2025 Cross Country Previews: Boys 3A Unranked

While much of the spotlight in Illinois 3A cross country falls on the top 25 ranked teams, there are several programs flying just under the radar that deserve recognition. These squads may have missed the preseason rankings, but they return key pieces, bring in promising young talent, or are known for peaking when it counts. Whether rebuilding after graduation losses or quietly building momentum, these unranked teams have the potential to shake up the standings as the season unfolds. Keep an eye on them—they might not be underdogs for long.

Oswego East

Coaches: Jim Milner / Derrick Padovich, Thomas Brown, Creighton Patterson

Key Returners: Anthony Garcia (So.), Jack Wolstenholm (Jr.), Mason Van Denend (Jr.), Phoenix Scott (Sr.), Aidan Pantojas (Jr.), Camden Frankino (Jr.), Logan Styles (Jr.), Felix Pilny (Sr.)

Coach Milner's Outlook: The group has put in a good and consistent summer.  This is a young group that has many members returning who contributed to the team that qualified for the state meet in 2023.  They will look for continued improvement throughout the season by staying positive and paying attention to detail.  Competing in the very competitive SPC will only help sharpen and focus the team.

Joliet West

Coaches: Mike Brower / Tony Kochev, Ocar Becerra

Key Returners: Lucas Houlihan (So.), Casey Koerner (Jr.), Andres Pedroza Sanchez (Sr.), Logan Hudson (So.), Raejon Williams (Sr.), Carl Slick (So.), J.P. Lange (So.), Bryce Gayton (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Payton Hudson (Sr.), Emiliano Vieyra (Fr.)

Coach Brower's Outlook: These Joliet West boys are young and hungry. Last season, we graduated 3 from our postseason roster. Most athletes are in their first 2 years of high school cross country. This year’s group has been very consistent in summer training, emphasizing aerobic development. Without a clear frontrunner, we’re eager for these guys to push each other and grow collectively. It could be any of Lucas Houlihan, Casey Koerner, Payton Hudson, Emiliano Vieyra, or Andres Pedroza Sanchez and could vary meet to meet. Returners Logan Hudson, Bryce Gayton, Carl Slick, and JP Lange were all between 10:57 and 11:07 last track season in the 3200m, adding to our team’s depth. 

Chicago (Jones)

Coaches: Max Crowninshield / Picasso Russell, Jaclyn Borrowman, Kimari Lewis

Key Returners: Aedric Addington (Sr.), Matthew Richlen (Jr.), Ignas Petrus (Jr.), Cesar Garcia (Jr.), Nathan Garino (Jr.), Diego Magallanes (Jr.), Charles Iain Blair (Jr.), Benjamin Smaroff (Jr.), Connor Zsolnay (So.), Alec Nunziati (So.), Reuben Swenson (So.)

Key Newcomers: Thomas Becker (Fr.)

Coach Crowninshield's Outlook: This season is going to be a big turning point for this group. Last year we were really young and now those guys are becoming upperclassmen. We should have a really big group who all think they can be a part of our top 5. How close this pack can be to our top returner Aedric Addington will determine how well our season goes. I know some guys who had a quiet 2024 season who have put in great miles over the spring and summer that will be big factors for us this fall. 

Minooka

Coaches: Kevin Gummerson / Matt Clark, Ashley Tutt, Jes Hopkins, Leslie Hencinski

Key Returners: Nico Cimino (Sr.), Nate Schalk (Sr.), Alex Null (Sr.), Ryan Resar (So.), Jase Cook (Sr.), Vaughn Van Eck (Jr.), Samuel Kies (So.), Nathan Janulis (Jr.), Cayson Traxler (Jr.), Bryce Fuhrman (Sr.), Joshua Reece (Jr.)

Coach Gummerson's Outlook: We’ve got a strong group of returners this year, and what really stands out is how excited they are about the potential of this team. They are putting in a solid summer of training and came into the season hungry to compete. After missing a team trip to State the past two years, this group is focused and motivated to change that. Nico qualifying for State last fall was a big step, and seeing him perform so well gave the rest of the team a clear example of what’s possible. 

Bolingbrook

Coaches: Jeff Lester and Bryan Conger

Key Returners: Isaac Stowers (Sr.), Michael Delgado (Sr.), Nik Maldonado (Sr.), Jason Vervack (Sr.), Azy Esfefania (Jr.), Andres Lopez (Jr.), Tyshawn Harris (Jr.)

Coach Lester's Outlook: Compared to last summer, we are far ahead of where we were. The guys have been consistent and vigilant throughout the summer. I would not be surprised if one of the younger athletes really breaks on the scene. Could be any of them. We have big team goals this year.

Palos Heights (Shepard)

Coaches: Troy Walker / Jackson Sima

Key Returners: Elijah Bywater (Sr.), Alex Guzman (Sr.), Jacob Baran (Jr.), Idal Sanchez (Sr.), Rowan Serdar (Sr.), Jacob Gorzelniowski (So.)

Key Newcomers: Christian Johnson (Fr.), Austin Singleton (Fr.), Jaime Martinez (Fr.), Marty Bledsoe (Fr.)

Coach Walker's Outlook: We try to focus more on our own team than the other teams b/c that is what we can control but Conference is always a big emphasis for us.  We don’t look to be deep this year so we really need to see how things shake out at the pre conference meet before we can truly assess what we think we can do.  We would probably be happy to finish in the top 3 at conference and depending on how regionals shake out we would like to try to qualify as a team to sectionals.

Palos Hills (Stagg)

Coaches: Dan Zielinski / Matt O'Neill

Key Returners: Jack Krusinski (Sr.), Billy Szeszycki (Sr.), John Valdes (Sr.), Dominik Krzysztofek (Sr.), Luke Snell (So.), Ethan Phillips (Sr.), Aiden Maderak (Sr.)

Coach Zielinski's Outlook: We have a large senior presence, led by Jack Krusinski, who will individually be very competitive in every race this year.  We should compete well at a few invitationals as a team.   

Huntley

Coaches: Matt Kaplan / Jason Monson, Brandy Swanson, Jimmy Jestus

Key Returners: Andrew Raistrick (Sr.), Nathan Sauber (Sr.), Mark Omoniyi (So.), Brandon Thompson (Jr.), Logan Barreto (Sr.), Anthony Madison (So.)

Key Newcomers: Joseph Sittler (Fr.), Joseph Zawacki (Fr.), Luca Meriacre (Fr.)

Coach Kaplan's Outlook: This year's group returns 6 of the top 8 runners from last season.  This group looks to be led up front by senior Andrew Raistrick and senior Nathan Sauber.  In order to improve on last season, our top 5 split needs to improved as well as the obvious of getting our guys to crack into the top group of finishers in the post season.  With the additions of 3 incoming freshmen who could impact the varsity top 7 by the end of the season it'll be exciting to see what this group is capable of.  

Villa Park (Willowbrook)

Coaches: TJ Artman / Xavier Ahuad

Key Returners: Legend Alka (So.), Ryan Quinney (Jr.), Jacob Alexander (Jr.), Thomas Thimo (Jr.), Kole Johanson (Jr.), Edison Balogh (Jr.), Ian Montgomery (So.), Metiku Branch (Sr.), Ayden Ketelson (Sr.), Evan Haworth (Sr.), Angel Perez (Sr.)

Coach Artman's Outlook: Team is looking for full squad to take on the next level of training and racing.  Graduated 15 seniors last year, with lots of leadership, commitment, and personality.  This years team will step up in all those areas, and make it their 2025 team.  Looking forward to the season.

Geneva

Coaches: Peter Raak / Ben Jeffrey, Tom Robertson

Key Returners: Mack Biesk (Sr.), Ian DeGuzman (Sr.), Griffin Poterek (So.), Connor McInerney (So.), Liam Dwyer (So.), Matt Bultmann (So.), Dylan Edling (So.), Gabe Ochsenschlager (So.), Kurt Borter (So.)

Coach Raak's Outlook: This season will be about growth and maturation.  We will need to replace 6 of our top 7 varsity boys from last year and be looking for a lot of underclassmen to step up.  This will be a season where they will grow physically and mentally as they gain experience racing on the varsity level.  Behind a few seniors leading the way, we will look for many of the younger runners to step up and contribute more than usual. 

Rock Island

Coaches: Jarrin Williams / Anthony Pena

Key Returners: Elliot Batz (Jr.), Gabe Mahn (Sr.), Nolan Jared (So.), Steven Hernandez (So.)

Key Newcomers: Chase Jared (Sr.)

Coach Williams' Outlook: I pretty much wrote the outlook in the response to the questions but I'll try to recap here. Some of our top runners had a good summer but that was a small group so we'll spend most of the season trying to decide what kind of team we want to be through our performances during the regular season. We do want to win the Western Big Six Conference Meet as a team and we want to advance as a team from Regional to Sectional. We'd like to qualify for State as a team but we need some more commitment to team goals. Both 2024 3A State XC Meet qualifiers return and we think they will be back. Another will be right there as an individual if the team doesn't make it. 

Park Ridge (Maine South)

Coaches: Dave Fermanich / Angel Macias, Tom d'Ambrosio

Key Returners: Alex Czerwionka (Jr.), Colin Frye (Jr.), Lucas Runtz (Jr.), Gavin Cook (Jr.), Brenden Trembley (Jr.), Gabe Szafranko (Jr.), Tony Murphey (Sr.), Billy Kotty (So.), Nic Walendzewicz (So.), Nathan Looby (So.)

Coach Fermanich's Outlook: Despite an early setback with Alex’s injury, the outlook is bright. With a solid top four and a growing pool of competitive fifth through seventh runners, this group has the depth and talent to return to the IHSA State Meet, something that hasn’t been accomplished in the past two seasons. Coach Fermanich believes that, if health holds and the team continues to develop, this year’s squad has the potential to be a Top 15 team in Illinois Class 3A. The season will test the team’s resilience, especially early on as Alex recovers. But with strong leadership, experienced juniors, and emerging talent, Maine South Cross Country is positioned to re-establish itself among the top programs in the state.

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coaches: Chris Kuntz and Craig Lawrence

Key Returners: Jack Barbieri (Jr.), Ethan Farrell (Sr.), Connor Hulett (Soph.), Liam Meyer (Soph.), Joey Mowrer (Jr.), Daithan Narayanan (Jr.), Logan Noel (Soph.), Troy Thalmann (Sr.), Sam Walker (Sr.), Caleb Woods (Sr.)

Coach Lawrence's Outlook: With the loss of some very talented senior leaders, our young team has had to make some big jumps this summer. Some great leadership has emerged, and we are proud to see pack running take priority this summer. Pack running is a hallmark of our program, and this group has embraced that tradition. The team has made some huge gains, and it will be fun to see this team continue to improve over the course of the season. 

Roselle (Lake Park)

Coaches: Joey Pacione / Alberto Villa

Key Returners: Nick Sheklarevski (Sr.), Nick Zegger (Sr.), Rishab Kulkarni (Jr.), Brandon Arguello (Jr.), Tommy Jalowiec (Jr.), Christien Gallant (Jr.), Tim Dellaria (So.), Lukas Svabas (So.), Mark Biernacki (Jr.), Jael Jimenez-Perez (Sr.), William Pavlik (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Chris Cozzo (Sr.)

Coach Pacione's Outlook: Lake Park boys have been steadily improving over the last few years. Last year they had a strong pack but lacked consistent front runners, something that Zegger and Sheklarevski will hope to change this year. Training has been spot on this summer. If their group of juniors can make good progress, they have a chance to mix it up with the middle of the tough DuKane conference and compete well at sectionals.

Oak Lawn (Richards)

Coaches: John Kawulia / Larry Forberg

Key Returners: James O’Shea (Jr.), Santiago Carbajal (Jr.), Shawn Mallo (Sr.), Anthony Villalobos (Jr.), Emilio Avina (So.), Diego Carrillo (So.), Leonel Flores (Sr.), Michael Vegas (Sr.), London Hampton (Sr.)

Coach Kawulia's Outlook: Our goal is to be as consistent as possible in training, do all of the little things to stay healthy and to run for our teammates. Summer training has been going well so far. Our top 10 have been training together all summer and are excited to keep progressing as a team. 

Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)

Coaches: Kyle Nugent / Kurt Frazier

Key Returners: Matt King (Sr.), Sam Roser (Jr.), Judah Cabral (Jr.), Nathan Ho (Jr.), Elliott Locke (Sr.), Eli Tedford (Jr.), Nathan Gissing (Sr.), Patrick Hibbard (Sr.)

Key Newcomers: Dean Plahetka (Fr.), Cole Mocko (So.), Nile Woods (Sr.)

Coach Nugent's Outlook: Matt King had a breakout season in track, and he's spent several weeks training in Colorado this summer. Matt could have a special year and he leads our young team.  Our team is anchored by strong senior leadership and we could have a mix of freshmen thru seniors contributing to the varsity team this year.

Franklin Park (Leyden)

Coaches: Brad Henning / Tim Stark

Last Year's Finish:

Key Returners: Josh Sandi, Josh Armedilla, Athan Chiappetta, Elijah Scheidler, Daniel Perez, David Ferrer, Eric Ferrer

Key Newcomers:

Outlook: This summer and season are about our juniors and seniors being better leaders.  We need to get our younger group to get more focused on training in the summer.  We will have our 8 mile negative run, 20 x hills and 4 mile timed run this summer as part of our base building.  We have a Tuesday game day where we work on our team building.

Yorkville

Coaches: Chris Muth / Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Kerry Stillmunkes

Key Returners: Owen Horeni, Ayden Nydegger, James Cherney, Carter Reichert, Nick Sanchez

Coach Muth's Outlook: We lost a ton of seniors with lots of varsity experience.  We are replacing those seniors with young upcoming talent that has talent, but lacks experience.  Owen Horeni has established himself as a top runner in the state and in our school history, but in this sport one runner doesn’t make a team and the development of our top 10 will determine how far we go this season.  I have a lot of faith in the work that has been put in this summer, but we need to stay healthy, break through the perceived limits and consistently challenge ourselves to be uncomfortable daily.  The potential is there for this team to make big improvements over the next couple of months before the state series, but for that to happen we need to keep checking the boxes each day in every aspect of our training.  Honestly, I can’t give you a prediction of what this team can become, but the potential is there to exceed last year's team finish. 

Plainfield East

Coaches: Richard Gatz / Tim Thompson

Key Returners: John Berducido, Grant Withaeger, Chris Johnson, Evan Breese, Dominic Taylor, Tristan Dravo, Alex Johnstone, Rapheal Ordeneza

Coach Gatz's Outlook: The senior class is looking to go out with a bang this year (John Berducido, Grant Withaeger, Tristan Dravo, Dominic Taylor, Evan Breese, Alex Johnstone and Jack Chlebos). These boys and the rest of the underclassmen have been putting the work in this summer and look to move up in the very competitive SPC rankings.  All state swimmer Chris Johnson looks to have a strong sophomore year as well as a strong group of incoming freshman.  Collectively, the team is looking to finish in the top half of the SPC, qualify to Sectionals and finish in the top ten there while sending at least one runner down state.

Wheeling

Coaches: Tom Polak / Jim Voyles

Key Returners: Aramis Alcantar, Jason Aivazian, Jon Lenert, Orion Voss, Ryan Warner, Lorenzo Magaru

Key Newcomers: George Litsogioannis

Coach Polak's Outlook: What will allow us to accomplish those goals we mentioned, will take some growing up.  We have no seniors to lead us, so there will be a lot of growing up, among these juniors and freshman.  If we can get 7 under 17:00, 5 under 16:15, 3 under 16:00 with at least 2 under 15:30, we will certainly accomplish that top 6 finish in the MSL, and provide some confidence going into the regional.  Advancing from the Regional will be a good developmental step, but my hopes are for a top 10 finish at the sectional.  What I believe it need to take, is more team running, that has been a struggle for us the past 10 years, the runners do not seem to understand the strength in numbers that I have preached over the years. What this group has going for it, more that many of my recent teams is that they are always challenging themselves to be better, talking about qualifying for state ,what needs to be done to get there.  That is the first step to get to those goals.

Tinley Park (Andrew)

Coaches: Bobby Matz / Matt Gonnella

Key Returners: Caden Wolfe, Gabe Govea, Evan Misura, Jack Radtke, Zach Orbon, Allen Jose, AJ Steele, Conner Miller, Atala Shalash, Nathan Muchowicz

Coach Matz's Outlook: The T-Bolts are very excited for the upcoming season.  We return 5 of our top 6 runners from the Sectional Meet last year, and hope that we can improve upon the success we saw in 2024.  Caden Wolfe was our top runner all last season and ended his junior year with an all-state finish in the 800 M.  Fellow seniors Evan Misura and Jack Radtke also had great track seasons building off their 2024 XC seasons.  Gabe Govea (junior) was consistently one of our top 3 runners last year as a sophomore, and is poised to be an impact runner in our area this year.  They key to our season will be staying healthy and having someone step up to fill the role of our 5th man!!!

Burbank (Reavis)

Coaches: Ciara Nelligan / Ernie Kuehl

Key Returners: Jr. Santiago Chavez, Sr. Leandro Barajas, So. Luis Ramirez, Sr. Moises Loeza, So. Angel Chavez, So. Nicholas Wijas, Sr. Santiago Galindo

Coach Nelligan's Outlook: We have three senior leaders that will be returning to the Varsity team. Two of the seniors, Moises and Leandro have been running at the Varsity level since their freshmen year. Santiago Galindo made the Varsity team his junior after a lot of hard work his first two seasons. Santiago Chavez is a junior that has had a great start to his running career after qualifying for the state meet two times and winning the regional championship meet last year. He has been working hard this summer and his ready to be a leader in his junior year. Luis Ramirez is a sophomore returning to the varsity level, that has been here all summer working to get better. We have a great group of boys that are competitive and ready to start their season!

Chicago (St. Ignatius)

Coaches: Chris Korabik / Heraldo Morrison, David Cooke, Aaron Harris, Tony Sacco

Key Returners: Charlie Maida, Ethan Petrillo, Brendan Houlihan, Zach Tan, Aidan Tansor, Alex Kepler, Michael Gaffey

Key Newcomers: Alrik Swan, Joseph Horos

Coach Korabik's Outlook: We have an incredibly deep freshman class incoming, and I anticipate that will bring a lot of buzz and excitement to the whole program. Our top 7 have been putting in solid mileage as well as a lot of quality work in the weight room. I learned a lot as well in my first year in regard to what works and what does not, and I am excited to apply my new ideas towards our team.

Homewood-Flossmoor

Coaches: Brian O'Donnell / Matt Anyiwo

Key Returners: Bennett Matthys, Gregory Mitchell, Henry Maier, Branko Ivancevic, Adrian Sahagun, Jackson Alsberry, Saher Tarrer, Talib Clemons, Daniel Powell, Cameron Cornelious, Ramon Brown

Coach O'Donnell's Outlook: As was mentioned, we are a very young team with our entire top 5 from the previous season graduating. We have a hard working group of young runners who are hungry to develop as competitive runners. This group has put in their most aggressive summer of running and we are hopeful that it will lead to great individual and team success. Our top 5 this season is likely to only include 1 senior.

Downers Grove South

Coaches: Brian Caldwell / Sean Senf, Greg Maloney, Mike Kirk

Key Returners: Conrad Saner, John Clinton, Will Miller, AJ Handy, Chris Janota, Thomas O'Connor, Andrew Erdal, Jonathan Robinson, Aditya Kota, Jakub Kranz, Charlie Delapaz, Harris Kelliher, Loren Hirthe

Key Newcomers: Henry Baker (So.), Ethan Traugott (Sr.)

Coach Caldwell's Outlook: This year at DGS we have the potential to be a really special Cross Country team. Conrad Saner and John Clinton will certainly give us very low numbers up front every meet and Will Miller has the breakout potential to be in that mix as well. After that we have 10+ guys that could step up and contribute on any given day. We have 15 guys coming back that ran under 5 minutes in the mile with 8 of them running 4:45 or faster. They've all gone on to put together excellent summers of training and our team culture is as strong as I can remember it ever being. We placed 9th in the Hinsdale Sectional last year and should be considerably stronger this season than we were last both in terms of front end talent and overall depth.  Our sophomore group grew a ton last year through XC and Track and it'll be exciting to watch them see the fruits of their labor. Heading into August, we are just really excited to get this journey started. We know whatever Regional/Sectional assignments we get will be a challenge, but it's one we are working for and will be ready to take on.

Lisle (Benet Academy)

Coaches: Kevin Veselik / John Duffy

Key Returners: Bob Johnson (senior), John Pogue (senior), Will Schaeffer (senior), Martin Collings (senior), Jonas Frangella (senior), Declan Diamond (senior), Liam Hruby (sophomore), Ben Marks (sophomore)

Key Newcomers: Damian Schulz (freshman), Andy Wileman (freshman)

Coach Veselik's Outlook: We've had a great summer of training with a committed group of guys looking to run fast this fall. Seniors Bob Johnson and John Pogue are looking to build off of very successful track seasons and have been putting in the miles this summer to do so. The dedication of our seniors this summer will hopefully lead to some personal bests but has also been key in setting an example for the entire team. We have an outstanding group of seniors ready for their turn to lead our team. I'm an alum of Benet and loved my four years on the Benet Cross Country team. I am really honored to be the coach of this amazing program, especially since I know well the outstanding coaches who have gone before me. When I was a freshman at Benet, I was coached by the legendary Coach Fedinec (who coached at Benet for over 40 years and is in the Illinois Cross Country and Track Hall of Fame, the ESCC Hall of Fame, and the Benet Hall of Honor). Coach Renicker, fresh out of college, was my coach during my sophomore - senior years and will one day be honored like Coach Fedinec as he has led the Benet team to 23 consecutive ESCC titles and much success beyond that as well. While the awards and titles are nice, Coach Fedinec and Coach Renicker are truly great because of how they helped form their runners into young men of virtue and character. These are impossible shoes to fill, but I am trusting that the Lord will bring much good out this opportunity to lead the Benet program. 

Glenview (Glenbrook South)

Coaches: Nick Morley / David Berkson, Dan Rhoades

Key Returners: Mateo Barillas, Owen Cummings, Frankie Hackl, Jack Kordish, Junior Lopez, Jack Lyons, Tyler Moon, Alex Schrauth, Marco Smelan, Ryan Taylor, and Owen Wu

Coach Morley's Outlook: We are very excited for the 2025 season - We have some strong seniors such as Ryan Taylor and Owen Cummings, and expect big things from our junior class. I would expect four or five of our juniors to go under the sixteen minute mark (Jack Lyons, Frankie Hackl, Owen Wu, Alex Schrauth, Marco Smelan should all be fighting for that mark), and we should be competitive at all our meets. We have some exciting freshmen who have been at summer running including Tate McDermott and Dylan Gilles.

South Elgin

Coaches: Kari Turcan / Gavin Dillehay

Key Returners: Nathan Baker, Adrian Benedetto, Aldrin Boongaling, Josiah Lindsey

Coach Turcan's Outlook: The South Elgin Boys Cross Country team has taken a huge hit this year after graduating 7 of our top 10 from last season. We definitely need members of this year's team to really step up to fill those big shoes. After finishing 3rd in last year's regional meet, our highest finish to date, we will likely struggle this year to make it out of regional as a team. Unfortunately, summer running participation is down in both number of registrants and daily participation. While some gentlemen are motivated and continue to put in the miles whether they are with us or not, we need more to really step  up if we want to be a competitive team this year.

Buffalo Grove

Coaches: Miguel Parra Garcia / Zach Crandall

Key Returners: Riley Wold, Nate Lipani, Will Capito, Grant Preusker, Alex Hernandez, Luke Hilgeman, Patrick Romanski

Key Newcomers: Arcangel Trujillo

Coach Parra Garcia's Outlook: Last year we qualified to Sectionals as a team for the first time since the 2015 season and are looking to continue to build on that success. This senior led group has been training hard all summer and is looking to improve from last year's 12th place finish at sectionals. The boys are putting in a lot of quality miles and have been pushing each other all summer. Our ultimate goal is to qualify to state as a team. 

Wheaton North

Coaches: Nathan Roe / Sean Frintner, David Christensen

Key Returners: Jack Sanders, Daniel Xochitecatl, Matthew Joyce, Judah Clark, Levi Turner, Owen O'Mara, Logan Augustine, Nathan Carroll, Reid Goerzen

Key Newcomers: Nate Arceo, Gavin Malinowski

Coach Roe's Outlook: The 2025 version of WNXC will have similar traits to past teams, relying on pack running and a tight split. We may be missing a front runner like we've had the past few seasons, but there will be some surprises. This team really gets along well and has stuck together all summer. They're like a "Band of Brothers" on a way. They respect the history of our program and want to add their names to the tradition of excellence.  It will be a fun group to watch.

McHenry

Coaches: Kevin Horst / Kristen Karnick, Dean Roehrborn

Key Returners: Nate Martin, Myles Wagner, Jaxon Berry, Nathan Miller, Mason Syens, Logan Grieve, Trustin Law

Coach Horst's Outlook: The Warriors are looking to have a competitive squad with a nice mix of senior leaders and younger contributors. This is year 2 of a 2 year plan and things are progressing well. The boys are very motivated and put in a strong summer of training, not only at summer camp but meeting independently to run as well. To really make a mark we will need some of those 4:50-5:00 miler type guys from last spring to step up as 4th and 5th man. Very excited for the season.

DeKalb

Coaches: Mike Wolf / Mike Franchowiak

Key Returners: Felipe Hernandez (Sr.), Andy Duran (Jr.), Noah Thompson (Jr.)

Key Newcomers: Timmy Durand, Will Greer

Coach Wolf's Outlook: Andy Duran showed big improvement in track and is training at a much higher level this summer. We are going to have to rely on a strong group to be successful.  We don’t have the low stick that we have had for the past few years due to graduation. 

Plainfield Central

Coaches: Jeff Purdom / Kyle Draghi

Key Returners: Spencer Kazak, Joey DesGarennes, Dom Barrios, Ty Vitanovec, Aiden Churchill, Zeke Ocegueda, Sam Napoleon

Key Newcomers: Spencer Kazak, Sam Napoleon

Coach Purdom's Outlook: The Wildcats will be a team with almost all new varsity members, most likely won't have any seniors in the top 7. The team has a lot of room for growth and improvement, and hopefully they can all take those steps together this season.  

Chicago (Brother Rice)

Coaches: Tom Wazio / Kyle Swynenburg

Key Returners: Andrew Straley, Oliver Davis, Aidan Leary, Dylan Cody, Declan Nieto

Coach Wazio's Outlook: The move to 3A will be a challenge. We return 5 runners with 2A championship experience, however only Straley had a solid summer of running. I expect Straley to have a great season with All-State potential, similar to Gavin O’Connor last season. One of our main focuses will be if the rest of the team can match his example. 

Chicago (Mather)

Coaches: Joe Sullivan / Jacob Woodruff

Key Returners: Yacoub Fedjer, Abdullahi Hussein, Muhsin Ali, Noade Abreha, Natnal Tekle, Christiano Mendiola, Abdirahman Mahad

Coach Sullivan's Outlook: Yacoub Fedjer brings leadership to an inexperienced squad. Small team as usual. Will have growing pains, but culture is in good place. Excited to see what they can do.

Burlington Central

Coaches: Vince Neil / Dan Morgan

Key Returners: Brandon Pflug, Danny Burke, Venkata Anantha, Dane Walikonis, Edward Delli, Zack Fry, Caden Murray, Aadi Sheth, Cole Pollock, Connor Polz, Bryce Haacker

Key Newcomers: Zack Fry, Edward Delli

Coach Neil's Outlook: We are a young team that has not had a large amount of varsity racing experience so we do expect some growing pains this fall but are confident that the boys will pull it together by the end of the year.  Brandon Pflug has been a great leader of the boys team and Dane Walikonis continues to get stronger every day.  We expect those 2 boys to lead the way for the team.  Our goal will be to continue to race together, support one another and show improvement in our team placing. 

Oak Lawn (Community)

Coaches: Martin Chappetto / Patryk Baran

Key Returners: Jose Romero, Charlie Levora, Cody Devine, Alan Soto, Mustafa Adam, Aidan Viteri, Ivan Rayo

Unexpected Losses: Julian Eccles

Coach Chappetto's Outlook: As a team we would like to break the slump of qualifying as a team for sectionals. our 2024, 2023, and 2022 teams all fell short but it has been a team goal that we have struggled to maintain a core 7 for multiple years. 

Barrington

Coaches: Tom Root / Matt Medansky, Al Sekulic

Key Returners: Ryan Scott, Will Schneider, Matias Carvajal, Caiden Carver, Benny Sulikowski, Varun Dhanasekaran, Charlie Sukel, Sidney Kanchwala, Kyle Kroupa

Coach Root's Outlook: Ryan Scott has really committed to his training after a great sophomore XC season and then sub-par track season. He should be our “break out” guy. We hope to compete well with our very strong MSL conference and make a quality state run with this mostly inexperienced group.