| The Next 25 (In Alphabetical Order) |
|
| Aurora West |
| 2008 Finish: 13th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Matt Sinnott |
| Returnees: |
| Steve Loran JR, David Herrera SR, Ryan Bartell JR, Matt Moth JR, Josh Robinson SO, Vontrell Hawkins SO, Zach Price SR, Jamie Lopez JR. |
|
| Matt Sinnott’s squad will look to improve on last season performances in the DuPage Valley Conference and in the State series. Junior Steve |
| Loran has a shot to make a statement in a tough conference along with making it to state. A young squad that will grow during the season. Watch |
| for Juniors Matt Moth and Ryan Bartell to be among the top 20 in the conference. |
|
| Buffalo Grove |
| 2008 Finish: 15th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach Jamie Klotz |
| Returnees: |
| Jamie Atchison SO, Ryan Pater SR, Taras Didenko SO, Mike Galla SR, Nic Mau SR, Mark Giannis SR, Ryan Degelmann SO, |
| Chris Sorgani SR, Matt Curran SR, Nate Pereria SR, Paul Robaszewski SO, William Petino SO, Andrew Gallo SR. |
|
| This is a squad that may surprise some in the Mid Suburban League. Coach Jamie Klotz welcomes back a strong crew led by Sophomores |
| Jamie Atchison and Taras Didenko. This team is young, but the majority of the squad did get Varsity experience last fall. Seniors Mike Galla, Ryan |
| Pater, and Nick Mau will push the two sophomores. This team could be tough if their 1-5 split can get to 40 seconds with the sophs pushing in the front. |
|
| Chicago Brother Rice |
| 2008 Finish: 7th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Tom Wazio |
| Returnees: |
| Brian Corcoran SR (47, 15:16), Ricky Alanis SR (148, 15:57), Dave Janet SR, Dan Caddigan SO, Jim Hallberg JR, Brian Cody SR, |
| Matt Heavey SO, Dan Tinerella SR, Ed Barry SR, Eric Currier SR, Nick Chabarria SR, Scott Corsey JR, Mike Gizardis JR, Mike Murphy SO. |
|
| This team will be pushing Loyola Academy, Fenwick, and St. Ignatius in the Chicago Catholic League. Tom Wazio has a good trio to build off of. |
| Senior Brian Corcoran comes off of a good state meet performance last fall and will be pushing for a place in the top 25. Senior Ricky Alanis was |
| a surprise last fall and will look to build off of last year’s experience. Senior Dave Janet will need to rebound from a season of injuries and push |
| Corcoran…he has the talent and ran stride by stride with him their sophomore seasons. Also watch for Sophomore Dan Caddigan and |
| Junior Jim Hallberg to also step up. |
|
| Chicago Lane Tech |
| 2008 Finish: 12th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Kris Roof |
| Returnees: |
| Kulayifi Haji SR (120, 15:47), Victor Terrazas SR, Max Silva JR, Chris Tidd SR, Nathan Wade-Scott SR, James Witar SR, Jimmy Orellana JR |
| George Chronis JR, Edwardo Bustamane JR. |
|
| A team that set up high goals for themselves this season. Kris Roof’s team will be towards the top in the Chicago Public League. Senior Kulayifi |
| Haji ran 4:24 for 1600 last spring and has the talent and confidence to push for 15:00 at Detweiller. Seniors Victor Terrazas , Chris Tidd, |
| Nathan Wade-Scott, and Junior Max Silva provide a good nucleus to back up Haji. In an improved Niles West Sectional, where it looks where |
| this team will be heading, Lane Tech’s goal of making out of the sectional will be a challenge, but one that this squad can achieve if they can stay healthy. |
|
| Chicago Northside Prep |
| 2008 Finish: 7th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Jon Gordon |
| Returnees: |
| Charlie Mesimore JR, Wesley Latham JR, Cuitahuac Pineda-Youniss SR, Eben Cooper SR, Taylor Kuhn SO, Noel Lopez JR, Fahad Surrari JR, |
| Forrest Cortes SR, Patrick Duffy SO, Alex Luke JR. |
|
| Could this team be the first Chicago Public League Boys Team to qualify for state since the IHSA changed the sectional assignments this season? |
| The possibility is good and expectations are high for this Chicago school. Coach Jon Gordon welcomes back a strong squad back led by Juniors |
| Charlie Mesimore & Wesley Latham and Senior Cuitahuac Pineda-Youniss. They surprised many last fall with their performance at sectionals. It |
| won’t be a surprise this time around. We will see how good this team is at the Peoria Notre Dame Invite on September 19. |
|
| Chicago St. Ignatius |
| 2008 Finish: 16th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Ed Ernst |
| Returnees: |
| Jimmy Connelly SR, Jack Cross JR, Kamal Khan JR, Paul Marsh SR, Patrick Santino SO, Peter Devitt SO, John Darby SR, John Doyle JR, |
| Luis Abrego SR, Robert Lock SO, Mike Tonner SO, Carlos Meza JR, Dan Brassie JR. |
| Newcomers: |
| Aaron Luna SR (first year in XC). |
|
| Coach Ed Ernst welcomes back a strong team that looks to make an impact in the Chicago Catholic League. Senior Jimmy Connelly had a good |
| Summer of training in the Kern Camp and will surprise some within the conference. Juniors Jack Cross and Kamal Khan will push Connelly. A |
| team with deceptive talent, they will be tough this fall and could be the powerhouse in the CCL in 2010. |
|
| Crystal Lake South |
| 2008 Finish: 13th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Rich Eschman |
| Returnees: |
| Brian Rosselin SO, Brian Keogh SR, John Ryan SR, Jason Luizzi SR, David Lundine SR, Andrew Hubbard JR, Alex Ortega JR, Ryan Masey JR. |
|
| Rich Eschman’s team will look to make a step up in the Fox Valley Conference. Sophomore Brian Rosselin ran 9:53 as a freshman last spring |
| and will be the main man for Eschman. Juniors Andrew Hubbard and Alex Ortega will push Rosselin. A top 6 finish in the Fox Valley Conference |
| is a good possibility for the Gators. |
|
| Deerfield |
| 2008 Finish: 8th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Jeremy Kaufmann |
| Returnees: |
| Dan Channon SR, Pat Wylie SR, Stephen Stichler SR, Brian Haley SR, Justin Ferdman SR, Mike Bukszar SR, Jacob Cohen SR, |
| Joey Feinburg JR, Kevin Hanes JR, Corey Shaman JR. |
| Newcomers: |
| Jordan Abosch FR. |
|
| Deerfield has placed in the top 10 in their last 4 years in Sectionals. Now Jeremy Kaufmann and his team would like to make the next step to |
| the state meet. Despite Billy Malmed graduating, this team could be even stronger this season according to Coach Jeremy Kaufmann. |
| Seniors Dan Channon and Pat Wylie had a great summer of training and will be 2 of the top runners in the Central Suburban League. |
| With the combination of the North and South Divisions for the conference meet, Deerfield will push New Trier and Maine South in the middle of October. |
|
| Des Plaines Maine West |
| 2009 Finish: 10th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Andy Trotter |
| Returnees: |
| Kevin Schaeffer SR, Tom Bugajsky JR, Oscar Somo SR, Ryan Mangoni JR, Juan Chavez SR, Ken Alferes JR, Parker Stephensen JR, |
| Scott Farnan JR, Eli Roco JR, Felipe Garcia SO, Nathan Schiavone SO. |
|
| A team that could surprise in the Central Suburban League, Coach Andy Trotter will look to improve on last year’s sectional performance. |
| Senior Kevin Schaeffer could be the big surprise in the North Suburban Area. Schaeffer had a good track season running 9:36 at the end of the |
| season. The development of Juniors Ryan Mangoni, Ken Alferes, and Parker Stephensen will a be a key towards how far this team goes this fall. |
|
| Downers Grove North |
| 2008 Finish: 11th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Will Kupisch |
| Returnees: |
| Ben Silver JR (17, 14:53), Brian Llamas JR (68, 15:26), Andrew Stawarz SR (173, 16:14), Kevin Proffitt SO (180, 16:20) |
| Mitch Penninger SR, Andrew Montague SR, Zachary Dawes SR, Shane Zemel SR, Daniel Sigorich SO, Matthew Sarver JR, |
| Christin Schneider SR, Benjamin Ruffalo JR |
|
| Another quality team in a tough West Suburban Silver Conference, Will Kupisch will reload his team with 4 returnees looking forward to |
| returning in Peoria in November. Returning All-Stater Ben Silver will return and be one of the premier runners in AAA. Junior Brian Llamas |
| had a good track season and could be closer to Silver this fall. Kupisch has quality depth to choose from, but watch for Sophomore Kevin Proffit, |
| and Seniors Andrew Montague, Andrew Stawarz, and Mitch Penninger to emerge to challenge in the top 7. |
|
| Downers Grove South |
| 2008 Finish: 9th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Brian Caldwell |
| Returnees: |
| Bobby Castillo SR, Jeff Lester JR, Spencer Zidarich SR, Steve Husby SR, Eric Bernard SR, Bobby Mueller SR, Quinton Ford SR, |
| Chris Madison SR, Kyle Engel JR, Bryan Conger SR, Kyle Wulf JR, Harry Miles SO. |
|
| A team that could go a long way and surprise some fans this fall. Coach Brian Caldwell has a good squad returning led by Senior Bobby |
| Castillo. Caldwell commented that Castillo had a strong summer…watch for him to be one of the front runners in the West Suburban Gold. |
| A team that could challenge Hinsdale South within the conference. |
|
| Frankfort Lincoln-Way East |
| 2008 Finish: 10th AAA Normal West Sectional |
| Coach: Ross Widinski |
| Returnees: |
| Nick Sinadinos JR, Dan August SR, Mytchell Scott-Stirn SR, Tom Rotondi SO, Joe Pavilonis SR, Jim Conbey SR, John Brassea SR, |
| Eric Padgett SO, Sean Hosty SR, Tim Hosty JR, Zach Bochmke SR, Kevin Hearne SR. |
|
| 2nd year Coach Ross Widinski welcomes back a squad that picked valuable experience last year in sectionals and could go farther than that |
| this year. Junior Nick Sinadinos just missed in qualifying individually last fall will be towards the front this time around. Seniors Dan August, |
| Mytchell Scott-Stirn, Joe Pavilonis, and Sophomore Tom Rotondi should comprise the top 5 for Widinski. |
|
| Hinsdale Central |
| 2008 Finish: 25th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Jim Westphal |
| Returnees: |
| Arash Darbandi SR (129, 15:50), Billy Fayette JR (150, 15:58), Kyle Henshaw SR (176, 16:19). |
| Samuel Ricker JR, Alexander Stec SR, Jared Bates SR, Nicholas Tyson SR, Neil Pedersen SO, Zach Withal JR, Peter Stubbings JR, |
| Timothy Collanto SR, Justin Anetsberger SR, Patrick Wallach SR, Azad Darbandi JR. |
|
| Hinsdale Central made their first appearance at the state meet since 1997 and would like to repeat that again this season. “Our finish was |
| a bit of a disappointment for the guys,” said Coach Jim Westphal. Junior Billy Fayette had a good track season running 9:32 for 3200 and will build |
| off of that. Senior Arash Darbandi had a recurring hip injury during track season, but looks good during the summer. If he can stay healthy, he will |
| push Fayette. Seniors Alex Stec and Kyle Henshaw will lead the next pack that will hope to push the Red Devils back to state and even higher place wise. |
|
| Lockport Township |
| 2008 Finish: 7th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Tom Razo |
| Returnees: |
| David Inczauskis SR (37, 15:12), David Sajdak JR (151, 15:59), Thomas Razo SO, Luke Beaumont JR, Roy Adcock SR, |
| Chuma Nwachukwu SR, Matt Sullivan JR, Scott Hickstein JR, Chris Formosa SO, Ryan Mitsos JR. |
| Newcomers: |
| Jake Knowles FR. |
|
| A young team last season, Tom Razo has a good squad to return the Porters back to the state meet as a team. Senior David |
| Inczauskis ran a strong race at state last fall and will be one of the top runners state wide this year. Junior David Sajdak gained |
| important state experience qualifying individually last year and will help Lockport qualify as a team. Watch for Junior Ryan Mitsos, who did |
| not come out for the team last year, as a key to this team’s success in 2009. |
|
| Minooka |
| 2008 Finish: 24th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Kevin Gummerson |
| Returnees: |
| Kyle Smith SO (114, 15:45), Sean Coyle SR (127, 15:50), Ben Heide SO (181, 16:21), Alex Hoshell JR, Andrew Carpenter SO, |
| Kody Lewan SO, Cody Raynor SO, Danny Bahret JR. |
|
| Minooka finally got over the hump last season and made it down to Peoria as a team. This year’s edition of Kevin Gummerson’s squad will |
| look to return back as a team. 3 return from that 2008 team led by Senior Sean Coyle, and Sophomores Kyle Smith and Ben Heide. This squad, |
| after tasting what the state meet has to offer, has the motivation to repeat. It may have some growing pains early, but watch for them come state series time. |
|
| Moline |
| 2008 Finish: 23rd AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Tauwon Taylor |
| Returnees: |
| Alex Stojanovic JR (130, 15:51), Michael Castel SR (136, 15:52), Luke Padesky JR (190, 16:28), Aaron Peck JR (198, 16:35), |
| Ian Miller SR (209, 17:35), Alex Lucas JR, Eric White JR, Nick Starr JR, Chase Mattacheck SR, Alex Timm SR, Elliot Frieden JR, |
| Seth Williams JR, Andrew Babcock JR, Cameron Kiel SO. |
|
| With Jonathan Smith and Nic Mizeur graduating, Coach Tauwon Taylor will look to 5 with state experience to lead the Maroons back to |
| Peoria. Expect a strong pack from this team led by Seniors Ian Miller, Michael Castel, and Juniors Alec Stojanovic, Luke Padesky, and Aaron Peck. |
|
| Oak Park Fenwick |
| 2008 Finish: 14th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: David Rill |
| Returnees: |
| Martin Grady SR (12, 14:44), William Toohey SR (94, 15:35), Matt Hipskind SR (193, 16:30), Daniel Yerkes SR (203, 16:41). |
| Mateo Alvarado JR, Matt Jakubsen JR, Jack Jacobs SO, Matt Shannon SR, Reilly Cleal JR, Steve Blazer JR. |
|
| Long time Friar coach John Polka has retired with Assistant and former Fenwick great taking over. This team should not miss a step this |
| fall. The main for Rill will be All-Stater Martin Grady, who placed 12th last year. Grady did not have a groundbreaking season in track, but |
| he had a good summer of training and will be up for the challenge as one of Illinois’ best. Watch for a strong pack behind Grady led by |
| Seniors William Toohey and Matt Hipskind. Also watch for junior Steve Blazer, who should be in the mix for the top 5. |
|
| O'Fallon |
| 2008 Finish: 22nd AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Jon Burnett |
| Returnees: |
| Michael Scolarici JR (42, 15:13), Jake Slaughter JR (140, 15:55), Connor Ryan JR (163, 16:06), Jose Mendez SR (194, 16:31) |
| Hans Meyer JR, Steven Jackson JR, Craig Munie JR, Tyler Hambridge SR, Jordan Holmes JR, Kevin Lapp SO. |
| Newcomers: |
| Alex Riba FR. |
|
| O’Fallon will again challenge for supremacy in the Southwest Conference with Edwardsville this fall. Coach Jon Burnett welcomes back 4 |
| that were able to run at state last fall. Heading up that group is Junior Michael Scolarici, who had a breakout track season running 4:23 / 9:25. |
| He will be among the Illinois elite this fall. Junior Steven Jackson had a good summer of training and should challenge the 4 returnees for a top 7 |
| spot. One runner to watch is Freshman Alex Riba, who Burnett expects to be in the top 5 by the time Regionals come along. |
|
| Orland Park Sandburg |
| 2008 Finish: 21st AAA State Meet |
| Coach: John O'Malley |
| Returnees: |
| Kyle Meyer SR (85, 15:31), Mike Tortorelli JR (146, 15:57), Chris Koutavas SR, Kevin O’Flaherty SO, Alex Kordas JR, |
| Mike Brower SR, Thomas Kohs SR, Ryan Duffy JR, Jeff Perino SR, John Burch SR, Kurt Marks SR, Ryan Sawyers SR, |
| John Flaherty JR, Mitch Rees SO. |
| Newcomers: |
| Lukas Verzbicas SO (transfer from New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central) , Pat McMahon FR, Pat Letz FR. |
|
| Losing 5 runners to graduation including All-State runner Zach Dahleen, this season looked to be a mystery for Coach John O’Malley. It becomes |
| even more of a mystery with the transfer in of National Indoor 5000m record holder Lukas Verzbicas. This talented Sophomore will be competing |
| in September in Australia for the United States in the World Triathlon Championships…after that, he will have to petition the IHSA to compete. We |
| will get back to Verzbicas in a second. Senior Kyle Meyer and Mike Tortorelli are the lead men for O’Malley right now. Both are capable of top 50 |
| finishes at the state meet. Also watch for Senior Chris Koutavas, and Sophomores Mitch Rees and Kevin O’Flaherty to step up. |
|
| Many questions have been asked about Verzbicas and how he will fit with Sandburg. This is the reply I received from Coach O’Malley: |
| “I can tell you at Sandburg, we have extremely high standards of attendance and commitment. That is our culture. If someone transfers in he will |
| be welcomed with open arms and held to the standards of our team culture. At the same time, each student has individual needs and |
| commitments. I work with those. A kid who goes after Footlocker or Nike Cross, for instance, cuts into his track training due to over extending his |
| cross country season. That’s okay. We work with that, and as a matter of fact, we appreciate that, BUT they still are committed 100% to the team. |
| If a transfer comes in and follows these standards he will be welcomed with open arms.” We shall see how this season goes for Sandburg, but |
| we should see them in Peoria in November. |
|
| Park Ridge Maine South |
| 2008 Finish: 19th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: Greg Nordahl |
| Returnees: |
| David Eckhart JR (86, 15:31), Sean Senf SR (124, 15:48), Michael Moore SR (166, 16:09), Dylan Wallace SR (175, 16:17) |
| Luke Rossi JR, Nick Keenan SR, Pat Ryan JR, Matt Zelek JR, Adam Sirvinskas SR, Alex Bolin SR. |
|
| After qualifying for the state meet as a team for the first time in school history last fall, Coach Greg Nordahl will look for a return back to Peoria |
| and go higher than 19th place this time around. Junior David Eckhart ran 4:20 for 1600 last spring and will be called upon to lead this team. |
| Senior Sean Senf, who was injured during track, Senior Michael Moore, and Senior Dylan Wallace form a tough nucleus for Nordahl. |
| Watch for Luke Rossi to step into the top 5. |
|
| Plainfield South |
| 2008 Finish: 12th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Jason Crowe |
| Returnees: |
| Jake Ferris SR, Nick Maher SR, Tyler Ryan SO, Kyle Ryan SO, Jake Schmitz SR, Chad Ryan SR, Alex Deeter JR, Calvin Hendricksen SR, |
| David Inda SO, Cody Tracey JR, Kevin Hardin JR. |
|
| Jason Crowe’s squad should improve on last season’s sectional performance. Senior Jake Ferris will lead this team and has a great bunch of |
| runners behind him. This team will have a strong pack, but will need to decrease the gap between them and Ferris. |
|
| Rockton Hononegah |
| 2008 Finish: 8th AAA Normal West Sectional |
| Coach: Marty McLarty |
| Returnees: |
| Kevin Jacobs SR (67, 15:25), Ryan Ballard SR, Blake Miglin SR, Dragan Simic SO, Jacob Schoff SR, Nick Schuick JR, Jackson Wells SO |
| Ryan Reid JR, Jack Termhlen JR, Cody Anderson JR, Tyler Randolph JR, Bryland Lawson SR. |
|
| Marty McLarty’s team did not have the best performance last fall at their sectional, but optimism is high for Hononegah this fall. Senior Kevin |
| Jacobs ran a great 2 mile at the Midwest Distance Gala and will build off that. He should be one of the top 15 at state this year. A good pack |
| Surround Jacobs led by Senior Ryan Ballard and Senior Blake Miglin. Watch for Sophomore Dragan Simic…last year was his first year in cross |
| country on any level…he should come into his own this fall. A good team, they will challenge the best when the state series comes around. |
|
| Schaumburg |
| 2008 Finish: 9th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Jim Macnider |
| Returnees: |
| Pat Lesiewicz SR (13, 14:45), Andrew Cardoza JR, Pat O’Connell JR, Mike Perry SR, Connor Prizy JR, Ryan Humphries SR, |
| Travis Morrison JR, Mohammed Ilyas JR, Neal Fennell SR, Zack Maa JR, Pat Sweich SO, Tyler Anderson SO, Rob Warndorf SR. |
|
| Schaumburg has not missed out on the state meet as a team 3 times in a row since 1979. They have not been there for the last two years, but |
| watch for this team to be there when November comes around. Coach Jim Macnider welcomes back 6 runners from last year’s top 7. Pat |
| Lesiewicz may be the best runner to even come out of the storied Saxon Cross Country program and will be one of the best in the state |
| this year. Macnider has a good pack to complement Lesiewicz led by Juniors Andrew Cardoza, Pat O’Connell, Connor Prizy, and Senior |
| Mike Perry. Also keep your eye on Junior Travis Morrison. Heralded as one of the best runners to come to Schaumburg, Morrison has |
| experienced two frustrating seasons of injuries. He is healthy according to Macnider and may be the key to get Schaumburg back to Peoria. |
|
| St. Charles East |
| 2008 Finish: 18th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Chris Bosworth |
| Returnees: |
| Tim Johnson SR, Michael Faith SR, Jake Osborne SR, Jake Zahn SR, Michael Rykoskey JR, Jared Eades SR, Erick Grathoff JR, |
| Brad LeDuc SR, Kevin Earl JR, Steven Decker JR, Josh Carnell JR, Derek Weber JR. |
|
| Chris Bosworth enters as the Saints new coach. Bosworth inherits a good nucleus that will have to rely on pack running to succeed according |
| to the new coach. A strong senior group, led by Tim Johnson and Michael Faith will look to improve East on their Sectional finish of last season. |
|
| Others to Watch (In Alphabetical Order) |
|
| Aurora Waubonsie Valley |
| 2008 Finish: 8th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Kevin Rafferty |
| Returnees: |
| David Groeber JR, Shenil Dodhia SR, Joe Brant JR, Connor Feeney SR, Rovi Thombre JR, Bornell Nicholson JR, |
| Chris Mizerak JR Jared Lawson JR. |
| Newcomers: |
| Eric Pembrook SO (D 204 transfers from Neuqua Valley). |
|
| It will definitely be a rebuilding season for the Warriors this fall. Along with losing 4 runners to graduation, Coach Kevin Rafferty loses a member |
| of his State Championship 4x8 relay Craig Huhtala, who moved to Minnesota. Junior David Groeber will be the main man that Rafferty will |
| count on this fall. “This will be a growth year for us this fall,” said Rafferty. “We want to race better at the end of the season.” Eric Pembrook |
| a sophomore transfer from Neuqua Valley who ran 2:04 as a freshman, may surprise here. |
|
| Bartlett |
| 2008 Finish: 17th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Jeff Bral |
| Returnees: |
| Josafat Gonzalez JR, Patrick Wedolowski SR, Adam Buhel SR, Alex Policht SR, Joey Salatino SO, Arjun Patel JR, Billy Mocka SR, |
| Alex Raver SR, Joe Cotton SR, Adrian Perez JR, Austin Crawford SR, Dan Polheber JR. |
|
| Junior Josafat Gonzalez will lead Bartlett this fall and may surprise people and get to state individually. Jeff Bral will look to a tough senior |
| class to improve on last season’s sectional performance. |
|
| Berwyn-Cicero Morton |
| 2008 Finish: 17th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Bill Bloom |
| Returnees: |
| Patrico Echeverria JR, Javier Acosta SR, Eduardo Padilla JR, Andrew Zalazinski JR, Hector Lopez JR, Nereo Carvajal JR, Duane Licleig SR, |
| Abel Garcia SR, Noe O’Campo SR, Roberto Magdaleno SO, Eric DeGuevera SO, Andrew Mortega JR. |
| Newcomers: |
| Alex Guzman SO (first year XC, from football). |
|
| Coach Bill Bloom has a good returning cast returning to challenge Hinsdale South and Downers South in the West Suburban Gold. Keep a close |
| eye on Sophomore Alex Guzman. He will be running cross country for his first time. He ran 4:36 as a freshman after playing football last fall. With |
| a summer of training, he may challenge in conference. |
|
| Carol Stream Glenbard North |
| 2008 Finish: 20th AAA ST Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Eric Manuel |
| Returnees: |
| Garrett Gingras SR, Ross Nikidos SR, Jon Hootman JR, Sean Rivli JR, Grant Connors SO, Steve Kelm SO, Luke Fortuna SO, |
| Brandon Hatler JR, Josh Chacon SR, Danny Le SR, Nathan Richard JR. |
|
| Senior Garrett Gingras could be in the top 7 at the conference meet. Coach Eric Manuel will look upon Gingras and a strong sophomore class |
| to improve on last season’s conference and sectional performance. |
|
| Chicago Marist |
| 2008 Finish: 10th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Tony DeAngelis |
| Returnees: |
| Joel Haberkorn SR, Cody Haberkorn SO, Cam Meyer SO, Ryan Haberkorn SR, Mark Malatt Sr, Kevin Toussaint SR, Drew Salzman SR, |
| Sean Raddatz JR, Andrew Lynch SR, Mike Knawa SR, Cody Stanosta SR, Steve DiLiberto SR, Sean Hehr SR. |
|
| Marist will challenge Benet Academy in the East Suburban Catholic Conference this fall. Brothers Joel, Cody, and Ryan Haberkorn will be the keys |
| for Coach Tony DeAngelis. Watch for Sophomore Cam Meyer and Senior Kevin Toussaint to also contribute. |
|
| Chicago St. Patrick |
| 2008 Finish: 19th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Anthony Enright |
| Returnees: |
| Kiante Green SR, Tim Ortman SR, Charlie Labuz SO, Kevin Alvarez SO, Angel Barrera SO, Steve Mendez SO, Josh Henry SO, |
| Terry Lieske SO, Ben Plamin SO. |
|
| The Shamrocks could be a sleeper this fall in the East Suburban Catholic. Senior Kiante Green had a good track season and will be tough this |
| fall. Coach Anthony Enright will rely on a slew of sophomores on the Varsity level. This may have growing pains early, but will be tough when |
| the conference meet in October. |
|
| East Moline United |
| 2008 Finish: 9th AAA Normal West Sectional |
| Coach: Russ Boore |
| Returnees: |
| Cody Webster JR (81, 15:29), Connor Scott JR, Matt Duncan SO, Carl Woodard SR, Jesus Sanchez SR, Michael Walter SR, Lucas Brown SO. |
| Newcomers: |
| Keith Sands SO (1st season out for XC), Andy Martinez SR. |
|
| Franklin Park-Northlake Leyden |
| 2008 Finish: 9th AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Rick Mason |
| Returnees: |
| Herald Alvarez SR, Arthur Williams SR, Fernando Ramirez SR, Hector Patino SR, Daniel Pitts SR, Pablo Jimenez SO, Nick Stasinopoulos JR, |
| Alex Vizcarra JR, Javier Hernandez JR, George Johnson SO, Victor Valles SO. |
|
| This team could be the big surprise in the West Suburban Gold. Herald Alvarez ran 9:55 last spring and will be counted on to lead the Eagles. A |
| strong returning group may see this squad in the hunt in the sectional race. |
|
| Glenview Glenbrook South |
| 2008 Finish: 16th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Kurt Hasenstein |
| Returnees: |
| Zak Avila SR, Bobby Mette SR, Tom Cowhey SR, Tim Krueutefeld SR, Don Takaki SR, Aaron Hinds JR, Joe Schaefer SR, |
| Charlie Rieghard SR, Eric Lucari SR, Brad Berg SO, Drew Reynolds SO. |
|
| Could be a darkhorse in the Central Suburban League. Coach Kurt Hasenstein welcomes a strong senior group led by Senior Zak Avila, |
| Bobby Mette, and Tom Cowhey that could challenge in the top 15 in their conference. |
|
| Hoffman Estates Conant |
| 2008 Finish: 9th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: John Powers |
| Returnees: |
| Mohammed Tayyab SR (123, 15:48), Sean Chaudhari SR, Troy Cunningham JR, Alex Miller SO, Nikhil Byanna JR, Takahashi Yoshiaki SR, |
| Steven Piriano SR, Kevin Hartsfeld JR, Ryan Brushaber JR, Matthew Rajewski JR. |
|
| In a dream season in which Jeff Thode excited the imagination of Conant fans last fall with an Individual State Championship. His grittiness has |
| rubbed off on his teammates. It will be a rebuilding year for Coach John Powers, but watch for this team to challenge in October. |
|
| Homewood-Flossmoor |
| 2008 Finish: 18th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Brian McCarthy |
| Returnees: |
| Cahron Cross SO, T.J. Norris SR, Manny Monroe SR, Doug Anderson JR, Kevin Kowalisyn SR, Alex Brocman JR, Mike Brunner JR, |
| Mike Kirchschlager JR, Connor Jennings JR, Rashaun Warner SO. |
|
| The duo of Cahron Cross and T.J. Norris have improved and will be the main men for Brian McCarthy and HF. Watch for this team to move up |
| in the SWSC and in their sectional performance. |
|
| Lisle Benet Academy |
| 2008 Finish: 6th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Kevin Reinicker |
| Returnees: |
| Jerry Olp SR (119, 15:47), Marlon Torres JR, Paul Clifford SR, Matt Ruerka SO, Tim Vogel JR, Chris Hitchcock JR, Nick Lahn JR, |
| Brian McGrath JR, Brian McHugh JR, Tim Gannon SO, Brian Sanderson JR, Nick Batchos SR, Mark Coyne SR. |
|
| Kevin Reinecker’s team just missed out qualifying for state last fall. But this year’s version could surprise some. They will challenge in the |
| East Suburban Catholic, led by Seniors Jerry Olp and Paul Clifford. Olp had a breakout season in track and could emerge as one of the |
| better runners in the state. |
|
| Machesney Park Harlem |
| 2008 Finish: 6th AAA Normal West Sectional |
| Coach: Richard Johnson |
| Returnees: |
| Shadly Diab SR, Nick Miller SO, Nick Coyne SO, Chris Beaupre SO, Matt O’Rourke SR, Mike Marwin SR, Brendan Gault JR, |
| Robert Garrison SR, Christian Orozco SR, Tim Rerian SO. |
|
| This team came within 7 points of making it down state. But they had their best performance of the year. Shadly Diab should emerge as the |
| #1 man for Coach Richard Johnson…a young team that could surprise again this season. |
|
| Mundelein Carmel |
| 2008 Finish: 17th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Jim Halford |
| Returnees: |
| K.J. Matuszak SO, Pat Gray SO, Jimmy Heid JR, Karl Horcher SR, Chris Brzezinski SR, Brian Waldron JR, Connor Hughes SR. |
|
| This could be a rebuilding year for Coach Jim Halford. Cameron Rieger has graduated and leaves a huge hole up front. Watch for Senior |
| Karl Horcher and promising Sophomore K.J. Matuszak to fill that gap. |
|
| New Lenox Lincoln-Way Central |
| 2008 Finish: 16th AAA State Meet |
| Coach: John Taylor |
| Returnees: |
| Kyle Counter JR (66, 15:25), Zach Klaaren SR (135, 15:52), Ed Gasca JR, Keenan Shepard SR, Pierre Hurley SR, Seamus Wray SO, Adam Kurczewski SO. |
|
| This team was hit hard with graduation loss, the opening of Lincoln-Way West, and Lukas Verzbicas transferring to Sandburg. Coach John Taylor |
| will rebuild behind Junior Kyle Counter and Senior Zach Klaaren. Will be hurting early on, but could be challenging by conference time. |
|
| Palos Hills Stagg |
| 2008 Finish: 11th AAA Reavis Sectional |
| Coach: Dan Zielinski |
| Returnees: |
| Chris Sarna SR, Tom Vasquez SR, Brendan McDonnell SR, Mark Szott SR, Tom Busen SR, Alex Morales SR, John Walsh SR, |
| Adam Marrin SR, A.J. Grimberg JR. |
|
| Senior Chris Sarna ran 9:43 in track last spring. Stagg has a senior oriented team that could do some damage when the state series come around. |
|
| Plainfield North |
| 2008 Finish: 10th AAA St Charles East Sectional |
| Coach: Scott Thoms |
| Returnees: |
| Andrew Sandoval JR (18, 14:55), Austin Stone SR, Mike Meredith SR, Dan Wooldridge SO, Steven Wilder JR, Jake Ready JR, |
| Tyler Vizek JR, Alex Hish SO. |
|
| An interesting season lies ahead for Coach Scott Thoms. Junior Andrew Sandoval was the big surprise at State Meet last fall and will |
| be among the elite at State. Will challenge Plainfield South and Minooka in Conference. |
|
| Rolling Meadows |
| 2008 Finish: 7th AAA Schaumburg Sectional |
| Coach: Frank Schweda |
| Returnees: |
| Photis Karkalis SR, Angelos Karkalis SR, Mike Bobowski SR, Eric Ure SO, Mark Burns JR, Juan Catalan JR, Jim Dolin SO, |
| Brendan Thielsen SO, Adam Kelly SR, Matt Silvosky SR. |
|
| This team will have a strong first 3 with brothers Photis and Angelos Karkalis along with Senior Mike Bobowski. After that, Coach Frank Schweda |
| will need a strong group of underclassman to step up and fill the 4-5 spots. A team that could surprise in the Mid Suburban League. |
|
| Skokie Niles North |
| 2008 Finish: AAA Niles West Sectional |
| Coach: Dan Horyn |
| Returnees: |
| Kosta Papazoglou JR, Aron Sebhart SO, Alvin Thomas SR, Josh Ziedman SR, Sam Sherman JR, Tom Valente JR, Isaac Park JR, |
| Tom Vasquez SO, Erik Noorts SR. |
|
| A team that could be possibly a year away, Niles North and Coach Dan Horyn could be a year early. Horyn returns a good nucleus led by Junior |
| Kosta Papazoglou and Sophomore Aron Sebhart. A team that really does not have a true front runner, if their pack can stay within 30 seconds |
| of each other they may surprise some teams. |
