Boys cross country: Leonard, Palatine put best foot forward

Palatine senior Brian Leonard got a bad break last season - literally.

Leonard had been expected to be on of the top Mid-Suburban League boys cross country runners entering his junior year, but was sidelined for the entire season after suffering an upper tibula stress fracture in his right leg.

But the Pirates senior is back, and he sure is off to a fast start.

Leonard finished fourth at a loaded Hinsdale Central Invite on Saturday, and he kept his momentum going on Thursday by taking first in 15:33 and leading host Palatine to a 25-34 MSL West dual meet victory over two-time defending MSL West division champion Hoffman Estates at Deer Grove East.

"I definitely feel like I'm back," said Leonard, who used a quick burst early in the race to establish position and was never challenged. "The past few races have really given me confidence in my ability to go out in a race really hard and hang on."

Leonard finished eighth in the MSL his sophomore year and his early season success has definitely put him among the top runners in conference.

"He is just a great competitor and sets the tone for our team," said Palatine coach Chris Quick. "He is having a good season."

With Leonard setting the tone, the Pirates have collectively lifted off to a solid start.

Senior Ben Kontney (16:01) showed a bit of grit by busting up Hoffman's solid front pack and taking third place. Senior Nate Izewski (16:31), junior Evan Eckels (16:57), and junior Art Oshinson (17:08) completed the Pirates' scoring.

"We'll keep chipping away," added Quick, whose team had lost two consecutive dual meets to Hoffman. "We are not where we need to be, but we'll keep working at it."

Hoffman Estates is coming off two consecutive state qualifications and seems to have ample firepower up front. But the Hawks are still a work in progress with their back pack.

Senior Jack Worman (15:53) set the tone for the Hawks on Thursday taking second, while senior Ryan Greenwalt (16:18) and senior Alex Makrounis (16:22) also stepped up by adding fifth- and sixth-place finishes.

All three Hoffman runners were contributing members to the state drive last season and are running strong this fall.

"I think we'll run faster this season," said Worman of the Hawks three-pack. "We just need to bring our two packs together and keep the split close."