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IPTT Boys 2A Season Preview
Sycamore's the team favorite; Individual race wide-open
from IllinoisPrepTopTimes.com
ILLINOIS PREP TOP TIMES
IHSA BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
CLASS 2A 2007 SEASON PREVIEW and RATINGS
prepared by Michael Newman
([email protected])
There will be a new champ in the “new” 2A class this fall. Sycamore looks to be the clear favorite in the team race with Chatham-Glenwood, Crystal Lake Central, and Springfield in the chase for a trophy. The individual race will be as open as can be with Derek Campbell of Sycamore, Nick Holmes of Bartonsville Limestone, and Blake Brooks of Dunlap being amongst the 10 individuals that will be in the hunt.
Team and individual previews are in alphabetical order - Pre-Season Team Ratings
PRE SEASON RATINGS
1. Sycamore
2. Chatham – Glenwood
3. Crystal Lake Central
4. Metamora
5. Galesburg
6. Springfield
7. Aurora Central Catholic
8. Springfield Sacred Heart – Griffin
9. Wheaton St. Francis
10. Yorkville
11. Bartonsville Limestone
12. Rock Island Alleman
13. Troy Triad
14. Normal University
15. Mt. Vernon
16. Centralia
17. Burlington Central
18. Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
19. Peoria Notre Dame
20. Lansing Illiana Christian
21. Salem
22. Freeburg
23. Peoria Richwoods
24. Jacksonville
25. Lombard Montini
Team Previews
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: Troy Kerber
2006 Finish: 8th Class A State Meet
Returnees: Max Gilbert JR (72nd, 16:22), Dan Kottkamp SO (111th, 16:52), Garrett McCarthy JR (137th, 17:09), James Sobucki SR (145th, 17:14).
Steven Bohr SR, Ryan Sobucki SO, Tom Barkei JR, Bryan Rudolph SO, Junior Veneccia JR, Robert Peterson SO, Joe Jochum SO, Marcus Jackson SR, Matt Sullivan JR, John Cisernos SO.
Outlook: Troy Kerber brings his squad from Class A to Class 2A. “In 1A we would be sitting pretty well,” said Kerber. “But then again, 2A gives us a realistic chance to continue being successful.” Kerber has 4 runners returning from his 8th place Class A team led by Junior Max Gilbert. Kerber feels that Gilbert is ready to take his performance to another level. Some other young guns will have to step up…so watch for Sophomore Dan Kottkamp, Junior Garrett McCarthy, and Sophomore John Cisernos to carry the load.
Major Meet Schedule:
8/29 Yorkville Invite
9/8 Westmont Invite
9/22 ACC Invite
9/29 Warrior Classic Invite
10/6 Benet Invite
10/8 Amboy Invite
10/13 SCC Conference Meet
Bartonville Limestone
Coach: Clint Lafary
2006 Finish: 10th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Nick Holmes SR (127th, 15:39). Mark Phan JR, Kyle Leuken SR, Sean Swanson SR, Kyle Reynolds JR, Brock Williams SR, Matt McKinley SR, Clay Burley SO, Nick Williams SO.
Outlook: Clint Lafray’s squad will benefit from the new class system…even if we were still in the old system, I think this squad would have to be considered as a state team. “This team is the strongest that its ever been. It has a strong shot at state,” said Lafary. Talented Senior Nick Holmes is the main man for Limestone…he ran 4:18 for 1600 meters at the end of last spring. He is backed up by a solid group of runners led by Junior Mark Phan and Senior Sean Swanson. We should see this team racing in Peoria in November.
Burlington Central
Coach: Tom Miller
2006 Finish: 7th Class AA Roselle Lake Park Regional
Returnees: Ryan Phebus SR, Kevin Meyer SR, Nic Laggett SO, Ryan Kohls JR, John Fleming SR, Joe Russo SO, Kevin Marshall JR, Chris Svymbersky SR.
Outlook: Two runners from a squad that looks to thrive in the new class system…Senior Ryan Phebus looks to be the #1 man for Coach Tom Miller.
Centralia
Coach: J.J. DeMattei
2006 Finish: 6th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Shane Campbell SO, Corey Meyer JR, Micah Sensel SR, Kenny Cullen SO, Derrick Schnake JR.
Stile Smith SR, Luke Eck SR, Jordan Kuder JR, Travis Westbrook SR.
Outlook: This squad was flying high the second half of last season…but just missed making it to state. Their top two are gone, but their remaining five returning for Coach J.J DeMattei. Sophomore Shane Campbell has to step it up for Centralia to be a factor in Southern Illinois.
Chatham-Glenwood
Coach: Mike Johnson
2006 Finish: 27th Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Neal Anderson SR (52nd, 15:06), Jon Carrigan SR (170th, 15:55), Greg Staley SR (181st, 15:59), Chris Gray SR (208th, 16:15), Adam Aydt SR (234th, 16:45), Brandon Johnson SR (237th, 16:48).
Brian Dixon SO, Tyler Fulles SR, Bobby Johnson SR, Pat Gray SO, Chris Cowell JR, Ryan Wendel JR, Tom Stone JR.
Outlook: Will be one of the top teams in Class 2A…”Hopefully, everyone improves to the point of being a pleasant surprise,” said Chatham-Glenwood Coach Mike Johnson. This team is full of talent led by Senior Neal Anderson, who could be one of the top runners in 2A. A key for Johnson will be how Senior Jon Carrigan recovers from a stress fracture that he had towards the end of track. A pleasant surprise could be Freshman Ryan Anderson (Neal’s brother). Ryan ran a handful of 1600’s under 5:00 in eighth grade. If they can keep the gap between 1 & 2 to 40 seconds and have a 20 second 2-5 spread, Chatham-Glenwood will be bringing home a trophy.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Granite City Invite
9/8 Springfield Lanphier Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/22 Springfield Invite
9/29 Loyola Lakefornt Invite @ Chicago
10/6 Centralia Invite
10/13 CS8 @ Lincoln
Crystal Lake Central
Coach: Bill Eschman
2006 Finish: 10th Class AA St. Charles North Sectional
Returnees: Jim Capalbo SR, Carson Sterchi SR, Tyler Whitfield SR, Ben Flavin SR, Steve Fenton SR.
Charlie Stough JR, Colin Hubbard JR, Michael Burseth SR, Chris Camden SR, Jake Gartner SR, Thomas Santucci JR, Eric Bremecker JR, Kyle Scott SO, Nikolas Jannusch JR.
Outlook: Could be a sleeper team in 2A. 5 runners return for Coach Bill Eschman. Jim Capalbo leads a group of 5 seniors to set up a solid core. Capalbo should be watched. Halfway through last fall, Jim was running JV. He came on like gangbusters the last few weeks. Senior Carson Sterchi will push Capalbo as well. One benefit for the Tigers will be running a schedule that is loaded with 3A schools. Running a schedule against tougher competition could boost them up come state series time.
Major Meet Schedule:
8/30 McHenry County Invite
9/8 Wauconda Invite
9/15 Warren Invite
9/22 Palatine Invite
9/29 Crete-Monee Pow Wow
9/29 Antioch Invite
10/13 Fox Valley Conference
Dunlap
Coach: Joe Wenskus
2006 Finish: 18th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Blake Brooks SR, Mark Giles SO, Steve Bettenhausen SR, Nathan Selling SR, Zach Reed SO, Sam Muir SR. Ranier Horton JR, Ryan Halgeson JR.
Outlook: Could be an interesting team in Central Illinois. Joe Wenskus squad is led by Senior Blake Brooks, one of the favories for the individual 2A title. Seniors Nathan Selling and Steve Bettenhausen have also had great training this summer and will be looked for leadership with Brooks.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Galesburg Invite
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Dunlap Invite
9/29 Rock Island Alleman Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/12 Mid Illini @ Detweiller
Freeburg
Coach: Wayne Wiseman
2006 Finish: 13th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Tim Mueller Sr, Ray Mueller SO, Ryhan Mitchell SR, Josh Jennings SR, Cory Ross SR.
Tyler Middendorf SR, Nick Price SR, Luc Heidenreich JR.
Outlook: Could be a sleeper school in Southern Illinois, Coach Wayne Wiseman welcomes 5 runners back from a sectional qualifying team. Watch for Tim Mueller to provide leadership as #1 runner.
Galesburg
Coach Craig Hillier
2006 Finish: 23rd Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Spencer Guerrero SR(176th, 15:58), Austin Meeker SR (196th, 16:10), Greg Whittle JR (206th, 16:14), Gabe Moreno SO(223rd, 16:29).
Daniel Daubet JR, Tom Fornander SR, Quincy Guerrero JR, Mitchell Brady JR, Brandon Johnson JR.
Outlook: The Streaks qualified for State last season for the first time since 1984..and they could repeat this fall. “Hopefully, we will be able to compete with all the teams this year in Class 2A,” said Coach Craig Hillier. Galesburg should have a tight pack led by Senior Spencer Guerrero. His brother Quincy, a Junior, has had a great summer and could surprise. Galesburg will be helped by Senior brothers Brain and Sean McNamara, transfers from California. Another surprise could be Sophomore Luke Junk, who ran 2:02 as a freshman. This team has a lot of deceptive talent that the state does not know about…could surprise come state series time.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Galesburg Invite
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Dunlap Invite
9/22 East Peoria Invite
9/29 Peoria Central Invite
10/6 Sterling Invite
10/13 Western Six @ Quincy
Geneseo
Coach: Don Fredericks
2006 Finish: 7th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Ryan Kotecki SR, Josh Lodge JR, Rob Brenny SR, Chad Ford SO.
Carlisle Evans-Peck SO, Ian Mattan SO, Eric Windsor SR, Adam Shelley JR.
Outlook: Don Fredericks will miss graduated Dan Chenoweth’s leadership. But this team will be good this fall. Watch for Senior Ryan Kotecki and Junior Josh Lodge to step up.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Galesburg Invite
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Geneseo Invite
9/22 East Peoria Invite
9/29 Crete-Monee Pow Wow
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 NCIC @ Spring Valley Hall
Glen Ellyn Glenbard South
Coach: Andy Preuss
2006 Finish: 11th Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Ben Miller JR (233rd, 16:44).
Joe Soderberg JR, Nate Kozurek JR, Carrick Rice JR, Matthew Burdick SO, Austin Williams SO, David Tykuart JR, Alex Drager JR, Channing Seger SO, Will van Ejk SO, Louie Rymarcsuk SO.
Outlook: This will be a rebuilding year for the Raiders. Coach Andy Preuss lost the core of his runners, 3 of them on the Nike Outdoor National 4 x 800 meter Championship team. Senior Brian Billie, who ran in state last fall, will not return to the team. He is still having complications from Diabetis…our thoughts go out to him and his family. “We have no seniors in the program,” said Preuss. “Hopefully some of the younger guys will develop.” Junior Ben Miller is the only runner that has big meet experience and will be expected to lead this squad. Fellow Juniors Joe Soderberg, Nate Kozurek, and Carrick Rice should be in the top 4. Freshman Collin White and Kyle Berenschott are good and could step up in the Top 7.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Leavy Invite @ St. Charles East
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/29 Loyola Lakefront Invite @ Chicago
10/6 Best Invite @ St. Charles East
10/13 Western Sun Conference
Jacksonville
Coach: Breck VanBebber
2006 Finish: 15th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Sam Lee SR, Tyson Kinsley SO, Jordan Lewis SO, Ben Weger JR, Jon Cody JR, Nathan Kopp JR.
Ian Cody JR, Casey Samoore SR.
Outlook: 6 runners return for Coach Breck VanBebber. Senior Sam Lee will be the #1 runner for Jacksonville.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Granite City Invite
9/5 Edwardsville Invite
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Morton Invite
9/22 Springfield Invite
9/29 Jacksonville Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 CS8 @ Lincoln Park
Lansing Illiana Christian
Coach: Jim Piaskowy
2006 Finish: 14th Class AA Lockport Sectional
Returnees: Nick Kramer SR, Jordan Piaskowy SR, Kaleb Schmel SR, Austin Warner SR, Luke Kriegsheld JR, Tori Van Kley JR. Phillip Jellema SR, Rick Buteyn SR, Craig Toren SO, Joel Clausing JR, Mike Bullock JR, D.J. White JR, Joel Crievier JR.
Outlook: Jim Piaskowy’s squad definitely benefits from the new IHSA class system. Six runners return for a team that could qualify for state. Nick Kramer will be the go to guy for this team…also watch for Senior Jordan Piaskowy to be up front as well.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/8 Riverside-Brookfield Invite
9/15 Illiana Invitational
9/22 Tinley Park Invite
9/29 Mane Event @ Lisle
10/13 PSL Meet
Lombard Montini
Coach: Joe Mordente
2006 Finish: 18th Class AA Skokie Niles West Sectional
Returnees: Andrew Larsen JR (139th, 15:43). Dan Grace JR, Michael Rigor SO, Stephen Drent SO, Michael McInerney SR, Paul Kaefer SR, Keegan Goss JR, Michael Vesley JR.
Outlook: A team that will be underrated by many onlookers. Joe Mordente returns all of hs top 7 from last year’s team. Junior Andrew Larson came out of his shell, running 9:27 for 3200 meters and 15:34 for 5000 meters at NON. The key for this team is getting the gap between Larson and the 2-5 men down to 60 seconds for the Broncos to be successful.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Leavey Invite @ St. Charles East
9/8 Riverside-Brookfield Invite
9/29 Wheaton Academy Invite
10/13 Suburban Catholic Conference
Mahomet – Seymour
Coach: Neil Garrison
2006 Finish: 9th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Andrew Kumler SR, Steve Roberts SR, Dustin Kinkelaar SR, Jacob Mahaffey JR.
Jacob Jarrett SO, Alex Carter SO, Austin Beck JR, Caleb Johnson SO, Dale Dohono SO, Woddy Boero JR, Alex Williams SO.
Outlook: Neil Garrison lost his first 3 runners and will have a rebuilding year. Andrew Kulmer, a senior, will be the #1 man for Mahomet-Seymour.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Charleston Invite
9/8 Springfield Lanphier Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/22 East Peoria Invite
10/6 Mahomet-Seymour Invite
10/13 Corn Belt Conference
Metamora
Coach: Gene Jones
2006 Finish: 6th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: T.J. McMorrow SR (41st, 15:00). Cory Shoopman SR, Stephan Rauh SO, Ryan Van Fossen SO, Ryan Donnelly SO. Chase Anderson SO, Greg Coffman SO, Clayton Gale JR, Joey Miller JR, Brian Bursott SO.
Outlook: Gene Jones takes his Metamora squad from being a small fish in a big pond to being a medium size fish in a medium pond. The Redbirds will be a young squad, but tough. Seniors T. J. McMorrow and Cory Shoopman will lead this team both on and off the course. McMorrow will be one of the better runners in Class 2A. Sophomores Stephan Rauh, Ryan VanFossem, Ryan Donnelly, Chase Anderson, and Greg Coffman will wind up their lineup.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Galesburg Invite
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Morton Invite
9/29 Peoria Central Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 Mid Illini Conference
Mt. Vernon
Coach: Clint Turner
2006 Finish: 11th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Campbell Walters JR, Caleb Cross JR, Perry Borah JR, Josh Williams SR, Jeremy Williams SR, Jared Willemon SO. Ryan Schmidt SR, Adam Brookman SO, Scotty Denton JR.
Outlook: 6 runners return from a team that should be one of the best schools in Southern Illinois. Juniors Campbell Walters and Caleb Cross will challenge for the #1 position. If they can have a split of under 45 seconds, the Rams could have a Top 5 state finish.
Normal University
Coach: Lester Hampton
2006 Finish: 14th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Kevin Forde SR, Kirk Saunders JR, Josiah Husk JR, Nick Houska SR, Nick Geyer SR.
Outlook: 5 runners return for Coach Lester Hampton. Senior Kevin Forde had a great track season and should benefit from the new class system. This team will challenge for a spot back in Peoria. “We would like to get back to State,” states Hampton. Junior Kirk Saunders, Junior Josiah Husk, Senior Nick Houska, and Senior Nick Geyer’s improvement will be the key to this team.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/22 East Peoria Invite
10/2 U-High Invite
10/6 Mahomet Seymour Invite
10/12 Conference @ Maxwell
Peoria Notre Dame
Coach: Mike Sullivan
2006 Finish: 17th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Clay Elward SO, Robert Gilbert JR, John Bangart JR, Tom Latood SR, Josh Boyer SR, Tony Cummings JR, Matt Birkel SO, Michael Khoury JR.
Outlook: Sophomore Clay Elward leads four other runners of last year’s top 7 back to contend for a team state berth. It is a young squad…watch for Mike Sullivan’s team to improve as the season progresses.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Canton Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/29 Peoria Central Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 Mid State 6 @ Detweiller
Peoria Richwoods
Coach: Todd Hursey
2006 Finish: 20th Class AA East Peoria Sectional
Returnees: Teddy Voelker SR, Shawn Hoelscher SR, Skarren Cosse SO, Lance Alfin JR, Trevor Johnson JR, Dirk DeDecker SR.
Outlook: Todd Hursey’s squad will be competitive this fall with the chance to run at Detweiller in November. Seniors Teddy Voelker and Shawn Hoellscher hope their summer training will lead to improved times…
Rock Island Alleman
Coach: Tony Vandewalle
2006 Finish:
Returnees: Brian McGuire SR, Tim Hird JR, Ricky Mendez JR, Josh Lopez SR, Edward Fonseca SR, Brian Hogan JR, Marco Torres SR.
Outlook: Tony Vandewalle’s team will have a great shot of qualifying for state. Junior Tim Hird had a ggreat summer and could be #1 man along with senior Brian McGuire. If any of the other returnees don’t step up, watch for Freshmen Matt Billingsley, John Kerch, and Marshall Dismer to get a chance.
Salem
Coach: Mike Hargis
2006 Finish: 7th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Jordan Jones JR, Drew Shetley SR, Adam Wilkins JR, Jeron Lusch JR, Jacob Kubicki JR.
Thomas Goff SO, Corey Nix SO, Tyler Hopkins JR, Cameron Davis JR.
Outlook: Mike Hargis’ team will be running with a heavy heart this fall. Junior Jordan Jones’ older brother Brandon was killed in a car accident early this summer. “With two members of the team so very close to the tragic loss of a young person, the team is banded together to help all of us get through the best we can,” said Hargis. Jones can be one of the better runners in the south if he can stay healthy added Hargis. With four other runners with big meet experience, Salem xould be running in Peoria.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Granite City Invite
9/8 Mt. Vernon Invite
9/15 Edwardsville Invite
9/22 Springfield Invite
9/29 Peoria Central Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/9 Apollo Conference
Springfield
Coach: Dan Devlin
2006 Finish: 30th Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Aaron Osborne SR (113th, 15:34), Brad Walwer JR (200th, 16:12), Connor Brown JR (211th, 16:17), Sam Morse JR (231st, 16:39), Justin Lee SO (239th, 16:55).
Daniel Haile JR, James McLendon SR, Matt Havey SO, Brandon Stewart JR, Tom Jamison SR, John Edwards JR.
Outlook: The Senators were a surprise last year when they qualified for state…there will be no surprise this fall if they make it back to Peoria. Dan Devlin returns 5 of his last year’s Top 7. Senior Aaron Osborne keeps getting better and better and will be one of the better 2A runners. The remaining runners will all be underclassman. One runner to watch is Junior Brandon Stewart.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Granite City Invite
9/8 Springfield Lanphier Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/22 Springfield Invite
9/29 Peoria Central Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 CS8 @ Lincoln Park
Springfield Sacred Heart – Griffin
Coach: Ed Gaffigan
2006 Finish: 29th Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Chris Frank SR (118th, 15:36), Danny McMahon SR (190th, 16:05), Patrick Ryan SR (235th, 16:45), Sean Ryan SO (238th, 16:51).
Connor Fanning SO, Austin Mudd SR, Matt Wolfson SR, Nick Garcia SR, Anthony Uy SR, Brian McMahon SO, Maxon Switzer SR, Joey Showtis SO.
Outlook: Ed Gaffigan will search for a 5th man this fall. Senior Chris Frank has recovered from an injury that slowed him down during track. Frank has emerged as one of the best runners in the Central State Eight. Senior Danny McMahon is another man that Gaffigan can rely on to be #1…after that, this team will have to close the gap that there will be. Senior Patrick Ryan and Sophomore Sean Ryan should step up…watch for Senior Austin Mudd to be in the mix along with upcoming Freshman Michael Ralph. SHG will be interesting to see how they progress come October. They have the talent to challenge Chatham-Glenwood in the CS8, will they have enough to make it back to state?
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Granite City Invite
9/8 Springfield Lanphier Invite
9/15 Peoria Notre Dame Invite
9/22 Springfield Invite
10/6 Metamora Invite
10/13 CS8 @ Lincoln Park Springfield
Sycamore
Coach: Mike Lambdin
2006 Finish: 19th Class AA State Meet
Returnees: Derek Campbell SR (34th, 14:56), Peter Grimson SR (100th, 15:28), Stefan Hueber SR (145th, 15:46), Nick Fagan SR (202nd, 16:12), Matthew Gilmer SR (203rd, 16:13), Keaton Leach SR (247th, 17:22).
Tom Roloff SR, Alex Courtney SR, Lucas Ruff JR, Hans Andersen JR, David Martin JR, Quenten Scott JR, Steve Konwinski SO, Aaron Eischeid JR, John Windelborn SR, Ryan Fraedrich SO.
Outlook: The one big favorite in Class 2A, Coach Mike Lambdin returns 6 (all seniors) from a squad that could possibly run away from the competition in 2A. Senior Derek Campbell is the main man for Lambdin; he’s a hard worker with the talent to match. Campbell could win the Individual championship. Senior Peter Grimson had a break through in track and could be in the top 10 statewide. This squad has the talent to have a big year…the question is what place the trophy will be that they will be bringing back from Peoria in November.
Troy Triad
Coach: Andy Brendel
2006 Finish: 10th Class AA Centralia Sectional
Returnees: Adam Buskirk SR, Brett Conway SO, Nathan Armes SO, Trent Ross JR, Billy Rodgers JR.
Stanley Calvin SR, Danny Ferrell SR, Brian Hoorman SR, Aaron Buskirk JR.
Outlook: A squad that Coach Andy Brendel thinks is capable of great things this fall. Brendel should have a nice 1-4 split of 30 seconds led by Senior Adam Bushkirk. They will need to find 3 other runners to compliment the pack.
Wheaton St. Francis
Coach: Scott Nelson
2006 Finish: 8th Class AA Wheaton North Regional
Returnees: Garrett McKnight SR, Phil Diamond SR, Ben Stefaly SR, Dillon Murray SR. Chris Sullivan SR, Joey Murname SR, Kyle McKenna SR, Dan Jaeger SO, Ben Lewis JR, Grant Sonner JR, Andrew Nelson SO.
Outlook: Long time St. Francis Coach Scott Nelson welcomes back 4 runners from last year’s top 7. Seniors Garrett McKnight and Phil Diamond should battle for the #1 man on this team. This team is a veteran squad that relishes the move to the middle class and will be tough come the state series.
Major Meet Schedule:
9/1 Early Bird Classic @ Fenton
9/8 Peoria Woodruff Invite
9/15 Minooka Invite
9/22 Aurora Central Catholic Invite
9/29 Lockport Invite
9/29 Lisle Mane Event
10/6 Addison Trail Invite
10/13 Suburban Catholic @ Marmion
Yorkville
Coach: Chris Muth
2006 Finish: 17th Class AA St. Charles North Sectional
Returnees: Scott Tanis SR, Max Sliwa JR, Jake Austin JR, Mike Addison SR.
Dan Szopinski JR, Terence Enders JR, Nick Cowger JR, Josh Ellertson JR, Ben Pape JR.
Outlook: This team will surprise a lot of on lookers this fall. New coach Chris Muth welcomes back 4 led by Senior Scott Tanis, who is on the verge of a breakthrough season. Juniors Max Sliwa, Jake Austin, Dan Szopinski, and Ben Pape are all interchangeable, according to Muth, and will be counted on to the top 5. The Foxes is goal is simple: “…is not just to make it to state but be successful there”, stated Muth.
Individual Spotlight – Class 3A
Neal Anderson *** Senior *** Chatham-Glenwood
52nd AA – 15:06
Could be one of the top runners in Class 2A…ran 9:33.98 in the 3200 last spring. If he puts his training, experience, and ability together, he will have a great season according to his coach Mike Johnson.
Moe Bahrani *** Senior *** Vernon Hills
85th AA – 15:22
One runner who will have an advantage of racing against faster runners in Class 3A during the season. Moe had a good track season running 9:41.43 at 3200 Meters.
Blake Brooks *** Senior *** Dunlap
This runner has the qualifications to be state champ. Brooks ran 4:15.3 at 1600 meters and 9:20.11 at 3200 meters last spring. Blake did not have a great sectional race last fall, ending up 26th. “His work ethic will keep him one of the top runners in the area this fall,” said Coach Joe Wenskus.
Derek Campbell *** Senior *** Sycamore
34th AA – 14:56
Will be one of the top runners in Class 2A…A hard worker who has the talent to match. Ran 9:22.3 for 3200 Meters last spring.
Jim Capalbo *** Senior *** Crystal Lake Central
I believe this guy will be in the Top 25 at the end of the season. Jim was running JV at the end of September, at the end of the year he was Crystal Lake Central’s #2 man. One of the main reasons the Tigers will be successful this fall.
John Curran *** Junior *** Bloomington Central Catholic
29th A – 15:43
Close to an all state runner from Class A last fall, this Junior will surprise many this fall. He has the talent to reach the top 25.
Kevin Forde *** Senior *** Normal University
Kevin just missed making it to state last fall, finishing 13th in the East Peoria Sectional. Had a good spring running 9:32 for 3200 meters, Kevin is one of the main reasons University High should be running at Peoria in November.
Chris Frank *** Senior *** Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin
118th AA – 15:36
Chris has recovered from an injury he suffered in track last spring and will be tough this fall, according to his Coach Ed Gaffigan.
Peter Grimson *** Senior *** Sycamore
100th AA – 15:28
One of the reasons that Sycamore is the team to beat in 2A…ran 4:26.05 for 1600 meters. A great runner to compliment Derek Campbell, Grimson will come into his own this fall.
Nick Holmes *** Senior *** Bartonville Limestone
127th AA – 15:39
Ran 4:18.68 towards the end of the summer, this guy has talent. If he can keep it all together, he would have to be considered on of the favorites in 2A. “Nick Holmes won’t finish out of the top 3 in the state,” said Limestone coach Clint Lafray.
Nick Lane *** Senior *** Grayslake North
48th AA – 15:05
This guy has not been mentioned for individual accolades, but he should be. He has the talent to place in the Top 5. He has the benefit of running against bigger schools in the state series. Ran 9:38.23 for 3200 meters last spring.
Andrew Larson *** Junior *** Lombard Montini
139th AA – 15:43
Keep your eye on this runner…he is on the verge of greatness this fall. Ran 9:27.44 for 3200 meters and ran 15:34 for 5000 meters at Nike Outdoor Nationals in June.
Colin Mickow *** Senior *** Princeton
25th A – 15:39
An all state runner in the smaller class last fall, Colin should be in the Top 25 in the middle class this fall.
T.J. McMorrow *** Senior *** Metamora
41st AA – 15:00
Had a rollercoaster season in track, running 4:33.28 for 1600 meters, this senior is ready for a great senior season.
Aaron Osborne *** Senior *** Springfield
113th AA – 15:34
Aaron came on the second part of last fall….has the tools to be in the Top 15 this fall and will lead the Senators to a state berth.
Ryan Phebus *** Senior *** Burlington Central
Phebus had a dramtic improvement over the last couple of months. Ran 1:55.55 for 800 meters at the end of track season, he has the speed and strength to be a factor in the individual race.
Illinois Pre-Season
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