2005 Class A boys XC preview

 

 

There have been already many changes that have hit Class A boys cross-country. The major change is the IHSA implementing a multiplier system. This new system is supposed to be for the better good of high school sports. Why?  You see, there seems to be a battle between the haves and have-nots.  Public school coaches and athletic directors have been petitioning the IHSA to look into matters such as enrollment boundaries and recruiting for private schools.  Many feel private institutions use their ability to recruit or draw better talent because of the 30-mile enrollment rule. Apparently the IHSA concurred in that private schools indeed have an advantage in terms acquiring premier talent. So, here comes the multiplier system which raises enrollment at private with a 1.6x factor. Thus, enrollment at a medium size school would move up a class in football if it met the criteria. This effect on a two-class sport such as cross country would be detrimental. For example, it weakens competition and will eliminate great rivalries. These schools will longer compete in Class A: Rock Island Alleman (defending champion), Wheaton St. Francis (3rd), Woodstock Marian (5th), Normal U-High (8th), Illiana Christian (11th), and Kankakee Bishop McNamara (14th) are the notable changes.

 

It appears a number of schools will move up as powerhouse Eureka is in a rebuilding year after graduating five of top seven. New team faces will surely abound; read all about it below:

 

#1 Winnebago- will be led by Jeremy Stevens (2nd; 4:13). The ŌBagos did not have a particularly good year in Ō04, finishing 9th, but what a difference a year makes. The younglingsÕ: Trenton Tedrick (so) and Nick Newcomer (so) will team up with juniors Matt Clinite (jr) and Sean Carmody (jr). Add in senior Zach Riley (48th) for the finishing formula.

 

#2 Sparta- it is a belief that this team could challenge for the state title. The Bulldogs finished just 10th last year but return the top four runners .The senior trio of Greg McBride (sr), Jeff Baird (sr), and Patrick Adams (sr) finished 13 seconds apart at state last year. If there is any team that has a shot at defeating Winnebago its Sparta.

 

#3 Delevan- the Panthers lose top runner Brian McConnell to graduation but will have six returnees. Cory Winkler (sr) finished 122nd in team scoring last year. He is a much better runner than that and will have to run to real potential (and should) for Panthers to be a top trophy contender.

 

# 4 Oregon- the Hawks are a traditionally strong team when it comes to cross country. Despite finishing a lowly 12th last fall at state, the Hawks will be much improved as 5 of 7 key runners return. Eric Axelson (sr) returns as top runner.

 

#5 West Chicago (Wheaton Academy)- the Warriors were sparred by the IHSA in the last hours of moving up to Class AA. Now, this new lease on life should benefit the crew from the western suburbs of Chicago. Will have four starters back and that includes top runner Apollos Frusti (sr) (42nd overall).

 

# 6 Danville Schlarman- led by possibly the top 1-2 duo in Scott Krapf (sr) (14th overall) and Aaron Golden (sr) (15th). The Hilltoppers will need Jacob Trimble (sr) (118th) to step it up big time. It also wouldnÕt hurt for some reserves to overachieve.

 

# 7 Tremont- this is a team on the rise as 6 of top 7 return; Jared Morr (sr) (29th) was just three seconds back of all-state honors and he will have his team in the thick of things. The Turks might actually step it up and be a top 5 team if all parts of the unit click.

 

# 8 Mason City- the consensus of athletes and coaches is that the Cougars will be stronger despite losing 3 of top 7 to graduation. It is only possible if juniors Brice Devore and Kyle Hodgson improve dramatically. Stay tuned.

 

# 9 Monticello- although the Sages didnÕt make it to state as a team they did have two runners that made the cut: Scott Phelps (sr) (34th) and Keith Butler (sr) (67th). The Sages will have something to prove as they missed state as a team and will have all five scorers returning. Also, the unit took third in the state 4x8 this past spring. Confidence will be flowing in Monticello.

 

# 10 Eureka- The mighty Hornets were hit hard by graduation. LetÕs see if Class AÕs greatest coach Brett Charlton can pull off a stunner. Senior Brett Stewart (31st) returns.

 

Others:

 

Nashville: Does the name Charlie Hatch ring a bell?

 

Cumberland: Challas Ray will be the guy that the Pirates lean on.

 

Effingham St. Anthony- look for a dramatically improved Matt Feldhake.

 

ŅThe Toast of the TownÓ

 

#1 Jeremy Stevens (sr) (Winnebago)- this young man knows all about wins and losses as he won the XC title in Õ03 only to relinquish it in Õ04. To make matters more puzzling was the fact that Stevens was the top miler in either class up until state but finished second once again. It doesnÕt have anything to do with confidence or even having a finishing kick, itÕs more or less taking the race into his own hands. Stevens admitted that he needs to take matters in his hands more. Expect that to happen come November.

 

#2 Charlie Hatch (sr) (Nashville)- the defending champion always seem to have pressure. Hatch will definitely have the pressure in trying to repeat against a field that is loaded with individual talent. Hatch was one of a select few to break 15:00 on the now difficult Detweiller course. It appears that he will be able to handle the pressure after a solid season of track where he won the 800m (1:53) and placed a strong 4th in the 1600. Giving up the individual title will not be easy.

 

#3 Mike Grieve (sr) (Bureau Valley)- when an athlete can be consistent in his/her sport that usually bodes well in terms of predictions. Well, Grieve placed 4th in IHSA XC championships last fall and 3rd in the 3200 at state this past spring- thatÕs consistency. Grieve is a solid runner who reportedly has been training with former Class A champ and BV alum Jason Bill (now at U of I). If true expect dividends to pay off for Grieve.

 

# 4 Dorian Ulrey (sr) (Riverdale)- will be vastly improved as he really didnÕt come into own until the state track meet when he became a show stopper in the 1600m final. Ulrey displayed his blistering kick over the final 150m in upsetting Jeremy Stevens.

 

#5 Scott Krapf (sr) (Danville Schlarman)- has been consistent over the years. Some observers have expected him to put up huge times but that hasnÕt happened. Still, Krapf will end his high school career with another top finish.

 

#6 Tyler Bradford (sr) (Wayne City)- a tremendous distance runner who followed up an outstanding XC season with a wonderful track season (4th in the state 3200m).

 

#7 Aaron Golden (sr) (Danville Schlarman)- KraphÕs teammate will improve his stock throughout the year.

 

#8 Matt Feldhake (so) (Effingham St. Anthony)- has improved the most of any returning runner. Although Feldhake finished in the middle of the pack at last fallÕs XC state, he didnÕt truly expose his talent until the summer. Feldhake burst out with some super track times (4:10- 1500m and 9:07-3000m) on the Junior Olympic circuit.

 

#9 Challas Ray (sr) (Cumberland)- did not have a very good state xc meet in Õ04 but bounced back well at the state track meet (top 5 finish)É older sister Chandral was an outstanding runner a few years back.

 

#10 Jared Morr (sr) (Tremont)- an improving runner for an improving team; missed all state by just three seconds last year.

 

#11 Scott Phelps (sr) (Monticello)- should move up dramatically from last yearÕs 34th.place finish at state.

 

#12 Sam DuBose (sr) (Elgin Fox Valley Lutheran)- a former child prodigy that came through the infamous Elgin Sharks Track Club. DuBose actually led the first 800m or so of the state meet before succumbing badly; finished in the top 15 at state 3200m and will look to blaze this fall, but under more control.