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Class AA - Class A
Boys Class AA
Another hot summer has now passed in the Midwest, but the Illinois
cross country season is just starting to heat up. For the first
time in years both the individual title and team titles have no
clear cut winner in Class AA boys. There are five to six individuals
and five to six teams that are all shooting for their respected
titles.
Annual favorite York High School is depleted from last years winning
squad, losing their top five runners to graduation. The question
this fall isn't, "How much will York win by?" but rather,
"Will they even get top five?" There are many teams out
there who would like to stop the Dukes reign, this includes preseason
favorite Crystal Lake Central. Only losing one runner from last
years 5th place squad, this team put in a huge summer of work to
give them one of the best shots to win, and the first time to win
the state title since they won in 1995. Other teams that will be
hoping to make a run at the title are Naperville Central (who returns
their top seven), Fenton, Decatur MacArthur (who also return their
top seven) , Lockport, and of course York.
In the individual race it is the first time since Jorge Torres
was a sophomore that there has been more than two favorites for
the individual title. This year the five favorites are: Stephen
Pifer, Eduardo Borjon, Carlos Mendoza, Sam Romanowski, and Micah
Vandenend. Pifer ran 4:15 and 9:13 during track this past year as
a sophomore, Borjon was on the 4x8 state championship team and is
the top returner coming back from last years state CC meet (6th),
Mendoza ran 4:14 in track, and Romanowski ran 9:23 during track
as a sophomore this past year. Vandenend is the one to watch though.
After earning a 7th place finish at state in cross country his sophomore
year (1999) in cross country Vandenend was the favorite going into
last year's race, but a stress fracture ruined his season. Since
then he has shown good form, racing very little, but training well.
His health is questionable, but if healthy he has to be considered
a favorite. Other individuals to watch will be Gerardo Herrero and
Erik Sloan. This is setting up to be an awesome year in Class AA
Boys Cross Country. Everyone will be comparing times and races to
see who is the best, but things will only be answered during the
first Saturday of November.
Top Ten Individuals:
Stephen Pifer (Edwardsville)
Eduardo Borjon (Downers Grove North)
Carlos Mendoza (Fenton)
Sam Romanowski (Lake Zurich)
Micah Vandenend (Glenbard South)
Gerardo Herrera (Wheeling)
Erik Sloan (New Trier)
Jake Stout (Lockport)
Sam Watson (Oak Park - River Forest)
Alex Yount (Lyons)
Top Ten Teams:
Crystal Lake Central
York
Wheeling
Fenton
Naperville Central
Decatur MacArthur
Lockport
Edwardsville
Prospect
Wheaton Warrenville South
Boys Class A
In Class A Boys this year rivals will be brewing and it could become
the best year ever in the Class A race. The team race should be
between just two teams when all said and done. Eureka and Winnebago,
who were first and second in last years race, are the preseason
co-favorites.
Eureka (the Class A version of York) will be favored by many heading
into the season. They have four potential all state runners, including
senior Jon Houseworth, who was 6th in last years race. Winnebago
though is not going to just sit back and let Eureka take the title.
Led by the Kelley Bros. (Mike and Brian),Winnebago returns all
seven of their runners from last year. With a great summer of running
they are looking for their first state championship since 1978.
Other teams that are hoping to bring home a trophy are: Breese (Mater
Dei), Rochester, and Normal.
The individual race is shaping up to be a classic. Defending champ
Paul Jellema leads the charge, but is not the clear cut favorite
like he was just a short year ago. His challengers, all of which
are seniors, are: Shawn Lucas, Houseworth, Pat Quinn, and Nick Hird.
Lucas had a great summer of training, including a training stint
with York, making him Jellema's strongest rival. Can Jellema repeat?
Sure he can, it is just going to be a lot tougher this year. And
to just add in a little tid bit, this years Class A race could be
faster than the Class AA race. If this was to happen it would be
the first time since 1985. Look forward to great times, and competitive
races in Illinois Cross Country!!!!!!!!!
Top Five Teams:
Winnebago
Eureka
Normal
Rochester
Breese (Mater Dei)
Top Ten Individuals:
Paul Jellema (Illiana Christian)
Jon Houseworth (Eureka)
Nick Hird (Rock Island Alleman)
Shawn Lucas (Elgin St. Edwards)
Pat Quinn (Wheaton St. Francis)
Brian Kelley (Winnebago)
Mike Kelley (Winnebago)
Michael Uskali (Tolono)
Jason Obert (Liberty)
Daniel Martin (Eureka)
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