Palatine embraces lofty expectations
Palatine coach Chris Quick didn't back down when asked about the expectations for his Pirates boys cross country team.
In fact, Quick might have raised the bar by saying his 2010 team has the makings of being one of his best.
Palatine didn't disappoint in its Mid-Suburban League crossover season opener by bullying its way to 20-43 victory over visiting Buffalo Grove on a newly configured Deer Grove East course.
With temperatures around 90 degrees, Junior Jereme Atchison made separation in the final mile in taking first individually for BG in 16:06.
Palatine junior Anthony Gregorio (16:16) took second and led a parade of Pirates across the finish line.
"It's got the feel of a classic Palatine team," said Quick, whose team held out top returning runner senior A.J. Laskowske. "It's going to be one of our great ones. A lot of tough guys, a lot of hard workers, good character, and they're good friends. It has all the intangibles."
Gregorio paced a group of seven Pirates through the first two miles before things started spreading out.
Junior Marcus Garcia (16:28), senior Reuben Frey (16:29), junior Tim Meincke (16:43), and junior Peter Tomkiewicz (16:45) completed the scoring by going 3-through-6 for the Pirates' attack.
"It was a good test," said Gregorio of the Pirates' pack. "We had a lot of guys battling up there, trying to keep seven guys together through 2 miles. I think we did that."
Senior Eric Kuerschner (16:46) and senior Ryan McGough (16:53) finished 7-8 for an impressive Pirates showing.
Atchison, a state qualifier last season, made his winning move between the first and second mile, then powered home with the victory for Buffalo Grove.
"I just kicked it in the final mile," said the junior of his winning surge. "I'm feeling much more confident than last year."
"We're going to have to keep him fresh," said BG coach Jamie Klotz of his star runner. "It's important for him to be there in November."
Taras Didenko (17:07) took ninth place for Buffalo Grove.
Palatine will get a stiff early season test when it meets defending state champion Neuqua Valley on Saturday at the Hinsdale Invitational.