1A Boys-
Elmwood grabbed their first state since 2013 on the strength of strong upperclassmen leadership. Now that all-staters Cooper Hoffmann and Trevor Dunkel have moved on, it will be interesting to see how the Trojans cope. Sophomore Luke Hoffmann will lead the next group back that features three other starters. Don't look for power Rockford Christian. They have moved up to 2A this season.
Last year's 4th place Monticello graduated Alex Helmuth but return Garrett Dixon. Dixon was one of the best runners in the classification and his low scoring ability will be key in leading four starters back.
How good can a team be without Charlie Parrish? Freeburg expects to be in the running for a team title with six runners returning. Depth and pack play will be their strength as the Midgets build toward the post-season.
2017 was arguably the best year as a whole for this classification. Despite the thinning of talent due to three classes, it took 15:30 to earn all-state status. The top runners: Wyatt McIntyre (Athens), Logan Hall (Arthur), and Jack McNabola (Chicago Francis Parker) were as good as any trio of the classes. All three were good enough to be considered among the elite if they competed in Class 3A. Career wise they dropped 9:11.32, 9:05.75, and 9:14.21- the best trio in Class A history. So who's next? Riley Wells is the top returner from the state meet. Although he rarely exhibits prowess in any race above 1600m, he has run 15:05 for three miles. And with good endurance is the incredible middle-distance prowess and leg speed he possesses. Christopher Collet of Seneca is a candidate as is sophomore Justin Mumford of Trenton Wesclin who placed 6th. Mumford did not have a great track season for those fans concerned.