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2014 DyeStat IL XC Season Individuals Preview – 2A Boys

Published by
DyeStatIL.com   Aug 23rd 2014, 11:00am
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Who can catch the Hofferts in 2A?

 

By Michael Newman

[email protected]

 

I could write this introduction in one sentence stating that no 2A runner will get close to Jake and Luke Hoffert this cross country season. Well, the state meet is not held on paper. What happens if injuries occur? It happened last fall when both Jake and Luke both missed several weeks in the middle of the year due to IT Band problems. Nothing is set in stone. The two brothers are the elite runners in 2A and two of the top runners in the state regardless of classification.

 

So who will catch them this season in 2A? Nick Fiene is the third returnee from the 2013 season and could be closer to the two. Two runners to watch were not even in the state meet last season Alex Keeble and Caleb Hummer. It could be a little closer than we think.

 

Here is a look at some of the top 2A Boys runners in Illinois this upcoming cross country season.

 

2A Individual Runners

(In Alphabetical Order)

 

Jack Aho – SO – Grayslake Central

-    Jack did not participate in cross country during the 2013 season. He did qualify for the 2A 3200 Meter Run at last spring’s state meet. “The kid is the real deal. He broke Will Brewster's freshman 3200 record of 9:44 with his 9:37 at sectionals this past track season,” said his Coach Jimmy Centella. “What's even more impressive is that he ran those track times after playing soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter.  He did not train during the fall or winter. He ran his 4:32/9:37 by starting training for track in late February. He has been having a good summer of training so far but we are making sure he doesn't overdo it as he is eager to try to run as much mileage as the upperclassmen. We are making sure to bring him along gradually. If he stays healthy, he's going to make some noise come November.”

 

Luke Beattie – SR – Woodstock

-    Luke earned all-state honors last year at the 2A state meet finishing 21st running 15:21. Beattie also qualified for the 3200 Meter Run at the State Track Meet. His PR for the 3200 1s 9:45.66. Luke had a great summer of training according to his coach Jay Fuller. He should be in the top ten this November.

 

Alex Bruno – SR – Normal University

-    Alex finished 44th last year in the 2A state meet running 15:43. He did not run his best race of the season. The week before in his sectional meet at Maxwell Park, he ran 15:12. In his second year of competing in cross country, he should get stronger and finish higher in this fall campaign.

 

Brady Carius – SR – Morton

-    Brady finished 38th last year in the 2A state meet. An injury during the last track season. He has PR of 10:10 in the 3200 his sophomore year. That will improve this spring. “Brady has been working his way back after his injury from track season,” said Morton coach Joel Zehr. “He is looking stronger every day and his training has continued to progress well over the summer.  He is healthy now and is looking forward to strong performances during his senior season.”

 

Matt Church – SR – East Peoria

-    Matt earned all-state honors last year in the 2A state meet finishing 22nd running 15:22. He was also the Mid Illini Conference Champion last fall at Detweiller Park running 15:10. Matt was all-state in the 1600 Meter Run in the 2A State Track meet running 4:26.06. He should be one of the top runners in 2A this year with chances of finishing in the top 10. “Matt is a very talented runner who is more motivated and excited about running than pretty much any runner I have ever been around, on any level,” said East Peoria Coach Brandon Shaver. “His confidence continues to grow since his 8th place finish in the 1600 at State Track this season and as his summer training has progressed. Matt ran a 15:09 last season, and I believe that time is only a glimpse of what he is capable of as a runner. Matt understands how much talent there is in the 2A boys division this year, and he has set his sights on catching the front runners and competing for a top 5 finish at state. He hopes to run in the 14:40s-14:50s this season if he stays healthy. Matt isn’t cocky, but he isn’t afraid of other runners either. When he sees guys competing at the top level, he becomes more motivated to train harder and smarter himself.”

 

Colin DeYoung – JR – Lansing Illiana Christian

-    Colin DeYoung earned all-state honors last fall in the 2A state meet finishing 14th running 15:14. He was also all-state at the 2A state meet in the 3200 last spring finishing seventh running 9:41.37. Only a junior, he should be among the top runners in 2A this spring. One of the reasons why Illiana Christian is ranked #1.

 

Nick Fiene – SR – Lansing Illiana Christian

-    Nick earned all-state honors in last year’s 2A state meet finishing 7th running 15:04. He qualified for the 1600 in the 2A state meet. His PR in the 1600 is 4:22.94. He was part of Illiana Christian’s winning 4x8 relay. The #3 returnee from last year’s 2A meet, he will push the Hofferts for the individual title this November.

 

Eli Hill – SR – Normal University

-    Eli finished 98th last year at the 2A state meet running 16:06. He was all-state in the 3200 Meter Run at last spring’s state meet finishing ninth. His PR in that event is 9:41.03. The potential is there this fall to run under 15:00 like his teammate Alexander Bruno. He did not run his best race last year at state. The week before at Maxwell Park for his sectional race, he ran 15:20 for 10th place overall.

 

Jake Hoffert – SR – Yorkville

Luke Hoffert – SR – Yorkville

-    Both were all-state in the 2A state meet last fall. Jake finished third (14:40) while Luke was close behind in 4th (14:43). In their sophomore seasons, Jake finished 12th in the 2A state meet while Luke finished 15th. Both brothers earned all-state honors last track season in the 3A state meet. Luke finished 4th in the 3200 Meter Run (9:12.10) while Jake finished 5th in the 1600 (4:11.71). Co-favorites in this year’s 2A state meet. 1-2 punch that any coach would love to have. They are two of the top runners in the state this season regardless of classification. “Jake and Luke are very special runners that come along once in a coaching career,” said their coach Chris Muth. “They are leaders, great examples and fearless kids who look forward to being challenged in practice and at meets.  They know how to work hard and are great working with other athletes on the team.  After successful track seasons, they are set up to have a very special year if they are able to stay healthy.”

 

Caleb Hummer – SR – Danville

-    Caleb did not run in last year’s state meet due to injury. He was all state last spring in the 3A state meet finishing 8th in the 3200 running 9:23.41. His PR in the 1600 was 4:21.81. A lingering Achilles injury shut him down last season after the FTTF 2A race when he finished 7th running 15:13. He pushed Johnny Leverenz in workouts last spring improving both runners. He could have a special senior season if he can just stay healthy. Most underrated runner in the state despite is all-state run in track. He will be recognized this fall. “Caleb has been 98 percent healthy, although he recently had about a five day span where his Achilles was flaring up on him again. He was actually in Mexico on a mission trip and he didn't run a lot down there because it was inflamed.  He seems to be back in the swing of things though,” said his coach Todd Orvis. “Caleb has a goal of a top 5 finish this fall and like I said for the last couple years, if he stays healthy he will be one of the top guys in the state.  I see the top 5 finish as a very legitimate goal for him.  Just like last track season, I will most certainly have to be very cautious about what speed work I have him doing.  He will most likely be relegated to doing mileage, tempos and longer runs just to not aggravate his Achilles.  I believe his upside is a little greater than Johnny's in cross country.  With a good season of health, I could see him running 14:30 or better.  Only time will tell though.”

 

Alex Keeble – JR – Mahomet-Seymour

-    Alex did not run in last year’s state meet because of illness. He was all state in the 3200 last spring at the 2A state meet. His PR for the 3200 is 9:27.58. He will be one of the top 5 runners in 2A this year. He got off to a great start running 15:03 at Detweiller at Dark in July. “Alex has a lot of talent.  He really wants to win which has been very important to his success.  His desire to win has driven him to be consistent and disciplined in his training.  He placed 2nd in most of our invitationals in XC his sophomore season.  Our hope is that he will fight for the win in these same invitationals where he got second last year.  In track he ran a 9:27 to break our school record and ran a solid race at State to place 5th,” said his coach Neal Garrison. “I believe he will have to have a realistic chance to be an all-state runner this year.  I think if he runs to win our early invitationals then he has a good chance to be in the top 10 at State.  We would be thrilled if he placed even higher, but we realize just how tough the other runners are in the State so he isn't taking it for granted that they will be easy to beat.”

 

Brandon Lach – SR – West Chicago Wheaton Academy

-    Brandon finished 46th at last year’s state meet running 15:45. He has a PR of 9:56.27 for 3200 Meters. One of the leaders of a Wheaton Academy team that will be in the hunt for a trophy this fall. “He ran track for the first time last year and has given up swimming to focus solely on running,” said Coach Chris Felinski. “As our top runner at the state meet running at 15:45, he has ambitions to get down sub 15:30 this year after running a 4:40 1600 and 9:56 3200 last year.”

 

Jonathan Landis – SO – Sterling

-    Jon finished 30th in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:31. He qualified for the 2A state track meet in the 3200 Meter Run. His PR in the 3200 is 9:46.67. Surprised some with his performances during his freshman year except his coaches. Do not be surprised if he is in the top 15 this fall.

 

John Mangold – SR – Metamora

-    John finished 28th in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:30. He was part of Metamora’s 4x8 team that finished fifth in the 2A state meet. He also qualified for the 800. His PR for the 800 is 1:57.31. “John Mangold is a coach’s dream,” said his coach Gene Jones. “He is a hard worker with realistic goals and a great mentor to younger runners.  A very coachable runner.  His leadership is one of the best I have ever had here at MTHS and with the youth that we have on the Team that is so very valuable.  I look forward to working with him his senior year.”

 

Adam Millburg – SR – Sycamore

-    Adam finished 34th at last year’s 2A state meet running 15:37. He qualified for the 2A state track meet in the 3200 Meter Run. His PR for the 3200 is 9:47.41. This senior should be within the first 20 this November at Detweiller Park.

 

Lance Mueller – SR – Waterloo

-    Lance finished 29th in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:31. He qualified for the 2A state meet in the 1600 Meter Run. His PR in the 1600 is 4:23.89. He should be one of the top 2A runners in southern Illinois. He could be among the top 15 runners this fall. “Lance has had a great summer of running after running a 4:23 and 9:40 during track,” said his coach Larry Huffman. ”Being an all-state runner is a huge goal of his, and I think this is attainable.”

 

Clay Musial – JR – Burlington Central

-    Clay finished 26th in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:29. He qualified for the 2A state meet in the 3200 Meter Run. His PR for the 3200 is 9:40.93. I would not count him out of the top 15 at state this fall. “He will continue to improve and run consistent miles,” said his coach Vince Neil. “He is best in the longer distances and a year older, stronger, and more mature we believe will equate to a top 15 finish this season and a sub 15:00 time.”

 

Mark Myers – JR – Lake Forest

-    Mark earned all-state honors at last year’s state meet finishing 24th running 15:23. He qualified for the 3A state track meet in the 3200 Meter Run. His PR for the 3200 is 9:24.26. His 3200 at the Palatine Sectional put some of the 2A observers on notice that he could be one of the top runners in 2A. “Mark specifically had a great June training camp as we transitioned him back to training after the track season.  We have done a slight mileage increase with him over last season’s base which should pay off at the end of the season.  In July, Mark goes to North Carolina for some Mountain Bike training so his running training gets modified during this period.  In the past Mark returns in excellent aerobic fitness and is really able to apply that aerobic capacity to cross country,” said his coach Nathan Sweet. “Having been an All State athlete in CC last year and a state qualifier in the 3200 this past spring, Mark has an increased sense of confidence in his abilities. With added competition within the team he knows he will have to work that little bit harder to keep the top spot on the team.  But most importantly Mark knows where he stands in relation to other great cross country runners from Lake Forest, and he continues to work diligently to try and become one of those all-time greats.”

 

Filip Pajak – SO – Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge

-    Filip finished 70 in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:56. He has a PR of 9:41.95 in the 3200 and 4:27.73 in the 1600. He will be one of the front runners on Prairie Ridge’s team with senior Mitch Kazin. Filip has impressive PR’s especially for a freshman last year. He was the #1 runner the majority of last cross country season. Definitely has some upside heading into this year. He could be a top 30 runner at state, but do not be surprised if he sneaks into the top 25.

 

Cole Rodenberg – JR – Waterloo

-    Cole finished 41st at last year’s 2A state meet running 15:41. He qualified for the 2A state track meet in the 1600 running 4:25.88 for 1600 Meters. A foot injury has slowed him down, but he should be at full strength by October. “Although Cole is recovering from injury right now, he still has high goals, and is looking for the 15 minute barrier with Lance Mueller,” said his coach Larry Huffman.

 

Landon Skelly – JR – Chatham-Glenwood

-    Landon finished 39th in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:40. He qualified for the 2A state meet in the 3200 Meter Run. His PR for the 3200 is 10:01.98. “Landon has put in a wonderful summer. He is working on building muscle, not just running long distances,” said his coach Mike Garber. “Landon is also a student of the sport. We frequently talk nutrition, pacing and racing. Though only a Junior, he's a great leader for the boys. This should be a breakout season for a young man that plans on bring home a medal in November.”

 

Thomas Thornton – SR – Bartonville Limestone

-    Thomas finished 72nd in last year’s 2A state meet running 15:56. He also qualified for the state cross country meet his sophomore season. An unheralded runner that could surprise some this fall. He’s experienced a couple of injuries that have slowed him down the last year. He could run sub 15 minutes this fall according to his coach Scott Durham.

 

Shane Williamson – SO – Vernon Hills

-    Shane finished 27th at last year’s 2A state meet running 15:30. His PR for the 3200 is 9:41.0. Expect a breakout season for this sophomore. He should be the #1 runner for Vernon Hills this fall. He started off the season right running 15:18 at Detweiller in Dark at the end of July. “Shane Williamson is a pretty special young man,” said Vernon Hills Coach Mark Whitney. “As a person, he is humble, sincere, fun-loving, and a great teammate. As a runner, he is talented and driven. He races like a senior with 4 years of experience. I've never seen a tactical error or a mental letdown in any race he has run. He runs aggressively, but always under control. He knows how to handle himself in big meets.”

 

Trevor Wills – JR – Yorkville

-    Trevor finished 65th at last year’s 2A state meet running 15:53. He has a PR of 9:58.43 for 3200 Meters. Trevor has improved over this summer. That is what happens when you train with two of the top runners in the state. “Trevor is a very strong athlete that has taken a very steady positive progression over his first two years of running and there is nothing to make me think he won’t continue his positive trend,” said Yorkville Coach Chris Muth. “We need him to step up and be our solid unquestioned number three runner on this team that has a chance to push for an all-state spot, by the end of the year.  He is a very hard worker and needs to stay healthy for a full season.”

 

Eryk Yunk – JR – Belvidere North

-    Eryk earned all-state honors in last year’s 2A state meet finishing 13th running 15:12. He has PR’s of 4:31.42 in the 1600 and 9:36.75 in the 3200. The PR’s are pretty good considering he played basketball during the past two winters. He could be one of the top 2A runners this fall. “Eryk has focused more on his running this summer than last year, giving up basketball and concentrating on just running. He has been able to train this summer with some very talented runners and we hope to see an improvement from that,” said his coach and father Troy Yunk. “His goal is to finish in the top 10 at State this year and try some post season racing in November. He has taken on more of a leadership role on our team now that he is a junior and he has been able to push his team mates on a lot of our runs this summer. The way our team has improved they are also able to push Eryk as well. Eryk attended the Wisconsin Camp of Champions again this year and learned a lot about himself as a runner.”

 




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