The pinnacle of the Class A boys rankings complete! Please enjoy this 2024 Championship highlight reel from Detweiller Park in Peoria.
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10. Gillespie
Head Coach: Jay Weber
2024 Finish: State Championship- 27th place
Key Returners: Chaz Oberkfell (Sr), Marshall Garwood (Sr), Carter Sies (Sr), Hank Fletcher (Sr), Nolan Hostettler (So), Matthew Plovich (Jr), Lucca Kapp (Jr)
Newcomers: Thodrick Dirks, Holden Sies
Analysis: Defending state champion Chaz Oberkfell will be a prime spot to defend his title and lead a strong Gillespie squad to the top of the food chain. The logical guys to step up and lead this team to success are Marshall Garwood, Carter Sies, and Hank Fletcher, who are all coming off of great seasons last year. After a summer in which Coach Weber declares it has been their best training season ever, look for this squad to make a big push. If things fall their way, a threat to the trophy chasers is not out of the question.
Head Coach: Art Georges
2024 Finish: State Championship- 20th place
Key Returners: Camden Fairbanks (Sr), Eli Crowe (Sr), Collin Graven (Sr), Ryan Akers (Sr), Carter Tiemann (Sr), Caleb Coy (Jr), Lincoln Johnson (So)
Analysis: This is an upperclassmen group with mostly experienced seniors. The Rockets have a goal to significantly improve on their 20th-place finish from last year, which they saw as a disappointment.
The Rockets have the firepower returning to challenge for a top 10 finish this season. Camden Fairbanks and Eli Crowe aim to lead this squad, which will feature a wealth of senior experience. Both of those athletes will be shooting for top 25 finishes to lead this squad. The goal for this team will be to have their 3-4-5 runners finish under 16:30. If they can achieve this, a top 10 finish in November would be an excellent step for this program under first-year head coach Art Georges.
Head Coach: Gavin Graham
2024 Finish: State Championship- 10th place
Key Returners: Eric Pincock (Sr), Peter Stolz (Sr), Levi Thomas (Sr), Ty Basham (Sr), Brayden Gillies (So), Hendrix Seaman (So), Sam Souba (Jr)
Analysis: Erick Pincock placed 36th last year in the state meet, but he would admit that putting his teammate's goals ahead of his would be paramount. The Tigers have three strong runners behind him in Peter Stolz, Levi Thomas, and Ty Basham. The question mark is at the 5th runner position, and getting him under 16:40 for a deep run in the postseason. This is a team to watch this season, and I would not be surprised if they end up in the top five by November.
Head Coach: Michael Melick
2024 Finish: Elmwood Sectional- 8th place
Key Returners: Drew Cooper (Sr), Israel Nowark (Sr), Luke Hinthorne (So), Elijah Webster (Jr), Weston Hodel (So), Roman Wenger (Jr), Finn Zeller (So)
Analysis: Placing eighth in the state's toughest sectional should mean something. The Titans did not want moral victory points after seeing their comrades place well in Peoria. The unfamiliar spot of missing out on the sweepstakes has sparked a nerve, and there will be vengeance this fall.
The Titans return an extremely tight pack with a 1-5 returning spread of only 42 seconds. Developing a low stick for this team will be the primary objective if they want to secure a top-five finish. That being said, this group's pack running should allow them the chance to return to the state meet this season. Drew Cooper leads the way and looks to improve upon his performances last year, and has a shot at finishing in the top 25. If the pack can improve with him, this team is a lock for state and a fringe contender for a trophy finish.
Head Coach: Ryan Bruns
2024 Finish: State Championship- 15th place
Key Returners: Landen Boman (Sr), Zach Teel (Jr), RJ Degler (So), Jesse Winter (Jr), Cale Schneider (Sr), Miles Doerflein (Sr), Christian Queen (Sr)
Analysis: The Panthers are a formidable squad led by Landon Boman, who should challenge for a top-five finish in November. Behind him, they have a solid pack led by Zach Teel. This group is capable of closing the gap on their front-runner, and they will need to do so if they want to challenge for a top-five finish. Getting a fifth runner around 16:30 could put this team in the trophy conversation. The development at the number five spot will be a key for this team as the season progresses.
5. Clinton
Head Coach: Rachel Lyons
2024 Finish: State Championship- 17th place
Key Returners: Cayden Bostic (So), Brockton Sumner (So), Abel Koritz (Sr), Nolan Rhodes (Sr), Joe Taylor (So), Gavin Klein (Jr), Shawn Ferguson (So)
Analysis: The Maroons have one of the tightest returning packs in the classification. The scoring spread of 54 seconds, led by Cayden Bostic, gives this team a realistic chance of a top-five finish in Peoria. If Bostic becomes a low stick and can sneak into the all-state picture, this team will be in the hunt for a trophy. If their pack can finish within 45 seconds of him, the sky is the limit for this group.
4. Winnebago
Coaches: Janet and Joseph Erb/Jeremy Stevens
2024 Finish: State Championship- 8th place
Key Returners: Aiden Vazquez (Sr), Joseph Erb Jr.(Sr), Daniel Hodgdon (Sr), Hudson Pope (Sr), Blake Linder (Sr)
Newcomers: Jack Johnson and Noah Meters
Analysis: A small cast of senior-dominated harriers will be looking to bring home another state trophy. The 'Bagos return a group with a solid front runner in Aiden Vazquez, who has the potential to fight for a top-five spot at the state meet. The pack behind him is strong, with four runners within 45 seconds of each other. If Joseph Erb Jr. can get within 15 seconds of Vazquez, and the team can keep their 2-4 split at 45 seconds, they will be in the hunt for a trophy in November.
Head Coach: Randy Moore
2024 Finish: State Championship- 4th place
Key Returners: Evan White (Sr), Blake Lindberg (Jr), Julian Honeyville (Sr), Joel White (Sr), Sam Walsh (Sr), Lukas White (Sr), Brendan McGonigal (Sr), Liam Hattoon (So), Mason Brock (So)
Newcomers: Landon Opperman
Analysis: The Royal Lions start the season in a position to fight for a state title based on returning six of their top seven runners. The aim will start with straight-shooter Evan White, who is expected to be the frontrunner in every race this fall. Blake Lindborg will lead as a stout second man for his team and their title hopes. He will also contend for all state honors.
The Royal Lions have had a great summer of training, especially from Brendan McGonigal, Liam Hattoon and Mason Brock who should challenge for the top five to tighten up their pack. If this team can have their 5th runner within 1 minute of White by November, they can compete for the state championship. They are a well rounded team and their culture development over the past few years has them poised to take a step forward this season.
2. Elmwood
Head Coach: Gregg Meyers
2024 Finish: State Runner Up
Key Returners: Aiden Faulkner (Sr), Darwin Herman (Sr), Kai Nelson (So), Kam Stevenson (Sr), Danny Sharp (Sr), Garrett Webster (Sr), Silas Schmieg (Jr)
Analysis: With five starters back from last's state runner up run, the Tigers are poised to be a team on top of the food chain by the end of the year. They start the season ranked number 2, but could easily earn the top spot quickly this season. Aiden Faulkner returns and will be shooting for a top 10 finish to lead this team. Joining him in the hunt for an all state position will be Darwin Herman. If this team can keep their 1-5 spread under 1 minute at State, they could be bringing home the championship. The boys from Elmwood are no stranger to the pressure at State and after last year's finish, they are more motivated than ever to take the next step, which for them is a state championship.