times as a sophomore  including 4:19.42 for 1600-meters and 9:18.97 for 3200-meters. “Ben has had an outstanding summer of consistent and high quality training,” said Coach Matt Sloan. “He is a leader in our program. He sets the tone for work ethic and drive for excellence. Ben just missed breaking the 2.2 mile course record at the BYU running camp back in June. He has big goals and I have no doubt that he will achieve them. I look forward to watching Ben mix it up with the best in state at the front of races this fall.”

 

Ryan Eddington – SR – Downers Grove (North)

2023 Bests: 400m – 51.39; 800m – 1:52.84; 1600m – 4:07.92; 3200m – 9:22.98; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 14th place

 

Notes – His cross-country season last fall was great. His track season last spring was better than that. His huge race last spring was taking the lead at the start of the WSC-Silver 1600 Meter Run. He did not let anyone run by him including two-time 800 state champion Dan Watcke. Eddington ran 4:07.91 to win. His confidence grew with a pair of all-state performances. He was the anchor for his team as they finished second at state in the 4x800m Relay. He came back a short time later to finish second in the 800 Meter Run. His confidence grew last spring which will help lead the team throughout the season along with Caden Weber and Zach Bender.

 

Rory Gaan – JR – Palatine (Fremd)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:01.60; 1600m – 4:21.11; 3200m – 9:30.58; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 41st place

 

Notes – Gann was the top runner for the Vikings as a sophomore last year. He finished 11 at the Hoffman Estates Sectional before finishing 41st at state. Gann helped Fremd qualify for state in the 4x800m Relay in their sectional meet. He missed qualifying for state in the 1600 Meter Run by less than a second. “Rory had a breakout season last year in XC and continued that this spring going 4:21 and 9:30 as well as showing some speed being on our state-qualifying 4x800,” said Coach Matt Zaluckyi. “He has had a very solid summer of training and he is someone who is not afraid to mix it up in the front pack of big races. He gained a lot of experience and confidence from being in some big races last year and knows he can challenge for wins in them this year.”

 

Cillian Henning – SR – LaGrange (Lyons Township)

2023 Bests: 1600m – 4:30.01; 3200m – 9:31.47; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 10th place

 

Notes – One of the hottest duos at the end of last season in Class 3A was Nicholas Strayer and Cillian Henning. The two runners were within two seconds of each other in the final races of last fall. Cillian was in the top 10 of all of those races. Both runners are ahead of last year’s training according to Coach Mike Danner which could be bad news for the rest of their competition. He did qualify for the state meet last May in the 3200 Meter Run running a best of 9:31.47 for the season.

 

Owen Horeni – SO – Yorkville

2023 Bests – 400m – 51.79; 800m – 1:54.08; 1600m – 4:25.65; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 51st place

 

Notes – Horeni had a good junior season for some. Unfortunately for the rest of the state, he was just a freshman. It will be interesting to see what he does in the middle distances over the next three years. Horeni ran 1:54.08, one of the fastest 800 times in the state ever, to finish eighth in the finals of the event earning all-state honors. He also ran the second leg for Yorkville’s quartet in the 4x400m Relay that won the Class 3A State Championship. Horeni finished 51 at Detweiller last November. He will improve on that. The sophomore ran one minute faster timed at 15:19 to win on his home course on August 21. “Owen is a very talented athlete, in fact one of the best talents that we have come through our program in my coaching tenure,” said Coach Chris Muth. “He is coming off a very successful track season in which he accomplished some amazing times, through his hard work.  He continued track into the summer, and we have done our best to transition him fully into cross country over the past month.  He has high expectations for the upcoming season with lofty goals, and I believe totally in him and his ability.  The sky is the limit with this young talented runner.” 

 

Alex Krieg – SO – Palatine

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:01.00; 1600m – 4:22.10; 3200m – 9:33.68; 2022 State XC Finish – 86th place

 

Notes – Perhaps one of the top sophomore runners in the state this fall. He had a great summer that could push him closer to the front in races. There is a workout that the Palatine has run in what seems forever. Krieg ended running the third fastest time in that workout. There has been a number of state champions in the Palatine program. You could probably add Krieg to that. He had a freshman like race last November at Detweiller finishing 86th. The sophomore should easily better that. He qualified for state in the 1600 Meter Run but did not advance out of his heat. “Alex and Carter (Hayes) should have potential to battle in the front of any race they are in,” said Coach Joe Parks. “Both were two of only three frosh-soph boys (along with Barrera of Dekalb) to qualify this past spring in the 3A 1600m.  They are far from polished, but they have learned to work well together and live each other up. They will be fun to watch this fall.”

 

Dylan Maloney – JR – Plainfield (South)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:04.4; 1600m – 4:24.04; 3200m – 9:14.66; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 16 place

 

Notes – Maloney should be one of those runners in the top 10 this season especially when we get to the state series. Maloney’s tough running down the stretch last year helped Plainfield South win their first state title. He had a good race his freshman season finishing 76th. Maloney had a good summer of training. Maloney ran seven seconds faster than he did last year at the Normal West Invitational last Saturday. Dylan ran twice under 9:20 last season. He ran 9:18.66 to win the 3200 Meter Run at the Minooka Sectional qualifying for the state meet. “Both Camyn and Dylan continue to make each other better,” Coach Jason Crowe said.  “They are not only good friends, but even better teammates who push each other.  They both went out to Colorado along with Gavin Borger and had a great time training at altitude for 5 weeks.  They both have big goals this season for their team and individually as well.”

 

Cooper Marrs – SR – Riverside-Brookfield

2023 Bests: Plays Baseball for RB during the spring; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 2A – 5th place

 

Notes – Marrs is dedicated to two sports during the school year. He runs cross-country in the fall to stay in shape for baseball. His baseball in the spring gets him ready for Detweiller Park. It is a unique pairing where he has succeeded in both. He is a three-time all-state runner (if you consider his race at Shazam XC Club Championships. He finished 22 as a sophomore and then 5 last fall as the Bulldogs’ top runner in helping them win the Class 2A State Team Champions. Marrs and O’Brien had a great summer of training which will make RB’s transition from Class 2A to Class 3A a little easier according to their Coach Jack Brady.

 

Michael Michelotti – SR – Oak Park-River Forest

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:58.16; 1600m – 4:29.86; 3200m – 9:43.23; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – 36th place

 

Notes – Should be one of the top runners for the Huskies this season after being a constant top five force in the 2022 season. A top 25 finish is within his reach after finishing 36th last year. This was Michelotti’s first state xc meet. He does have that big meet experience on the track that will pay off leading this team along with Daniel Johnson.  Michelotti ran in only five individual races during the outdoor track season. His focus was helping his team in the 4x800m Relay. He helped the Huskies at state in the 4x800m Relay  when they finished sixth in the finals and earned all-state honors.

 

Marcellus Mines – SR – Joliet (West)

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:54.94; 1600m – 4:12.47; 3200m – 9:33.76; 2022 State XC Finish – Class 3A – DNF

 

Notes – The name of the game for Marcellus Mines is just to stay healthy. If he goes into a meet ready to go, he becomes the most dangerous runner in the race. His cross-country season last year was a rollercoaster where he race in four meets, but an injury slowed him down from being ablet to race until regionals. He qualified for state after finishing seventh at the Normal Sectional. The weather played a part to his back injury at Detweiller in November where he was not able to finish the race. He was in great shape during the track season where he in most cases was the best of best. Mines led most of the 1600 Meter Run finals in the state meet until ending up all-state finishing in third. He ran seven 1600 Meter Run races last spring. All of those races he finished under 4:20. He is in good shape heading into the season. He did run at Yorkville on April 21 but ran the first 2 miles of that race. His next race will be at TF South this Saturday. “I’d say the big difference for track this past spring was staying healthy,” said his coach, Adam Conard. “We were able to stack together weeks of solid training and get to the post-season ready to race at 100%. Coach Brower and I believe that more time in the weight room had a positive effect in that regard. Marcellus also improved in his ability to race strategically in biding his time and making moves. What I think we’ve learned through his difficulties the past couple of years is to be more conservative when working around aches and pains. Tony Holler is fond of saying that it’s better to be 80% trained and 100% healthy when it matters (rather than the other way around). So, staying healthy will be the biggest priority over the next few months.”

 

Aidan Murphy – JR – Wheaton (North)

2023 Bests: 800m – 2:02.38; 1600m – 4:21.43; 3200m – 9:46.58; 2022 State XC Finish – 42nd place

 

Notes – Murphy was one of the bigger surprises at last November’s state meet for Wheaton North. He moved up through the Falcons’ top five during the season. He was the team’s #1 runner for one meet and that was state. He ran the Richard Spring Invitational where he ran 15:47. His state meet at muddy Detweiller Park he ran five seconds faster at 15:42. Imagine what he would have run in good conditions. We saw him shine in track running 4:21.43 to win the 1600 Meter Run at the DuKane Conference Meet. He just missed making it to state by less than a second. He is discovering how good he can be. We will see this fall how good he will become. “I would say that Jude Hubbard and Aidan Murphy have really taken significant steps this summer,” said Wheaton North Coach Nate Roe.  “They both started a bit later due to illness and travelling but are well ahead of last summer.  They will be our key leaders, along with varsity returners Isaac Schuda and Luke Haworth.  As an example, Jude and Aidan averaged around 5:28 for that hilly 5 miler, which was outstanding.  They both have high goals and are looking to lead the team to "things we've never done before."  Aidan has aspirations of being All-State on November 4th and is taking the necessary steps to do so.  I think just missing out on qualifying in the 1600 last spring has lit a fire in him.”

 

Tommy Nitz – JR – Huntley

2023 Bests: 800 – 2:00.73; 1600 – 4:20.40; 3200 – 9:21.95; 2022 State XC Finish – 55th place

 

Notes – Tommy Nitz has been the #1 runner for his team when he stepped on the Huntley campus for the first time. He is inches of climbing up to the next level of Illinois running this fall after finishing 111th at state in 2021 and 55th at state last November. He ran 15:02 at the Peoria Invitational last October. He was the individual champion in a tough Fox Valley Conference Meet. He finished third in his regionals, fourth at the Lake Park Sectional leading up to the state meet. His times continue to drop on the track. He ran a personal best of 9:21.95 finishing 14 in the 3200 Meter Run at state. The following week at Magis Miles , he ran a personal best winning the HS Open mile in 4:21.79 (4:20.40 for 1600m). This could be a big fall season for Nitz. “Tommy is coming into this upcoming season healthy,” said Coach Matt Kaplan. “In the spring he battled through IT band issues for many weeks but still was able to run new PRs of 4:21 for the full mile and 9:21 in the 3200 at the state meet.  Tommy has a goal of helping his team get to the 3A state meet.  Tommy has qualified twice as an individual and wants to see the team punch their ticket.  Tommy will need to continue to get the low numbers when we get into the post season to give this team a chance to qualify.  Tommy has a goal of reaching top 25 in 3A this season as well.  Tommy has been putting in the work this summer so he's going to be ready for another successful fall season.”

 

Dylan Ybarra – SR – O’Fallon

2023 Bests: 800m – 1:57.33; 1600m – 4:21.22; 3200m – 9:18.21; 2022 State XC Finish – 21st place

 

Notes – O’Fallon will be one of the elite Class 3A teams this season. One of the reasons why is because of their top runner, Dylan Ybarra. He earned all-state honors last fall finishing 21st at state. He ran 14:48 at the Richard Spring Invitational last September. His talent level could find him among the top 10 runners in the state when we get to the state series. Ybarra ran 9:18 on the track for 3200-meters during outdoor track. He qualified for state in that event. He did run on O’Fallon’s 4x8 that ran 7:47 at the Triad Invitational at the end of April. Ybarra did not run in the state prelims for that relay. The Panthers did not qualify for the finals. That experience could drive Ybarra and his teammates to big things this fall. “Dylan Ybarra has trained at a high level all summer.  He seems to enjoy supporting and inspiring his teammates,” said Coach Jon Burnett. “The track season did not finish the way we would have liked.  Hopefully, we will learn from that experience and finish in a high note this fall.”