2025 XC Conference Rundown: Friday Edition

Southwest Prairie Conference

Key Boys Teams: Plainfield (North), Plainfield (South), Yorkville

Key Boys Individuals: Owen Horeni (Yorkville), Thomas Czerwinski (Plainfield [North]), Aiden Connors (Plainfield [North]), Dylan Buturisis (Plainfield [South]), Alex Batsala (Plainfield [South])

Key Girls Teams: Plainfield (North), Minooka, 

Key Girls Individuals: Marlie Czarnewski (Plainfield [North]), Madison King (Joliet [Central]), Natalie Nahs (Minooka), Tessa Russo (Plainfield [North]), Athena Triner (Yorkville), 

Outlook: The crosstown rivalry that runs the state will face off here at SPC, watch out for some hot times. Plainfield North and Plainfield South have been very close together at all of their matchups, they even tied for third at Nike XC Twilight. They are the #2 and #3 teams in the state respectively and they should dominate this meet with ease. Yorkville has been looking great lately, they should be a strong team for third. The main reason the Foxes look so good is due to the triumphant return of Owen Horeni, who is the individual favorite here. Last week, he dropped a 14:40 at the Naperville twilight invite, while taking down several 14:20 3 milers in the process. He looked absolutely incredible in that performance, but can he hang on to defeat his conference rivals? Thomas Czerwinski and Aiden Connors of Plainfield North are two of the fastest kids in 3A and they are not easy pushovers for Horeni. Same with Dylan Buturisis and Alex Batsala of Plainfield South, both of them have been gunning for the PN duo and will want Horeni along with them. On the girls side, it’s still Plainfield North on top, but with Minooka in the mix instead of Plainfield South. The PN girls have big lowsticks with Marlie Czarnewski and Tessa Russo both in position to take top 5 spots. Minooka only has one, with Natalie Nahs leading a strong chase pack. It is likely that PN takes the win here, as their chasers have looked better and better as the season moves on. Individually, Czarnewski will claim the win. She set her PR at Naperville Twilight for a blistering 17:07 and she will be the top girl to watch here. Madison King of Joliet Central will lead the chase pack for second. King ran a solid 17:35 to take third at Peoria High, she will be tough to beat for second. 

Mid Illini Conference

Key Boys Teams: Morton, Metamora, Washington, Dunlap

Key Boys Individuals: Ben Gorsage (Washington), Maxwell Carter (Morton), Keyston Beyer (Morton), Abe Martin (Morton), Zach Born (Metamora)

Key Girls Teams: Washington

Key Girls Individuals: Morgan Coker (Pekin), Sophia Ramirez (Washington), Caylie Ahten (Washington)

Outlook: One of the best teams in 2A will hit Detweiller for the second time this season, they will be on the hunt for some big times. Morton is the big team favorite here, and it’s not for no reason. They have sat in the top 5 of 2A for the entire season but we haven’t gotten to see them race their full varsity 7 all at once. Maxwell Carter, Keyston Beyer, and Abe Martin all have the capacity to break 15, which is a deadly core three to have in your lineup. Their depth is strong too, with a plethora of guys floating between 15:30 and 15:40 who can all step up for the 4 and 5 spots. The Potters are a complete team and are sure to walk away with a title. Individually, you’ll see Ben Gorsage of Washington leading the three Morton runners. Gorsage ran an incredible 14:40 at the Gene Jones invite, he’s clearly a tier ahead of his competition here. Zach Born of Metamora will try to climb into that conversation as well, he had a great race at Peoria High and will look to build off of that. On the girls side, Morgan Coker of Pekin should be able to wrap up an easy win. She has the fastest PR by almost a minute and she will be virtually unchallenged here. On the team side, Washington has a strong core of athletes that should get them the win. Outside of a potential upset from Pekin, their path to victory is unobstructed.