Tommy Brady (on the right) held off Josh Methner and Clayton Mendez at the state meet
3200m-
2018 State Champion: Danny Kilrea (LaGrange [Lyons Twp.]) 9:02.77
Key Athletes: Tommy Brady (Sr., Park Ridge [Maine South]), Josh Methner (Jr., Arlington Heights [Hersey]), Jack Roberts (Sr., Downers Grove North), Stephen Moody (Sr., Glen Ellyn [Glenbard West]), Tyler Cushing (Jr., Bolingbrook), Brett Gardner (Jr., Frankfort [Lincoln-Way East]), Ethan Kern (Jr., Elmhurst [York]), Matt Moravec (Sr., Downers Grove North), Connor Zydek (Sr., Wheaton North), Ian Geisler (Jr., Huntley), Roland Prenzler (Sr., Edwardsville), William Hauenstein (Jr., Wheaton Warrenville South), Rory Cavan (Sr., Glenbard West)
Breakdown: Danny Kilrea was the lone wolf when came to breaking the watershed 9:00 barrier in 2018. Kilrea's US#18 8:56.58 was his long-awaited and multiple attempted goal which was achieved at the Arcadia Invitational.
There are several runners in position to capture the mantle left by Kilrea who is now starring at the University of Notre Dame. The leadoff is the state cross country champion Josh Methner who clocked a personal best 9:06.64 last April. Methner would later go on to place fourth at the state meet. But after enjoying a tremendous national harrier season that netted two All-American honors, Mether appears ready to claim the 5-star general post.
Tommy Brady is the state's overall top returner based on his 9:06.13 that he achieved at the state championship. Brady is an extreme competitor who will be explicitly focused on racing well after missing the NXN and Footlocker Championships.
Jack Roberts is one of the best success stories in the state in terms of distance running. The kid has grown from running an 18:28 3-mile as a freshman to taking fourth last fall at the cross-country state championship. Roberts ran 9:08.39 last year at sectionals to bring his name to the forefront. In addition, he will have his partner in crime back teammate and all-stater from sophomore year Matt Moravec. They could be the top "deuce" duo by the end of the season.
Stephen Moody is the final runner that is returning under the 9:10 mark. He and newly minted standout teammate Rory Cavan are in the jungle to make some serious noise. It could be a very special year for the pair.
Tyler Cushing and Brett Gardner are two south suburban friendly foes that in striking distances to make the headlines for their area. Look for both to be fighting for the 9:00 barrier.
Ethan Kern has developed in a fine runner amid some injuries and pressure of living up to the family name. After earning high all-state honors and making NXN and Footlocker National teams, he can breathe easy along dad Charlie Kern Sr, brother Charlie Jr, and twin Emma. The focus will be here first before any relay work or the mile. Look for a sub 9:05 effort this season.