We have finally reached the end of our team rankings with the 3A Boys Ranked! I hope everyone enjoyed our previews and will tune in each Tuesday throughout the regular season to view our weekly rankings as well. Good luck to all this cross country season!
25. Hinsdale Central
Head Coach/Coaches: Jim Westphal / Jim Kupres, Noah Lawrence, & John Snee
Last Year's Finish: 22nd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Cooper Revord (Sr.), Henry Miller (So.), Michael Gamboa (Jr.), Matthew Rogers (Sr.), Kasra Mikaili (Sr.), Logan Tarasi (Jr.), Quinn Doorhy (Sr.), Matthew Ferren (Sr.)
Coach Westphal's Outlook: This year’s group is a nice mixture of young & old, state meet experience and no state meet experience. This group has excellent team chemistry and works extremely hard together for the common good of the team. Our goal is to improve week to week and race at our best in the latter stages of the season.
24. Naperville North
Head Coach/Coaches: Tim Brown / Dave Racey and Dan Hemmens
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 3A Hinsdale Central Sectional
Key Returners: Ammar Bhanpuri (Sr.), Jackson Truty (Jr.), JT Schmidt (Sr.), Simon Reckamp (Jr.), Aidan Malana (Jr.), Brian Hatlestad (Jr.), Lukas Keane (Jr.)
New Additions: JT Schmidt (Sr.)
Coach Brown's Outlook: As a whole, the success of last year’s core sophomores has really had a positive affect in their summer training. They have matured both physically and mentally, and they are ready to run at the varsity level. Also, Ammar seems to be running well, given his injury last November (which prevented him from running NXR 2023). Our goal is to qualify for state as a team. It’s been since 2019 since we ran as a team in Peoria. This is all the guys talk about and focus on. And they are ready!
23. Wheaton North
Head Coach: Nate Roe
Last Year's Finish: 25th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Aidan Murphy (Sr.), Luke Haworth (Sr.), Quinn Murphy (Sr.), Jack Sanders (Jr.), Seth Pacer (Jr.), Stefon VanGetson (So.), Matthew Joyce (Jr.), Daniel Xochitecatl (Jr.)
Carson's Outlook: The Falcons have now qualified for the four state meets. They will be led by returning all-state Aidan Murphy who will look to claim the same honor this season. Luke Haworth was just off Murphy's track times running 4:22 in the 1600m and 9:41 in the 3200m. He could make an all-state push potentially. Quinn Murphy will look to be in the low 15:00s. After a great track season for Daniel Xochitecatl and Jack Sanders watch for them to make leaps this year.
22. St. Charles East
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Bosworth / Matt Gill and Chris Stewart
Last Year's Finish: 14th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Greyson Ellensohn (Sr.), Michael Wilson (Jr.), Ryan Tobin (Sr.), Sam Wollak (So.), Jacob Campagna (Sr.), Alex Asimor (Jr.), Patrick Klasa (Sr.)
New Additions: Rich Meszaros (Sr.), Dom Strada (Fr.), Connor Stall (Fr.)
Coach Bosworth's Outlook: This year, the team will take many weeks to progress into the team they believe they are capable of becoming. There will be a lot of moving parts during the season as the lineup could look different week to week. We lost a good group of Sr kids from our varsity 7 last year, so new athletes will have to be ready to make the jump to the next level. I anticipate running kids down on the lower level (Fr/So) for the majority of the season, then if need be, bringing up the athletes deserving of racing during the championship weeks. We have struggled with consistency with a few athletes throughout the summer, so it will be interesting to see who will step up for this team. We will be a team with quote and quote, "Few Names", but by the end of the season the team believes they will be racing at Detweiller in November.
21. Glen Ellyn (Glenbard West)
Head Coach/Coaches: Kyle Nugent / Kurt Frazier
Last Year's Finish: 9th @ 3A Lake Park Sectional
Key Returners: Graham Faris (Sr.), Matt King (Jr.), Liam Grady (Sr.), Cayden Camp (Sr.), Ryan Fader (Sr.), Brandon Carpenter (Sr.), Ely Tedford (So.), Sam Roser (So.), Josh Plahetka (So.), Keaton Peter (Jr.), Nathan Gissing (Jr.), Patrick Hibbard (Jr.)
Coach Nugent's Outlook: This year our team is very senior heavy. We have a tight group of 5 seniors who have been getting varsity experience since they were sophomores. This group is special and have been leading the team all summer. They had a good track season last spring and we hope to build on that. We also have a junior, Matt King, who is emerging as a front-runner.
20. Naperville Central
Head Coach: Grant Baganz
Last Year's Finish: 20th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Patrick Clune (Sr.), Mauel Najera (So.), Gavin George (Jr.), Vaughn Scherer (Jr.), Matthew Wick (Sr.), Zach Huffstetter (Sr.)
New Additions: Derek Williiamson (So.)
Carson's Outlook: The Redhawks have grown into a team that you can always depend on seeing at the state meet. Patrick Clune looks to be the leader of this team. He had a great track season running 4:22 in the 1600m. He should challenge 15:00 this season. The redhawks will rely on the pack of Manuel Najera, Gavin George, and Vaughn Scherer for this groups improvement. They will need to keep the split between them to under 10 seconds. Hopefully for this squad Derek Williamson decides to come out for cross country instead of soccer then he will be right with that group.
19. Yorkville
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Muth / Kerry Stillmunkes, Lauren Vriezen, Tori Gatlin, Matt Gatlin
Last Year's Finish: 16th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Owen Horeni (Jr.), Brody Greyer (Sr.), Ryan Rotramel (Sr.), Adam Klemm (Sr.), Walter Strait (Sr.), Luke Summers (Sr.), James Cherney (So.), Ian Goodwin (Sr.)
New Additions: Marcos Corral (Sr.), Ethan Malas (So.)
Coach Muth's Outlook: We have had a consistent group attending practice and meeting up on their own. We have a very big senior class this year and so I’m expecting them to really be singularly focused on finishing off their high school careers on a high note and setting new standards for years to come.
18. Oak Park-River Forest
Head Coach/Coaches: Chris Baldwin / Abel Reyes, Tim Hasso, Stephen Traphagen, Vic Guarino, Garrett Davis
Last Year's Finish: 6th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Liam O’Connor (Sr.), Andrew Harmon (Sr.), James Nacke (Sr.), Eric Young (Sr.), Jack deBeers (Sr.), Connor Schupp (Sr.), Jack Gallery (Sr.), Brady Creel (Jr.), David Schiff (Jr.), Bennett King (Jr.), Julian St. Pierre (Jr.), Finn Cascarino (Jr.), Connor Harmon (So.), Ryan Solberg (So.), Nick Houghton (So.), Jeremy Meier (So.)
Unexpected Losses: Finn Kelly (Sr.)
Coach Baldwin's Outlook: We’ve had a successful summer this year, we switched a few training items around and are looking forward to the start of the season. We have several runners who will be racing on the varsity XC for the first time this fall and they are prepared and ready to battle.
17. Arlington Heights (Hersey)
Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Glosson / Todd Custable
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Mateus Salomao (Jr.), Jonathan Choi (Sr.), Aidan Korb (Jr.), Elliot Baik (Jr.), Brandon Rugg (Jr.), Nathan Marotta (Jr.), Gabe Gronski (So.), Jonah Morrison (So.), James Homoly (So.)
New Additons: Kass Kurzynski (Fr.), Luke Carlson (Fr.), Dylan Altmayer (Fr.)
Coach Glosson's Outlook: I am excited about our group. We are very young with only 4 seniors on the roster. We have a good mix of freshmen that should challenge for the top seven with returners that are eager at their shot at the varsity level. Mateus Salomao ran 9:35 in the undercard 2-mile…his only 2 mile of the spring and ran a 1:56 split in the 4x8 at the state meet. The junior class is talented and I am excited to see how they develop throughout the season. I feel like we have solid depth. Running together and for each other will be the key to success this year.
16. Batavia
Head Coach/Coaches: Bronco Meeks / AJ Freeman
Last Year's Finish: 26th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Francesco Benelli (Sr.), David Bednarek (Sr.), Eddie Polaski (So.), Will Polaski (So.), Ryan Widmer (Jr.), Gavin Warpinski (Jr.), Alejandro Jacob (Sr.), Cody Rummel (Jr.), Luke Gianfrancesco (Jr.), Diego Gomez (Sr.), Matt Guiry (So.)
Coach Meeks' Outlook: We have a solid group returning. Francesco Benelli looks strong and confident. He leads a group that has multiple guys with state meet experience in both track and cross country. The team hopes to build on that this season. Our group has a nice blend of veteran and younger athletes. We have 3 sophomores that are in the mix to make our varsity squad to go along with our two seniors that were our top 2 athletes last year. With so many young guys, it may take us most of the season to run with confidence and produce consistent performances. They have a lot of potential and are a fun group to coach.
15. New Lenox (Lincoln-Way Central)
Head Coach/Coaches: John Taylor / Roy White and Chuck Hoff
Last Year's Finish: 19th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Bryce Counihan (Jr.), Kyle Friedl (Sr.), Jack Galminas (Sr.), Braden Hoff (Sr.), Cian Scanlon (So.), Gavin Hoff (So.), Ronin Borgeson (Jr.), Andrew Nilson (So.)
New Additions: Russell Welch (Fr.), Ryan Zartler (Fr.), Colin White (Fr.)
Coach Taylor's Outlook: Our Knights are poised to exceed expectations this season. Following a stellar track season earning a 4 x 800 medals, the boys have committed to rigorous summer training, logging the miles. Our ambitions are high: we aim to secure victories in both Conference and Regionals, and not only qualify for the esteemed State Meet again but also secure a spot in the Top Ten. To turn these goals into reality, the Knights will concentrate on mastering effective pack running strategies keeping the Knight pack together as best as they can.
14. Orland Park (Sandburg)
Head Coach/Coaches: John O'Malley / Charlie Tarjan, Jeff Jonaitis, Tom Novak, Judy McAuliffe, AnnMarie McGuire, Marc O'Neal
Last Year's Finish: 18th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Mateo Ramiro-Garcia (Jr.), Brayden Gaffud (So.), Luke Atzman (Sr.), Jack Easterhouse (Sr.), Myles Jacquez (Jr.), Jackson Canellis (Jr.), Gunner Hinger (So.), Ben Lewandowski (Jr.), Gavin Smalarz (Jr.), Jake Crotty (Jr.)
Coach O'Malley's Outlook: We are going to be a very strong team, both physically and in our character and determination. I really like this group. We are most certainly a group that is ascending. The returning talent in the state is really impressive and that only makes us more excited to compete together.
13. LaGrange (Lyons)
Head Coach/Coaches: Michael Danner / Joe Pontrelli, Nick Lundin, Jake Discipio
Last Year's Finish: 4th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Benjamin Wuggazer (Sr.), Tate Pavelka (Sr.), John O'Halloran (Sr.), Charles Ciesla (Sr.), Patrick Collins (Jr.), Aaron Obert (Sr.), Isaac Constas (Sr.), Tyler Gantt (Jr.), Joaquin Duarte (So.), Colin Shea (So.), Eric Roemer (Sr.), Lucien Sullivan (So.), Parker Robinson (Jr.), Ethan Meuer (Sr.)
Coach Danner's Outlook: Training over the summer has looked similar to previous years. Currently we are in Wisconsin putting in some hard work and coming together as a team. Goals for this year should lineup with our program goals which are to be competitive in most big invites and finish in the top 5 at the state meet.
12. Wheaton Warrenville South
Head Coach: Chris Kuntz and Craig Lawrence
Last Year's Finish: 17th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Josiah Narayanan (Sr.), Aiden Noel (Sr.), Sam Purdue (Sr.), Atticus Cunningham (Sr.), Jack Ruswick (Sr.), Jonah Hatzinger (Sr.), Jamie Childress (Sr.), Ethan Farrell (Jr.), Mark Thalman (Jr.), Everett Zoe (Jr.), Jack Barbieri (So.), Joey Mower (So.), Daithan Narayanan (So.)
Coach Lawrence's Outlook: The kids have had an amazing summer of running. They've been "All In" and worked extremely hard. While we graduated some key runners from last season’s squad, we return 11 of our top 14 from last year, including seniors Josiah Narayanan (4:18, 9:08, 14:30) and Aiden Noel (4:25, 9:21, 14:51). They will be a solid 1-2 punch and lead the pack that has some key returners with postseason experience along with some new faces from guys who have made great strides. This team has set appropriately high goals for the season and postseason. We're excited about the work the kids put in during the off-season and can’t wait to see how that translates to races this fall.
11. Palatine
Head Coach/Coaches: Joe Parks / Mike Nigliaccio, Alec Bollman
Last Year's Finish: 8th @ 3A Hoffman Estates Sectional
Key Returners: Alex Krieg (Jr.), Carter Hayes (Sr.), James O’Sullivan (Jr.), Christopher Quick (Jr.), Keaton Fletcher (Sr.), Ethan Trujillo (Sr.), Kevin Lopez (Sr.), Kyle O’Keefe (Sr.), Keith Solberg (Sr.)
Coach Parks' Outlook: We are a small but motivated group. We have a mix of experience up front and some “no-names” that will have to meld together as the season progresses to be the team we hope to be. Junior Alex Krieg (4:18/9:07) and senior Carter Hayes (1:53/4:15/9:19) give us some firepower and state meet experience up front, followed by some up-and-comers in junior James O’Sullivan (4:29/9:44), junior Christopher Quick (4:38/10:04), and senior Keaton Fletcher (4:36/10:18), who have continued their growth since track season ended. These five have put themselves in position to lead us as the season kicks off, but are followed by a crew motivated to make their claim for a top-7 spot, in seniors Ethan Trujillo, Kyle O’Keefe, Kevin Lopez, and Keith Solberg. Sophomore Anton Crane has the ability and work ethic to be in the mix by the end as well.
The MSL will be tough this year, with a few state contending teams. If we can contend the MSL we should be in in a great spot come October/November. Our hope, like many, is to be firing on all cylinders at Detweiller in November.
10. Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
Head Coach/Coaches: Jay Renaud / Bryan Quesea and Dave Frintner
Last Year's Finish: 23rd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Finley Moss (Sr.), Quinn Davis (Jr.), Landon Samp (So.), Luke Robinson (Jr.), Brody Cushing (Jr.), Boris Dimitrov (Sr.), Ben Wilkin (Sr.), Collin Ryan (Jr.), Frankie Cox (Jr.), James Hanna (Jr.), Ethan Maher (Jr.)
New Additions: Bobby Wintermute (Fr.), Pierce Baker (Fr.)
Coach Renaud's Outlook: We decided to change the narrative of this program over the winter, and it showed with our track times and results. We return 5 guys 4:33 or faster and 5 guys 9:50 or faster. We will be a tough team to race against and are looking forward to competing against the best teams. We are going to make a huge jump from last season. We made a lot of progress last spring and are carrying that confidence over into the summer and fall. We want to be top 10 in the state, and I believe we can be in the top 5-6.
9. Edwardsville
Head Coach/Coaches: George Patrylak / Keri Burmester, Alexis Keller and Adam McClean
Last Year's Finish: 15th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Hugh Davis (Sr.), Gavin Rodgers (Jr.), Colin Thomas (Jr.), Colin Luijohan (So.), Jackson Amick (Sr.), Taylor Davis (Jr.), Cooper Wittek (Jr.), Jack Paty (Jr.), Max Horton (Jr.), Parker Weaver (Sr.), Jackson Elliott (Jr.)
New Additions: Antonio DeAvilia (Fr.)
Coach Patrylak's Outlook: The great thing about this team is how close they are. We have a core group of juniors who make up the bulk of our potential scorers. Add in our senior leadership and Colin Luitjohan and there is a lot to be excited about. When you have a group of friends who care about one another and have common goals, that is when good things can happen. Last year I was impressed on how they performed at the end of the cross country season. This year, I anticipate being strong early, but not dominate. The plan is to progress similar to last year and hopefully have the finish the team is focused on. A top ten finish is not out of the question. We return all of our scorers from last year's state meet. It could be an exciting and memorable year.
8. Elmhurst (York)
Head Coach/Coaches: Charlie Kern / Patrick Sheridan, Niko Karavolos, Ron Hedman
Last Year's Finish: 24th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Emmett Bradford (Sr.), Ryker Harges (Jr.), Sam Kehoe (Sr.), Patrick McGrail (Sr.), Carter Olsen (Jr.), Zach Saltiel (Sr.), Jack Sebastian (Sr.), Max Zangan (Sr.), Evan Zapata (Sr.), Harrison Manternach (So.), Dylan Golomb (So.), Ignas Zemaitaitis (So.), Joseph Zbiegiel (Jr.), Elias Lucier (Sr.), Everett Sinson (Sr.)
Coach Kern's Outlook: to better reflect, become more aerobically powerful, improve sprint mechanics, and enjoy the challenges of racing the other schools on different courses. These are goals we can work on in practice and test in a competition. Team and individual results are not always in our control. In the state meet, our team could average 35 seconds per runner faster than last year and still not win a trophy. Improvement of that magnitude should be honored regardless of our final placing.
7. O'Fallon
Head Coach/Coaches: Jon Burnett / Craig Munie and Anna Munie
Last Year's Finish: 5th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Zach Thoman (Sr.), Brayden Kloeppel (Jr.), Jackson Gherardini (Jr.), Robert Wocking (Sr.). Xavier Turner (Sr.), Ben Lown (So.), Jamison Gherardini (So.)
Coach Burnett's Outlook: Despite losing two top end runners to graduation, this year's team will be solid. Within our conference, Edwardsville will be greatly improved. We are in a difficult sectional. In spite of all this, we will be competitive. We feel that our younger runners will improve as the season progresses. We are looking forward to the challenges that this season has in store for us.
6. Winnetka (New Trier)
Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Sloan / Mike Richardson, Jamie Klotz, Mike Stokes, Brian Loring, Shawn Lucas, Greg Harper, Erik Saszik.
Last Year's Finish: 7th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Ben Crane (Sr.), Joey Papanicholas (Sr.), Walter Garrett (Sr.), Evan Shu (Sr.), Jordan Kreiner (Jr.), Cooper Hazday (Sr.), Jonah Swanson (Sr.), Vincent Noble (Sr.), Tristan Daley (So.)
New Additions: Nico Hampton (Fr.)
Coach Sloan's Outlook: The Trevians return a senior dominated squad many of which have IHSA state series experience. Ben Crane & Joey Papanicholas both raced in the 2022 & 2023 IHSA state XC Championships. Walter Garrett & junior Jordan Kreiner competed in the 2023 State Championship while teammate Evan Shu was a stalwart in our varsity lineups & competed in the 2023 3A Loyola Regional. We plan to use that experience as a catalyst to improve on our 7th place state meet finish. On an individual level, we will be led, once again, by Ben Crane who placed 3rd in last year's XC state meet and qualified for Footlocker Nationals. He will be closely followed by fellow seniors Papanicholas, Garrett, and Shu along with junior Jordan Kreiner (who has rewritten our freshman and sophomore distance records book). The Trevians are excited to toe the line and see how we stack up against the excellent competition that Illinois always produces. Onward Trevians!!!
5. Barrington
Head Coach/Coaches: Tom Root / Matt Medansky and Al Sekulic
Last Year's Finish: 13th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Joe Bregenzer (Sr.), Justin Hurtado (Sr.), Ethan Scott (Sr.), Avery Erickson (Sr.), Mark McGinn (Sr.), Haru Nagaoka (Sr.), Will Schneider (So.), Ryan Scott (So.)
Coach Root's Outlook: The one team most capable of stopping this group from greatness is ourselves. If they can prioritize loving one another and staying committed daily to our goals for the program, we will see some magic in November. We want to do things the “right way” on a daily basis to ensure that we can roll into the state series (and beyond) with confidence that we must simply keep doing what we’ve been doing all along. Keep things simple.
4. Palatine (Fremd)
Head Coach/Coaches: Matt Zaluckyj / Dan Hays
Last Year's Finish: 12th @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Rory Gaan (Sr.), Arjun Shah (Sr.), Cooper Hewson (Sr.), Tom Johnston (Sr.), Joe Johnston (Sr.), Trent Odachowski (Jr.), Jack Kelly (Jr.), Jack Jennings (So.), David Moore (So.), Bryden Li (So.)
Coach Zaluckyj's Outlook: We return 5 of our top 7 and 12 of our top 14 from last year. The summer overall has been solid for this group of runners. We have a very senior heavy team that has given our younger guys time to develop and I think you will see a handful of them contribute by seasons end. Arjun Shah will look to join Jack Jennings and Rory Gaan near the front of big invites with a handful of others looking to keep our split has low as possible.
3. Plainfield South
Head Coach/Coaches: Jason Crowe / Ryan Thompsen and Carson Vittorio
Last Year's Finish: 3rd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Dylan Maloney (Sr.), Riley Fink (Sr.), Dylan Buturusis (So.), Alex Batsala (So.), Austin Cory (Jr.), Tyler Miller (Jr.), Cole Maranowicz (Sr.), Kellan Hernandez (So.), KC Coleman (Jr.), Nick Valenciano (So.), Aron McCormick (Sr.), Brandon Hoffman (Sr.), Ethan Ensign (So.)
Coach Crowe's Outlook: After a solid track and field season by the guys, it has given our leaders and the younger runners confidence heading into the summer and fall. We have a team where everyone matters and will contribute. I am really excited to see what everyone does and improves on week to week as we make our way through the season.
2. Plainfield North
Head Coach/Coaches: Andy Derks / Sam Barranco, Roxanne Hall, Emilie Hatzl
Last Year's Finish: 2nd @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Quinn Davis (Sr.), Thomas Czerwinski (Jr.), Aidan Connors (Jr.), Gavin Hall (Jr.), James Maso (Jr.), Dominic Frigo (So.), Logan Dodson (So.), Aidan Kyrychenko (Jr.)
Coach Derks' Outlook: I really love this team. We lost some tremendous athletes and leaders from last year’s team, but we also bring back a strong core group that has championship race experience and a desire to place even higher this year. Most importantly, in my opinion, these guys just love being together, whether it’s training, playing ultimate frisbee, or just hanging out. These guys have a bond that goes back to middle school and are extremely self-motivated. They also don’t want to let each other down. They’re friends. It’s definitely a privilege to coach this group and continue to see them grow as young men and leaders.
1. Downers Grove North
Head Coach/Coaches: John Sipple / Andrew Adelmann, Eric Buhot, Alexa Harris, Robby Prescott, Josh Williams, Ethan Wood
Last Year's Finish: 1st @ IHSA 3A State
Key Returners: Grant Schroder (Sr.), Colin Finn (Sr.), John Courtney (Sr.), Brady Travers (Sr.), Jack Loftus (Sr.), Owen Kelly (Sr.), Ryan Gustis (Sr.), Bailey Lingertot (Sr.), Will Surratt (Jr.), Philip Cupial (Jr.), Brendan Hardy (Jr.), Matt Novak (Jr.), Ryan Morton (So.), Luke Figliomeni (So.), Steve Cox (So.), Brendan Lynch (So.)
Coach Sipple's Outlook: One of the best parts about coaching high school is the turnover you experience each year...Srs graduate and a new crop of freshman come in. These things allow for growth and progression of team roles/leadership, which is always exciting to experience for our athletes and coaches. We hope that our guys continue to progress with the work they are putting in at practice and outside of practice to propel each other to higher highs.
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