Peterson paces Barrington’s big day
Barrington senior Erik Peterson entered the season as a marked man for the Broncos’ cross country team.
Last year Peterson won the Mid-Suburban League title and Schaumburg sectional title before finishing sixth at the Class 3A state meet.
The senior powered a strong Barrington attack at Thursday’s Hoffman Estates’ quad, leading the Broncos to an 18-39 MSL crossover victory against Wheeling and a 16-42 MSL West victory over host Hoffman at Barrington Pond.
Hersey also captured a pair of close victories, defeating Hoffman Estates 24-31 and Wheeling 25-30.
But it was Peterson, who exploded in the final mile in taking first place in 15:48, who left the biggest impression.
“I think this year he realizes how good he can be,” said Barrington coach Ty Gorman of Peterson, who is the second-best returning runner in Class 3A. “He’s comfortable with people knowing who he is and being a marked man. He’s taking it in stride.”
Peterson started the year by taking first at the Lake County meet Aug. 31, and the senior continued his assault on Thursday.
“It’s definitely a different feeling this year,” said Peterson. “Sometimes I do feel like I have a target on my back, but I’m still going to do what I have to do.”
Barrington finished eighth as a team in Class 3A last season but lost five seniors to graduation from that team. Still, the Broncos didn’t miss a beat on Thursday, taking the top four spots.
Junior Ryan Burgoon (16:02), senior Nolan Wojtowicz (16:09) and junior Mike Rappleye (16:11) went 2-3-4 to support Peterson. Junior Kerry Frank (16:41) completed the Broncos’ scoring by capturing 12th place.
“The only thing the juniors have been missing is the experience of running a varsity race,” said Gorman. “I think they are getting their battle scars.”
Freshman David Rodriguez (16:15) and junior Robert Somary (16:16) went 7-8 to help power Hersey to a pair of victories. Sophomore Andy Philipose (16:31) took 10th in aiding the Huskies.
Hersey trailed Wheeling at the midway point, but the Huskies came on strong in the final mile.
“We’ve been working on our finish all season long,” said first-year Hersey coach Jay Renaud. “We have a young team, so the more racing the better.”
Wheeling finished 10th in the MSL last season, but the Wildcats showed on Thursday they are looking to make a move up.
Senior Jordi Arriaga (16:13) hung with the lead pack entering the final mile before taking fifth place.
Senior Nick Modlin (16:17) and sophomore Bruce Feraro (16:35) took ninth and 11th place to aid the Wildcats’ charge.
“I’m excited about the progress,” said Wheeling coach Tom Polak. “I think you are seeing now how far we have come, and I think we’ll get stronger.”
Senior Michael Goers (16:13) took an impressive sixth place for Hoffman, with junior Connor Dressler (16:42) and sophomore Billy Thomas (16:43) taking 13th and 14th place for the Hawks.