Northwest/Scouting boys track and field
By Jeff Newton
Daily Herald Correspondent
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
Barrington
Coach: Todd Kuklinski (ninth year)
Last season: Fourth in MSL
Key losses: Dale Ino-Baptiste (state qualifier), Kyle Dockery, JL Etienne, Nico Martinez (state qualifier), Tim Jaderholm (state qualifier), Eric Schneider (2nd in state 3,200 relay), Taylor Calacci, Terence Taylor (state qualifier), Robbie Wagner, Blake Landa, Pat Bolger, Alex Kuznicki, Paul Meesala, Jimmy Kristof, Karl Eiring (2nd in state 3,200 relay), Matt LeMire, Pat Mangan (2nd in state 3,200 relay).
Key returnees: Seniors James Pajich, Erik Peterson (2nd in state 3,200 relay), Peter Lee, Alex Collins, Hank Mitchell, Nolan Wojtowicz, Chase Soeldner, AJ Scarbrough (State qualifier), Matt Geleske, Jacob Svoboda; juniors Ray Tolentino, Dan Jaderholm, John Larsen, Barrett O’ Farrell, Ryan Skelly; sophomores Jonah Muniz, Jacob Halstrom, Adam Phillips, Jac Goetch, JP Brooks
Top newcomers: Senior Prentiss Brooks; sophomore Michael Carbonara; freshmen Brandon Melyenchuk, Konrad Eiring.
Outlook: As talented and as deep as last year’s team was, this one may be just as talented. Led by the Butler-bound Peterson and a host of young distance runners, Barrington has all the pieces necessary to contend in the West and for its first conference title since it won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. Scarbrough is one of the top jumpers in the conference and Prentiss Brooks could be key in the throws.
Conant
Coach: John Powers (fourth year)
Last season: Seventh in MSL
Key losses: Nikhil Byanna (state qualifier), Michael Lastrella, Robert Iatomasi (state qualifier), Troy Cunningham (state qualifier, Harper).
Key returnees: Seniors Ben Bowers (9th in the high jump, 6th in 110 high hurdles, 9th 300 hurdles in state), Tyler Schneider, James Weaver (state qualifier), Alex Miller, Tom Zidek; juniors Joe Sulentic, Darius Cunningham; sophomore AJ Thiede.
Top newcomers: Junior Scott Eilrich; sophomores Jack Hutchison, Hugh Hutchison.
Outlook: This year’s Cougar club reminds many of the team that won the conference title in 2009. They have major point scorers up top in Schneider and Bowers and great distance and middle-distance depth with Weaver, Sulentic and Miller. Zidek is a talented sprinter that will add to the depth. The ability to score in the field events will determine this team’s fate.
Fremd
Coach: Jim Aikens (23rd year)
Last season: MSL West champs
Key losses: Brian Bobek (fourth state shot put, Ohio State), Justin Wallace (9th in state 800 relay), Erik Wolski (9th in state 800 relay), Andy Mack (Purdue), Jerrell Lewis (state qualifier), John Tobias, Ryan Yang, Eric Tchon, Mitch Mamon, Matt Smaga, Tyrone St. John, David Ferguson (9th in state 800 relay, Seattle Pacific)
Key returnees: Seniors Christian Vail (9th in state 800 relay), Matt Jackson, AJ McGhee, Brandon Esquivel, Jake Winter, Nick Bednarek (state qualifier), Tim Lehigh, Connor Pfister, Dave Mellado (state qualifier); juniors Nick Storm, Jake Lewis, Kevin Winberg, Andy Marturano; sophomores Nick Vucovich, Harry Winter
Top newcomers: Juniors Andy Fiszer, Pawel Klimak; sophomores Matt Konopka, Nick Macius.
Outlook: Sometimes winning the MSL Indoor conference meet can be a curse, but the Vikings have looked anything but cursed so far. This team reminds many of the teams that dominated the conference in the mid-2000’s. Sprints are again an area of strength with McGhee and Vail and the hurdles are covered by Mellado. A weakness so far, believe it or not is the throws. That won’t last long.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Tyrone Jones (fifth year)
Last season: Fourth in MSL
Key losses: David Gutierrez, Doni Ballazhi, Shawn Lascelles (state qualifier), Michael Reeves, Steve Grajek (state qualifier), Dalton Garrett (state qualifier), Mike Denight (state qualifier), Kevin Lang, Michael Goers.
Key returnees: Senior James Vaughn; juniors Jared Bruemmer, Alex Tooren, Connor Dressler
Top newcomers: Sophomores Billy Thomas, Steve Fotie; freshmen Connor McCreary, Javonte Brownlee
Outlook: One of the most well-rounded and talented performers in the conference this spring is Bruemmer. That’s a good thing because the Hawks will need his help if they are to stay in the West race. Fotie is a transfer from Cameroon and the versatility of Vaughn and Dressler will help add to the depth of the roster.
Palatine
Coach: John Nalley (21st year)
Last season: Third in MSL
Key losses: Ryan McGough (8th in state 3,200 relay), David DiCristofano (state qualifier), Zach Gates (8th in state 3,200 relay), Terry Halloran (state qualifier – Harper), Kendall Cox, Nick La Rocca (10th in state pole vault), Will Stein (state qualifier), Jeff Winters, Erich Kuerschner (8th in state 3,200 relay), Rueben Frey (state qualifier), AJ Laskowske (North Central)
Key returnees: Seniors Tim Meincke, Julian Turner, Peter Tomkiewicz, Jinho Kim, Anthony Gregorio (state qualifier), Tim Johnson (8th in state 3,200 relay), Taylor Hall, Marcus Garcia, Kendrick Cornelius (state qualifier); juniors Cam Kuksa, Jordan Jarrett, Andrew Clingerman, Alex Nawrot
Top newcomers: Juniors Josh Baldus, Nick Dorsen, Pawanjitt Dhaliwal; freshman Jake LaRocca.
Outlook: Will the state championship buzz of the cross-country season carry over to track season? There are a number of reasons as to why it can happen and it starts, naturally, with the distance corps. Meincke, Johnson, Tomkiewicz and Gregorio are the backbone for the Pirates, but they have plenty of help in the shorter sprints from Cornelius, Kuksa and Clingerman.
Schaumburg
Coach: Ryan Senica (second year)
Last season: Eighth in MSL
Key losses: Connor Prizy (state qualifier), Travis Morrison (state qualifier, North Central), Shepard Little (Eastern Illinois), Steve Skulski, Ryan King, Zack Johnson, Marcel Mellijor, Ben Gallis (state qualifier)
Key returnees: Seniors Wyatt Kondras, Tyler Anderson, Pat Swiech (state qualifier), Andrew Selep, Brandon Kibby; juniors Evan Prizy (state qualifier), Lee Duhs, Juwaan Richard; sophomore Sadarris Patterson
Top newcomers: Sophomores Edwin Kelly, Adam Maszowski
Outlook: Plenty of reasons to be optimistic for the Saxons in Senica’s second season. Richard is one of the young stars in the conference and he figures to contribute from the 100 all the way up to the 400. Prizy and Anderson lead the distance events. The field events will again be key for a team that can clearly contend for the West and the overall conference title.
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Jamie Klotz (ninth year)
Last season: Ninth in MSL
Key losses: Mike Garrity, Ryan Darcy (state qualifier), Brian Akialis, Joe Damisch, Taylor Goyke, Osvaldo Picazo
Key returnees: Seniors Jereme Atchison, William Patino, Joe Bernardo, Luke Kulick, Taras Didenko, Dan Roe, Mohammed Khan; juniors Kevin Newman (state qualifier), Nick Bernardo, Rob Kresnicka, Yegor Krutikov, Ken Grond, John Pallister, Jason Clark, AJ Wright; sophomores Koji Yoshida, Steven Salvano
Outlook: Following a strong cross-country season, the Bison look to ride that strength during the track season. Roe set a school mark in the mile, while Atchison and Didenko make up as good a trio of distance runners as there are in the MSL. Newman is a returning qualifier in the high jump and adds the 400 to his repertoire.
Elk Grove
Coach: Brian Bucciarelli (fourth year)
Last season: 12th in MSL
Key losses: Martin Kazecki, Jeong Yun, Skay Nusenu (state qualifier North Park), Mark Janak, Jason Cruz, Eddie Solorio (St. Francis)
Key returnees: Seniors Alex Mertes, Dejan Basara, Fernando Lozano, Martin Diaz, Greg Johnsen; junior Deonte Sales
Top Newcomers: Sophomore Keyshawn Brown; freshmen Peter Ifianyi, Paul Ifianyi
Outlook: Numbers tell the story for the Grenadiers this spring as 72 are out — one of their biggest rosters ever. Lozano and Basara lead the way, but the Ifianyi brothers are already contributing. Their strength is in the sprints — just where the Grens need it. Throws will be stronger than normal with Basara and all-state football star Johnsen.
Hersey
Coach: Ken Blazek (18th Year)
Last season: Fifth in MSL
Key losses: Steve Tubergen (7th in state 3,200 relay), Ryan O’Donnell (State qualifier), Teddy La Tona, Jason Olson (6th in state discus), Kishin Patel, Nick Kellerhals, Ted Bosi, Brian Havel, Austin Francis (state qualifier), Sam O’Neil (7th in state 3,200 relay), Jordan Connor, Nick McKee, Kris Quaas, Tyler Kamp, Nate Knautz (7th in state 3,200 relay), Zach Mahmood
Key returnees: Seniors Mark Balmes (state qualifier), Jason Palatty, Steve Kuc, Kevin Mengarelli, Jackson Smith, Blake Robinson; juniors Jim Olsen, Robert Somary (7th in state 3,200 relay), Ryan Kearns, Anthony Bellafiore; sophomores Ryan Garrett, John Cha
Top newcomers: Senior Chase Monckton; sophomores Jacob Komenda, Eric DeLoera; freshman David Rodriguez
Outlook: This may be the youngest group Blazek has had in some time, but certainly not one that lacks for talent. Balmes is one of the state’s top returning shot putters. His 57-7 effort at Top Times last weekend shows just what he is capable of. Somary proved he is a distance star in the making. Keep an eye on Rodriguez. He already is assaulting former Huskie and current Stanford standout Kevin Havel’s distance marks.
Prospect
Coach: Mike Kamedula (12th year)
Last season: MSL East champions, MSL champions, 11th in state
Key losses: Nick Batcha (3rd place 100, 3rd place 200, 6th place long jump, Ohio State), Ryan Ward (state qualifier), Greg Netols (state qualifier), Matt Ashton (5th in state 3,200 relay), Bob Koertgen, Kellan Strobel (5th in state 3,200 relay, Butler), Anthony Babicz (state qualifier, DePaul), Andre Barnes (state qualifier, Harper)
Key returnees: Seniors Josh Campos (5th in state 3,200 relay), Nick Kumpholz, Dan Troutman, Nick Meersman, Chris Meersman, Ted Ford, Sam Frasco, Vito Anzalone (state qualifier), Harry Hamilton, Frank Walter, Matt Rendino, Mike Thill (5th in state 3,200 relay); juniors Bryan Quesea, Thomas Paczko, Dave Kendziera; sophomores Blake Hallman, Max Daleiden
Top newcomers: Seniors Mike LaTulip, William Cooney; junior Devin O’Hara; sophomores Eric Garmoe, Bobby Frasco
Outlook: The defending conference champions were hit hard by graduation, but will still be among the contenders for the crown this season. Campos and Thill had a terrific indoor season and Kendziera, who has earned the nickname “Super Dave,” has been super. If the Knights find depth in the field events they will be a factor in the MSL race.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Frank Schweda (fourth year)
Last season: 11th in MSL
Key losses: Pat Luxem, Nate Harraman, David Priest, Sam Deau, Luciano Laterza, Andrew Peters
Key returnees: Seniors Brendan Thielsen, Derek Heer, Michael Stec, JP Manzanares, Jimmy Dohn, Andrew Letourneau, Ryan Gundersen (state qualifier), Jordan Diaz, Jeramie Okoh, Chase Larson; juniors Josh Smith, Kody Cagwin, Ted Bivolarov, Alex Duman, Tim Luever
Top newcomers: Junior Griffin Huck; sophomore Aaron Sanchez
Outlook: Plenty of good stuff can be found in the Mustangs’ lineup this spring. Thielsen and Gundersen are the top two returnees and they are surrounded by plenty of depth in Dohn, Bivlolarov and Letoruneau. Meadows should have a fine 3,200-relay team to complement Gundersen and Thielsen. Cagwin is a pole vault threat with several indoor jumps over 14 feet.
Wheeling
Coach: Tom Polak (10th year)
Last season: 10th in MSL
Key losses: Ivan Dovbak, Evan Miller, Omar Lopez, Mike Chmiel, Jesus Gonzalez, Luke Anderson, Brandyn Gray
Key returnees: Seniors Andrew Jensen, Peter Kim, Jose Ortiz, Nick Modlin, Jeremy Fredrick, Collin Gallivan, Tyler Brady; juniors Cameron Decoursey, Chad Mikosz, Jesus Rodriguez, Ziggy Jasiunas; sophomores Christian Galvan, Edwin Arteaga
Top newcomers: Junior Alfonso Figueroa; sophomores Sam Yoshino, Nate Laude
Outlook: Decoursey now stands as one of the best returning sprinters in the MSL. Mikosz has stepped up his game in the indoor season and could provide a nice complement. If the middle distance comes around, the Wildcats could see a nice group of relays at state in May.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West
Coach: Andrew Trotter (19th year)
Last season: Fourth CSL North
Key losses: Kevin Britt, Tim Bugajsky (Benedictine), Ryan Mangoni (Bradley), Haider Sheikh (Oakton), Jake Kellerhals
Key returnees: Seniors Felipe Garcia, Alec Polovchak, Aaron Williams, Collin Schiavone, Rogelio Rodriguez, Nathan Schiavone; juniors Alex Gasca, Matt Romano, Chayane Trejo
Top newcomer: Junior Richard Leon
Outlook: Another year and another good group of middle distance runners for the Warriors. Garcia should lead a group that will aim to get the 3,200 and 1,600 relays back to the state meet again. Gasca and Nathan Schiavone will contribute to the depth of the Warriors from 800 meters on up. Closing the gap between West and Niles North and Deerfield in the conference is a goal.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Tom Cartwright (fifth year)
Last season: Seventh in WSC Gold
Key losses: Kyle Baker, Irving Sanchez, Justin Bolo, Mike Weimerskirch, Nick Starinopoulos, Steve Lindahl, Josh Gordon, Roberto Gonzalez (state qualifier, Aurora), Ras Chudoba, Andres Orrego, Andy Cordero
Key returnees: Seniors Krystian Chudoba, Paul Bosynak (state qualifier), George Johnson (state qualifier), Lucas Gimier, Matt Gniecki, Eddie Perez, Nelson Lugo, Fabian Cabrera (state qualifier), Deep Shah; juniors Jonathan Rodriguez, Ryan Sarno, Paul Reynoso, Rocco DiMatteo, Nick Avila, Juan Salgado; sophomore Keenan Davis
Top newcomers: Juniors Anthony Martinez, Danny Dimaso
Outlook: The Eagles soared last year as they qualified a 3,200 relay team for the state meet. The good news is most of that group is back from last year including Bosynak, Johnson and Cabrera. Finding the missing piece will be key. Cabrera is coming off a spring indoor where he won the WSC Gold in the 800 and placed second in the 1,600.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
Carmel Catholic
Coach: Jim Halford (28th Year)
Last season: ESCC Champions
Key losses: John Thumel, A.J. Gawin (state qualifier) Ryan Ruddell (state qualifier), Jimmy Heid, Paul Madison, Matt Fromm, Tommy Miller (state qualifier).
Key returnees: Seniors Brian Kadowaki, Pat Gray, Anthony Paul, Jack Schoen (state qualifier), K.J. Matuszak, Jordan Yancey, Christian Horcher, Devin Becker; juniors Derrick McLean, Chase Reiger; Dillon Novak, Alex Warkenthien, Dan Santos, Max Johnson, Austin Fenger
Top newcomers: Seniors Kenny Miller, JP Blaida; freshmen David Biondo, Patrick Tastika, Collin Psenka
Outlook: During Halford’s 28 years at Carmel, the Corsairs have won the conference six times, including last year. This year’s team is in prime position to do so again led by a deep group of seniors in Matuszak and Horcher and a talented junior class led by Warkethein. Continuing to improve in the field events will help the Corsairs rise to the top of the ESCC again.
St. Viator
Coach: Rodero Warren (eighth year)
Last season: Fifth in ESCC
Key losses: Justin Johnson (5th in state 110 high hurdles), Nick Fiore, Kevin Cascino, Jack Simpson, Nick Frett, Michael Murray
Key returnees: Seniors Elliott Hilgert, Michael Escarda, Jimmy Sexton; juniors John Balas (state qualifier), Adam Clark, Tyler Sammons, Will Beiersdorf, Kevin Schreiber; sophomores Jason Ziolkowski, Matt Beiswenger, Ryan Henry, Nick Brey
Top newcomers: Senior Steven Brey; freshmen Brian Peters, Yoon Chang, Jack Scanlon, Woojin Son
Outlook: Anytime a program loses a two-time state medalist in Johnson, the move to replace him will be tough. But the Lions have more depth than in the past and it starts up top with team captains Balas, Schreiber and Escarda. Viator looks to be deeper in the middle distance than before and the sprints are solid with four incoming freshmen ready to contribute.