Tony Jones takes a look at the top teams across the state of Illinois for week six.
3A Boys
1. Elmhurst (York)
2. Hinsdale Central
3. Arlington Heights (Hersey)
4. O’Fallon
5. Chicago Lane Tech
6. Orland Park (Sandburg)
7. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)
8. Winnetka (New Trier)
9. LaGrange (Lyons Twp.)
10. Wheaton-Warrenville South
11. New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)
12. Naperville North
13. Chicago (St. Ignatius)
14. Downers Grove North
15. Wilmette (Loyola Academy)
16. Palatine
17. Park Ridge (Maine South)
18. Barrington
19. Buffalo Grove
20. Roselle (Lake Park)
21. Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
22. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
23. Batavia
24. Edwardsville
25. Plainfield South
Boys 3A (week 5 recap- teams from 10/2/13)-
1. Elmhurst (York)- The Dukes defeated then #2 Hinsdale Central in a tough battle among WSC Silver foes 23-32. York’s Alex Bashqawi (Sr.) and Nathan Mroz (Sr.) go 1-2. Hinsdale Central did not have the services of top man Billy Magnesen (Sr.). The stalwart was sitting out due to a recent leg injury. Kevin Huang (Sr.)- the team’s usual #2 runner- stepped up in the top spot to finish third. The Dukesters traded blows with Central for the remaining scoring spots; next up is the WSC Championship on 10/19.
2. Hinsdale Central- The Red Devils endured a tough and interesting week. First, they took their first loss of the season in a dual meet at 32-23 without Billy Magnesen… also, the Red Devils placed second at the Locktoberfest with 133 points without the services of Magnesen and freshman Blake Evertsen; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
3. O’Fallon- The Panthers traveled to Missouri without star Patrick Perrier and placed third in the Parkway West Invite. Junior Dorrian Gordon took charge and placed second in the race; next up is IDLE for the upcoming week.
4. Arlington Heights (Hersey)- The Huskies only competition was highlighted by a resounding MSL East Division win over then #6 Buffalo Grove 19-41. Junior David Rodriguez outkicked Buffalo Grove Sophomore Kevin Salvano in the waning moments of the race to win; next up is the MSL Championship on 10/19.
5. Downers Grove North- The Trojans placed sixth at the Locktoberfest scoring 205 points. Zack Smith (Sr.) toured the challenging 5k course in 15:42. It was his second meet title in a row. His teammate Ryan Clevenger (Jr.) held on strong to place sixth in the standings; next up is the WSC Gold Championship on 10/13.
6. Buffalo Grove- [10/3]- The Bison started the week with a 41-19 foot thumping by rival and then #4 Hersey in a MSL dual meet; it wasn’t a pretty performance aside from Kevin Salvano’s solid performance. The Bison’s clocked a loud 8th place (244pts.). The disparity was the lack of pack running after from the 2-5 runners. This team is going to need their main man Steven Salvano (Sr.) for the state run stretch; next up is the MSL Championship on 10/19.
7. New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)- Led by #1 runner Chris Kaminski’s (Sr.) solid seventh place finish, the Knights took home the fourth place position with 172 points. The key to the top the top placing was the strong pack running exhibited by all seven competitors. The 1-7 split was a delightful 51 seconds; next up on the palate is the NIKE Northside-Southside Challenge on 10/13.
8. Chicago Lane Tech- IDLE during the past week; NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
9. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)- The extended bye week period did not hurt the Wildcats. Daniel Weiss (Jr.) and Nick Bushelle (Sr.) earned hard fought eighth and tenth places to lead their team to a third place behind Hinsdale Central. The scoring split was just 45 seconds in tallying 134 points; NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
10. Orland Park (Sandburg)- It was not a misprint when the official results were announced at the Peoria Central Invitational. It was reported that the Eagles ran two squads called “Sandburg Gold” and “Sandburg Blue.” The talent was split up a bit to make them competitive and give some back of the pack runners a chance to compete for future varsity races. Varsity Gold placed second overall to Vernon Hills scoring 142 points. Varsity Blue took home sixth with 223 pts. Coach John O’Malley gives a deeper explanation on the experience: “When [Wilmette] Loyola went down I was looking for some options for my back line and I came up with a long shot idea that I bounced off the Peoria AD. I asked if I could pay two entries and get a second group in there. He was willing to help me out--for this year only--since the other meet was cancelled. I am grateful--it gave us an opportunity to run a group of guys who wouldn't have been able to run otherwise.
As far as dividing up the team, I wanted to make sure we are focused on our process and the idea that everyone is accountable to get the job done if they are called on, so I told them this and literally pulled their names out of a hat to determine the teams. I know we could have put together a more strategic lineup to try to win the meet, but I want to make sure we are 100% focused on our process and not how we compare to others right now. They are a competitive group and they had a lot of fun with it"; next up is the NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
11. Winnetka (New Trier)- The Trevians were able to earn the runner up trophy without top man Peter Cotsirilos (Sr.). He was away taking a college entrance exam. Chase Silverman (Sr.) led a group that ran a 22 second scoring split that almost defeated Wheaton-Warrenville’s exceptional trio performance; next up is the CSL Championship on 10/19.
12. Chicago (St. Ignatius)- The Wolfpack engaged in a classic shootout among Chicago Catholic League rivals. At the Niles West Pat Savage Invite, St. Iggy either tied Loyola 67-67 and lost on the sixth man placement or they lost by one point if the tally was conducted in the traditional red/white divisional format. “They separate 1A/2A and 3A into separate divisions. We lost 58-59 that way. But if you don't separate it is a tie and we lost on sixth man,” said St. Ignatius head coach Ed Ernst; next up is split team action: Georgetown Prep Classic in Washington, DC for the top 24 & Wheeling Invite on 10/19 for the reserve team.
13. Wheaton-Warrenville South- The Tigers got an important win heading into the post-season. The knock on them has been a lack of a strong scoring pack. At the St. Charles North Invite, The Tigers led off the usual trio of Nolan McKenna (Sr.), Luke Schroer (Sr.), and Kyle Cepeda (Jr.)- the boys rocked first, second, and fifth in the scoring column. The key to the win was David Dillon (Sr.) placing ninth and just 13 seconds behind Cepeda. This is an area where Wheaton South has desperately been looking to improve; next up is the West Aurora Stampede on 10/12.
14. LaGrange (Lyons Twp.)- The Lions rolled to an impressive title defense at the Locktoberfest. Lyons used a strong tight pack to record 115 points. The 25 second scoring split was especially impressive since no Lion runner cracked the top 10 individual ledger; next up is WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
15. Naperville North- The Huskies placed fifth in the Locktoberfest scoring 172 points (they lost to LWC on a sixth man tie). Junior Kerry Gschwendtner led his team in 14th place. The team scoring split was an impressive 32 seconds; next is Naperville Twilight Invite on 10/9.
16. Palatine- The Pirates defeated MSL foes Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg in conference action on 10/4. The double win extended their dual meet winning streak to 74 wins in a row; next up is the NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
17. Roselle (Lake Park)- The Lancers placed a distant third in the Pat Savage Invite scoring 109 points. Senior Jeremy Lozano was top man in 12th place; next up is Upstate 8 Championship on 10/19.
18. Plainfield South- The Cougars endured a tough day despite senior Dan Lathop’s third place finish at the Locktoberfest. Plainfield South took 10th place in 264 points; next up is NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
19. Highland Park- Senior Angel Estrada led his team with a third place finish in the Pat Savage Invite. Meanwhile, his team took seventh in the team standings; next is CSL Championship on 10/19.
20. Park Ridge (Maine South)- IDLE during the past week; next up is the Addison Trail Invite on 10/12.
21. Barrington- The Broncos competed in the Stevenson Invite last weekend; next is MSL Championship on 10/19.
22. Wilmette (Loyola Academy)- The Ramblers put all seven runners in the top 50 including five in the top 30 to edge rival St. Ignatius for the win at the Pat Savage Invitational; next up is the CCL Championship on 10/19.
23. Batavia- The Bulldogs placed fourth in the St. Charles North Invitational scoring 138 points. The 53 second scoring split was highlighted by Mitch Zabka (Sr.) and his seventh place finish; next up is the West Aurora Stampede on 10/12.
24. Algonquin (Jacobs)- Senior Matt Johnson’s runner up finish in the Antioch Invite could not rescue his team from placing third and scoring 97 points.
25. Mt. Prospect (Prospect)- The rebuilding Knights continue to improve after a solid fourth place finish at the Peoria Invitational scoring 182 points. Blake Hallman (Sr.) and Mike Anderson (Jr.) ran well with ninth and tenth place tallies; next is the MSL Championship on 10/19.
Girls 3A
1. Naperville North
2. Palatine
3. Winnetka (New Trier)
4. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
5. Hinsdale Central
6. Wheaton-Warrenville South
7. O’Fallon
8. Oak Park-River Forest
9. Lockport
10. LaGrange (Lyons Twp.)
11. Schaumburg
12. Downers Grove South
13. Geneva
14. Downers Grove North
15. Barrington
16. Hoffman Estates
17. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)
18. Chicago (St. Ignatius)
19. Wilmette (Loyola Academy)
20. Cary-Grove
21. Lake Zurich
22. St. Charles North
23. Minooka
24. Edwardsville
25. Orland Park (Sandburg)
Girls 3A week 5 (recap for week of 10/2/13)-
1. Naperville North- The Huskies ventured to St. James farm for the Wheaton North Falcon Flight Classic and placed second scoring 18 points. North produced the favorable results through seven flights: 2,1,3,1,2,3,6. Sophomore Katherine Shannon took home the sixth place medal in 17:57. “I’m sorry we took second, but I’m not at all disappointed in the effort we gave,” said Coach Dan Iverson of his team’s performance. “It bodes well for continued improvement going forward.” Next up is the Naperville Twilight Invite on 10/9 at Neuqua Valley High School.
2. Palatine- IDLE from Invitational the past weekend; Metamora Invitational on 10/12 is next on the plate.
3. Winnetka (New Trier)- The Trevians took another step toward state title talk after winning the Wheaton North Flight Classic scoring 15 points. The team picked up four wins including junior Mimi Smith’s icing on the cake victory in the championship race; next up is the CSL Championship on 10/19.
4. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)- The Lady Hilltoppers placed third in the Wheaton North Flight Classic tallying 31 points. The duo of Lindsay Graham (So.) and Lisa Luczak (Jr.) went fourth and first in flights 1 and 2; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
5. Hinsdale Central- The Devilettes made good use of two top finishes to win the St. Charles North Invitational scoring 71 points. Freshman Alexa Haffe continues to impress as she wins another big meet- this time by 25 seconds over Kendall Cast (Sr., Aurora Metea Valley)- in 17:25; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
6. O’Fallon- The Panthers placed ninth in the Wheaton North Flight Classic scoring 72 points. Sydney Neal (Sr.) took home 18th place in the championship race running 18:53; IDLE this week.
7. Wheaton-Warrenville South- The Tigers placed sixth in the Wheaton North Flight Classic with 57 points. Freshman Sara Atkins earned a hard fought eighth place medal (18:12); next up is the West Aurora Stampede on 10/12.
8. Oak Park-River Forest- The Lady Huskies enjoy an extended furlough that extends nearly four weeks. They will be in action on 10/19 for the WSC Silver Championship.
9. Hoffman Estates- The Hawks placed second in the Peoria Invitational scoring 120 points. Senior Solome Haile led the way for her team in sixth place running 17:52; next up is the MSL Championship on 10/19.
10. Lockport- The Porters placed 11th in the team standings of the Wheaton North Classic. Freshman Morgan Bollinger finished in 10th place; next up is the SWSC Blue Championship on 10/19.
11. LaGrange (Lyons Twp.)- The Lady Lions copped the seventh place position at the Wheaton North Classic with 71 pts. Senior Lexy Rudofski led her team in the championship race with a ninth place finish; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
12. Schaumburg- IDLE from invitational competition the past week; next on the agenda is the Sterling Invitational on 10/19.
13. Naperville Central- The Hawks placed 12th in the Wheaton North Classic scoring 87 points. Sophomore Maggie McClowry ran to 14th place in 18:34; next up is the Naperville Twilight Invite at Neuqua Valley High School on 10/9.
14. Barrington- IDLE from invitational competition the past weekend; next up is the Wheeling Invitational on 10/12.
15. Downers Grove North- IDLE during the past week from invite competition; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
16. St. Charles North- The host North Stars placed third in their invite with 96 points. Ashley England (Sr.) took him the bronze medal; next on the schedule is the Upstate 8 Championship on 10/19.
17. Naperville (Neuqua Valley)- The Lady Wildcats took home the 10th place position with 79 points. Senior Claire Costelloe led the way for her team in 11th place; next up is the Naperville Twilight Invite on 10/9.
18. Geneva- The Vikings ran to another strong invitational finish at the St. Charles North Invitational scoring 87 points to take second. Kathryn Adelman (Sr.) placed seventh to led off a 44 second scoring split. Coach Bob Thomson indicated that his team is getting healthy and running well at the right time; next is the NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
19. Orland Park (Sandburg)- The Eagles took home the 17th place spot at Wheaton North Invite. It was not a good showing for a team that had high aspirations this season. Grace Foley (So.) placed 24th in the championship race to lead her team. The team star Carly Krull (Sr.) was noticeably absent from the competition. According to her coach Jennifer Genslinger, Krull will miss the remainder of the season. “Carly will not race the rest of the season. Her knees have gotten to a point where she will not be healthy in time to race our conference meet.” Next on the schedule for the team is a split between the West Aurora Stampede on 10/12 and the NIKE NS/SS Challenge on 10/13.
20. Downers Grove South- Coach Doug Plunkett had been in a less than favorable mood for a good portion of this cross country season. But after his team demolished the competition at the Peoria Invitational he characterized his team’s performance as “good… very pleased. We needed this.” Plunkett got an outstanding performance from his ace Haley Albers (Sr.) who finished second in 17:18 on the fleeting Detweiller course. There were two other Lady Mustangs in the top 10: Abby Kargol (Jr.)- 5th-17:48, Amanda Thate (Jr.)- 9th- 17:54; WSC Gold Championship on 10/19.
21. Lake Zurich- The Lady Bears cruised to victory at the Lisle Maine Event with 52 points. Meaghan Gelinas (Sr.) led the charge with a second place finish in 20:00. The team scoring split was 1:00; next up is the Wheeling Invite on 10/12.
22. Algonquin (Jacobs)- The Golden Eagles placed 20th in the Wheaton North Classic. Junior Lauren VanVlierbergen finished third in the championship race; next up is the Fox Valley Championship on 10/19
23. St. Charles East- The Saints placed a distant 18th in the Wheaton North Classic with 149 pts; next up is Upstate 8 Championship on 10/19.
24. Elmhurst (York)- The Lady Dukes took home 19th place at the Wheaton North Classic with 130 pts; next up is the WSC Silver Championship on 10/19.
25. Cary-Grove- The Trojans got the job done at the Peoria Invitational with a fourth place finish on 201 points. The scoring split was an awful 1:39 but that may have been due to Morgan Schulz’s (Jr.) seventh place effort; next on the docket is the Fox Valley Championship on 10/19.
2A Boys-
1. Lansing (Illiana Christian)
2. Mahomet-Seymour
3. Vernon Hills
4. Chicago Jones Prep
5. Yorkville
6. Normal (University)
7. Crystal Lake Central
8. Dixon
9. Metamora
10. Rock Island (Alleman)
11. Lisle (Benet Academy)
12. Springfield
13. Chatham-Glenwood
14. Bensonville (Fenton)
15. Champaign Central
16. Sterling
17. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)
18. West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)
19. Belvidere North
20. Elmwood Park
2A Girls
1. Yorkville
2. Normal (University)
3. Woodstock
4. Lombard (Montini)
5. Crystal Lake Central
6. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South)
7. Highland
8. Vernon Hills
9. Springfield
10. Belvidere North
11. Lake Forest
12. Lemont
13. Metamora
14. Maple Park (Kaneland)
15. Mattoon
16. Mahomet-Seymour
17. Dixon
18. Springfield (Sacred-Heart Griffin)
19. Dunlap
20. Normal West
1A Boys
1. Tolono (Unity)
2. Monticello
3. Winnebago
4. Rockford (Christian)
5. Shelbyville
6. St. Joseph (Ogden)
7. Rochester
8. Sterling (Newman Catholic)
9. Tremont
10. Urbana (University)
11. Mt. Zion
12. Elmwood-Brimfield
13. Freeburg
14. El Paso-Gridley
15. Stanford (Olympia)
16. Pleasant Plains
17. Paxton-Buckley-Loda
18. Liberty
19. Sparta
20. Nashville
1A Girls
1.Decatur (St. Teresa)
2. Monticello
3. Rochester
4. St. Joseph-Ogden
5. Eureka
6. Chicago (Latin)
7. Tolono (Unity)
8. Liberty
9. Mocomb (Sr)
10. Monmouth-Roseville
11. Litchfield
12. Freeburg
13. Byron
14. Carlinville
15. Mt. Zion
16. Petersburg (Porta)
17. Winnebago
18. Urbana (University)
19. Effingham (St. Anthony)
20. Downs (Tri-Valley)