We open the 2A boys preseason previews with an expansive look at unranked teams to squads up to number 11.
Head Coach: Jake O'Hara, Lisa Wajrowski; Austin Pequeno
Last year's finish: Lakes Regional- 12th place
Key returners: Levi Coburn (Jr), Nicolas Ganek (Sr), Brody Bendler (Sr), Parker Koch (So), Akhillez Sosa (So)
Newcomers: Austin Olsen, Brogen Finley, Owen Porten
Outlook: WXC is entering its second season under coaches Wajrowski and O'Hara and is looking to continue a rise to prominence in the NLCC and IHSA 2A scene. With strong young runners entering the program on the girl's side and a returning core of dedicated runners on the boy's side, the team looks to improve its standings in both conference and regional competitions and see some athletes competing late into the IHSA postseason racing calendar. With a focus on culture, consistency, and
improvement, the Bulldogs hope to be a sleeper and a spoiler in the 2024 XC season.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Kim Hoffmeister/Aaron Moehrlin
Last year's finish: 4th in conference (KRC)
Newcomers: Jaden Ortega (So), Oliver Stack (Fr), Axel Bown (Fr)
Outlook: 2024, on the surface, looks like another development year for the Indians this season. "We lost sectional qualifier Marcus Ray to graduation, so our boys' team this fall will be small and very young," said coach Kim Hoffmeister. "We have one senior, Gavin Prudlick, and no juniors. However, our young guys are tough. Josh Woodcock has been working hard all summer and is poised for a breakthrough sophomore year."
Jaden Ortega, a transfer from Antioch High School, is a huge addition to the program. Newcomer Oliver Stack has a personal best of 4:40 for the mile, which should immediately impact the program.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Chris Felinski/Shelton Thompson (assistant coach)
Last year's finish: Kaneland Regional- 7th place
Key returners: Luke Osterholm (Jr), Toby Morden (Jr), Simeon Gabriel (Sr), Luke Dorn (Sr), Josh Chatfield (Sr), Jacob Erickson (So)
Newcomers: Luke Linstra (Fr), Andrew Nyquist (Fr)
Outlook: After not advancing past the regional round a year ago, the Warriors bring back experience and key personnel this fall according to coach Chris Felinksi. "We have a lot of young talent after losing just varsity scorers to graduation," he said. Winning the conference title for a second year in a row, advancing to the sectional, and making some noise are the main goals for the season.
Head Coach: Mark Johnson/Jenna Truesdell
Last year's finish: State Championship- 23rd place
Newcomers: Denver Sandrock (F), Isaiah Rojop (Fr), Micah Peterson (Fr)
Outlook: Last year was a banner year for the Golden Warriors, who advanced to Peoria. Unfortunately, graduation hit the program hard. "This will be a young team, with only two seniors and two juniors returning, " coach Mark Johnson indicated. He has a nice-sized incoming freshmen class, which will bode well for the future.
Head Coach: Jennifer Kirk
Last year's finish: Olney (Richland County) Regional- 7th place
Newcomers: TJ Raddatz (Fr)
Outlook: Coach Jennifer Kirk's team goal is to improve on last year's regional placement. Alex Gordon will also have a great chance to advance to the state level.
Head Coach/assistant: Zach Boehmke/Maggie Byrne
Last year's finish: Jacksonville Sectional- 14th place
Newcomers: Gabe Doussard, Nathaniel Mentaneau, Austin Ogolsky, Luke Foley
Outlook: Here is another program that will feel the impact of a large graduating class, which was instrumental in the program's success. "We lose a graduating class who were part of the first state appearance in 50 years," lamented coach Boehmke. "Hudson Coady, in particular, will be a tough loss in terms of his daily leadership."
Rebuilding will take some time, but Titus Coady and leader Mo Amrani appear ready to take the reins and lead a young program. Boehmke adds: "Our boys have done a great job instilling healthy habits into the new and incoming athletes. I believe this team will show growth throughout the season, hopefully yielding a sectional result that improves upon last year."
Head Coach/assistant coach: Jack Mongan, Jeff
Baude
Last year's finish: Geneseo Sectional- 18th place
Key returners:
Nolan Landgrebe (Jr), Aaron Benitez (Jr), Benjamin Loxtercamp (So), Roderick Shepard (Sr), Trey Carroll (Jr)
Newcomers:
Luis Suancatl (Sr)
Outlook: Coach's thoughts on team:
I think that this team has the potential to be one of the best cross country teams that
we have had in a long time. Last cross country season did not end the way that we
would have liked and that definitely lit a fire to this team. Our guys have been
putting in the work all offseason to get themselves to where they want to be in the
fall physically and mentally. We have a lot of guys that will be fighting for spots on
our varsity roster which has definitely raised the level of intensity at each practice.
Our top returner Nolan Landgrebe (Junior) has put in a great summer and has
really embraced a leadership role on our team. He sets the tone at each practice,
whether that be during stretches, runs, workouts, or in the weight room, he uplifts
all of his teammates to a higher standard. Coach Baude and I have raised the bar
for this team and they have responded to this extremely well. We are very excited
to see how this team will do this upcoming season.
Head Coach/coach: Andy Brendel/Megan Delong
Last year's finish: Jacksonville Sectional- 8th place
Key returners: Drew Twyman (Sr), Eric Mooshegian (Jr), Gray Lipe (Sr), Gavin Woolverton (So), Jacob Ramert (So), Michael Schram (So).
Newcomer: Sam Kuckuck (Sr)
Outlook: As painful as it was missing out on the state championship sweeps a year ago, the Knights appear a more determined crew on the surface this fall. "This team is full of potential after placing eighth at sectionals last year," coach Andy Brendel stated. Look for team leader Drew Twyman to showcase his talent and fight for all-state honors this fall.
Head Coach: Nick Willhoit/Joe Coughlin, Jack Becker
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional- 15th place
Outlook: The Gators will have three solid runners this fall but will need to find another two or three more if they hope to improve on last year's outcome.
Head Coach:
Dan Morgan
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional- 10th place
Key returners: Jayden Beecroft (Sr), Andres Quesada (Sr), Danny Burke (So), Brandon Pflug (So), Connor Polz (Jr).
Newcomers: Dane Walikonis, Rahil Patel, Venkata Anantha, Aadi Sheth, Julian Onayemi
Outlook: Tight pack running is a coach's dream, and the Rockets are no different. "The pack is going to be key for our success," said coach Dan Morgan. "Jayden will be our lead runner, but if the team can keep it close with him, this team can be very competitive." Look for Brandon Pflug and Danny Burke to make an impact on the team. Additionally, Morgan has noted that the progression of Andres Quesada has been fun to watch. He adds: "If we can continue progressing our younger boys, this team will get stronger as the season lengthens."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Ken Husser/Eryk Yunk, Alec Beutel
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional- 12th place
Key returners: Jesse Kramer (Sr), Zach Rediger (Jr), Lukas Hoemke (Jr), Isaac Erwin (Jr), Brandon Molina (Jr)
Newcomers: Judah Binger (Fr), Martin Hernandez (Fr), Henrik Piske (Fr)
Outlook: This summer was one of the best for Coach Ken Husser's charges in several years. "I think several of our runners had excellent track seasons and have built confidence that has carried over to cross country," he said. "We are still a rather young team. We have only one senior, Jesse Kramer, and he had a very good night at Detweiler at Dark." The key will be for the mostly group of juniors to continue their development throughout the season. Look for incoming freshman Judah Binger to make a big impact. He can potentially slide into the #2 man by season's end.
Head Coach: Steven Kesler
Last year's finish: Jacksonville Sectional- 10th place
Newcomers: Nolan Bossert, Jacob Lu, Parker Kesler, Nathan Goulet, Noah Gwinn
Outlook: An eager group is ready to make an impact this season. "Our team dynamic and upperclassmen leadership are really strong; we've seen record turnout for summer practices," said coach Steven Kesler. The outstanding Caleb Mathias and Jakob Riley will be heard from on a state level this fall. Additionally, the depth chart appears strong through the seventh man. Champaign Central could be one of the most improved teams in 2A this fall.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Jim Dickerson/Paul Faeh
Last year's finish: Trinity Sectional- 9th place
Key returners: Wojtek Gilarski (Jr), Dziugas Meiliulis (Sr), Andrew Petersen (Sr), Ethan Frankel (Sr), Eric Fournier (Sr), Ryan Murphy (So).
Newcomers: Javy Terrell
Outlook: "Last year showed our competitiveness and determination," stated coach Jim Dickerson. "However,
we struggled in cross country and track with injuries and depth." The focus this summer was staying healthy, and with six returners back, the task of advancing to the state meet feels better.
If competing at July's Detweiller at Dark was a positive outlook, the Hornet's foes better watch out! "Our seniors are ready to go along with Wojtek and a vastly improved Ryan Murphy," added Dickerson.
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Bill Griffin / William Fuentes
Last year's finish: Thornridge Regional- 8th place
Newcomers: Kahmarri Counsell (So), Aadyn Ramirez (So)
Outlook: 2023 was a rough season for the Braves, who did not advance out of the regional round. However, they were able to get two runners into the sectionals. "We will be a small team again this year. We have been having trouble keeping a full squad post-Covid," said coach Bill Griffin. " We are hoping that our new format for our Freshman Day will help us to bring some new runners into the fold and build the team back up to standard (20-30 runners). We hope that our few returners plus some new blood will allow us to be competitive within our South Suburban Blue Conference and hopefully advance to Sectionals with a chance to send a couple of runners to State."
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Head Coach: Doug Gorski
Last year's finish: State Runner Up
Key returners: Thomas Jochum (So), Luke VanTholen (Sr), Lucas Galas (Sr), Leo OBrill (So), Gus Kling (Jr)
Newcomer: Giancarlo Pietrasanta (Fr).
Outcome: Glenbard South is a proud program, winning state titles and trophies since the two-class system in the early 2000s. Back then, the legendary coach Andy Preuss ran the show. Now, it's Doug Gorski's time, grabbing a second-place trophy last fall.
The good times may be on. This is definitely a reloading year, led by Tom Jochum, hopefully up front in most races. "We will need to develop a tight 2-7 pack over the course of the season," said Doug Gorski. "The team goal is to advance through the state, regional, and sectional meets and make an appearance at the state meet AS A TEAM for the sixth year in a row."
24. Antioch
Head Coach: Chris Bailey, Ryan Hlinak
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional- 14th place
Outlook: "Carson Lanners and Griffin Freeman will be our top guys this fall," said coach Chris Bailey. "They look very strong and have had an incredible summer, each putting in over 400 miles. They are coming off a very successful track season."
23. Taylorville
Head Coach: Steve Walters
Last year's finish: State Championship- 17th place
Key returners: Liam Bettis (So), Logan Halligan (So), Tyler Corpin (Jr), Brody Harker (Sr.), Alex Davis (Jr.), Ross Brown (Jr.), David Schafer (Jr.)
Outlook: The Tornados barely advanced out of the Jacksonville Sectional with a sixth-place finish. But they performed well a week later at the state meet, finishing in 17th place. We will see if Taylorville can reload after graduating four of the top seven starters from the state meet, including all-stater Owen Morgan. Next is Liam Bettis, one of the state's top freshmen. He placed in the top 50 (44th) and produced a great track season, dropping 4:24.53 for 1600m. His supporting cast now has valuable big meet experience; all they need to do is follow the leader.
22. Sycamore
Head Coach: Michael Lambdin/David Liszka, Jordan Wilkerson
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional-11th Place
Key returners: Phoenix Calabrese (Sr), Corey Goff (Sr), Devin Karda (Sr), Kaiden VonSchnase (Sr), Bruno Wilkerson (Sr), Liam Berry (Jr), Nate Burgess (Jr), Logan Jones (Jr), Luke Miller (So), Noah Murcia (So)
Newcomers: Aidan McAdams
Outlook: After missing out on advancing to state when they thought they were ready, it appears this season will finally be the one for the Spartans. "The past two years, we have been a fringe team," said Coach Lambdin. "Going into sectionals, we felt we could advance to State with a good performance, but came up short both times." This year's squad seems comparable to the teams of those two seasons. It would be nice to break through and return to the state meet. Hopefully, with consistent improvement through the regular season, a trip to Detweiller will be in order.
Head Coach: Jake Peal/Malynn Hannaford
Last year's finish: State Championship- 14th place
Key returners:
Max Weber (Jr), Landon Kearbey (Jr), Jacob Cranford (Jr), Tullio Zampieri (Jr), Josh Cranford (Jr), Logan
Kearbey (Jr)
Outlook: Coach Jake Peal states that the Eagles enjoyed another solid summer of training. "We may have lost three of seven [guys] from last fall due to graduation, but we are bringing back six of our top nine from last fall," he offers. These boys know what it
takes to run your best in October and November and look forward to the opportunity to
do what it takes to be on the starting line at Detweiller on November 9th."
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Mitchell Baum/ Noah Deck, Sam Penzenstadler
Last year's finish: State Championship- 25th place
Key returners:
Keegan Glascott (Sr), Elias Roldan (Sr), Charles Malelo (Sr) Oliver Schultz (Sr), Sebastian Macias (Jr), Liam Donehoo (Jr), Jack Barnes (So), Miles Arseneau (So), Ian Cromwell (So)
Newcomers: Vincent Kelly (Fr), Sean Collins (Fr), Crosby (Fr), Taylor-Roberts (Fr), Owen Lea (Fr).
Outlook: "For the returners, this will be a great opportunity to revisit goals at the state level," said coach Mitch Baum. "Last year, our team was disappointed in their state meet performance -- it really just wasn't their day." Back is Elias Roldan, the last member of the team's 2022 Class A title crew. He has an opportunity to instill a new culture of championship thoughts before departing into the sunset. Adds Coach Baum: We are excited to have a large group of freshmen joining the team and continuing to build a
competitive program!"
19. Mascoutah
Head Coach: Darren Latham
Last year's finish: State Championship- 20th place
Key returners: Leo Cozzi (Sr), Lucas Jensen (Jr), Greg Drain (Sr), Jacob Chung (Sr), Henry Koehler (So), Zachary Barshay
Outlook: The Indians have an opportunity to vastly improve their stock this season as five of the top seven runners are back. The solid 41-second scoring split is important because it demonstrates how close and tight the pack was at the state meet. Leo Cozzi will be the team leader and should be among the top runners in the classification this fall. If his teammates can stay within a minute of him when he is at his best down the stretch, this will be a dangerous squad.
Head Coach: Kevin Reinecker
Last year's finish: State Championship- 7th place
Key returners: Finn Richards (Sr), Aiden Hulett (Sr), Jeffrey Lange (Sr), Robert Johnson (Jr), John Pogue (Jr), William Schaeffer (Jr)
Outlook: The 7th place finish at the state meet last year for the Redwings was very solid, but there is potential for another top-10 placement, which could be a reality. And if it is to happen, it will be on the strength of top dog Finn Richards. Individually, he took fifth with a time of 14:44. His teammate, Aiden Hulett, just missed all-state honors by a scant two seconds and will be motivated to provide another low stick for his mates. Benet Academy will have its work cut out trying to configure who will fill the remaining scoring roles this season.
17. Marion
Head Coach: Scott Gill
Last year's finish: State Champions
Key Returners: Raphael Greer (So), Gabriel Greer (So), Evan Dailey (Sr), Tai Doan (Jr), Jack Tate (Sr), Joesph Mings (Jr)
Newcomers: Wyatt Kremer (Fr), Jonathan Parks (Fr), Paul Buchanan (Fr)
Outlook: 2023 was a banner year for the Wildcats, who won the team and individual state titles. Superman runner Dylon Nalley repeated and now has moved on to Indiana University. Besides leaving a legacy behind, there is a healthy stable of the tables in the cupboard. Watch out for the twins Rappy and Gabby Greer this fall. Rappy was an all-stater, and Gabby missed the honor. This team will be a tighter pack running group without Nalley. "I'm hoping Evan, Tai, Jack, and Joe will have breakout years, and we will return to the state championships," indicated Coach Gill.
Head Coach: Jim Halford
Last year's finish: Woodstock Sectional- 13th place
Key returners: Evan Hursthouse (So), Cole Bonham (Sr), Joey Lodowsky (Jr), Kyle Paras (Sr), John Krietsch (Sr), Quinn Emmons (So)
Outlook: The Cosairs will be a much better team in 2024 after finishing a lowly 13th at sectionals. They didn't seeth too long because 9 of the top 10 runners were back, including all seven scorers; among them are mid-15:30 performers Evan Hursthouse and Cole Bonham. Hursthouse competed in the state meet as a freshman and placed a respectable 68th. Bonham was also at the state meet, and that experience means something. Joey Lodowsky and Kyle Paras were solid as well. The key will be finding a consistent fifth man this fall.
15. Morris
Head Coach/coaches: Joe Blumberg/Nick Murphy, Jen Sheegog
Last year's finish: State Championship- 22nd place
Key returners: Cuyler Swanson (So), Everett Swanson (So), Nikita Hovious (Jr), Brodie Peterson (Jr), Owen Noon (Jr), Jonathan Zarbock (Jr)
Newcomers: Diego Lugo (Fr), Joseph Emmerich (Fr).
Outlook: 2023 was a banner year for Morris (no school nickname), who advanced to the state meet for the first time in school history. Among the unit were three freshmen and four sophomores. According to Coach Joe Blumberg, the potential to be great is right there. "Our summer training has been impressive as we did not graduate any of our top eighth," he said with delight. "We've been focusing on safely increasing our mileage and building the foundation for future success. Focusing on aerobic development and long-term gains might not translate to immediate results, but it should keep us healthy and fast in late October and November."
From Nikita Hovious: "One challenge our team will have to overcome this year is staying consistent with our training and consistently improving throughout the season. Yes, our varsity athletes will be here this year and next, but if we begin to slack on our training, we will surely fall behind the competition. Not to mention, we also have to have fun while training at such a high intensity. Training this hard and hyper-focused on our ultimate goals could lead to burnout. So, we must stay consistent while also having fun doing it. Enjoying the sports is what's going to make a good team great."
Coach Blumberg is very high on Cuyler Swanson's outlook. "I think he can run in the mid to low 14:00s. For us to be a top 10 team, Everett Swanson, Nikita Hovious, and Peterson need to close the gap on Cuyler." But like all teams, it will come down to the fifth man.
14. Mt. Zion
Head Coach: Kelly Fox
Last year's finish: State Championship- 15th place
Newcomer: Jude Toft (Sr), Ashford Brent (Fr)
Outlook: The key for Coach Fox to get her team back to the level they were last year is replacing the standout Julian Baker with the solid Lyncoln Koester, who is committed to playing basketball at the next level.
A good starting point is the addition of senior transfer Jude Toft from Lincoln, recently approved by the IHSA. "He's had an incredible summer and wants to go to the next level," says Coach Fox." Dan Grauer is back ahd has taken the reigns leading this team."
13. Chicago (Latin)
Head Coach/assistant coaches: Dan Daly /Jim Spivey, Rachael Dadamio, Laura Sorg, Clayton Mendez
Last year's finish: Trinity Sectional- 8th place
Key returners: Ben Gibson (Sr), Danny Goodman (Sr), Jack Lyons (Sr), Myles Levine (Sr), Miles Daly (Sr), Jack Ramsey (Jr)
Newcomers: Micah Weiss (Fr), Nico Rastatter (Fr)
Outcome: This team's potential is unlimited because the talent is there. It will start with Ben Gibson, who has been on the scene since his freshman year. His issue of success has been staying healthy. He will be a dangerous low-stick runner if he can do that. Keep an eye on Danny Goodman, a runner with a personal best of 15:41. He will be motivated after finishing last place at the state meet. He had a breakout track season, running 4:25 for 1600m. Watch for him to do something special this fall.
One name you will be hearing about is Micah Weiss. The incoming freshman has turned heads throughout the 2024 track and field season. He is going to be outstanding at the high school level in time. "The [boys] are motivated to return to the state meet after a down year 2023," said Coach Dan Daly. They have fun together, are working hard, and support one another.They are looking forward to the season."
12. Geneseo
Head Coach: Todd Ehlert/Jeff Brown, Don Fredericks, Tessie Fredericks
Last year's finish: State Championship- 18th place
Key returners: Dylan Gehl (Sr), Christian Haney (Sr), Max Johnson (Sr), Rylan Lambert (Sr), Aidan Bries (Jr), Grayson Carlson (Jr), Kaden Elmer (Jr), Jaxson Sottos (Jr), Jack Kriess (So), Micah Johnson (So).
Outlook: Last year, returning ten runners was pretty consistent with training, said Coach Todd Ehlert. "We are on pace or ahead of last year, and our goals are always the same--build off the year before." Winning conference, regional, and sectional titles is cool, but getting to the state meet and making an impact matters.
Head Coach: Lester Hampton/Alex Parlette
Last year's finish: State Championship- 9th place
Key returners: Sean Kaeb (Jr), Connor Hartman (Sr) (returning from a stress fracture), Jacob Bauchmoyer (So), Brady Kim (Sr), Spencer Boesdorfer (Jr), Mason Dunn (Sr), JT Piper (Jr), Aaden Richards (So), Nathan Moran (So), Austin Hartman (Jr), Jackson Albers (Jr)
Outlook: "We graduated from one of our most successful groups during my 37 years as head coach," said Coach Lester Hampton. This past group won three sectional and two regional titles. They also placed 4th, 4th, and 9th at the state meet. "I'm excited to see how Sean Kaeb and the seniors will lead this young team and what we can achieve because of that leadership," added Hampton.