Cadets' Stein remains undefeated
By now most local boys cross country teams should know who Josh Stein is.
The senior from Marmion is one of the top runners in the area, and he has yet to lose a race this year. Stein was at it again Saturday at Aurora Central Catholic's Charger Invite at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, when he ran past all his competition and helped the Cadets win the 2.99-mile meet.
"We are really pleased with Josh," Marmion coach Bob Rebensdorf said, noting that Stein did not run last week at Minooka due to an injury. "It's a nice feeling (that he hasn't lost yet). I'm pretty sure he would have taken Minooka if he ran that one. It's tough to keep a guy like that out, especially for his senior year. I'm just happy he bounced back really well."
Stein's overall time of 14:33.4 was the second-fastest time ever at this meet. The next runner, Waubonsie Valley's Mark Schumacher, clocked in at 15:11.1.
The Cadets scored a total of 51, followed by Yorkville (84) and Oswego (112). Marmion placed five runners in the top 19.
"I'm really proud of the guys from (runners) 3 to 7," Stein said. "It's really great to see them interchange so much."
"We are in midseason form and are right where we want to be," Rebensdorf added. "The guys are doing well."
East Aurora placed fourth, followed by Waubonsie Valley, Benet, St. Francis, Rockford Christian, Westmont, Wheaton Academy, Aurora Christian, Aurora Central Catholic, Burlington Central, IMSA, Timothy Christian and St. Edward.
In addition to Stein, Marmion was paced by T.J. Heffernan's fourth-place finish, along with Matt Wendez, Zack Young and Oscar Aguinaga.
Schumacher was coming back from an injury for the Warriors, who also had Josh Lynch, Shenil Dodhia and Matt Havlik guide them to fifth place.
Garrett McKnight was St. Francis' top runner, as he took third overall with a time of 15:15. The next Spartan was Phil Diamond in 13th.
West Aurora's top finisher was eighth-place Phil Lindgren with a time of 15:28. Behind him was fellow Blackhawk Steve Loran.
Pat Idstein was Benet's top finisher in 30th place; Wheaton Academy was paced by Mike DeRenzo and Aurora Central was led by Max Golbert. Burlington Central received a 37th-place showing from Ryan Phebus.