Last year's fleet class will usher in a new cast of San Diego hopefuls (Itai Epstein photo)
Kenosha, WI-
Regular November temperatures arrive in time as the Thanksgiving holiday subsides. In that means the last of regional cross country races for runners in the Midwest. The boys and girls fields may have lost some luster through graduation, athletes calling it a season, or opting for other pastures. Even if this is all true the prospect of competing in a Footlocker race and the chance of earning a trip to San Diego still rings strong in terms of quality.
Key Boys Entries: US #2 Seth Hirsch (Sr., West Millard NE), Matt Pereira (Sr., Lake Zurich IL), US #7 Finn Gessner (Sr., Madison La Follette WI), Mitchell Day (Sr., Alpina MI), Noah Jacobs (Sr., Owosso MI), Chad Johnson (Jr., Galion OH), Clayton Adams (Sr., Kearney MO), US #22 Milo Greder (Sr., Omaha NE)
-If Seth Hirsch decides to race it will be a treat for the fans. Hirsch was undefeated until taking second at NXN Heartland with a sizzling 14:39 5k. He crossed the line with Wisconsin runner Finn Gessner. Hirsch very well could end up as national champion in one or both big races in a few weeks. But the main goal is to survive and advance. So don't expect a record run despite several other big names in the field. Last year's 11th place national race finisher Gessner may just survive and advance with Hirsch. He is undefeated after winning the Wisconsin state meet and Heartland NXN championship so who knows what he is thinking. He would like to stay unbeaten though it would not mean much in a qualifying race. Milo Greder has seen enough of state foe Hirsch to last a lifetime. He has not beaten him but if losing again and moving to California is the way to go, it will be fine.
Additional IL Boys Contingent: Jack Aho (Sr., Grayslake Central), Matt Aho (Sr., Grayslake Central), Brian Griffith (Sr., Lake Zurich), Kyle Griffith (Sr., Lake Zurich), Jake McEneaney (Sr., Neuqua Valley), Zach Kinne (So., Neuqua Valley), Jackson Jett (Sr., Neuqua Valley), Scott Anderson (Sr. Neuqua Valley), Vince Zona (Sr. Lyons Twp.), Brayden Hamblen (Sr., Rock Falls), Logan Hall (Jr., Arthur)
-A solid but not the deepest state wide field. Jack Aho and two time qualifier along with Brian Griffith are the faves here to advance to San Diego. Aho has already punched his ticket to Portland so he continue his run for a win or qualify style. Lake Zurich could pull two guys close to a nice vacation if they can run well inside the final mile. Neuqua Valley will be running most of their Portland crew but it may be more of a stay fresh atmosphere. Overall, there should be a number of Illinois boys vying for regional top 24 honors.
Key Girls Entries: Kayla Young (Sr., Westminister CO), Grace Cutler (Sr., Royal Oak MI), Daly Galloway (Sr., S. Wilmington IL), Lauren Peterson (So., Farmington MN), Emily Covert (So., Minneapolis MN)
-Kayla Young may be the one to watch here simply because Colorado girls have been tough on the rugged UW-Parkside course over the years. Young won the 3A state title but slipped to 16th a week later in the Nike SW regional championship. Let see if she can regain her form. Grace Cutler moves from Farmington Hills to Royal Oak. She will also look to move toward a first place after finishing 15th a year ago.
Additional Girls Contingent: Delaney Appino (Sr., Rockford Boylan), Isabelle Christiansen (So., Oswego), Isabelle Sparreo (Jr., Stevenson), Grace McLaughlin (Jr., Rockford Boylan), Melissa Manetsch (Jr., Libertyville), Morgan Bollinger (Sr., Lockport)
-A surprisingly light cast of Illinois entrants and devoid of some of the star talent will give someone of this lot a chance to do very well provided they have been training since the high school season concluded. Appino finished second in the 2A state meet and should be a fighter among the 25. Christenson enjoyed an all star season where she placed 9th in the 3A state meet.