2026 Pre-Season XC Previews: Middle School Boys Individual Rankings

Illinois has become one of the nation's premier states for developing distance running talent, and this year's middle school boys class is another example of the bright future ahead. From state champions and national-caliber performers to athletes who enjoyed breakout track and cross country campaigns, the depth across the state is remarkable. Our preseason rankings highlight the top 25 middle school boys entering the 2026 cross country season based solely on performances achieved prior to July 1st, 2026, meaning any races or results after that date were not considered in the evaluation. While the season is certain to bring new names into the spotlight and plenty of movement in the rankings, this list recognizes the athletes who have established themselves as Illinois' top middle school boys heading into the fall.

1. Kelton Hines (8th, Columbia [Immaculate Conception])

400m: 56.54

800m: 2:10.50

1600m: 4:35.09

3000m: 10:08.90

Kelton Hines enters his final middle school season as one of the top distance runners in southern Illinois after an exceptional year in both cross country and track. The Columbia Immaculate Conception standout captured the SIJHSAA Class S Cross Country State Championship, establishing himself as one of the premier middle school runners in the state. His combination of championship experience and impressive range makes him one of the favorites entering the season. Hines backed up his cross country success with an outstanding spring on the track, recording personal bests of 56.54 in the 400 meters, 2:10.50 in the 800 meters, and 4:35.09 in the 1600 meters. He also owns a cross country best of 10:08.90 for 3000 meters, one of the fastest returning marks in the rankings. During the track season, Hines captured the SIJHSAA Class S state championship in the 1600 meters and earned runner up honors in the 800 meters, showcasing both his speed and endurance. With a cross country state title already on his resume and another outstanding season behind him, Hines enters his eighth grade campaign as the favorite to defend his championship.

2. Carter Janello (8th, Normal [Kingsley])

800m: 2:09.17

1600m: 4:46.15

2 Mile: 11:09.50

Carter Janello enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding year highlighted by a dominant track campaign. The Normal Kingsley standout finished 14th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, showing he could compete among the best runners in the state's largest classification. With another year of development and one of the strongest middle distance skill sets in the state, Janello is poised to take another step forward this fall. Janello put together one of the most impressive track seasons of any middle school athlete in Illinois, posting personal bests of 2:09.17 in the 800 meters and 4:46.15 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:09.50 for two miles. He swept the IESA Class 4A state titles in the 800 meters and 1600 meters and helped lead Kingsley to the state championship in the 4x400 meter relay, showcasing both his speed and versatility. With multiple individual state championships already on his resume and continued improvement throughout the year, Janello enters his eighth grade season as one of the leading contenders to challenge for the Class 4A cross country title.

3. Everett Haberman (8th, Wheaton [Edison])

800m: 2:16.56

1600m: 4:49.77

3000m: 10:26.50

Everett Haberman enters his final middle school season as one of the top distance runners in Illinois after establishing himself on both the state and national stage. The Wheaton Edison standout capped off an outstanding cross country season by winning the CCCYNC National Cross Country Championship, proving he can compete with the best youth runners in the country. That national title immediately places him among the favorites entering the Illinois middle school season. Haberman continued his success during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:16.56 in the 800 meters and 4:49.77 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 10:26.50 for 3000 meters. He added another championship to his resume by winning the IPAC Conference title in the 1600 meters, showcasing his continued development on the track. With national championship credentials, proven speed, and one of the strongest distance resumes in the state, Haberman enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to compete for the top spot in the Illinois middle school rankings.

4. Wyatt Yates (8th, Glen Ellyn [Glen Crest])

800m: 2:07.93

1600m: 4:47.43

1.5 Mile: 8:19.50

Wyatt Yates enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning middle distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year of development. The Glen Ellyn Glen Crest standout has established himself as one of the state's premier eighth graders thanks to his impressive combination of speed and endurance. Although he does not have a state cross country finish on his resume, his performances throughout the past year have shown he has the talent to compete with the very best. Yates enjoyed an exceptional track season, recording personal bests of 2:07.93 in the 800 meters and 4:47.43 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 8:19.50 for 1.5 miles. He captured the IPAC Conference championship in the 800 meters, showcasing one of the strongest finishing kicks among the state's top middle school runners. With elite middle distance speed and continued development, Yates enters his eighth grade season as one of the most intriguing contenders and has the potential to make a significant impact against the state's best competition.

5. Brooks Frieburg (8th, Monticello)

800m: 2:13.93

1600m: 4:51.90

2 Mile: 10:57.60

Brooks Frieburg enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign in both cross country and track. The Monticello standout earned a 10th place finish at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, proving he could compete among the best runners in his classification. His combination of championship experience and continued improvement makes him one of the top contenders entering the fall. Frieburg backed up his cross country success with an exceptional track season, posting personal bests of 2:13.93 in the 800 meters and 4:51.90 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 10:57.60 for two miles. He captured the IESA Class 3A state championship in the 1600 meters and added another state medal with a fourth place finish in the 800 meters, showcasing both his endurance and finishing speed. With an individual state title already on his resume and another year of development ahead, Frieburg enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to challenge for the Class 3A cross country championship.

6. Liam Adams (8th, Carterville)

1600m: 4:51.86

3000m: 10:37.80

Liam Adams enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in southern Illinois after another strong year in both cross country and track. The Carterville standout finished ninth at the SIJHSAA Class L Cross Country State Championships, earning a top 10 finish against one of the strongest fields in southern Illinois. His continued improvement has positioned him among the leading contenders entering his eighth grade campaign. Adams carried that momentum into the track season, recording a personal best of 4:51.86 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 10:37.80 for 3000 meters. He added to his championship experience by placing eighth in the 1600 meters at the SIJHSAA Class L State Meet. With a top 10 state cross country finish already on his resume and another year of development behind him, Adams enters the season as one of the top runners to watch in southern Illinois and a strong candidate to move even higher in the standings.

7. Asher Weilacher (8th, Forreston)

800m: 2:15.01

1600m: 4:52.36

2 Mile: 11:14.90

Asher Weilacher enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year that featured success in both cross country and track. The Forreston standout earned a ninth place finish at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing himself as one of the best runners in his classification. His combination of championship experience and versatility makes him a serious contender entering the fall. Weilacher followed that performance with a tremendous track season, posting personal bests of 2:15.01 in the 800 meters and 4:52.36 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:14.90 for two miles. He captured the IESA Class 2A state championship in the 1600 meters and earned runner up honors in the 800 meters, while also contributing to Forreston's seventh place finish in the 4x400 meter relay and third place finish in the sprint medley relay. With an individual state title, multiple state medals, and a top 10 cross country finish already on his resume, Weilacher enters his eighth grade season as one of the leading contenders to compete for the Class 2A cross country championship.

8. Dane Fleisher (8th, Knoxville)

800m: 2:16.63

1600m: 4:52.66

2 Mile: 11:12.70

Dane Fleisher enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding seventh grade campaign in both cross country and track. The Knoxville standout finished sixth at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing himself as one of the premier runners in his classification. His ability to consistently perform in championship competition makes him one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Fleisher carried that momentum into a tremendous track season, posting personal bests of 2:16.63 in the 800 meters and 4:52.66 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:12.70 for two miles. He earned runner up honors in the 800 meters and captured the IESA Class 2A state championship in the 1600 meters, while also helping Knoxville place eighth in the 4x400 meter relay at the state meet. With a top six finish in cross country, an individual state title, and one of the strongest all around resumes in the state, Fleisher enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to challenge for the Class 2A cross country championship.

9. Reid Talleur (8th, Mt. Zion)

800m: 2:31.90

1600m: 5:15.30

2 Mile: 11:02.50

Reid Talleur enters his final middle school season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois after a season that ended with results that did not reflect his true ability. The Mt. Zion standout endured a difficult race at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, finishing 205th despite consistently running at a much higher level throughout the rest of the fall. Rather than defining his season, that performance serves as motivation heading into his eighth grade campaign. Talleur continued to show his potential during the track season, recording personal bests of 2:31.90 in the 800 meters and 5:15.30 in the 1600 meters while also owning an outstanding cross country best of 11:02.50 for two miles. That two mile mark ranks among the strongest in the state and demonstrates the fitness he carried throughout much of the year. If he can put together the complete race he is capable of at the state meet this fall, Talleur has the talent to make a dramatic climb in the standings and emerge as one of the biggest breakout runners in the middle school ranks.

10. Benjamin O’Connor (8th, Downers Grove [O’Neill])

800m: 2:10.67

1600m: 4:53.55

2 Mile: 11:28.30

Benjamin O’Connor enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning middle distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding track campaign elevated him into the state's elite. The Downers Grove O’Neill standout finished 38th at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but his performances throughout the spring demonstrated significant development and suggest he is capable of a much stronger finish this season. O’Connor enjoyed an exceptional track season, recording personal bests of 2:10.67 in the 800 meters and 4:53.55 in the 1600 meters. He earned runner up honors in the 1600 meters and placed fourth in the 800 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, proving he could compete with the best middle school runners in Illinois. His combination of elite middle distance speed and continued improvement gives him one of the highest ceilings in the rankings. If O’Connor can translate his outstanding track fitness to the cross country course, he has the potential to make a significant jump and establish himself among the top runners in the state this fall.

11. Nolan Bullis (8th, Channahon)

1600m: 4:53.90

2 Mile: 11:12.80

Nolan Bullis enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after another strong year in both cross country and track. The Channahon standout finished 24th at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, gaining valuable championship experience while showing he could compete against one of the state's deepest fields. With continued development throughout the past year, Bullis is well positioned to make a significant jump this fall. Bullis backed up his cross country season with an outstanding spring, recording a personal best of 4:53.90 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:12.80 for two miles. He earned runner up honors in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 3A State Meet and also helped Channahon place 10th in the sprint medley relay. With an individual state medal already on his resume and continued improvement throughout the year, Bullis enters his eighth grade season as a strong contender to move into the front of the Class 3A cross country field.

12. Austin Ryter (8th, Arlington Heights [Thomas])

800m: 2:17.04

1600m: 5:02.62

2 Mile: 11:04.60

Austin Ryter enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an impressive year highlighted by continued improvement on the track. The Arlington Heights Thomas standout finished 57th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but his performances throughout the year demonstrated that he has the talent to compete much higher in one of the state's deepest classifications. Ryter enjoyed a strong track season, posting personal bests of 2:17.04 in the 800 meters and 5:02.62 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:04.60 for two miles. He placed seventh in the 1600 meters and 14th in the 800 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, showcasing his ability to compete against the state's top middle school runners. With another year of development and one of the stronger cross country marks among the returning field, Ryter has the potential to make a significant jump and emerge as one of the top finishers in Class 4A this fall.

13. Adrian Ferdinand (8th, Edwardsville [Lincoln])

800m: 2:10.56

1600m: 4:54.55

2 Mile: 11:21.90

Adrian Ferdinand enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning middle distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year on the track. The Edwardsville Lincoln standout finished 34th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships last fall before making tremendous strides during the spring. His combination of championship experience and elite speed makes him one of the most dangerous runners in the state entering the season. Ferdinand put together an exceptional track campaign, recording personal bests of 2:10.56 in the 800 meters and 4:54.55 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:21.90 for two miles. He earned third place finishes in both the 800 meters and the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, proving he could compete with the best middle school runners in Illinois. With multiple individual state medals already on his resume and continued improvement throughout the year, Ferdinand enters his eighth grade season as a strong candidate to make a significant climb in the Class 4A cross country standings.

14. Christopher Marinov (8th, Mt. Prospect [Lincoln])

800m: 2:09.90

1600m: 4:55.44

2 Mile: 11:27.20

Christopher Marinov enters his final middle school season as one of the state's most intriguing runners after an outstanding track campaign showcased his tremendous upside. The Mt. Prospect Lincoln standout finished 92nd at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but the progress he made during the spring suggests he is capable of a much stronger finish against the state's best this season. Marinov enjoyed an exceptional track season, recording personal bests of 2:09.90 in the 800 meters and 4:55.44 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:27.20 for two miles. He earned fifth place in the 800 meters and fourth place in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Meet, while also helping Mt. Prospect Lincoln finish sixth in the 4x400 meter relay and capture the state championship in the sprint medley relay. With elite middle distance speed, multiple state medals, and continued improvement throughout the year, Marinov has the talent to make one of the biggest jumps in the Class 4A cross country rankings this fall.

15. Cooper Van Namen (8th, Elmhurst [Bryan])

800m: 2:17.87

1600m: 4:55.51

3000m: 10:10.50

Cooper Van Namen enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year that showcased his strength across multiple events. The Elmhurst Bryan standout has developed into one of the state's premier eighth graders, combining impressive track performances with one of the fastest returning cross country marks in the rankings. His continued progression makes him a runner to watch throughout the season. Van Namen posted personal bests of 2:17.87 in the 800 meters and 4:55.51 in the 1600 meters while also owning an outstanding cross country best of 10:10.50 for 3000 meters. He captured both the 800 meter and 1600 meter titles at the WSMSAC Conference Championships, demonstrating his ability to dominate championship competition. With excellent range, proven success in big meets, and one of the strongest cross country performances among the returning field, Van Namen enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to compete with the state's best runners.

16. Matthew Jahnke (8th, Palatine [Winston])

800m: 2:12.44

1600m: 4:55.91

2 Mile: 11:45.90

Matthew Jahnke enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an impressive track campaign elevated him into the state's top tier of middle distance athletes. The Palatine Winston standout finished 81st at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but his performances during the spring demonstrated tremendous improvement and suggest he is capable of a much stronger showing this season. Jahnke recorded a personal best of 4:55.91 in the 1600 meters and enjoyed an outstanding state meet, placing sixth in the 800 meters and fifth in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 4A State Championships. Competing for medals in both individual events against the state's deepest field showcased both his speed and endurance. If Jahnke can carry that track momentum into the cross country season, he has the potential to make a significant jump in the Class 4A standings and establish himself among the state's best middle school runners.

17. Owen Knecht (7th, Geneva North)

2 Mile: 11:10.20

Owen Knecht enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in Illinois after an impressive cross country campaign in one of the state's deepest classifications. The Geneva North standout finished 29th at the IESA Class 4A State Cross Country Championships, gaining valuable championship experience while competing against many of the top middle school runners in Illinois. With another full middle school season still ahead of him, Knecht has tremendous potential to continue climbing the rankings. Knecht owns a personal best of 11:10.20 for two miles, a mark that ranks among the strongest by any returning seventh grader in the state. His combination of distance strength and championship experience provides an excellent foundation for continued improvement. With another year of development before reaching eighth grade, Knecht has established himself as one of Illinois' brightest young distance runners and has the potential to become one of the state's top contenders in the seasons ahead.

18. David Surratt (8th, Champaign [Holy Cross])

800m: 2:18.82

1600m: 5:07.84

2 Mile: 11:10.90

David Surratt enters his final middle school season as one of the most versatile athletes in Illinois after an outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Champaign Holy Cross standout finished 12th at the IESA Class 1A State Cross Country Championships, narrowly missing a top 10 finish while establishing himself as one of the top runners in his classification. His ability to excel across multiple events makes him one of the most complete athletes in the middle school ranks. Surratt followed that with an exceptional track season, posting personal bests of 2:18.82 in the 800 meters and 5:07.84 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:10.90 for two miles. He earned runner up finishes in both the 1600 meters and the 110 meter hurdles, placed third in the 800 meters, and helped Holy Cross finish ninth in the sprint medley relay at the IESA Class 2A State Meet. With multiple individual state medals, outstanding versatility, and a strong cross country resume, Surratt enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to move into the front of the Class 1A field.

19. Sam Wasilewski (8th, Lockport [Oak Prairie])

2 Mile: 11:10.90

Sam Wasilewski enters his final middle school season as one of the more intriguing runners in Illinois after showing considerable potential during his seventh grade campaign. The Lockport Oak Prairie standout finished 48th at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships, gaining valuable experience in one of the state's deepest fields. While that finish may not fully reflect his ability, it provided a strong foundation heading into his final middle school season. Wasilewski owns an impressive cross country best of 11:10.90 for two miles, a mark that ranks among the stronger returning performances in the state and highlights his endurance over longer distances. With another year of development and valuable championship experience already on his resume, he has the opportunity to make a significant jump in the Class 3A standings. If he continues his progression, Wasilewski has the potential to emerge as one of the breakout runners in Illinois this fall.

20. Dexter Gust (8th, Petersburg [PORTA])

800m: 2:09.58

1600m: 4:57.53

2 Mile: 11:19.30

Dexter Gust enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding year highlighted by a breakthrough track campaign. The PORTA standout finished 22nd at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, gaining valuable championship experience before taking a major step forward during the spring. His combination of speed and continued development makes him one of the more dangerous runners in the middle school ranks. Gust enjoyed an exceptional track season, posting personal bests of 2:09.58 in the 800 meters and 4:57.53 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:19.30 for two miles. He captured the IESA Class 3A state championship in the 800 meters and added another state medal with a third place finish in the 1600 meters, proving he could compete with the best middle school runners in Illinois. If Gust can translate his outstanding track fitness to the cross country course, he has the potential to make a significant jump in the state standings and establish himself among the top contenders in Class 2A.

21. Roman Hinthorne (8th, El Paso-Gridley)

800m: 2:24.97

1600m: 4:58.85

2 Mile: 11:12.00

Roman Hinthorne enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an impressive year in both cross country and track. The El Paso-Gridley standout finished 13th at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, narrowly missing a top 10 finish while proving he could compete with the best runners in his classification. His steady improvement throughout the year makes him a strong contender entering the fall. Hinthorne continued to build on that success during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:24.97 in the 800 meters and 4:58.85 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:12.00 for two miles. He earned a fifth place finish in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 3A State Meet, adding an individual state medal to his growing resume. With valuable championship experience, a strong cross country background, and continued development, Hinthorne enters his eighth grade season with the potential to move into the front group at the Class 2A State Championships.

22. Emmett Voyles (7th, Mt. Prospect [St. Raymond])

800m: 2:19.77

1600m: 4:57.09

2 Mile: 11:27.90

Emmett Voyles enters the season as one of the top returning seventh graders in Illinois after an outstanding year that featured success at the state and national levels. The Mt. Prospect St. Raymond standout finished 20th at the IESA Class 1A State Cross Country Championships before extending his season to the USATF National Cross Country Championships, where he placed an impressive 14th against one of the nation's top youth fields. Those performances established him as one of the brightest young distance runners in the state. Voyles continued his development during the track season, posting personal bests of 2:19.77 in the 800 meters and 4:57.09 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:27.90 for two miles. He earned runner up honors in the 1600 meters and placed fifth in the 800 meters at the IESA Class 2A State Meet, proving he can compete with the best middle school runners in Illinois. With national level experience, multiple state medals, and another full middle school season ahead of him, Voyles has the talent to develop into one of the state's premier distance runners.

23. Jax Tysma (8th, East Moline [Glenview])

800m; 2:13.92

1600m: 4:57.16

3000m: 11:17.00

Jax Tysma enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning middle distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding track campaign. The East Moline Glenview standout has established himself as one of the state's premier eighth graders through his success in championship competition and his impressive range across the distance events. His continued improvement makes him one of the more dangerous runners entering the fall. Tysma recorded personal bests of 2:13.92 in the 800 meters and 4:57.16 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:17.00 for 3000 meters. At the IESA Class 4A State Meet, he earned seventh place in the 800 meters and sixth place in the 1600 meters while also helping his team place fifth in the sprint medley relay. With multiple individual state medals and strong cross country credentials already on his resume, Tysma enters his eighth grade season as a runner capable of competing with the best in Illinois.

24. Evan Tscholl (8th, Downs [Tri-Valley])

800m: 2:16.45

1600m: 4:57.92

2 Mile: 11:26.00

Evan Tscholl enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning runners in Illinois after an outstanding track season showcased his continued development. The Downs Tri-Valley standout finished 71st at the IESA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships last fall, but the progress he made during the spring suggests he is capable of a much stronger showing this season. Tscholl recorded personal bests of 2:16.45 in the 800 meters and 4:57.92 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:26.00 for two miles. At the IESA Class 3A State Meet, he earned fourth place in the 1600 meters and eighth place in the 800 meters, while also helping Tri-Valley finish fifth in the 4x400 meter relay. Those performances demonstrated his ability to compete with the state's best middle school runners. If he can carry that momentum into the cross country season, Tscholl has the potential to make one of the biggest jumps in the Class 3A rankings this fall.

25. Tate Shoaff (8th, Shelbyville [Moulton])

800m: 2:12.57

1600m: 4:59.54

2 Mile: 11:15.00

Tate Shoaff enters his final middle school season as one of the top returning distance runners in Illinois after an outstanding year in both cross country and track. The Shelbyville Moulton standout earned a 10th place finish at the IESA Class 2A State Cross Country Championships, establishing himself among the top runners in his classification. His combination of championship experience and outstanding middle distance speed makes him one of the leading contenders entering the fall. Shoaff followed up his strong cross country season with an exceptional spring, recording personal bests of 2:12.57 in the 800 meters and 4:59.54 in the 1600 meters while also owning a cross country best of 11:15.00 for two miles. He earned runner up honors in the 800 meters and placed sixth in the 1600 meters at the IESA Class 3A State Meet, while also helping Shelbyville Moulton finish second in the 4x400 meter relay and third in the sprint medley relay. With multiple state medals, a top 10 cross country finish, and continued improvement throughout the year, Shoaff enters his eighth grade season as a legitimate contender to challenge for a spot on the podium at the Class 2A State Championships.