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20. Murphysboro
Coaches: Cody Ellermeyer (Head Coach), Jeff Green, Leonard Tweedy, Andrea Letham
2024 Finish: State Championship- 24th place
Key Returners: Jonathan Witzman (Sr), Edgar Garcia (Jr), Aiden Taylor (So), Hunter Douglas (Jr), Logan Cowan (So), Tatum Judy (So)
Newcomers: Landon Smith, Steven White
Analysis: This is a team to watch this season. Coming off a phenomenal track season and returning some major firepower in their arsenal, it is plausible for the Red Devils to be a top 10 team by the end of the season. Hunter Douglas, Jonathan Witzman, and Edgar Garcia form a formidable top three. Adding in freshman Landon Smith, who could step into their top five by the postseason and give them a much-needed boost to push them higher at Detweiller.
The Red Devils are capable of a big season and are coming off a great summer of training. Never count out Coach Ellermeyer, who was always a big-time performer in college (I was his teammate, humble brag). He has been building this squad over the last few seasons, and they are poised for a breakout!
19. Byron
Coaches: Mike McHale and Josh Helms
2024 Finish: State Championship- 25th place
Key Returners: Tim Starwalt (Sr), Braden Dietrich (Jr), Michael Muzzarelli (So), Conner Welt (Jr), River Wygant (Jr), Micah Hilliker (Sr), Gavin Early (So)
Analysis: The boys from Byron have lofty goals this season and could challenge for a top 10 finish in November. All-state returner Tim Starwalt will lead this team along with Braden Dietrich, who is looking to make a big leap this season and challenge for another low stick. If their 3-4-5 pack can be close to the top two, this is a team that could not only qualify for state, but have a great shot at a top 15 finish. A top 10 finish is a realistic goal if Dietrich makes the jump that Coach McHale expects. Watch for a rise in the rankings as time passes.
Head Coach: Jason Retz
2024 Finish: State Championship- 12th place
Key Returners: Lance Retz (Sr), Colin Burnett (Jr), Nate Farney (Jr), Eli Franklin (So), Aiden Hundley (Jr)
Analysis: Coach Retz emphasized team goals and culture in his response to my email about his team, which is precisely what one would expect from Coach Retz. His teams have had great success in the past by focusing in-house on what they need to do to be successful. Their summer training has been going well, and they are taking care of business and recovering like pros, according to Coach Retz. Lance Retz appears to be the lead runner for this team, but they should have a very tight pack from 1 to 4. Developing a 5th runner will be the key for this group as they enter the postseason, but for now, these boys are focused on just being the best versions of themselves.
Head Coach: Dan Schreck
2024 Finish: State Championship- 9th place
Key Returners: Marco Cruz (Sr), Anthony Lillis (Sr), Andrew Gross (Sr), Richard Jolly (Jr), Luke Zis (So), Patrick McDonald (Sr), Nicholas Halligan (Jr).
Newcomers: David Solis, Luke Collins, Ignatius Gabbard
Analysis: Marco Cruz returns to lead La Salette on their quest for another top 10 finish at state. They have some question marks behind him at the 4-5 spot, but have four runners capable of stepping up into that position and giving them some back-of-the-pack strength to propel this team to another excellent state performance. Watch for Anthony Lillis and Andrew Gross to continue to develop and try to close the gap on Cruz. If they can get two athletes into the all-state position, they can improve their finish from last season. Currently, they are just outside the top 15.
16. Rock Falls
Head Coach: Mark Truesdell
2024 Finish: 2A Kaneland Sectional- 9th place
Key Returners: Gabe Moyer (Sr), Jeffrey Sommer (Sr), Ian Finney (Sr), Michael Kopitas (Jr), Jace Westlund (Jr), Rylan Jordan (Jr), Dashawn Boyd (So)
Analysis: The Rockets are another team that is dropping down to the 1A classification this season and is in the hunt for a top 15 finish in November. Gabe Moyer should lead this squad and can finish in the top 25. Jefferey Simmer and Ian Finney have both run under 16:20, and both will be counted on to score big-time points in the 2-3 spot for this squad. The key to improvement on the state scene will be the development of the 4-5 runners. If the Rockets can consistently achieve a 4-5 and keep their team spread under 60 seconds, I would not be surprised to see this team in the top 10 by November.
Head Coach: Kevin Reiseck, Scott Edwards (Asst.)
2024 Finish: State Championship- 29th place
Key Returners: Lucas Abbott (Jr), Jack Shank (Sr), Luke Bright (So), Dean Hemmer (Jr), Henry Reiseck (So), Wyatt Goeckner (Sr), Elijah Ball (So)
Newcomers: Ronan Askins, Bryce Goeckner, Liam Hazelwonder
Analysis: The Knights are on the rise. Last year's tough finish was an aberration, and experience will matter this time around, as all seven starters are back. This team should be in the battle for a top 10 finish at the straight meet, and they look to push themselves for a historic season. Lucas Abbot leads a tight pack with five runners that could be under 16:40 by the end of the season. If the Knights can keep their pack between 45-60 seconds after Abbott, they will be in a position to accomplish their goals this season. The Knights have had a great summer, pushing themselves in the weight room and taking care of the little things required for success, according to Coach Reiseck. This will be a team to watch this season!
Head Coach: James Miller
2024 Finish: State Championship- 23rd place
Key Returners: Cameron Roedl (Jr), Gavin Whitaker (So), Brett Matusas (Sr), Aydan Oakley (So), Cole Margenthaler (Sr), Damien Chardon (So), Kade Bradley (Sr), Jacob Pierce (So)
Newcomers: Colby Roedl, Clayton Altgilbers
Analysis: After a great season last year that saw the boys from Toledo finish with a 23rd-place finish at state, they are back to move up the ladder this season and will be in position to compete for a top 15 finish. Cameron Roedl looks to lead this team and should challenge for an all-state position. With three other returners under the 17-minute mark last season, this team can be in the mix in November. Look for newcomer Colby Roedl to possibly compete for a spot in the top 5 with Ayden Oakley. If this team can secure a solid 4-5-6 pack, they can compete for a top-10 finish. They are poised to have a great season!
13. Auburn
Head Coach: Kip Smith
2024 Finish: Elmwood Sectional- 7th place
Newcomers: Justin Alavarez
Analysis: The Trojans are coming off of one of their most successful seasons in school history after just missing out on qualifying for state. After a great track season, the stakes for this fall will be even higher. If they qualify for state this year, it will be the first time in school history.
After winning the tough Sangamo Conference Championship last season, the Trojans will be the favorite to win it, along with other accolades. James Baisden just missed all-state honors last fall with a 34th-place finish. He improved his stock after a strong track campaign, taking fifth in the 800m at the state meet in Charleston. His teammates, Jacob Barth and Wyatt Thurman, form a potent supporting cast ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Head Coach: Steven Bland
2024 Finish: State Championship- 19th place
Key Returners: Luca Bryja (Sr), Lucas Pagan (Jr), Immanuel Nunez (So), Tyler Linta (Sr), Caleb Gonzalez (Sr), Gus Berry (So), Ezra Gonzalez (So)
Analysis: The Lions are looking to take the next step as a program and shoot for a top 10 finish in November. Led by Luca Bryja, who should factor into the talk for a top 25 individual finish, this squad returns a talented group. Their improvement throughout the seasons and finding a consistent fifth runner will be the key to success for this group. How high they finish all depends on the improvement of their pack and the development of Bryja into a legitimate low stick.
11. East Dubuque
Head Coach: Michael Eyres
2024 Finish: 2A Maple Park Kaneland Sectional- 11th place
Key Returners: Andrew Richardson (Jr), Vincent Gullone (So), Peter Wagner (Jr), Liam Mead (Jr), Devin Bradt (Sr), Nicholas Cobine (Jr), Ben Blankenbaker (So)
Analysis: The Warriors drop down to 1A this season and have a legit shot at finishing in the top 10. After finishing 49th in last year's state final, Andrew Richardson leads this squad with the potential to finish in the top 10 in November. Behind him is a solid back separated by 37 seconds, led by Vinny Gullone and Peter Wagner. Improvement in the 4-5 spot will be crucial over time, making the Warriors a bunch to watch heading into the postseason.