Boys cross country: Scouting Northwest
Hersey's boys cross country team has won Mid-Suburban League titles in four of the last five years, and the Huskies are seeking to continue that roll this season.
Last year, a large group of seniors pushed the attack with Ryan Theisen, Nate Mayo, and Quinn Cunningham helping secure an eighth-place finish in Class 3A.
This years seniors are hoping to pickup where they left off last season.
Senior Ryan Buch, senior Thomas McCarthy and senior Josh Harden look to set the tone for the Huskies this season.
"That is one of the things we want to keep going - being respected as one of the best teams around," said Buch. "Our mind is focused on state and everything that comes along is a just a bonus."
The Huskies kept their composure in the high-stakes meets last year. Among their accomplishments was a sectional title.
"Last year the seniors took us under their wing," said McCarthy, "They showed us about leading the team. We just want to pass that along to the younger guys."
Junior Josh Methner is also back after a breakout sophomore season. He finished seventh in Class 3A last season and is one of top returning runners in state this season.
During the spring track season and summer workouts Methner has focused on speed, especially his closing speed.
"Our focus this summer for Josh was to be the guy to make the move, or have the gears within you to cover the moves," said Hersey coach Kevin Young of his standout runner. "He has that gear now and he will be kicking with some guys that are fast."
Methner finished second in the MSL and also took second at the Hoffman sectional.
"I like where I'm at," said Methner. "I've really been focusing on my speed at the end and how to finish a race."
Junior Max Svienty was also be a key part to the Huskies attack and is looking for a breakout season.
"Last year's seniors left us in a good spot," Harden said. "One of our main goals as seniors is to be strong leaders and pass it down to the juniors."
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove: Senior Luke Wenzel will pace this group, with Grant Wasielewski adding support. Jake Spies, Javier Guererro and Matt Metzger are among those in support roles, and keep an eye on freshman Tyler Matsuda, who could make an impact.
Elk Grove: The Grenadiers return their top five runners as Michael Johnson, Nate Kraemer, Ethan Bilodeu, James Byus, Matt Schau and Carlos Zavala will lead the charge for the Grens.
Hersey: The Huskies are looking to make a long postseason run led by the top returning runner in the MSL, Josh Methner. Max Svienty, Ryan Buch, Thomas McCarthy, Colin Safford and Josh Harden will also contribute. Keep an eye on freshman Connor Oiler, who may make an impact by season's end.
Prospect: The Knights finished second in the MSL last season and have Andy Reimann, Erik Snell and Tom Walter back oto push the pace. The Knights are a young team that will look to make a charge in October.
Rolling Meadows: Seniors Eddie Lennon, Matt Schoessling, Royce Piscitello, Nate Orlyk, CJ Miller and Aiden Fruzyna are looking to make this a memorable season for the Mustangs. Junior Jack Martin will also contribute to this program on the rise, and sophomore Stephen Barretto will also be looking to make his mark.
Wheeling: Tyler Polak, Jordan Terran, Ben Karp, Jackson Gross, Bryan Martinez, Estaben Lagunas and Chris Gams all return to lead the Wildcats. The Wildcats are showing some depth and should be improved.
Mid-Suburban West
Barrington: The Broncos lost defending MSL individual champion Nick Laning from last year's third-place finish in the MSL, but they should be in the running for a conference title this year. Senior Greg Van Hollen, senior Jack DeWeerdt, junior Paddy Furlong, junior Aaron Sarkar and sophomore Ben DeWeerdt will lead that effort.
Conant: Senior Brenden Kriepke will combine with juniors James Preucil, Andrew Milas and Ehtan Parham to power the Cougars, and senior Michael Nelson should also contribute.
Fremd: Wes Jones, Charlie O'Brien, Thomas Novak, Kevin Lui, Anish Pokharkar, Jack Wolski and Jest Pote will pace an attack that is showing some promise and should be a player in the postseason.
Hoffman Estates: Senior Anthony Navarrete, sophomore Ahmar Khan, junior Omar Arroyo, senior Alan Wagner and senior Zachary Makrounis will lead the Hawks' attack.
Palatine: Junior Richard Jacobo figures to lead ths group, with key support from senior Joe Ahlgrim, senior Luke Sauerland, senior Cole Kiefer, junior Andrew Duran and junior Ian Cameron.
Schaumburg: Austin Morales-Sanchez, Grant Bonatz, Blake Droege, Simon Cooper, and Manny Mota will pace the Saxons this fall.
Other area schools
Maine West: Juniors Ray Ure and Jonathan Kang look like the team's front-runners, with juniors Jacob Riedl, Michael Lindenmuth and Bibin Biju and sophomores Adam Gorcyca and Jesus Vallejo contributing.
St. Viator: The Lions lost six of their top seven runners to graduation but return top runner Patric Natindim. Jason Doland, Matt Goss, Ryan Politzki and Patrick Schumaker will aid the Lions' effort. Michael Schumaker is also hoping to make his mark for a Viator team that is hoping to qualify for the Class 2A state meet for a fifth consecutive year.
Leyden: Patrick Sarad, Julian Munoz, Gerardo Porras, Jose Garcia, Danny Casarez, Paul Payne, Saul Jimenez and Hayden Szaltis will pace the Eagles this fall.