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2009 Boys AA Individuals Preview
A look at some of the top runners in AA this season.
Michael Newman
Dyestat Illinois
2009 Boys AA
Individual Preview
 Clay Elward
Senior
Peoria Notre Dame
After a convincing win in the AA 3200 last spring, Elward comes into the fall campaign as one of the individual favorites.
Driven by his performance last fall when he paced 23rd, the Notre Dame senior is focused on winning what eluded him in 2008.
Paul Zeman
Junior
Belvidere North
Zeman was not at his best last fall finishing 27th place. He is healthy as he ran 9:33 / 4:25 last spring. One of the main
reasons Belvidere North will be one of the top teams in AA this season.
Ryan Todd
Senior
Jerseyville-Jersey
Overlooked by some, this southern Illinois runner is the #1 returnee in AA. Ran 4:21 to place 2nd in the AA 1600 last
spring. If the race at state comes down to a kick, watch out for this runner.
Tyson Kinsley
Senior
Sycamore
Last fall at this time, Kinsley was an unknown transfer from Jacksonville. A few months later, he placed 7th at Detweiller.
He will be a factor this fall and will not sneak up on anyone. “Tyson is aware that he is the third best runner returning
from the 2008 state meet,” said Sycamore coach Michael Lambdin. “He seems to be energized by the possibilities for the
2009 season and is taking the steps necessary to be prepared. Tyson should be exciting to watch.”
Ryan Alvarez
Senior
Crystal Lake Central
Early in the season of 2008, he was one of the favorites. He contracted mono which hampered his performance at state.
If he can stay healthy this season, he could be tough at state.
Ed McDaniel
Senior
Oak Forest
His best 3 mile time as a freshman was 21:01. 3 years later, he is in the hunt for an individual state championship. A
tough worker, he along with his teammate Patrik Gandhi (both pictured right) will lead Oak Forest back to state meet. “Eddie is one of the
most competitive runners I have ever coached and he will not settle for anything less than the best and he will tell you
that,” said his coach Gary Andruch.
Ian Sanchez
Senior
Richmond-Burton
15th in 2008, one of the runners that could surprise some this fall.
Gabe Moreno
Senior
Galesburg
He was 17th last year and did not have the best of track seasons. But that has driven to work harder than ever to prove.
“Gabe is out to prove a point as some people have asked what happened to him in the spring...he will get the job
done,” said Coach Craig Hillier.
Stephan Rauh
Senior
Metamora
Fans have forgotten about this Metamora Senior since he played tennis instead of track in the spring. But watch for this
runner this fall. “Stephan has been alternating between Tennis and Running but I anticipate a drop in time from him this
year,” said Coach Gene Jones.
Matt Reusche
Senior
Maple Park Kaneland
Placed 20th last fall, Reusche will be the key component of Kaneland finishing high this fall.
Other Top Runners To Watch in AA
(in alphabetical order)
Matt Cleveland
Sophomore
Danville
Could be the best sophomore in AA, watch his progression this fall.
Brett Conway
Senior
Troy Triad
A tireless worker whose efforts should pay off this fall.
| Johnny Crain | | Senior | | Dunlap | | | Fully healthy after surgery last fall, his track season indicates he will surprise people this fall. |
Blake Franson
Junior
Lake Villa Lakes
Watch this guy to make a huge step on the state level this fall.
Patrik Gandhi
Senior
Oak Forest
Massive improvement over the last year, ran 4:28 in the 1600. He will push his teammate McDaniel and could end up in the top 10 in state.
Matt Havey
Senior
Springfield
One of the key runners for the Senators, Havey just missed out on getting a medal last spring. He won’t miss in 2009.
Ben Kanute
Junior
Aurora Marmion Academy
In the World Championships for the Triathlon, watch him come back for Marmion to lead in November.
Justin Lee
Senior
Springfield
Will be one of the co-leaders of a tough Springfield squad.
Matt Newton
Junior
Jacksonville
Could be one of the top runners in the south this year.
Carl Rapp
Junior
Belvidere North
Will be pushing Paul Zeman this fall; had a great summer and should place in the top 25.
Ryan Root
Senior
Champaign Centennial
Had a breakout season in cross country finishing 35th and then running 9:37 in track, will be tough this fall.
Nick Schrader
Senior
DeKalb
His school was in AAA last fall; ran 9:37 in the spring. He will turn some heads in AA this fall.
Ryan Van Fossem
Senior
Metamora
Had a good track season running 9:48 for 3200; if he can stay healthy, he will have a shot in the top 15.
Logan Volkey
Junior
Belvidere North
Is ready for a breakout fall, watch him in the hunt for a top 15 position at state. |
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