Chicago Jones lose a bevy of talent anchored by the Public League’s best ever distance runner Jamison Dale (now at Loyola University). However, Coach Andrew Adelmann will return a ton of talented youngsters to fill spots. Can the likes of Illiana Christian and Glenbard South move up and take hold of the mantle?
We begin our preview the 2A Boys Team Race. Keep checking back as we count down #20 through #1 in the next two days.
20. Richmond-Burton
Head Coach: Keith Forth
Last year’s final season finish: state -5th (Class A).
Key returners: James Kaht (Sr.), Ben Gardner (Sr.)
Outlook: The Rockets will follow Rock Island Alleman from 1A to 2A. It may be a little difficult for Coach Forth’s crew stay about the 20th spot with only two returners back.
19. Head Coach: Doug Burke
Last year’s final season finish: state- 4th (Class A)
Key returners: Zach Hird (Sr.), Will Graham (Jr.), Aaron Golding (So.), Keinan Otto (Jr.), Matthew Mallary (Sr.).
Season outlook: The Pioneers reward for having a fine season is promotion to Class 2A. There is a chance that this team will perform better than some think. Zach Hird will be a force in the new league based on his all-state track appearance in the 2A 3200m. He clocked a fine 9:29 to place eighth. Teammate Will Graham ran 4:25 and also advanced to the state meet. Overall, it should be a solid welcoming party for Alleman.
18. Chatham-Glenwood-
Head Coach/coach: Mike Garber/Tracy Dowell
Last year’s final season finish: state- 20th (484pts)
Key returners: Landon Skelly, Grant Kaiser, Tyler Jones, Gabe Powell, Jon Durr, Sean McRae, Justin Hollinshead, Paul Giganti, Jason Olsen
Newcomers: Jack Carduff, Chris Durr
Season outlook from Coach Garber: “The boys are also in a unique position. 20th place last year did not come close to showing the type of team Glenwood had. All of our expected Top 10 put in great summer running. The big question will be who can step up to fill Marc Maton's shoes....and they are big shoes to fill. My guess is it won't be a single runner, but our whole team that will make up missing such a tremendous runner as Maton.”
17. Grayslake Central-
Head Coach: Jimmy Centella
Last year’s final season finish: 6th- Belvidere Sectional
Key returners: Tommy Zygmunt (Jr.), Kevin Orozco (Sr.), Kirk Dickson (Sr.), Ben Shwaiko (Sr.), Steven Anderson (Sr.).
Season outlook: Just like their conference foe Vernon Hills, The Rams narrowly missed advancing to state by 11 points. They should be in a better spot with some key figures returning led by Tommy Zygmunt. As with most teams the key will be scoring splits. Grayslake Central will need to improve in that area.
16. Vernon Hills-
Head Coach: Mark Whitney
Last year’s final season finish: 7th- Belvidere Sectional
Key returners: Ben Mohdieck (Sr.), Kyle Whitney (Sr.), Nicholas Webber (Sr.), Tyler Smith (Jr.), Eric Doerhoefer (Sr.), Bryan Castellanos (So.).
Season outlook: The Cougars will be on a rampage after missing state by 12 points. Ben Mohdieck was able to taste the confines of Detweiller Park in the state meet, but it was bittersweet. He will hope to make a return back with six of his mates. The prospects look even better now that nemesis Deerfield move up to 3A. The pressing goal will be improve on the 1-5 split that averaged 55-1:00 in a lot of meets.