Buffalo Grove nabs regional crown
Buffalo Grove boys cross country coach Jamie Klotz and the Bison know when to deliver.
Last year BG qualified to its first state meet, and Saturday the Bison to its recent run of postseason success by capturing their first regional title.
Junior Steven Salvano (15:30) took second place in leading BG to a Class 3A Libertyville regional victory at Adler Park.
“We’re trying to pick the right time,” said Klotz of Buffalo Grove’s performance. “And they are figuring out how to be ready this time of year.”
Lake Forest senior Billy Bund took first in 15:20, but Salvano kept the pressure on with his second-place finish. Last week the Bison junior took second at the Mid-Suburban League meet.
“He ran a smart race,” said Klotz of his junior star.
Last year Buffalo Grove used an experience team in capturing fifth place in Class 3A. It’s a much different scenario this fall, as the Bison have relied on youth, including two sophomores and two freshmen.
Freshman Tom Cleary (16:13) and freshman Kevin Salvano (16:22) took 8th and 11th place, with sophomore Jake Wenzel (16:26) and sophomore Elie Hinkle (16:27) taking 15th and 17th place.
“They got out slow, but they kept moving,” said Klotz. “We’re looking to buy a ticket to the state meet next week.”
Highland Park, a team that has been ranked in the top 15 for most of the year, finished second with 71 points, followed by Warren (78 points), Stevenson (103 points), and Zion-Benton (122 points).
Girls race
Buffalo Grove freshman Kaitlyn Ko finished third in the Mid-Suburban League meet last weekend, the Bison freshman continued her momentum on Saturday at the Class 3A Libertyville Regional at Adler Park.
Ko ran to the title in 18:29, leading BG to fifth place and securing a spot at the Schaumburg sectional.
Lake Forest captured the title, followed by Mundelein, Warren, and Libertyville.
Libertyville sophomore Kristi Del Prato (18:41) took second individually nipping Mundelein senior Ellie Palacios (18:42). Warren senior Meg Tully (18:45) took fourth place.