Class 2A Boys-
There will be some notable changes by the time the season is in full swing. Aside from a few classification moves that are guaranteed to shake things up considerably, some top teams are going to have to reload. Defending champion Chatham-Glenwood graduated its top three runners that included the Maton twins Dathan Maton and Drew Maton. However, their back end line up appears solid.
Last year's state runner-up Springfield is another team that must face the task of replacing strong upfront talent that graduated. The Senators lost their top three lowstick positions.
The bronze titlists Bloomington is in the same position as their fellow central state brethren with ace Nick Doud moving on to college. As well there are two other heavy hitters removed from the lineup.
Could it be that Kaneland is the team that many ranking watchers put at the top of the food chain? Rising senior Daniel Occhipinti and his teammates have been salivating for several years for the opportunity to win a state title. The Knights return five of their top seven from a fourth-place finish. Occhipinti's daily partner is Austin Adams, who is coming into the season as a fellow all-stater on the track. Occhipinti earned 1600m honors in May.
Newcomers Chicago St. Ignatius and Lisle Benet Academy will fight for supremacy. They previously competed at the 3A level.
Anthony Farmer of Burlington Central and Charlie Smith of Antioch are the top returners because state runner up Nathan Schmitt of Lake Forest has moved up to 3A.