2025 MileSplit IL Boys Indoor 3200m Outlook

The boys 3200/two-mile this winter is going to have surprises as well as the common names on the scene (Laura Duffy photo)

The last bastion event will be one of the best on the docket. There is plenty of star power; we will take a snap look at it.

Ben Crane (Sr., New Trier): Top-rated distance runner coming into this indoor season, regardless of what the stats say. We don't know how many 3200s/two miles Crane will run between now and nationals in March. But what we do know is it is going to be fast and special. At the Misfits Invite, Crane dropped down to compete in the HOKA Mile and ran a personal best of 4:13.58. He now has the tools for what is to come.

Joe Bregenzer (Sr., Barrington): How can the defending state champion, who ran 8:58.10 and produced a wonderful cross country season, be so underrated? Maybe it's because Bregenzer has stayed under the radar for much of his high school career. That could change over the next few months with some exciting invitationals on the horizon. 

Rory Gaan (Sr., Palatine Fremd): The second best returner according to the numbers at 9:11.33. Gaan has started the season on a good note. 

Dylan Maloney (Sr., Plainfield South): One of the most consistent cross country runners over three-plus seasons in his generation. Maloney has not shied away from the indoor season and the 16 lapper. He ran 9:12.98 and is also a 5000m All-American from the New Balance Indoor Nationals.

Philip Cupial (Jr., Downers Grove North): All-American cross country runner competed sparingly during the indoor season in two-plus seasons as a high schooler. When the time is right, he will burn the track up for an electric effort.

Grant Schroder (Sr., Downers Grove North): No 3200m on record to speak of, but we all know he is an elite distance runner who was the 3A xc runner up. There is no timetable for when he will run one this winter or even outside. But we expect it to happen and will be there to say, 'We told you so.'

Evan Nosek (Sr., Maple Park Kaneland) is another great distance runner with no returning mark on his resume. However, Nosek produced a 9:12.54 while competing in 3A last year. Already this season, Nosek ran 9:17.72 for a full two miles.

Tommy Nitz (Sr., Huntley): This appears to be his main event when you look at the full resume. Nitz finished last winter as the 3A Top Times runner-up.

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Top returners by classification-

3A- 

2A-

1A-