Boys cross country: Methner, Hersey Mid-Suburban League champs

Hersey junior Josh Methner had the right feel at the Mid-Suburban League conference boys cross country meet on Saturday.

Methner battled Rolling Meadows senior Eddie Lennon for the first mile and then made separation in the second mile before cruising to the title in 14:44 and helping Hersey secure its third consecutive MSL title with 43 points at Melas Park in Mt. Prospect.

"I kind of went off instinct in the race and made my move when it felt right," said Methner, who pulled away from Lennon in the second mile before crossing the finish line with a 34-second cushion. "I knew he'd (Lennon) be up there, I just felt good and tried to make that gap."

Hersey placed five runners in the top 21 spots holding off a stiff challenge from second place Barrington (57 points). Rolling Meadows (76 points) had a special day in taking third place followed by Palatine (105 points) and Buffalo Grove (151 points).

"We didn't look good today, but we battled. Barrington had a great race," said Hersey coach Kevin Young. "It's a huge win and it's good to see how we competed."

Senior Ryan Buch (15:18) came on strong at the end to secure third place for the Huskies. He was followed by junior Max Svienty (15:37) who took seventh place and senior Thomas McCarthy (15:47) who took 11th place. Junior Colin Safford (16:10) completed the scoring by taking 21st place.

"I feel good, we went out and competed today," said Buch as the Huskies secured their fifth MSL title in six years. "We are on a good run and you can't take these things for granted."

Methner set the tone once again for the Huskies and has definitely put himself in the conversation for a state title.

"He's good," added Young, "He is right where he needs to be mentally and physically, and he is ready to roll."

Barrington certainly put the heat on Hersey placing five runners in the top 17 spots.

Junior Paddy Furlong (15:28) and senior Greg Van Hollen (15:40) led the charge taking fifth and eighth place respectively.

"That was kind of our goal to be competitive with Hersey," said Furlong. "I was trying to stay up in the chase pack and put myself in the mix."

Sophomore Benjamin DeWeerdt (12th place, 15:52), freshman Joey Furlong (15th place, 16:09), senior James Lyon (17th place, 16:09), and senior Aayush Agarwal (23rd place, 16:12) made all-conference and aided the Broncos.

"We knew we'd be right on their (Hersey) heels and we wanted to see how close we could get and if we could possibly shock them," said Barrington coach Tom Root of Barrington's fine run. "We had an incredible day and we're in a good place."

Lennon (15:18) led the charge for Rolling Meadows. The Mustang senior challenged Methner for the first mile and then fell into a battle with Hersey's Ryan Buch and Palatine junior Richard Jacobo for second place.

Lennon made a decisive move with 150 meters remaining to secure second place.

"I ran a lot faster than I thought going out," said Lennon, who edged Buch at the finish for second place. "I tried to hang with Methner for as long as I could and see what happens, I did pretty good."

"Eddie's been able to find something at the end all year," said Rolling Meadows coach Frank Schweda of his senior star. "Today he was able to find something and go."

Sophomore Stephen Barretto (15:41) continued to impress by taking 10th place for the Mustangs and was followed by senior Matthew Schoessling (13th place, 15:54) and senior Nate Orlyk (25th place, 16:15).

"I'm pretty excited and proud about what we did today," said Schweda of Rolling Meadows' best finish at an MSL meet.

Palatine junior Richard Jacobo (15:20) seems to have found his gear after starting the season with an injury. Jacobo was running second for a chunk of the race before taking fourth place and helping the Pirates to a fourth-place finish.

"I was just looking to stick with the chase pack," said Jacobo of his effort. "I'm not a great finisher so I wanted to make my move a bit earlier. I think I'm a good spot."

Senior Joe Ahlgrim (14th place, 16:02) and senior Cole Kiefer (24th place, 16:13) also supported the Pirates' attack.

Senior Luke Wenzel (16th place, 16:09), junior Grant Wasielewski (18th place, 16:09), and senior Jave Guerrerro (19th place, 16:10) put together a nice line in helping Buffalo Grove secure fifth place.

Wheeling senior Tyler Polak (15:41) gave the Wildcats a boost by taking ninth place, with senior Jackson Gross finishing in 20th place at 16:10.

"I just wanted to get out with the top group," said Polak of his big run. "I have just gotten much stronger over my four years and I'm running with a lot more confidence now."

Prospect junior Erik Snell (15:31) also had a nice day in running to a sixth-place finish and helping the host Knights take seventh place.

"I made move maybe a little too early and I felt it the last mile, but it was good," said Snell of his performance

Conant junior James Preucil (16:12) gave the Cougars a lift with his 22nd place finish.