ILXCTF 2024 Team Season Previews: Class 1A Boys

By Michael Newman

 

Class 1A is wide open to start the season both individually and with teams. Only eight all-state runners return for the 2024 season. Two of those runners belong to Benton. Two-time champion Gavin Genisio has graduated. The state championship medal could stay in Benton with the top returning runner Gabriel McLain poised to capture the win. His Benton teammates are hungry for a state title after finishing second seven points behind. They have areas that will need to be addressed during this season, but they have the most talent of any of the top 10 Class 1A teams.

 

Elmwood will have a say on who wins on November 9. They don’t have the low numbers that Benton has in the front but do have a powerful pack that might overtake the Rangers. It is wide open to see which three teams leave Detweiller Park with a trophy. Peoria Notre Dame has reloaded and might be in the hunt along with Pleasant Plains. The surprise team in the mix for a title might be Georgetown Notre Dame de la Sallette, a newcomer on the cross-country scene. They have only raced twice in the state meet. They are sure to make it three times this November. Will the third time be a charm for this class 1A school?

 

Here is where we see the 1A Boys Top 30 teams landing to start the season. We look at 20 other Class 1A schools listed in no particular order.

 

1 Benton

Coach – Brent McLain

2023 Finish: 2-1A; 1-Bent Sec; 1=Chester Reg; 1-SIRR Miss

Top Runners: Gabriel McLain SR, Cole Buchanan SR, Kaden Blades JR, Seager Sanchez JR, Briggs Miller SO, Parker Johnson SR.

Notes: You would think that the prospect of Benton leaving Detweiller Park with a trophy this November would be dim especially losing two-time State Champion Gavin Genisio to graduation. As Genisio does great things this fall at the University of Tennessee, his former school again has the strength to contend for the state title that slipped away from them when they finished second.

 

Gabe McLain is the top returning runner from last year’s Class 1A state meet when he finished fourth. “Gabe has big goals,” said his coach as well as father, Brent McLain. “Not only wants to place high at state meet but be competitive at and will all classes in Illinois and Midwest.” There is quality behind McLain led by Cole Buchanan who finished tenth in last fall’s state race. Kaden Blades, Briggs Miller, and Seager Sanchez could make this team even stronger. “Top 5 had a great summer. All had mileage increase and handled it great,” added Coach McLain. “Cole Buchanan had a great summer, increased training and mileage. Seager Sanchez, and Briggs Miller is way ahead of where they were at last year. Both had little to no mileage last summer and this summer averaged 50 miles.”

 

Leaving a state meet with a trophy is what most teams aim for in Illinois. Benton just fell short a year ago. Their scenario should change when their season starts in a couple of weeks. McLain and Buchanan give the Rangers low numbers in the front. The three runners behind the all-staters had a 37 second split. Moving that pack to under 30 seconds behind Buchanan will be something to watch for. “Last year getting second was a huge high and a little let down,” said their coach. This year will have the same goal of placing high at state meet.”

 

2 Elmwood

Coach – Gregg Meyers

2023 Finish: 3-1A; 2-Elmwd Sec; 1-PND Reg.

Top Runners: Aiden Faulkner JR, Mika Nelson SR, Reed Florey SR, Darwin Herman JR, Kam Stevenson JR, Garrett Webster JR, Hason Hubbard SO, Cooper Brown FR, Oliver Funk FR, Josh Livengood FR, Kai Nelson FR, Danny Sharp FR.

Notes: The one thing that happens traditionally with this team is that they start out slow and peak at just the right time. It was the same story for the Trojans last fall finishing second in their own sectional and then placing third in the Class 1A State Meet. Last year’s top runner Isaiah Hill graduated after a great career at the school. Elmwood still has five runners back to take this team to the next level in November.

 

Aiden Faulkner suffered some nagging injuries during track and is back to 100% after a great summer of training according to his coach Gregg Meyers. Mika Nelson and Reed Florey were among the top five and will make this team stronger in the front. “Aiden, Mika, and Reed give us a solid 3 returning runners with good state meet experience (all 3 ran 15:46 to 15:51 last year at the state meet),” said Meyers.

 

Garrett Webster and Darwin Herman along with Kam Stevenson look to be the runners to battle for a top five spot. Their top five split is projected to be close to 65 seconds starting the season. Faulkner was the second runner on the team last fall finishing 40th at state. Their top three runners should move up considerably at the end of the year with possibly two of them earning all-state honors. A split of under 60 seconds could earn the Trojans a state title. “There are no shortcuts to success,” was one of the messages Meyers told his team. “You have to get your miles in this summer, so we have good bases to build off of in the fall.”

 

3 Peoria (Notre Dame)

Coach – Dan Gray

2023 Finish: 7-1A; 3-Elmwd Sec; 2-PND Reg; 2-Big 12.

Top Runners: Maxwell Kirby SO, Boden Nosalik SR, Dax Duffy JR, Jake Heberer SR, Ben Yontz SO, Julian Sturm JR, Luke Fedy FR, Adam Ehrhardt JR, Augie Crank SO, John Baker SO, Joshua Stedwill SO. Frederic Couri SO.

Notes: The Irish will be one of the many teams that will position themselves to challenge for a trophy this November. Notre Dame finished seventh in Class 1A last season and return four runners from that state team. Freshman Maxwell Kirby had a great year finishing 20th in the state meet and then last spring running 9:40 in the Class 2A State Meet in the 3200 Meter Run. There were several graduations from last season in Class 1A. Kirby is the seventh best returning runner. “Max made a nice jump during track season,” his Coach Dan Gray said. “Max can significantly drop his time at Detweiller Park. He has some strong returning teammates to help push him along and forge our team path in the state meet.”

 

The split between Kirby and PND’s second through fifth runners will be something to watch as this season develops. Dax Duffy was the team’s fourth runner last year at Detweiller but was 77 seconds behind Kirby. Jake Heberer and Boden Nosalik along with Ben Yontz and Adam Erhardt will give this team a strong chase path. Luke Fady joins the team after winning the IESA State 1600 Meter Run at 4:47.64. Fady finished fifth last fall in the IESA State XC Meet. We will se how he transitions up to the next level but could give this team a big boost. The split on Kirby needs to be close to 60 seconds. Their pack could be dangerous if they have a split between 15 to 20 seconds. That formula could make the Irish dangerous in November.

 

4 Pleasant Plains

Coach – Derek DeBarr

2023 Finish: 13-1A; 4-Elmwd Sec; 1-PORTA Reg; 1-Sangamo.

Top Runners: Elijah Teefey JR, Ryan Driskill JR, Cole Payne SR, Braeden Galloway SO, Ethan Grimminger SR, Jacob Crater SR, Garrett Beebe.

Notes: The Cardinals did not have their best race of the seson at Detweiller last November finishing 13th in the 1A race. This squad looks hungry after a strong track season and even stronger summer of training. Six of their seven runners are back from that state team.

 

Elijah Teefey took the next step-up last spring during track and has the potential to finish in the top five after an 18th place finish last year. Ryan Driskill was the team’s third runner and was 38 seconds behind Teefey at Detweiller. Watch for a big season from him. “Elijah and Ryan had amazing summers,” said their coach, Derek DeBarr. “Elijah completed over 700 aerobic miles in 11 weeks, while Ryan did over 550 miles. We're hoping that Elijah can crack 15:00 and Ryan can be in the 15:30 range, which would be remarkable improvements for both.”

 

Cole Payne, Driskill, and Garrett Beebe also ran under five minutes for 1600-meters and should show that improvement in this fall’s racing. The team’s top five split last year was over two and a half minutes. That should dip near 60 seconds this season especially the way this team has been training this past summer.

 

5 Georgetown (Notre Dame de la Salette)

Coach – Dan Schreck

2023 Finish: 16-1A; 3-DST Sec; 2-Chrsmn Reg.

Top Runners: Marco Cruz JR, John Brauner SR, Andrew Gross JR, Daniel Sullivan SR, Marcel LeFevre SR, Joseph Mackin SR, Anthony Lillis JR, Malachi Martin SR, Javan Llamas SO.

Notes: I would keep an eye on this team contending for a trophy this season which seems remarkable. The boarding school does not start until September 6 and have only three sports that students can compete in. The Cross-Country team has competed for three years. Two of those years the Lions made it to the state meet. That’s saying a lot in the direction this team is heading. “Training went well this summer,” said their coach, Dan Schreck. “We’re a fairly young program and summer training was more robust and more consistent across all runners than it has been in the past.  Because we are a boarding school, and we don’t start class until after Labor Day, our summer training will be ongoing for the next few weeks.  The boys were in touch with each other, posting workouts and generally encouraging each other, something we haven’t had in the past.”

 

Six of their top seven runners are back from a year ago when they finished 16. The team finished 27 in their first state appearance in 2022. Marco Cruz and John Brauner ran close together finishing a second within each other at state. Look for more of that this season. “Marco and John have also had a great summer,” said Schrenk. “Both split their time between Cross Country, Basketball, and Rugby so we’ve had to get creative with their workout plans.   They both broke a long-standing school record last year and I think they can both do it again this year.” Andrew Gross, Daniel Sullivan, and Marcel LeFevre were top runners again and will challenge for one of those spots. Anthony Lillis showed the most improvement during the summer according to his coach. “Anthony showed huge improvements over the summer, his runs have been consistent all summer, even adding to the training plan,” added Schrenk.  “He’s been running in the hills around his hometown of St. Louis, and he should be coming back to school really strong this fall.”

 

This team is hungry. It should show starting with their first meet at Olney in September. The team had a 55 top five split the last time they raced together last year. Moving their finish closer to the front will mean big things for the Lions. “The only message I stressed to the runners this summer was that of consistency and self-discipline,” added Schrenk. “We don’t have the ability for our runners to meet up in the summer, to run or train together.  Each boy must have an inner drive to improve.  By the time they get back to school on September 6, they’re already 3 weeks behind everyone else in terms of practicing as a team.  If they haven’t stuck to their summer plans, there’s no way to make up that lost time.”

 

6 Winnebago

Coach – Janet Erb/Joe Erb

2023 Finish: 12-1A; 3-Oreg Sec; 2-Bago Reg; 3-BNC

Top Runners: Nicholai Martino SR, Joseph Erb Jr. JR, Daniel Hodgdon JR, Aiden Vazquez JR, Blake Linder JR, Hudson Pope JR, Brennan Bull FR.

Notes: This team could climb high especially with the way that track ended in the Class 1A team championship. Bringing a state championship back home to Winnebago in November would be just as good. The top runners from the 12th place finishing team from a season ago. “We have had a solid summer,” said coach Janet Erb.  “But I would expect all the boys to continue to improve from last year, if we can stay injury free. Our boys have had a solid summer.  They have been working on getting a good base for the cross-country season.”

 

Nicholai Martino is the second returning Class 1A runner from last year’s state meet and will contend for a state individual title. Martino ran under 15 minutes at state finishing seventh. Last year’s races in Charleston in the 1600 and 3200 helped Winnebago for the 1A title. He will be dangerous in races this fall. Joseph Erb Jr. finished 34 at state last year. Big things will be ahead of him this season. Aidan Vazquez, Daniel Hodgdon, and Blake Linder had a nice pack that was 55 seconds behind Erb. Closing that gap getting closer to Erb will be something to watch especially if Winnebago can place two runners overall in the top 15.

 

7 Aurora (Central Catholic)

Coach – Troy Kerber

2023 Finish: 9-1A; 2-Oreg Sec; 1-Seneca Reg; 6-CCL.

Top Runners: Jack Swiatek JR, Ben Bohr SO, David Valencia SR, AJ Viveros SO, Christopher Ginocchio SR, John Reinbold FR, Cal Reinbold FR, Joseph Escobedo SR, Reece Voller SO, Peter Galer SR, Brecken Oester FR, Walter Feldhaus FR.

Notes: The Chargers will miss the leadership on and off the course of Patrick Hilby as he will do his thing now at the University of Wisconsin. Hilby helped Aurora Central Catholic finish ninth in last year’s 1A state race. This team grew last year and should better that state finish. “Overall, training went well this summer for our program as we had a total of 27 athletes report in for team camp at various times, with a solid consistent nucleus of 12-15 athletes training consistently,” said their coach, Troy Kerber.  “From a training standpoint, this group is slightly ahead of our 2023 team in regard to where they are at heading into the season.”

 

This team was hit hard in graduation with only two of their top seven. Ben Bohr finished 41 last year as a freshman and challenge for the #1 spot along with David Valencia. The runner that will give the Chargers a boost is Jack Swiatek. The junior ran his freshman season at Marmion Academy. He did not run last year after transferring to ACC because of transferring from private school to another private school. The IHSA would let him in JV and open races which he benefitted from. “We are very excited at Jack’s potential as he provides us with another front runner to go with Ben Bohr (15:21 for 3 miles),” said Kerber. “Jack was the CCL Sophomore individual champion in 2023, and also won 3 other major meets on the lower level, with his only loss to Bohr at the Aurora City Meet. He posted a 9:39.30 for a 2-mile race in ‘23!  He has a tremendous future and upside in the sport, and you will see his name alongside Bohr in major meet races.”

 

AJ Viveros has showed great improvement in his freshman season and will strive for a top three spot. Reece Voller and Joseph Escobedo along with freshman John Reinbold will give this team a significant boost. We stressed the basics that we do every summer and that is to train smart, not just train hard, and to stay consistent,” added Kerber. “The personal challenge that we have presented to all of them is to carve out their own legacies in the ACC post Patrick Hilby era.  Run for fun and always personal best and the rest will fall into place.”

 

8 Niles (Northridge Prep)

Coach – Julian Murphy

2023 Finish: 4-1A; 1-KMac Sec; 1-Beacon Reg; 1-ISL.

Top Runners: James Barder SR, Peter Kipp JR, John Masaka SO, Tommy Hansen SR, Ryan Holler JR, Blake Quinley So, Joshua Allen SO.

Notes: It was a great end of the season in 2023 for the Knights missing a state trophy by one position finishing fourth. Northridge Prep headed into the state meet strong winning their league title followed by wins in their regional and sectional meets. Three runners are back led by James Barder, Peter Kipp, and John Masaka. All three runners were separated by 27 seconds led by Barder’s 39th place finish. Ryan Holler and Tommy Hansen look to be the runners to jump into the team’s top five but will need to get within 20 seconds of Hansen for this team again to pursue a top five finish.

 

9 Lombard (Montini Catholic)

Coach – Eric Brechtel

2023 Finish: 18-1A; 4-KMac Sec; 2-Westmt Reg; 9-CCL.

Top Runners: Nolan Ferris SR, Nino Pesola SO, Andrew Vreeland SO, Conor Kaefer SR, Gavin Conway SO, Adriel Garcia SO, Owen Ferris SO, Sean Buckley JR.

Notes: Expectations should be high for this West Suburban school after finishing 18 in last year’s Class 1A State Meet. All seven runners from that state team are back ready to take the next step up. Four of that top seven are just sophomores making this season even promising. Nolan Ferris is the top returning runner finishing 35th last fall looking to climb much higher in 2024. “Nolan has been running Montini Summer camps since he was in 4th grade, so this is definitely a bittersweet year,” said his coach, Eric Brechtel. “He has big goals and the motivation to realize them.  We're excited to embark on his senior season.”

 

Nino Pesola, Andrew Vreeland, Gavin Conway, Owen Ferris, Adriel Garcia are the five sophomores that will give this team a boost. Ferris and Pesola were separated by 35 seconds at state. The next three runners that included Connor Kaefer were separated by just 11 seconds. Keeping the split from the top two to the pack needs to be nearly 30 seconds. Ferris after a good junior year could finish in the top 15. “Collectively this has been one of our better summers in recent memory,” said Buechel. “We have returned 7 of our top 10 from last season and we have increased mileage across the board. Our rising sophomores had much stronger summers than they did coming in Freshman year.  This is probably the deepest roster talent wise I have had since I started coaching at Montini.  We have a lot of work to do to realize that potential and we are in the process of doing so.”

 

10 St. Joseph-Ogden

Coach – Jason Retz

2023 Finish: 6-1A; 2-DST Sec; 1-Chrsmn Reg; 1-IPC.

Top Runners: Jack Fisher SR, Lance Retz JR, Mason Guido SR, Colin Burnett SO, Nate Farney SO, Joe Griebat SR.

Notes: The Spartans will miss last year’s top runner Carson Maroon who graduated. There is still a good group heading back this fall as SJO finished sixth in last year’s 1A State Meet. Four runners are back from that team led by Jack Fisher who was the Spartans’ third runner last November. “Jack loves running and challenging himself,” said coach, Jason Retz. “When it's time to race, Jack is ready to race. He has been putting in the miles this summer and is ready to make an impact his senior year.”

 

Mason Guido and Lance Retz form a solid second and third runner pack for this team that could close the 30-second gap from Fisher. Retz could be the runner that will give this team a huge boost over the next couple of months. “Lance's consistency is incredible,” said his father and coach. “His knowledge of the sport and communication with coaches and athletes on his team and others is one of the things he enjoys most about this sport. This sport is full of great people and he has created a great circle of support. His training since covid has taken a great progression. His trust in himself, coaches, and training are putting him in a position to continue to grow as a person and athlete.”

 

This team should make a return a trip to Detweiller Park in November. Sophomores Colin Burnett and Nate Farney could move into the top five and make this team stronger. The top five split at this point is projected to be at 75 seconds. It could be lower than state series time. “Our team is growing and learning the essentials of being a distance runner. Our team will look very different on the second Saturday in November from where we are now.  It'll be exciting to watch,” said Coach Retz. “The most important day we have is the day we are in. This is a wonderful sport full of great people, enjoy it! If we continue to grow each day, we'll set ourselves up to become better versions of ourselves.”

 

11 Rockford (Christian)

Coach – Randy Moore

2023 Finish: 8-1A; 1-Oreg Sec; 1-Bago Reg; 2-BNC

Top Runners: Andrew Kurien SR, Evan White JR, Blake Lindberg SO, Joel White JR, Sam Walsh JR, Zac Wesselin SO, Brendan McGonigal JR, Julian Honeyville JR, Mason Brock FR, Kolton Cortese FR, Griffin Mineau FR.

Notes: It is a process for the royal Lions every season: “Run the Miles; Build the Culture. Together.” It seems at the end of every season we see Rockford Christian challenging for a top finish in the Class 1A Meet. Last year, it was an eighth-place finish at state. This returns seven runners from last year’s team. Their lone graduation came from Weston Forward who was the team’s top runner the past four years. His presence still lingers in every turn they run. “From running with Weston Forward last year, the team learned valuable lessons about discipline and humility,” said Coach, Randy Moore. “Weston’s legacy has shown them the benefits of consistent, week-by-week training and prioritizing the team. The boys have been inspired by how this dedication and sacrifice leads to team success.”

 

Andrew Kurien will be the team’s top runner this season after earning all-state honors placing 14th last fall. “Andrew Kurien's leadership and discipline have been outstanding this summer,” said Moore. “He’s on track for over 700 miles, and his efforts to keep the squad running together have been invaluable.” Evan White is the team’s second runner and was 52 seconds behind Kurien last November. He has stepped up in a big way this summer according to Moore and might be the team’s big difference maker. “It seems that participating in Magis Miles has given him a new perspective on himself as a distance runner, and I’m excited to see how this shift in mindset will further impact his cross-country season,” added Moore.

 

Kurien is a good chance to finish in the top 10 individually. It will be interesting to see how the pack develops behind White. Blake Lindberg and Joel White are some of the large returning group of runners you can see in the top five. Joel Honeyville had a great summer and could make a big push on the varsity level. “Summer training went exceptionally well,” added Moore. “Currently, seven of our runners are on track to complete at least 500 miles each this summer. We've seen significant improvements across all our training metrics, including long runs, mile repeats, and tempo runs. Even more importantly, most of these miles have been completed as a team.”

 

12 Herscher

Coach – Rob Grosso

2023 Finish: 17-1A; 3-KMac Sec; 1-KMac Reg; 1-ICE.

Top Runners: Jackson Kruse SO, Brayden Shepard SR, Jeremy Szepelak JR, Matthew Benoit SR, Joshua Thorson SR, Brycen Steffen JR, Michael Ringhofer SO, Ezekiel Houberg SR.

Notes: Herscher again should be one of the top teams in their conference and section areas. The Tigers ended up finishing 17 in the Class 1A State Meet. Their top five runners from last year’s state race are back. Jackson Kruse had a good freshman season stepping up as the team’s runner at the end of last year finishing 67th at state. Brayden Shepard leads a pack that were 28 seconds behind Kruse at state. Jeremy Szepelak, Matthew Benoit, and Joshua Thorsen were all in the state top five and just 32 seconds behind Shepard. The two through five runner pack split is expected to be within 50 seconds of each other by state series. Herscher should look to continue to progress during this season. A top ten state finish is not out of the question.

 

13 Pinckneyville

Coach – Ryan Bruns

2023 Finish: 10-1A; 2-Bent Sec; 2-Chester Reg; 2-SIRR Miss.

Top Runners: Landen Boman JR, Christian Queen JR, Landon Carter SR, Brendan Conway SR, Jesse Winter SO, Zach Teel SO, Aiden Carter SO, Cale Schneider JR.

Notes: Pinckneyville was helped in their tenth-place finish from the second-place individual finish from graduated Isaac Teel. The Panthers do have their remaining six runners back from their state team. Landon Boman was among the top 50 runners in Class 1A and will look to get among the top 25 in this seasonal campaign. Christian Queen, Landon Carter, and Brendan Conway return to give the team strength in the pack. Sophomores Zach Teel, Jesse Winter, and Aiden Carter could all find their way into the top five. The Panthers finished second at the Benton Sectional and tenth at state. Even without the graduated Teel, you should see Pinckneyville back on the starting line at Detweiller Park at least in the top half of the standings.

 

14 Fairfield

Coach – Justin Sanders

2023 Finish: 13-DST Sec; 4-Fair Reg; 1-BDC.

Top Runners: Grant Jennette JR, Nathan Legg SR, Treyton Lewis SO, Skylar Bladel SO, Jarret Vaughan SO, Ashton King SO, Justin Johnson SO, Holt Gilbert SR.

Notes: The one team that I will keep an eye on especially in the first month of the season is the development of this Fairfield team. The Mules did finish 13 at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional last year and did not advance to state. They did have four freshman in their top seven last fall. That’s just one more year of experience. “I am very excited to see what our large group of sophomores can do in their second season,” said their coach, Justin Sanders. “Last year, many of them were part of our top 7 and I really felt like they outperformed expectations.  Many of them are coming off a very strong track season. They know it's going to be tough to crack the top 5-7. I'm looking forward to seeing them compete against each other and get better.”

 

Grant Jennette did make it to state as an individual qualifier placing 54th as a sophomore. Jeanette improved in the spring qualifying in track in the 3200 Meter Run and 1600 Meter Run. He will lead this team once again. “Grant is a very tough kid. He's qualified for the State meet in both his first two years, and I look for him to be competing for a top 25 finish this season,” said Sanders. “He is a great example for our younger runners because he shows them you have to put the work in, in order to have success.” Nathan Legg averaged 90 seconds behind Jennette last fall. That gap should diminish during the season. A good last year by Treyton Lewis, Skyler Bladel, and Jarrett Vaughan last spring and summer will get these sophomores closer to Legg. Normally 13th place sectional teams the year before don’t make it to the state meet. This team this fall could earn a trip to Detweiller Park in November.

 

“The big thing we've discussed this summer is "why not now?" Last year, we always kind of looked at the '26 season as our best chance to advance to state as a team,” added Sanders.  “This summer, that idea sort of shifted into "why can't it be this season?" I feel like this team has a chance to be special this year.”

 

15 Tolono (Unity)

Coach – Nicole Bagwell

2023 Finish: 25-1A; 5-DST Sec; 3-Sulvn Reg; 3-IPC.

Top Runners: Eli Crowe JR, Camden Fairbanks JR, Ryan Akers JR, Collin Craven JR, Carter Tiemann JR, Alex Mowrer SR, Alex Wells SO, Lincoln Johnson FR, Carson Fairbanks FR.

Notes: Unity showed great progress at the end of last year finishing fifth at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional then 25th at state. Their top four runners as well as six of seven runners are back. “Training went well this summer,” said coach, Nicole Bagwell. “We had pretty high numbers when we met, and their runs improved as the summer went on. We traveled off campus a few times and did some training in different parts of the state, which the boys enjoyed and got better from. Everyone improved their progression and long runs and got better.”

 

Eli Crowe was the team’s top runner finishing 83rd in the state and should place higher in 2024. “Eli has spent a lot of time training this summer,” said Bagwell. “He always works hard and gives 100% at practice. His progression runs improved from the beginning of summer and his pace for his long runs dropped as well. I am excited to see what his cross-country season is going to look like.” Camden Fairbanks showed improvement last spring running track for the first time. Bagwell is eager to see how that addition running will help Fairbanks this fall. Ryan Akers, Collin Craven, and Carter Tiemann have made big strides over the past summer ready to make this team better. “They all have big goals for themselves this year,” added Bagwell. “I think it was more just them knowing that they have to put the work in each day in order to accomplish what they are wanting to, both individually and as a team.”

 

16 El Paso-Gridley

Coach – Michael Melick

2023 Finish: 14-1A; 5-Elmwd Sec; 4-PND Reg; 2-HOI.

Top Runners: Isaac Porzelius SR, Drew Cooper JR, Pierson Romersberger SR, Israel Nowark JR, Elijah Webster SO, Jack Gramm JR, Marcus Wiegand SO, Roman Wenger SO.

Notes: It is hard to see where the Titans will finish this fall. El Paso-Gridley finished 14 in last year’s 1A State Meet making it there by finishing fifth in a tough Elmwood Sectional. Most of the teams in that sectional have improved, making the task of being one of the top six teams tougher. Their top two runners from last year have graduated. The Titans do return four from that state team.

 

Big things will be looked at for Isaac Porzelius as he returns for his senior season. He finished 86th at state and will be the team’s top runner. The pack could be good separated last November by just 13 seconds. Drew Cooper, Israel Nowark, and Pierson Romersberger all need to move that pack to within 25 seconds of Porzelius. Elijah Webster and Jack Gramm are some of the runners that will challenge for the fifth spot. There is a 45 second gap between the fourth and fifth runners starting the season that will be needed to close for this team to make it back to the state meet in November.

 

17 Eureka

Coach – Olivia Morris

2023 Finish: 5-1A; 1-Elmwd Sec; 3=PND Reg; 1-HOI.

Top Runners: Timothy Rogers JR, Connell Roth JR, Gavin Slater JR, Landon Wurmnest SO, Orion Mahannah JR, Jonny Bender SO, Tucker Hinkle SR, Colt Ulrich SO. Davin Dingledine SO

Notes: It could be a rebuilding season for the Hornets after finishing fifth in Class 1A. The team only returns two runners from last year’s state team. Connell Roth and Timothy Rogers are the two runners back as they were the team’s sixth and seventh runners with Roth finishing 113th. Tucker Hinke had a good summer of training according to their coach, Olivia Morris, with Hinke ready to be among the top runners on this team. It may be hard to distinguish the top five staring out in a couple of weeks. Eureka is projected to have a 70 second split on their top five which is not that bad. Moving that group up 30 seconds closer to the front is a key to watch if this team is to make it to state.

 

18 Tuscola

Coach – Neal Garrison

2023 Finish: 1-1A; 1-DST Sec; 1-Sulvn Reg; 1-CIC.

Top Runners: Blake McLeese JR, Xander Neamtu SR, David Hornaday SR, Boyd Brewer JR, James Jonas JR, Aaron Hegarty JR, Kade Wilcox SR, Jaxsyn Taylor SO, Kamden Flenner JR, Braden Smith JR.

Notes: The Warriors destroyed most of their competition during last fall until state when they won by seven points over a tough Benton team. Tuscola lost top runners Josiah Hortin, Jackson Barrett, and Will Foltz to graduation after all of them finished among the top runners in that race. It will need to be more of a pack-oriented team that could contend for a trophy. At the beginning of this season, it looks more like a top 10 team. Again, it is only August.

 

Blake McLeese missed the team’s regional and sectional meet but did run at state finishing 30 as the team’s fourth runner. Xander Neamtu will be a solid second runner on this team and try to close the 20 second gap that might be on McLeese. David Hornaday was 43 seconds behind Neamtu and will lead the pack behind the front two. Boyd Brewer is a solid fourth runner and will need to get closer to Hornaday. Juniors James Jonas and Aaron Hagerty were within 10 seconds of each other in races last fall. A key will be getting that group near Hornaday or Brewer.

 

19 Clinton

Coach – Rachel Lyons/Leann Sosamon

2023 Finish: 23-1A; 4-DST Sec; 2-Sulvn Reg; 2-CIC.

Top Runners: Talan Thrasher SR, Colin Jameson SR, Abel Koritz JR, Justin Droke SO, Gavin Klein SO, Brockton Sumner FR, Cayden Bostic FR, Noah Rhodes JR.

Notes: This could be a big season for the Maroons entering this fall. They did lose top 50 finisher Drew Moser to graduation. Clinton does return the next six runners from the team that finished 23rd in the Class 1A State Meet. “It’s hard to follow up a summer training block that includes Colorado (last summer), but somehow these kids did it,” said their coach, Rachel Lyons.  “Credit has to go out to Talan Thrasher who successfully got our freshman class fully invested in summer training. Our team size is huge and the commitment level from the kids matches the size. It honestly FEELS like we have an army at practice compared to previous seasons.”

 

Thrasher and Colin Jameson are the only seniors on what will be a young team this fall. Thrasher was the team’s second runner last November, some 30 seconds ahead of Jameson. The two seniors need to close that gap in the front. “Both Talan and Colin are running in a way they have never run before. Both are committed leaders. While the senior class is small, they make up for the small class size with their leadership and commitment,” Lyons said. “Talan is a natural coach/recruiter. The coaching staff truly has him to thank for recruiting freshman boys to be fully invested in summer training. He organized daily runs and routes. He fully understands the depth and talent of that class and yearns for them to achieve their potential, even if it is at the cost of them running faster than him. His commitment to daily consistency has been unmatched in our program.” The freshmen led by Brocton Sumner and Cayden Bostic will make their top five even stronger. Sixth runner Oliver Goar will not run instead focused on swimming. Abel Koritz and Justin Droke were in the top five last year and their experience will help. Their top five split should be good close to 55 seconds. The key is getting Thrasher and Jameson near the top 50 in the state race.

 

20 Glen Carbon (Father McGivney)

Coach – James Helton

2023 Finish: 8-Bent Sec; 2-TreWes Reg; 1-GMC

Top Runners: Liam Schmidt JR, Levi Huber SR, Connor Schmidt JR, Liam Boeving SR, Aidan Schmidt JR, Gus Range SR, Eric Rybak FR, Andrew Leonelli FR, Caleb Payne FR, Nolan Schmeider FR.

Notes: The Griffins came close to making it Peoria last November falling short in finishing eighth at the Benton Sectional. Things can change in a year for this team as they will go after a trip to Detweiller Park in November. “We had good participation from the entire squad,” said coach, James Helton. “With guys from our 4x8 state qualifying team, 4 guys under 5:00, we have the potential to take the next step as a team.  We accomplished work this summer we never could do.”

 

All seven runners are back from the sectional placing team. Liam, Connor, and Aidan Schmidt all have taken leadership with this team pushing his teammates to great summer training sessions. Liam Boeving and Levi Huber have stepped up and should be closer to Liam Schmidt. Helton has a good freshman group arriving in the school led by Andrew Leonelli and Eric Rybak that could make an impact on the team’s top group. Father McGivney’s top five split was just 49 seconds. The depth that this team has could lower that split. Moving their top five closer to the front in races will make good things happen in November. “Our main message this summer was leadership,” said Helton. “Last year we struggled with 7 individual runners…vs. a team.  Did they learn from our less-than-stellar performance at Sectional last on poor course conditions.  Will they hunt for each other?  Seniors Levi Huber, Liam Boeving, and the Schmidt triplets could be formidable if we concentrate on TEAM.”

 

21 Urbana (University)

Coach – Kyle Hummel

2023 Finish: 8-DST; 3-Chrsmn Reg.

Top Runners: Ross Kimme SR, Bruce Tang SR, Pieter Duursma SR, Felix Lee SR, Luke Fahnestock SR, Enrico Duursma JR, Will Miller JR, Kyle Fan JR.

Notes: This team is senior orientated with their top five finishers from the eighth-place St. Teresa Sectional all back and seniors. Bruce Tang was the team’s top runner in their sectional race and second runner in their two previous races. Ross Kimme was the team’s third runner before sectionals and Pieter Duursma the top runner before sectionals. Any of those top three runners could be their top runners during the season. Felix Lee and Luke Fahnestock were within a second of each other in that sectional rounding out a strong top five. The split on those runners was just 36 seconds. Moving that pack up in races with that split moves them closer to the state meet.

 

22 Port Byron (Riverdale)

Coach – Kevin Claus

2023 Finish: 20-1A; 4-Oreg Sec; 1-BurVal Reg; 1-TRAC.

Top Runners: Braeden Bode JR, Andy Murray SR, Conner Musser SO, Adam Benoit SR, Merik Rozek SR, Nolan Peirce JR, Ethan Swift SO, Miles Petersen SO.

Notes: The Rams entered the Class 1A State Meet after winning their regional and then finishing fourth in their sectional. The team did not have their best of the reason finishing 20 in the Class 1A State Meet. Four runners are back from that state team. Braeden Bode was the team’s top runner until state. He ran 15:49 three weeks before state at Detweiller Park. He did not have his best race at state running 17:21. Andy Murray was the team’s second runner in the state race improving his Detweiller Park time by 26 seconds. Murray finished 55 seconds ahead of Bode. Both will push for the team’s top spot. Connor Musser and Adam Benoit should again be challenging for a spot in the top five. Marik Rozek will lead a group that will challenge for a spot in the top five. The team could start the season in the mid two-minute range. That will need to come down for this team to be tough during the state series.

 

23 Elgin (Harvest Christian Academy)

Coach – Steven Bland

2023 Finish: 11-1A; 2-KMac Sec; 1-Wstmt Reg.

Top Runners: Luca Bryja JR, Tyler Linta JR, Lucas Pagan SO, Caleb Gomzalez JR, Jack Welsh JR, Ethan Terrien SR.

Notes: The Lions finished 11th last year in the Class 1A State Meet and will return five runners from that state squad. Their top runner JJ Gonnam from last year’s state race earned all-state honors placing 25th. Gonnam graduated with Coach Steven Bland looking for a new top runner to lead his team. Second runner Luca Bryja looks to step into the top spot after finishing 37th last November. Another sophomore, Tyler Linta finished a minute behind Bryja in Peoria. He should lead the pack with Lucas Pagan and Caleb Gonzalez giving the Lions a strong top four. The top five split is close to 2:20 projected to start the year. That split needs to come down for HCA to advance to the second weekend of November.

 

24 Shelbyville

Coach – Levi Pruemer

2023 Finish: 15-DST Sec; 7-Sulvn Reg; 3-CIC.

Top Runners: Ryne Peavler JR, Warren Weekly SO, Jake Palmer SO, Henry Woolery SO, Ayson Fisher JR, Silas Hicks SO, Jack McClain SR, Caden Bray SO.

Notes: The top five runners for last year’s Shelbyville team that finished 15th at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. Ryne Peavley was the team’s top runner at the end of last year and could finish the run in the front for this team. Sophomores Warren Weakley, Jake Palmer, Henry Woolery along with junior Ayson Fisher provide the Rams a solid top five. However, the top five split for the team could be a concern. Their top five split in their sectional race was at 1:45 with Peavler and Weekly within 17 seconds of each other. Keeping a close eye on how this top five develops this year could be a key issue for this squad.

 

25 Roxana

Coach – Ben Scamihorn

2023 Finish: 27-1A; 5-Bent Sec; 1-TreWes Reg; 3-Cahokia Miss.

Top Runners: Wyatt Doyle SR, Anthony Hardin JR, Noah Smith JR, Noah Crump SO, Noah McVey SR, Aaron Shields SR, Easton Johnston SO, Angel Santiago FR, Christian McGhee FR, Conrad Heigert FR.

Notes – Roxana made it to the Class 1A State Meet by finishing fifth at the Benton Sectional and then placing 27th at state the following week. This group is in a good position to improve on last year’s returning five runners from their top seven. “Training has gone well this summer,” said Roxana Coach, Ben Scamihorn. “The majority of my boys have slowly increased their mileage and are further along in our tempo progression than last summer. Summer is also a great time to work on their all-out speed, and Coach Akal and I have noticed some massive improvements in this area from a lot of our boys.

 

Wyatt Doyle sill step in as the team’s top runner after the graduation of Hunter Ponce. “Wyatt has had a great summer,” said Scamihorn. “Wyatt works during our summer practice times, so he has done all of his training on his own this summer. That is something that would slow a lot of guys down, but Wyatt hasn’t missed any runs and has been having solid workouts compared to where he was last summer. He has done the training that will allow him to have a great season this fall.” Anthony Hardin and Noah Smith will lead the pack behind Doyle. Their 2-5 split is projected to be 37 seconds to start the season. A key will be getting that pack close to 30 seconds near Doyle. “The one message I stressed this summer was consistency, consistency, consistency,” stated Scamihorn. “I try and make sure my athletes know that successes don’t happen overnight and that if they remain consistent with their training, the results will follow. Most of the runners have put in a lot of miles outside of practice this summer and are excited to see the benefits from that work this fall.”

 

26 Decatur (St. Teresa)

Coach – Todd Vohland

2023 Finish: 19-1A; 6-DST Sec; 4-Sulvn Reg.

Top Runners: Evan Cook SR, Matt Auburn SR, Nathaniel Babcock SR, Carter Boyer SR, Andrew Larry SO, Paul Candelaria SR.

Notes: The Bulldogs just escaped to state finishing sixth in their own sectional. They followed that up the next week finishing 19th at state. Chances are good that the team could better their finish. Evan Cook earned all-state honors last spring in the 3200 Meter Run and made the finals in the 1600. He already set a personal best at Detweiller at Dark running 15:37. Good things are ahead this year for him. “This was his best summer,” said coach, Todd Vohland. “Breathing issues from last fall seem to be improved. Ethan had a nice run at Detweiller at Dark.” Matt Auburn has also improved and will look to close the gap on Cook. “Matt Auburn has had his best summer, especially the last half,” added Vohland. “It seems like he is poised for his best season.” The split between Cook and Auburn along with Nathaniel Babcock were separated by 53 seconds at state. Their top five split may need to be worked on for St. Teresa to make it back to the state meet.

 

27 Toledo (Cumberland)

Coach – Jim Miller

2023 Finish: 12-DST Sec; 2-Fair Reg; 3-LPC.

Top Runners: Cameron Roedl SO, Riley Morgan SR, Kaleb Bierman JR, Kade Bradley, JR, Sawyer Wellbaum JR, Cole Margenthaler JR, Max Strader JR.

Notes: The Pirates will look to improve on their 12th place finish from the St. Teresa Sectional. They are in good shape to achieve that having six runners back from their top seven. Cameron Roedl moved during into the #1 position for Cumberland last year. He made it to state as an individual qualifier finishing 54th at state. A top 25 finish for the now sophomore is within his reach this November. What this team will have to work on is the second through fifth pack behind Roedl. Riley Morgan finished 70 seconds behind Roedl in the sectional race, 62 seconds in their regional race. That gap needs to be under 60 seconds by the end of September. Juniors Kaleb Bierman and Kade Bradley averaged 80 seconds behind Morgan with Sawyer Wellbaum expected to be close behind. A lot of work will be needed on a possible 2:30 split on five runners. Roedl should make it back to state. Lowering their top five splits to near 90 seconds will improve on last year’s finish and possibly to state.

 

28 Princeville

Coach – Tait Sennett

2023 Finish: 8-Elmwd Sec; 5-PND Reg; 1-LTC.

Top Runners: Tucker Sennett SR, Matthew Bowers SR, Taylor Hess JR, Collin Bowers SO, Jacob Bosch SO, Elliott Walles SO, Oliver Melick SO.

Notes: The toughest sectional meet last year to advance out of was at Elmwood. Princeville found that out running a good race yet finishing eighth overall. Six runners are back from a group that aims to finish higher in 2024. Tucker Sennett was one of two runners to advance to state for the Princes. Sennett ran 16:14 to finish 82 in the 1A race. He ran 15:52 the week before in the sectional. The senior will lead this team this fall possibly with a state finish under 40. Pack racing behind Sennett between their second through fifth runners will be something to watch for. Matthew Bowers will be the front runner in that pack. He was 60 seconds behind Sennett, 60 seconds ahead of Taylor Hess, Colin Bowers, and Jacon Bosch. This is a young group with Sennett and Bowers projected to be the only seniors in the top seven. The experience the young “pups” had from last year should help them this season. Their top five split off Sennett is projected to be near 2:30. It should drop considerably as they make it through to the beginning of the first month of the season. We will find an indication of how good this team is at that point.

 

29 Cerro Gordo (Bement)

Coach – James Callaway

2023 Finish: 7-DST Sec; 5-Sulvn Reg; 1-LPC.

Top Runners: Will Fuson JR, Brayden Strack SR, John Paul Brewer SR, Tyce Alumbaugh SR, Brenden Puckett SR, Azul Mendez SO, Noah Flach SO.

Notes: Cerro Gordo-Bement snuck up on so many teams during the 2023 but just came up short missing state by one position finishing seventh at the Decatur St Teresa Sectional. The Broncos were driven by a strong 1-2 punch in the front by Will Fuson and Dylan Howell. With Howell gone having graduated, it leaves Fuson to lead this team. Fuson will lead this team as a junior like he did last November at state finishing 12. Don’t be surprised if he is a top 5 finisher in November. His track season indicates that finishing fifth in the 800 Meter Run and sixth in the 1600 Meter Run in the Class 1A State Meet. The Broncos will have single digit points from Fuson up front. They will need a stronger pack behind him. Four more runners are back from the sectional team led by Brayden Strack. There will be a gap of two minutes behind Fusion. The pack split is not bad of 73 seconds projected off Strack. Having Strack within 85 seconds of Fuson and then the group pack of 50 seconds is doable. They missed the state meet last year. The Broncos just might punch their ticket to Peoria in a couple of months.

 

30 Murphysboro

Coach – Cody Ellermeyer

2023 Finish: 29-1A; 4-Bent Sec; 3-Chester Reg; 2-SIRR OH.

Top Runners: Jonathan Witzman JR, Edgar Garcia SO, Jack Castleman SR, Hunter Douglas SO, Brayden Craig SR, Ethan Mueller SO, Jacob Forby JR.

Notes: It is nice for a coach to have the majority of his top seven back to the new season with state meet experience. Such is the case for Murphysboro who made it to the Class 1A State Meet in 2023 finishing 29th. Six runners are back from that group. Jonathan Witzman was a consistant #1 runner for the Red Devils and should be pushed by Edgar Garcia in the front. Witzman’s best performance was at state when he ran 16:36. This time needs to drop to near 16-minutes this season. The split on the team’s top five runners at state last year was close to 60 seconds. With top five runner Tobius Rainey graduated, a fifth runner will need to be found. The top five to start the season could jump up an additional 2:30.

 

Other Class 1A Boys Teams to Watch

 

Cowden-Herrick

Coach – Clint Lorton

2023 Finish – 11-DST Sec; 3-Fair Reg; 1-NTC.

Top Runners: August Cosart JR, Griffin Vaughn SO, Aiden Wallace SR, Porter Lilly SO, Hayden Sarver SO, Drake Richards JR.

Notes: This team will surprise some maybe not this year but in 2025. The Bobcats jumped into the state scene earning the school’s first trophy tying for first in 2021 in the Class 1A State Track and Field Meet. We could see the same scenario from the same school soon. Cowden-Herrick finished 11th last October at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional. The Bobcats did that with three freshmen in the top five. August Cosart, a junior, and Griffin Vaughn, a sophomore give this team a strong 1-2 up front. Mind you, their top five split starting this season between 2:10 and 2:20 which will be okay. They are trending improvement with every race they are in. Don’t be surprised in they have individuals in the state race. They are close to getting a position on the starting line in the Class 1A State Meet.

 

Gillespie

Coach – Jay Weber

2023 Finish: 9-Sulvn Reg; 1-SCC

Top Runners: Chaz Oberkfell JR, Hank Fletcher JR, Carter Sies JR, Marshall Garwood JR, Matthew Plovich SO, Lucca Kapp SO, Nolan Ruyle FR, Nolan Hostettler FR, Bryce Stoecker FR.

Notes: I think we will see this team make it past regionals after finishing ninth last year at Sullivan. They could possibly finish in the sectional top 10 or perhaps higher than that with six runners back and a strong freshman group. Chaz Oberkfell will continue to improve this fall after finishing seventh in his sectional and then 21st at state. Oberkfell was all-state last spring in the 1600 Meter Run. “Chaz is a special kid and a great natural talent, but over the last year, he is really learning and embracing training and racing,” said his Coach, Jay Weber. “Before his freshman track season, he had never run distance in his life and hated running. We intended to just stretch him out for the 4 x 800, then tried him in the 1600, and he found he had some talent. Last season, as a sophomore, was his first ever XC season and he was All State and ran 15:21. His training has been much more solid this summer, and his mindset is excellent. He fully intends to stick himself with the group at the top of the 1A field and run for a championship. Given how much success he’s already had, and how young his training age is (just over a year), I am very excited to see what he is capable of over these next two years.”

 

The split between Oberkfell and second runner Hank Fletcher was close to two minutes. It may narrow a little especially with the way their all-state junior is improving. They have a 90 second split projected between Fletcher, Carter Sies, and the rest of the pack. This is a young team with no seniors in the top seven. The addition of a freshman group led by Nolan Ruyle will make this team tougher. “After winning the SCC Conference last season, the guys have a goal to repeat as Conference Champs (convincingly) and to give it their all to qualify for State as a team,” Weber said. “The message has been about consistent efforts, supporting each other to thrive as a team, and being willing to endure pain. This is a tightknit group who have really committed to what we are doing……should be a fun season.”

 

Glasford (Illini Bluffs)

Coach – Gavin Graham

2023 Finish: 10-Elmwd Sec; 7-PND Reg.

Top Runners: Eric Pincock JR, Fischer Dickinson SR, Levi Thomas JR, River Stoltz JR, Sam Souba SO, Jacob Russell SO.

Notes: The Tigers will look to improve on the 10 place finish out of the Elmwood Sectional last year. All five runners from that sectional team will be back led by Eric Pincock and Fischer Dickinson. The two runners were within four seconds of each other in that sectional race. Their top four is good having a split near 55 seconds. What could hurt them and possibly needs to be fixed is a 130 second split between their fourth and fifth runners.

 

Erie-Prophetstown

Coach – Elizabeth Green

2023 Finish – 15-1A; 5-Oreg Sec; 2-BurVal Reg; 2-TRAC.

Top Runners: Wyatt Goossens SR, Gus Schultz JR, Nathan Punke SO, Aidan Jepson SR, Alastaire Sweetser JR, Jacob Brooks SR.

Notes: The Panthers last year ended their 2023 season finishing 15 in the Class 1A State Meet. It could be a rebuilding season for Erie-Prophetstown with just two runners back from that state team. Wyatt Goossens and Gus Schultz were the team’s fourth and fifth runners in Peoria separated by just one second. Who will step into the next five is a question. Nathan Punke and Aidan Jepson ran close together last fall but are 75 seconds behind the top two. Several things will need to happen starting with lowering a projected 111 seconds on the top five plus moving that pack up 30 seconds a runner to get closer to the front.

 

Byron

Coach – Mike McHale

2023 Finish – 10-Oreg Sec; 3-Bago Reg; 5-BNC

Top Runners: Tim Starwalt JR, Braden Dietrich SO, Conner Welt SO, Micah Hilliker JR, River Wygant SO, Jace Jackson SO, Cael O’Horo SO, James Tunink JR.

Notes:  Byron will look to better their 10th place finish at the Oregon Sectional. Tim Starwalt again will be the Tigers top runner entering his junior season. Starwalt will be ready to go after finishing 32nd in last year’s Detweiller race. Starwalt among the top 20 in Class 1A is a strong possibility. Three runners are also back from the sectional race led by Braden Dietrich, a sophomore. This team is young with all underclassmen in the top seven. The split between Dieterich and whomever steps into the fifth spot should be close to 100 seconds.

 

Elmhurst (Timothy Christian)

Coach – Ericia Plaisier

2923 Finish: 24-1A; 5-KMac Sec; 3-Westmt Reg; 2-CSC.

Top Runners: Ryan McKenzie SR, Rich Meszaros SR, Nate Bemister SO, Jack Gudgel SR, Jake Ellens SR, Peyton Scholma SO, Will Meszaros SR.

Notes: Timothy Christian qualified for the state meet last year finishing 24 overall. The Trojans will return four runners from their team with their top two state runners having graduated. Ryan McKenzie was the team’s third runner last fall and should stop into the #1 position. The top five split will need to be lowered. The group containing Rich Meszaros, Nate Bemister, Jack Gudgel, and possibly Jake Ellens projects to be 110 seconds. This team still might advance out of their sectional considering the sectional they are in moving McKenzie up 30 seconds closer to the front with split narrowing to 86 seconds.

 

Monticello

Coach – Benton Singleton

2023 Finish: 8-Sulvn Reg; 6-IPC.

Top Runners: River Derby SR, Xander Anawaty JR, Ayden LeGrande SR, Jack Krumtinger SO, Kyle Wilson SO, Lukas Whitt SO, Christian Mikulich SO, Quinlan Gleason SO, Tim Sikorski FR, Eli Anderson FR, Aiden Lamm FR, Wolfgang Derby FR, Jaxon Clark FR.

Notes: It was heartbreaking for the Sages last fall finishing eighth in the Sullivan Regional missing advancing to sectionals by one point. This team should be hungry this fall returning six of their top seven runners. “Our training went well,” said Monticello coach, Benton Singleton. “We had a summer retreat in our first week of June where the students were able to be around each other and run together for the week. That week we focused on serving each other. What I mean by that is cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, grabbing water for each other after a run, listening to each other speak on various topics, etc. We wanted to make sure that this year was built on service and doing this together. We had groups made for each task throughout the week. They did each task together as a group. This helped build our culture into a strong and cohesive unit that will carry over once the season starts. This translated to their running and weight room workouts over the summer.”

 

River Derby and Xander Anawaty did advance to the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional and should be the team’s top two runners this season. “River is a naturally gifted runner,” said Singleton. “He has led by example in workouts in the past and is a hard worker. I look forward to seeing where he takes this team this year. Not only does he have a lot of potential, but the rest of the boys’ team does also too.” The top five could be interchangeable between eight runners including freshman Eli Anderson. Their top five split was close to three minutes in their final race. Cutting that split in half will get this team to sectionals and possibly beyond.

 

Auburn

Coach – Kip Smith

2023 Finish: 12-Elmwd Sec; 5-PORTA Reg; 3-Sangamo.

Top Runners: James Baisden JR, Jacob Barth JR, Beckem Hudson JR, Maddux McQuality SR, Wyatt Thurman JR, Jacob Barth JR, Elijah Scott JR

Notes: Could be a surprise in this sectional, possibly bettering last year’s 12 place sectional finish. All seven runners are back from the sectional team along with a good group of transfers in from other sports. “From what I have seen and heard the entire team has run more than before (to be honest only 30-40 miles per week but no Auburn CC team as ever been this consistent and committed,” said coach, Kip Smith. “However, nothing close to the summer miles we ran at Oak Park in my HS days.”

 

James Baisden ran in the state meet last year as an individual qualifier, placing 50th. He ran faster at the end of July at Detweiller at Dark. The junior is in reach of finishing this year in the top 25. “James is a dedicated and very consistent runner. Proud of what he accomplished in workouts and races throughout his career. Great person as well as runner.” An addition to the team that will be a big plus is Wyatt Thurman who missed last fall due to a knee injury. He was the team’s #1 runner his freshman season. Thurman dropped his PR’s dramatically last spring in the 800 and the 1600 as well as on the state qualifying team in the 4x8. This is a veteran team that will need to cut down their top five split (over 5 minutes at sectionals.  on their 2-5 split) to improve their sectional finish. “Our message was Put in the Miles,” added Smith. “All runners are Juniors and seniors so work full time and run when they can fit it in. I have been with them since they were in 5th and 6th grades. It is great to see them grow, mature, and learn how and why we do each workout.”

 

Bloomington (Central Catholic)

Coach – Bill Rhodes

2023 Finish: 16-Elmwd Sec; 4-PORTA Reg; 5-IPC.

Top Runners: Jonathan Blankenship SO, David Becker JR, Ben Meyer SO, Mason Clark SO, Nicholas Jelinek SO, Ian Bryson SO, Jonah Hamaker JR, Paul Koetters SO, Jamison McGraw SO.

Notes: This is a young team that got some experience last fall. Eight freshman were among the top 12 runners in 2023. The Saints finished 16th last October in the Elmwood Sectional. They will look to improve on that finish this year. Jonathan Blankenship was the top runner as a freshman and again should lead this team. Ben Meyer should be the leader of the pack starting the season. The team’s top five split at Elwood was just 20 seconds. The key now for BCC is to move that pack much closer to the front. Blakenship ran 17:49 in that sectional race.

 

Kewanee (Wethersfield)

Coach – Creston Fenn

2023 Finish: 11-Oreg Sec; 6-BurVal Reg; 3-LTC.

Top Runners: Karson Shrum SR, Noah Feltner JR, Cash Verstraete SO, Logan Davis SR, Daylon Hendrix SO, Nathan Van Cleve SR, Alex Holt SR.

Notes: Karson Shrum again should be the #1 runner for the Titans looking to improve on their 11th place finish at the Oregon Sectional. Shrum ran individually at state finishing 44. Big things could be ahead for this senior as he is within reach of an all-state finish. Four other runners are back along with Shrum that includes Noah Feltner and Cash Verstraete. A top five split is projected to be nearly four minutes to start the year. Shrum was 90 seconds ahead of the team most of last season.

 

Newton

Coach – Tim Bower

2023 Finish: 10-DST Sec; 1-Fair Reg; 1-LIC.

Top Runners: Hayden Borgic JR, Isaac Street SR, Jackson Sornberger SR, Tanner Whitaker JR, Wade Ochs JR, Holden Barthelmy SO, Levi Salyers FR, Alec Bower FR, Tyler Spiker FR, Bryce Ulmer.

Notes: The Eagles finished the season placing 10 at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional returning five runners but losing their top two runners to graduation. Jackson Sornberger and Hayden Borgic stepped up this summer and will challenge for the #1 spot on this team. “The boys seemed very motivated this summer and attendance was great for the summer runs we had,” said Coach Tim Bower. “Jackson Sornberger continues to show his dedication to the sport and looks to improve.  I did not see Hayden Borgic a lot this summer, but it was obvious when he did come that he had been working out on his own and he had come in looking very strong. He wants to be more consistent this season and I think he has a new confidence that will help.” The runners that are back from the sectional are separated by 61 seconds. The group will need to have three of their runners at least in the mid-16:30’s to challenge for a top six sectional finish in November.

 

Petersburg (PORTA)

Coach – Jacob Wooldridge

2023 Finish: 7-Elmwd Sec; 3-PORTA Reg; 2-Sangamo.

Top Runners: Kade Parker JR, Justin Zimmermann JR, DJ French JR, Bryce Sonnemaker SR, Nate Keller SR, Billy Thornton SR, Jake Schwartz FR, Sawyer Arbogast FR.

Notes: The Bluejays just missed making it to the state meet next year finishing seventh at the Elmwood Sectional. Their top two runners graduated along with rising sophomore Marque George not returning to the team. “Honestly, we did regress as a team this summer compared to how things went for the boys’ program the previous two years for attendance and miles run.,” said coach Jacob Wooldridge. “Most runners either had summer jobs or were young enough we had parent ride conflicts to get them together for team workouts (our district/co-op is huge geographically with only 6 of the 18 boys living within 10 miles of the school). Additionally, with roughly half (8 of 18 boys) our team being brand new to High School Cross Country, we had to lower total mileage goals to work them into the system without stress injuries or running them out of the program. On the plus side, all the boys are good kids, have good work ethics, and will do their best for the team. Once official practices get underway, I think things will mesh nicely and come together. We just will take a bit longer to get into our true race form than the previous few seasons for the PORTA Boys.”

 

Kade Parker steps in as the top runner for the Bluejays having been the fourth runner in their sectional race. Justin Zimmerman, DJ French, and Bryce Sonnemaker also return giving PORTA a solid top four. This is a traditionally strong program. PORTA may have a bumpy road to start the season. We will see how good this squad is by the time we get to the end of September.

 

Bluford-Webber

Coach – Jackson Pierce

2023 Finish: 16-DST Sec; 5-Fair Reg.

Top Runners: Jaxson Dalby SR, Nathan Marlow JR, Colter Stone SO, Brennan Tate JR, Axtyn Sherlock JR, James Gentry JR, Ashton James SR, Connor Withrow SO, Magic James SO.

Notes: The Trojans will look to better their finish from last year in November at Detweiller Park. Bluford-Webber finished 16th at the Decatur St. Teresa Sectional returning all seven sectional runners. Jaxon Dalby was the lone team runner at the state meet finishing in 76th-place. Nathan Marlow was within 23 seconds of Dalby in the sectional race and will be looked to close the gap this small. What needs to happen is the split on the next three runners cutting their 3-5 split under 60 seconds and staying within under two minutes of their top two.

 

Quincy (Notre Dame)

Coach – Leah Waters

2023 Finish: 15-Elmwd Sec; 1-QND Reg; 1-WCC.

Top Runners: Joseph Warning SR, Oliver Moore SR, Nathan Oliver SR, Roan Van Cleave SO, Logan Meyer JR, Austin Shull JR, Lucas Ohnemus SO, Cayson Peters SR, Royce Boyd JR.

Notes: The Raiders are one of the few Illinois schools that run cross-country but do not have a track & field program. QND still finished 15 at the Elmwood Sectional looking to improve on that finish. All seven sectionals are back ready for a successful fall. Joseph Warning again should be the team’s top runner with Oliver Moore the runner that will lead the 2-5 pack. “Joseph Warning comes into his senior season with three seasons of being the top varsity boy’s runner,” said the team’s coach, Leah Waters. “His experience and dedication to the sport are evident in all the successes he has had in this sport. I am excited to see the progression into his senior season and don't expect to be disappointed by any of his performances.” The top five split off Warning and 62 seconds off Moore. The splits should come down with every race this team runs.

 

Aledo (Mercer County)

Coach – Peter Nelson

2023 Finish: 8-Oreg Sec; 5-BurVal Reg; 2-LTC.

Top Runners: Jack McKnight SR, Mason Coulter SR, Payton Thirtyacre SO, Brody Clark JR, Brady McPeek SO, Tyce Litwiler SO, Josh Struble SO, Jewlious Brown FR, Julian Hedger FR.

Notes: Mercer County just missed a trip to the state meet finishing eighth at the Oregon Sectional. They will miss their top runner graduated Corbin Sturgill. The Golden Eagles do have five runners that are back that can take this team to the next level. Jack McKnight should step up into the #1 spot. “Jack has developed into an endurance animal,” said coach Peter Nelson.  “He does not lack effort or motivation each day in training. That along with a great head on his shoulders will prove to make for a great year.”

 

This team will again need to buy into some strong pack running and moving that pack closer to the front to Peoria. Mason Coulter and Payton Thirtyacre could be the runners to pull this team closer together. Don’t count this squad out in 2024. “Training was solid. We have a small but solid core of 6 returning varsity runners. They had a successful track season and kept it rolling this summer pushing each other in training,” added Nelson. “We’ve showed up for each other. We are not the deepest team but we have a solid core that will pack up and be dangerous.”

 

Paris

Coach – Missy Tingley

2023 Finish: 17-DST Sec; 5-Chrsmn Reg; 2-LIC.

Top Runners: Harrison Hays SO, Gage White SO, Nathan Fonner SO, Grayson Craffets SO, Storm Miller SO, Graham Templeton SR, Gavin Reed JR, Gage Wright SO, Shayn White SO.

Notes: This team is possibly a year away from making it to the state meet. Their top five runners last year were all freshman in 2023 so this team will still be growing into this fall. Harrison Hays stepped up in a big way a minute ahead of the rest of the pack that were led by Gage White and Nathan Fonner. Their top three split at St. Teresa was 98 seconds. The overall split was 163 seconds. Remember, this is a younger team that will learn to pack it up this season.

 

DuQuoin

Coach – Brandon Morris

2023 Finish: 28-1A; 6-Bent Sec; 4-Chester Reg; 3-SIRR-Miss.

Top Runners: Hayden Swiney SO, Caiden Cook SO, Zachary Tilley JR, Parker Ridgeway SR, Reid Tilley SR, Bo Knapp SR.

Notes: DuQuoin finished the season placing sixth just making it out of the Benton Sectional and then 28 in the Class 1A State Meet. The Indians have a good group back led Hayden Swiney. As a freshman last fall. Swiney stepped up as the team runner. He looked strong in Peoria finishing 75th. Caiden Cook again should be a strong second runner as he was 44 seconds behind Swiney at Detweiller Park. The top five split at the end of the year was 134 seconds. Getting their top five closer together, especially with the improvement of Swinney, gets this team back to Peoria.

 

Cullom (Tri-Point)

Coach – Brendan Elens

2023 Finish: 8-KMac Sec; 2-KMac Reg.

Top Runners: Joe Faris SO, Allen Lucero SO, Aiden Pluhowsky JR. Mitch Woods SO, Spencer Moreno JR, Glen Richie JR, Anthony Harell SR, Hunter Davies SR.

Notes: The Chargers just missed out on a state meet trip finishing eighth in the Kankakee McNamara Sectional. This sectional was the easiest to advance out of in Class 1A last season. It should be for Tri-Point especially with six runners coming back that ran at sectionals. Rising sophomores Joe Farris and Aiden Lucero did make it to Detweiller Park as individuals. That state race experience will be beneficial for this team this fall. Their top five split of over two minutes will need to be reduced for this team to advance to Detweiller Park and the Class 1A State Meet.

 

Belleville (Althoff Catholic)

Coach – Thomas Fischer

2023 Finish: 26-1A; 3-Bent Sec; 3-TreWes Reg; 2-GMC.

Top Runners: Ryan Schillinger SR, Ethan Schillinger SR, Brendan Rayle SR, Adam Jansen SO.

Notes: It was a big moment for the Crusaders at last fall’s sectional meet. They made it to the state meet for the first time in program history. They finished 26th in the Class 1A State Meet. Entering the start of the 2024 four season, Coach Thomas Fischer only has four runners on his roster. Ryan and Ethan Schillinger along with Adam Jansen ran in the state meet. “Summer miles have been very strong working on building miles, long runs, tempo and hills,” said Fischer. “Team goals is to get at least three runners to the state finals as individuals.  If we happen to get anyone else out maybe we can piece together a full team.”