Boys track / Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Todd Kuklinski (11th year)
Last season: 2nd Place MSL, 10th place Class 3A
Key losses: Dan Jaderholm, John Larsen, Ryan Skelly, Ryan Burgoon (State qualifier - Illinois), Alec Webber, Kevin Gordon, Terry Frank, Joe Yassin, David Cerny (State champion 3,200 relay), Ray Tolentino.
Key returnees: Seniors - Parker Deloye (3rd in state 800 relay), Ryan Perkins (state champion 3,200 relay), Alec Weber, Adam Phillips (State champion 3,200 relay), Jac Goetch (State qualifier), Jake Herb, Johnny Andraschko (State qualifier), JP Brooks (3rd in state 800 relay), John Foley; Juniors - Konrad Eiring (State champion 3,200 relay), Christian Ocampo, Blake Jacobs, Brandon Melyenchuk (3rd in state 800 relay), Curtis Monahan, Daniel Stermer, David Tung, Julius Smith, Terrance McGovern, Kyle Monahan, Tyler Anderson, Craig Schuette, Scotty Miller (3rd in state 800 relay, 6th in state 200).
Top newcomers: Junior - Griffin Claes; Sophomores - Mark Landwer, Jack Niccoletti, Alex Maher; Freshmen - John Misko, Matt Haller,
Outlook: Championships are never captured on paper. Kuklinski and the Broncos surely recognize that, but it's hard to ignore the talent returning. Deloye is an Illinois recruit that can aid the Broncos cause in so many events. Miller is the top returning sprint medalist in the conference. Oh, and they return three legs of the state champions 3,200 relay team as well. It's a long season, but this team looks primed to contend for the conference crown and beyond.
ConantCoach: John Powers (6th year)
Last season: 6th place MSL
Key losses: Joe Sulentic (State qualifier), Darius Cunningham, Vasil Vasilev, Justin Bowers, Erik Killian, Scott Shin, Scott Eilrich (State qualifier), Alec Field, Tom Odarczenko, James Flanagan
Key returnees: Seniors -- Jack Hutchison (10th in state 800), Tyler Block, Rob Smolik, Kyle Brown, Chris Shintaku, Hugh Hutchison, Eije Okpa; Juniors - Zach Dale (State qualifier), Ezra Lowery, Joel Almodivar, James Jancze; Sophomore - Chris Serrano
Top newcomers: Sophomores - Tim Engebretsen, Eric Ellefson, Nick Elms, Joe Novak.
Outlook: A nice mix of middle distance and distance depth will key the Cougars this spring. Dale is one of the states very best in the 2-mile and mile and the Hutchison brothers look to get the Cougars 3,200 relay back to state. Okpa is a good compliment in the sprinting events and Block and Smolik figure to provide depth there and in the field. Keep a close eye on Dale, who had the #2 indoor time in the state this winter.
FremdCoach: Jim Aikens (25th Year)
Last season: MSL West Champs, MSL Champions, Sectional Champions
Key losses: Jake Lewis (State qualifier), Chris Carracher, Chris Mendiola, Kevin Winberg (State qualifier), Pawel Klimak (State qualifier), Andy Marturano, Derek Gaines (State qualifier), Will Grubbe.
Key returnees: Seniors - Nick Vucovich (State qualifier), Joshua Yamamoto (9th in state 300 hurdles), Pat Cox, Aaron Harris (State qualifier), Brad Rueehrdanz, Harry Winter (State qualifier), Danny Johnson, Nick Macius (State Qualifier), Tom Mayer (State qualifier), Jordan Walker (State qualifier); Juniors - Darius Burchette (State qualifier), Pat McMahon, Kyle Lewis (State qualifier), Juwan Gaines (State qualifier).
Top newcomers: Senior - Drew Bulson; Juniors - Jack Albrecht, Casey Wood, Matt Fossing, Richard Adugba; Sophomores - Caleb Vail, Cordel Finley, Ryan McMahon, Ken Lyke.
Outlook: The defending conference and sectional champs have a few holes to fill but looked in prime form in winning the MSL indoor last week. Vucovich Winter and Macius are just a few of the veterans that will lead the Vikings this spring. Keep an eye on Gaines. He has the talent to race in any sprint from 100-400 and could be a key element on the Vikings relays. Burchette, Walker and Harris are also key pieces for the Vikings in their hope to repeat.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Tyrone Jones (7th year)
Last season: 12th Place MSL
Key losses: Jared Bruemmer, Alex Tooren, Connor Dressler, Brennan Albuck, Adam Long, Fred Williams, Mike Jackson, Brennan Albuck (Harper)
Key returnees: Senior - Billy Thomas, Alex Escobar, Ridwan Dadeno, Jalen Anderson; Juniors - Javonte Brownlee, Corey Riley, Mike Baureis.
Top newcomers: Sophomores - Brian Gamboa, Shiv Patel, Nathan Otto, Michael Johnson, Matt Peterson, Tom Krawlilec, Zach Clark.
Outlook: Can the Hawks stay healthy? That seems to be an all too familiar question for Jones and the Hawks each spring. If they can, look for Thomas, Dadeno, Riley and Anderson to be key pieces on the track. Brownlee is a thrower that looks to get downstate. The young distance depth is a key. Hoffman should contend with the top of the league in the middle sprints and middle distances.
PalatineCoach: John Nalley (23rd Year)
Last season: 5th Place MSL
Key losses: Cam Kuksa (4th in state 110 high hurdles), Kevin Riggs, John Serio, Brad Walls (Harper), Ken Cervenka, Justin Roberts, Rob Hank, Andrew Clingerman (7th in state 3,200 relay), Zach Stella (7th in state 3,200 relay), Christian Zambrano (7th in state 3,200 relay - Marquette), Alex Nawrot, Nick Dorsen
Key returnees: Seniors - Chaka Kelly, Argeni Bailon, Adam Brauer, Eddie Graham, Dean Kolar, Emil Kozakiewicz, Kristaff Langford, EJ Miller, Jerome Bradley, Shaheim Kelly, River Crane, Adam Poklop (State qualifier); Juniors - Jake La Rocca, Graham Brown (7th in state 3,200 relay), Rob Fekete, Josh Mackie, Gavin Falotico; Sophomore - Dan Garcia, Mike Hilmer, Zach Micheal, Nick Sabado, Koby Theobald.
Top newcomers: Senior - Jimmy Jones
Outlook: One thing you can count on year in and year out with the Pirates is exceptional distance depth combined with a talented group of jumpers and sprinters. You get that again this spring with Brown and Bailon in the distance events and Poklop and the newcomer Jones in the sprints. How well Palatine shores up its field events - outside of Poklop in the high jump will go a long way in their pursuit of another conference crown.
SchaumburgCoach: Ryan Senica (4th Year)
Last season: 4th Place MSL
Key losses: Evan Prizy (State qualifier - Alabama), Lee Duhs (Southern Indiana), Juwaan Richard (9th in state 800 relay), David Rogers, Travis Rauch, Nick Smith, Jan Dimaano (9th in state 800 relay), Aryus Diggenses, Stephen Piller, Juan Barajas.
Key returnees: Seniors - Edwin Kelly, Tom Ciupka (State qualifier), Adam Maslowski, Stacey Smith (10th in state triple jump, 9th in state 800 relay); Juniors - AJ Vetter, Jarmon McMillon (9th in state 800 relay), Juan Maldonado, Cesar Arenas, Shandall Thomas (State qualifier), Sammy Ramani.
Top newcomers: Seniors - Ed Phillips, Halleluyah Eluobaju; Sophomore - Bernard Payne; Freshmen - Manny Little, Dari Ferguson
Outlook: From top to bottom, the sprint depth of the Saxons is as good as there is in the conference. Smith is already showing that same flair that made him unstoppable on the football field for the Saxons. Thomas, McMillon, and Ciupka look to fill out sprint relays that medaled at state last spring. Distance depth is an area the Saxons will look to shore up. Keep an eye on Kelly in the jumps as he teams up with Smith for a strong 1-2 combination.
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Timothy Podulka (1st year)
Last season: 9th Place MSL
Key losses: Kevin Newman, Nick Bernardo (State qualifier - UW-Whitewater), Yegor Krutikov, Todd Ahlers, Dan Kim, Jonah Agustyn, Ken Grond, John Pallister, AJ Wright.
Key returnees: Seniors - Koji Yoshida, Steven Salvano (State qualifier), Maurice Beryozkin, Mitchell Janca, Evan Murphy; Juniors - John Maddox, Brendan McKinney, Marlo Johnson; Sophomores - Tom Cleary, Kevin Salvano.
Top newcomers: Junior - Nate Woten; Sophomore - John Krzezowski
Outlook: Podulka, the former Elk Grove standout takes over a program that is in fine shape. The Salvano brothers are a terrific 1-2 distance duo while a healthy Beryozkin should mean big things in the hurdles and sprints for the Bison. Johnson, McKinney and Woten are young Bison looking to take the next step.
Elk Grove
Coach: Brian Bucciarelli (6th year)
Last season: 8th Place MSL
Key losses: None
Key returnees: Seniors - Brandon Soriano, Michael Frittner, Joey Kramer, Billy Heffley, Mike Bishoff, Sebastian Hyppolite, Keyshawn Brown, John Pass, Travon Royal; Juniors - Paul Ifianyi (7th in state 400), Peter Ifianyi, Ivan Corona.
Top newcomers: Juniors - Carlson Miranda Gomez, Alberto Centeno.
Outlook: Depth is starting to become a strength for the Grenadiers. But it all starts up top with state veteran Paul Ifianyi. His 7th-place finish a year ago is just a small sign of things to come. He has lots of help this year as well with Brown. Soriano ,and Bishoff all contributing. Centeno and Gomez provide nice young depth for a team with good young talent.
Hersey
Coach: Ken Blazek (20th year)
Last season: 6th Place MSL
Key losses: Jim Olsen, Robert Somary (4th in state 3,200 relay - Boston College), Tomo Mahchek, Brandon Veenendaal, Ed Beyer (State qualifier), Ryan Kearns (4th in state 3,200 relay), Paul Frederick, Shyan Das Madan.
Key returnees: Seniors - Ryan Garrett, Matt Dini, Matt Stadnicki, Mark Holada, Joe Bellafiore, Andrew Phillipose (4th in state 3,200 relay), Kevin Kovach (4th in state 3,200 relay), Jack O' Neil, Jacob Komenda; Juniors - David Rodriguez, Cody Bayless, Erik Anderson, Austin Kane, Grant Vonderlippe, Joe Caputo, Cole Monckton, Mark Trevino, Kyle Svoboda, Kevin Ziegenhorn (4th in state 3,200 relay).
Top newcomers: Sophomores - Jared Polfuss, Jack Ruane, Jordan Edwards, Dan Blair, Dan Sklarzewski.
Outlook: No question the strength of the Huskies this spring will be in the distance events. Half of the fourth-place 3,200 relay team returns led by distance standouts Phillipose and Kovach. Look for Rodriguez to have a big impact also in the distance events. Where Hersey looks to improve is the sprints and jumps. Garrett, Komenda and O'Neill look to keep pace there for Hersey. The Huskies look to be a serious threat to Prospect in the East this spring.
Prospect
Coach: Mike Kamedula (14th year)
Last season: MSL East Champions, 3rd place MSL
Key losses: Dave Kendziera (State champion 300 hurdles, 2nd in state 110 high hurdles - Illinois), Quentin Schaffer (State qualifier), Mike Leet (State qualifier), Ike Sunu, Shola George, Pat Costello (State qualifier).
Key returnees: Seniors - Blake Hallman, Andrew Inserra, Shaun O'Carroll, Justin Phillips, Brian Slupski, Max Gonzalez (State qualifier); Juniors - Mike Anderson, Greg Suarez, Sam Garcia, Mike O'Malley.
Top newcomers: Senior - Eric Garmoe; Junior - Vinny Lai.
Outlook: Usually graduation hits the Knights hard and this past year was no exception. But also as usual, the cupboard is far from bare. Inserra, Garcia, and O'Malley have shown well so far indoors for the Knights, and Hallman is another in a long line of middle distance runners at Prospect. Finding replacements for the depth in middle distance will be the key. A bump there from some of the veterans could mean big things for the Knights.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Frank Schweda (6th year)
Last season: 10th place MSL
Key losses: Josh Smith, Noe Zarate, Jakub Szylak, Kody Cagwin (Harper), Ted Bivolarov, Alex Duman, Matt Lisowski, Matt Matuszek, Andrew Pletch, Tim Luever (State qualifier - Harper), Griffin Huck, Jim Kolb, Alex Brown.
Key returnees: Seniors - Aaron Sanchez, Adam Kromar; Juniors - Mike Priller, Dan Kim, Tim Howley, Antonio Atencio, Collin Piscitello, Peter Tatkowski, Franciso Trejo; Sophomore - Jack Swindells.
Top newcomers: Junior - RJ Mattucci; Freshmen - Devonte Amos, John Gerardi, Chad Wynter.
Outlook: For the Mustangs this spring, a youth movement with some good veteran support will be the thing to watch. Amos, Wynter and Gerardi are three promising freshmen with Sanchez, Priller and Kromar providing strength at the top. A solid junior class means could mean a rise to the top of the East this spring for the Mustangs.
Wheeling
Coach: Tom Polak (12th Year)
Last season: 11th place MSL
Key losses: Cameron Decoursey, Chad Mikosz (Illinois-Chicago), Jesus Rodriquez, Zigi Jasiunas, Alfonso Figueroa, Marco Ragudo
Key returnees: Seniors - Christian Galvan, Alan Rodriguez, Tom Shover, Nate Laude, Matt Greenburg; Juniors - Sean Richards, Cole Danmeier, Tyler Urban, Evan Brown, Drew Schwartz, Edwin Hernandez, Steven Abraham, Melvin Sandoval.
Top newcomers: Junior - Steven Montesinos; Sophomore - Danny Rodriguez.
Outlook: If the Wildcats are to get back down state, look for guys like Urban, Danmeier, and Laude to be some of the key contributors for Wheeling. Montesinos and Rodriguez are young contributors that should help. Depth is an area where the Wildcats are better As well. Strong showings so far this winter indoors figure to lead to better efforts outdoors. Keep an eye on Shover, Galvan, and Alan Rodriguez as well.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Andrew Trotter (21st Year)
Last season: 5th place Central Suburban League North Division
Key losses: Alex Gasca (3rd in state 800), Richard Leon (8th in state 800), Matt Romano, Doug Ortiz, Brad Ritzema, Julio Fernandez
Key returnees: Seniors - Alec Logan, Geoff Brzezowski, Kevin Strom; Juniors - Alex Liston, Chris Asuncion, Lucas Martin-Ranft, Jokouri Glover-Jones; Sophomores - Shane Huffaker
Outlook: A senior-dominated group was replaced by another and Trotter is looking for the same kind of results for the Warriors this spring. Huffaker is an underclassman that will contribute. Logan, Brzezowski and Liston will also be in the mix of potential qualifiers for the Warriors. A solid young core is in the making for West.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Tom Cartwright (7th Year)
Last season: 5th Place WSC Gold
Key losses: Jonathan Rodriguez, Ryan Sarno, Paul Reynoso, Rocco Dimatteo, Nick Avila, Juan Salgado, Anthony Martinez, David Martinez (Concordia).
Key returnees: Seniors - Keenan Davis, Aaron Wigham, Aaron Stocks, Danny Vilchez.
Top newcomers: Senior - Nathan Colindres; Junior - Josh Pitts; Sophomores - Danny Ponce, Alan Prado, Mateusz Scelazek.
Outlook: The Eagles were hit fairly hard by graduation losses to distance and middle distance but should be able to bounce right back with the help of Davis, Wigham and Vilchez returning. Colindres is a nice edition as are Prado, Scelazek and Pitts. Climbing to the upper pack in the rugged WSC gold is the goal this spring.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. Viator Coach: Rodero Warren (10th Year)
Last season: 5th place ESCC
Key losses: John Balas, Matt Mylynski, Adam Clark (Wake Forest), Tyler Sammons (9th place 3,200 relay), Will Beiersdorf (9th place 3,200 relay - Winona State), Jason Ziolkowski (St. Thomas, MN), Kevin Schresiber, Ryan Rodriguez
Key returnees: Seniors - Mitch Ryan, Matt Beiswenger, Ryan Henry (9th place 3,200 relay), Nick Brey (10th place 3,200), Andy Smith; Juniors - Brian Peters, Yoon Chang, Jake Scanlon; Sophomores - Miles McDonnell (9th place 3,200 relay), Kevin Teraji, Drew Morton, Danny Sullivan
Top newcomers: Junior - Zach Gyuricza; Sophomore - Eric Mitalo; Freshman - Jae Jung
Outlook: Excitement is at an all-time high for the Lions, with a deep senior group returning led by Beiswenger, Henry and Brey. McDonnell will be a major player in the Lions distance and middle distance group as he returns after winning a medal as a freshman last spring. Peters is another veteran who should contribute big for the Lions. Look for Viator to be a factor in the ESCC race as well.