The early season heat coming from the 2025 HOKA Mile was serious. The CYUP Misfits Invitational put it on
FULL RETURNING LIST
Philip Cupial (Jr., Downers Grove North): The competition resume entering this year is quite lean overall, with just two races of note. It may be that way again, according to head coach Andrew Adelmann, whose troops enjoyed a banner cross-country season. The Trojans program uses the indoor season mainly as an outdoor training ground. That being said, Cupial, who ran 4:10.17, will be a must-watch individual when he lines up for a race.
Ben Crane (Sr., New Trier): Hailed as a hardcore long-distance guy, Crane proved to himself that he can drop down and perform with the best milers. He placed a strong third in the HOKA Mile at the Misfits Invite, running a lifetime best 4:13.58. We may see more of him in this event during championship time.
Jacob Barraza (Sr., Dekalb): Clocked 4:20.07 last indoor season and would be a force at season's end, running 4:11.38.
Gabriel Mclain (Sr., Benton): Top returner by time (4:15.83) who took fourth at the Illinois Top Times. Will be a major force in 2A this spring.
Rory Gaan (Sr., Palatine Fremd): Second-best returner by time and defending champion of the 3A portion of the Top Times.
Dylan Maloney (Sr., Plainfield South): One of the top distance runners for several years is back to lower his PB here and get it into the mid-teens.
Top returners by classification-
3A-
| Rank | Time | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4:16.53 | 2025 | Illinois Top Times1st F | |
| 2 | 4:20.07 | 2025 | ||
| 3 | 4:20.39 | 2025 | ||
| 4 | 4:21.01 | 2026 | ||
| 5 | 4:22.09 | 2025 | ||
| 6 | 4:22.26 | 2026 | ||
| 7 | 4:23.57 | 2025 | ||
| 8 | 4:24.48 | 2027 | Illinois Top Times5th F | |
| 9 | 4:24.84 | 2025 | ||
| 10 | 4:24.90 | 2025 |
2A-
| Rank | Time | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4:15.83 | 2025 | Illinois Top Times4th F | |
| 2 | 4:21.20 | 2025 | Illinois Top Times2nd F | |
| 3 | 4:25.26 | 2025 | Illinois Top Times7th F | |
| 4 | 4:27.35 | 2025 | Illinois Top Times9th F | |
| 5 | 4:29.17 | 2027 | Midwest Classic1st F | |
| 6 | 4:30.00 | 2025 | Batavia Distance Madness26th F | |
| 7 | 4:30.13 | 2025 | ||
| 8 | 4:31.02 | 2027 | ||
| 9 | 4:31.52 | 2025 | ||
| 10 | 4:33.21 | 2025 |
1A-
| Rank | Time | Athlete/Team | Grade | Meet DatePlace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4:27.61 | 2025 | Batavia Distance Madness12th F | |
| 2 | 4:31.67 | 2026 | ||
| 3 | 4:35.35 | 2026 | Batavia Distance Madness51st F | |
| 4 | 4:35.55 | 2026 | Jersey Winter Thaw2nd F | |
| 5 | 4:36.89 | 2025 | ||
| 6 | 4:39.08 | 2025 | ||
| 7 | 4:41.02 | 2025 | ||
| 8 | 4:41.88 | 2026 | ||
| 9 | 4:42.48 | 2026 | ||
| 10 | 4:42.56 | 2026 |