Boys cross country: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Chris Marks (second year)

Last year: 7th in MSL, 8th at Grant regional

Key losses: Arturo Bautista, Josh Hellyer.

Top returning runners: Zach Gazda (sr.), Mitchell Guittar (sr.), Luke Wenzel (jr.). Grant Wasieliewski (so.), Javier Guerrero (jr.), Lissandro Vaquedano (sr.), Jake Spies (jr.)

Promising newcomers: Alberto Rivera (so.)

Outlook: Last year was a bit of transition for Buffalo Grove. The Bison had won the MSL title and finished sixth in Class 3A in 2015, but ended last season with an 8th place finish at the Grant regional. The Bison return six runners from their regional run. Guittar finished 15th in the MSL last season and big things are expected from Gazda; Rivera has also made a nice early impression. The three runners will key the Bison attack. Guerrero also came on strong at the end of last season and will add to team depth. "The boys were tremendously dedicated over the summer and put in a lot of quality miles. Our strength will be our top seven. If we stay healthy, we expect to make a strong showing in conference and get back to the state meet," said Marks.

Elk GroveCoach: David Dompke (eleventh year).

Last year: 12th in MSL, 8th at Lake Park regional.

Key losses: Quentin Lange

Top returning runners: Michael Johnson (so.), Nate Kraemer (jr.), Oscar Patino (sr.), Nic Baggeto (sr.), Ethan Bilodeau (jr.).

Promising newcomers: Ben Kveton (jr.) , James Bayus (jr.).

Outlook: Kraemer will push the attack this season. Johnson ended the season strong for the Grens, finishing in 39th place at the Lake Park regional, and he keeps getting better. Baggeto also had a nice season and was the Grens' top runner at the MSL meet. Kveton and Bayus have been impressive early. Kraemer, Kveton, Bilodeau, and Bayus will anchor EG this season."Our core group of juniors will set the tone this year," said Dompke.

HerseyCoach: Kevin Young (first year).

Last year: 17th in Class 3A, MSL champions, third at Hoffman Estates regional, third at Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Jacob Krupa, Sam Svienty.

Top returning runners: Ryan Theisen (sr.), Josh Methner (so.), Max Svienty (so.), Nate Mayo (sr.), Quinn Cunningham (sr.), Jack Fredian (sr.), Ryan Buch (jr.).

Promising newcomers: Remy Jankusky(sr.), Luke Linscott (fr.), Ethan Marunde, Michael Gomoluch (fr.).

Outlook: There is kind of a new look at Hersey this year, as former Rolling Meadows girls coach Kevin Young replaces Jay Renaud as head coach for the Huskies (Renaud became the boys track coach at Prospect and will assist the Knights' cross country team). Renaud won three MSL titles in his six-year run at Hersey, but it should be a smooth transition as Young was a member of Renaud's staff last season. And it doesn't hurt to have a stacked deck. Hersey did lose Krupa, who finished third in the MSL, to graduation. But there is plenty of returning talent for the Huskies to make another run at the MSL title and a high finish in Class 3A. It starts with Methner, who busted on to the scene as a freshman by securing 30th place in Class 3A. He will challenge for all-state honors this year and also for the MSL title in lead the Huskies' attack. But the team will have plenty of depth that will push Methner. Buch also will be looking to make some noise. He started off very strong last season but suffered an injury mid-season and never really returned to form. Buch hit a 15:27 on the state course at Peoria's Detweiller Park at the Peoria Notre Dame Invite in mid-September last season, offering a sample of his potential. Svienty is another young runner to keep an eye on and is rising quickly. Theisen also missed most of last season due to an injury but will make an impact this season. Theisen, Mayo, Cunningham, and Fredian give Young a strong senior core, and they have set the tone. "Our senior class has set some really lofty goals and have brought the work ethic and passion day in and day out to give us an opportunity to reach those goals," said Young. Hersey has the talent to defend its MSL title and to finish in the top 10, if not top five, at state this season. Staying healthy is the key, but it should be a fun run for the Huskies this fall.

ProspectCoach: Mike Stokes (27th year).

Last year: 7th in Class 3A, 2nd in MSL, Hoffman Estates regional champions, 2nd at Waukegan sectional, MSL East Division champions.

Key losses: Jack O'Donnell, Sean Sanaghan, James Riordan, Nick Serio, Jeff Snell.

Top returning runners: Jack Terry (sr.), Nate Cozine (sr.), Jack Hempleman (sr.), Andrew Reimann (jr.), Nathan Fowler (jr.), Thomas Walter (so.), Erik Snell (so.), Casey Daleidien (sr.), Noah Helstrom (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Nick Squiollacioti (fr.), JT Bautista (fr.), Kevin Stokes (fr.).

Outlook: Stokes has Prospect humming right along. The Knights took seventh in Class 3A for the second consecutive season in 2016 and also took second in the MSL. Prospect earned a state medal in the 3,200 relay in track for a second consecutive year by taking fifth place. So, yes, the Knights are in a good groove. True, just like last season, the program took a hit to graduation - but once again Stokes has plenty of bright spots with which to work. It starts with Terry, who finished in 33rd place at the Class 3A state meet, cementing his place as one of the top runners in the MSL. Terry will push for all-state honors this season and will also be in the mix for the MSL individual title. "Jack has had a great summer and is looking to be in the top group in the MSL," said Stokes. Reimann will also be a big part of the effort. Last year he was running well before an injury put a drag on his season. He's now healthy and back to running near the top, and he will definitely have a huge impact this season. Hempleman and Cozine both offer state experience and will aid Terry up top. Cozine was part of the Knights' 3,200 relay run. Fowler, Walter and Snell went 5-6-7 at the MSL frosh/soph meet and will be looking to fill the gaps. Stokes is also looking for a boost from a few new additions to his coaching staff, as Jay Renaud returns to Prospect after a successful six year run as Hersey's coach and former Andrew standout Matt Willow, who won the Class AA title in 2003, will also will be helping out. "We aspire to challenge Hersey for the division and MSL title," Stokes said. "We think we can qualify for state and improve on the seventh-place finish we have gotten the last two years."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Frank Schweda (ninth year).

Last year: 10th in MSL, 6th at Hoffman Estates regional, 18th at Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Joe Hume, Robert Heck, John Gerardi.

Top returning runners: Eddie Lennon (jr.), CJ Miller (jr.), Matt Schoessling (jr.), Royce Piscitello (jr.), Aiden Fruzyna (jr.), Brad Fugiel (sr.), Mark Helminski (jr.), Nate Orlyk (jr.), Alec Rebsamen (jr.).

Promising newcomers: Jack Martin(so.), Jacob Johnson Wright (so.), Stephen Barretto (fr.).

Outlook: Keep an eye on Rolling Meadows. Last year, Lennon took first at the MSL frosh/soph meet, leading a group of underclassmen to the team title. That young group was moved up for the Hoffman Estates regional and advanced the Mustangs to the Waukegan sectional. They are all back, and could still be on the move. Lennon will be the front runner with CJ Miller and Fruzyna closing hard behind. Five runners return from their sectional effort, but the Mustangs are deep and have 8-to-10 battling for spots in the top five. This is a team that could push for a top-five finish in the MSL. "The guys will have to step up, but they are up for the challenge and are coming off a consistent and solid summer of running," added Schweda.

WheelingCoach: Tom Polak (17th season).

Last year: 8th in MSL, 6th at Hoffman Estates regional, 18th at Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Matt Hoffman, Leo Sierra, Pedro Godinez, Jimmy Morales, Carlos Montiel, Sahil Sharma.

Top returning runners: Tyler Polak (jr.), Ben Karp (jr.), Sebastian Vences (jr.), Adrian Figueroa (sr.), Jackson Gross (jr.), Dan Mondragon (jr.), Vlad Castillo (sr.), Fernando Olvera (jr.), Jorge Pizano (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Bryan Martinez, Ray Petzold, Angel Torres, Mitch Fister, Esteban Lagunes, Chris Gama, Jordan Teran.

Outlook: Wheeling advanced out of the Hoffman Estates regional and returns three core members of that sectional-qualifying group. Polak, Karp, and Gross ran well at the end of last season to pace the effort. They will key the attack this season, and coach Polak is looking to develop some young runners to fill the gaps. "The exciting part is our team is very young and if this group can stay focused and train over the next couple of years, we will make an impact on the conference," Polak said.

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Tom Root (fourth year).

Last year: 5th in MSL, 5th at Grant regional, 7th at Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Bart Susol, Stuart Todd-Middledicth, Jon Love, Robert Tilly, Tony Espinoza.

Top returning runners: Nick Laning (sr.), Patrick Furlong (so.), Greg Van Hollen (jr.), Jack DeWeerdt (jr.), James Lyon (jr.), Aaron Sarker (so.), Emmett Lodl, Sean Cleary (jr.), Andreas Reaume (jr.) Justin Andrews (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Jeff Hasselbein (sr.), Michael Hendrickson (sr.)

Outlook: Barrington is on the rise. The Broncos finished in seventh place at the Waukegan sectional and return five of their top sectional runners - including Laning, who finished second in the MSL last season. He is coming into his own after finishing 32nd at the Class 3A meet, and he figures to be the in the running for an MSL title as well all-state honors. Furlong, Van Hollen, and DeWeerdt form the next wave and will look to close the gap on Laning. Keep an eye on Hasselbein. He was part of the Broncos' 3,200 relay team in track and is participating in cross country for the first time. He has made a move for top group on the team and could be a difference-maker. Hendrickson also has made a nice early impression and could contribute mightily. The Broncos should contend for the MSL West Division title. The talent of Laning and a fast-developing pack could land the Broncos a berth at state.

ConantCoach: John Powers (18th year).

Last year: 9th in MSL, 8th at Hoffman Estates regional.

Key losses: Chris DiGioia.

Top returning runners: Chris Floyd (sr.), Sam Torrens (sr.), Michael Barberini (sr.), Kyle Morimoto (sr.), Sebastian Sewera (sr.), Jeremiah Jones (sr.), Tabish Sultan (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Brendon Kriepke (jr.), James Preucil (so.), Andrew Milas (so.).

Outlook: Conant's lineup is senior-dominated, with Floyd leading the charge. He was the top runner for the Cougars at the MSL meet and Hoffman regional and should pace the attack early. Preucil, Torrens, Barberini, and Milas form a nice pack. Keep an eye on the sophomore duo of Preucil and Milas; they were the Cougars' 2-3 runners at the Hoffman regional and offer plenty of potential. Jones, Sewera, Sultan, and Kriepke will also contribute during the season. "I'm looking forward to the fourth year for this great group of seniors and I'm also very interested to see where our two sophomores fit in," added Powers.

FremdCoach: Darius Sanchez (seventh year).

Last year: 4th in MSL, 2nd at Hoffman Estates regional, 11th at Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Danny Peterson, Jack Buban, Luke Vogelgesang.

Top returning runners: Ed Worthem (sr.), Matt Wallace (sr.), Charlie O'Brien (jr.), Wesley Jones (jr.), JJ Calas (sr.), Keith Contreras (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Thomas Novak (so.), Anish Pokharkar (fr.)

Outlook: The Vikings took a hit from graduation, losing five of the runners that ran at the Waukegan sectional - including Peterson, who finished 11th at the MSL meet. But they do return Worthem and O'Brien, who both made MSL all-conference. O'Brien finished as the Vikings' no. 2 runner at the sectional meet, while Worthem was part of the 3,200 relay team that took home a ninth place medal at the Class 3A track and field meet. The Vikings will also welcome back Wallace, who missed most of last season with an injury. Sanchez will be looking to fill the gaps after the front three, but Novak and Porkharkar could help by season's end. "We have a very young group that has made a lot of progress," Sanchez said. "I like the path we are on, and our kids are getting tough. Worthem, Wallace, and Contreras are fit and we expect them to run with the best in the area." The Vikings could be a sleeper in the race for the West division title.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Emilio Saraga (first year).

Last year: 6th in the MSL, 4th at the Hoffman Estates regional, 10th at the Waukegan sectional.

Key losses: Jack Worman, Alex Makrounis, Ryan Greenwalt, Nathan Lim.

Top returning runners: Shreekar Patel (sr.), Conner Kiley (sr.), Alex Navarette (jr.), Zach Makrounis (jr.), Alan Wagner (jr.), Amrit Subbarao (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Owen Spear (fr.), Ahmar Khan (fr.), Mohammad Saleem (fr.), Cameron Davis (fr.), Omar Arroyo (so.).

Outlook: Hoffman Estates loses three all-conference runners from last season, including Worman, who finished 45th at the Class 3A state meet. The Hawks also lost Brendan Mariano, who coached the Hawks for six years and led them to two MSL West Division titles and two state berths. Saraga, a former Hoffman runner, steps in to guide a young attack. Navarette is the only returning runner from the Hawks' 10th-place finish at the Waukegan sectionals. Patel ran as a freshman and will return to the team this season. "Our pack behind Patel is new to varsity cross country and it will be critical to stay healthy. Our aim is to have success at the end of the season," said Saraga.

PalatineCoach: Chris Quick (13th year).

Last year: 18th in Class 3A, 3rd in MSL, 2nd at Grant regional, 4th at Waukegan sectional, MSL West Division champs.

Key losses: Brian Leonard, Ben Kontney, Nate Izewski, Curt Kontney.

Top returning runners: Richard Jacobo (so.), Evan Eckels (sr.), Art Oshinson (sr.), Joe Ahlgrim (jr.), Henry Lechowicz (sr.), Zach Simons (sr.), Jaco Busse (sr.).

Promising newcomers: Ian Cameron (so.), Luke Sauerland (jr.), Thomas Lambke (jr.), Andrew Duran (so.), Andre Garcia (so.).

Outlook: The Pirates are going to miss Leonard, who last season ran to the MSL title and then made all-state with a 13th-place finish. Last year's seniors helped the Pirates return to the state meet after a two-year absence, and their contributions were greatly appreciated by Quick. Jacobo had a breakout freshman year, taking 16th at the conference meet, he figures to pace the Pirates this season. Eckels has taken a big step forward this season, and along with Oshinson and Ahlgrim will push the second wave. Those four ran at state last year and form the core of the team. Lechowicz also returns after not participating in his junior season and will certainly be a plus. Last year's team was good, but this year squad could be better - especially toward the end of the season. "Our top five are looking strong thus far. The team should improve as some of our depth guys get healthy and increase their fitness. Our goals are to challenge for the MSL title and finish in the top 10 at the state meet," Quick said.

SchaumburgCoach: Scott Lilley (sixth year).

Last year: 11th in the MSL, ninth at Hoffman Estates regional.

Top returning runners: Karston Zielinski (sr.), Mike Baranowski (sr.), Austin Morales-Sanchez (jr.), Sam Jaimes (sr.), Brendan Warzynski (sr.), Daniel Burke.

Promising newcomers: Blake Droege (so.), Grant Bonatz (so.).

Outlook: The Saxons return their top four runners from the Hoffman Estates regional. Zielinski and Baranowski ran 1-2 for the Saxon all season and will lead this fall's effort as well. Morales-Sanchez had a strong summer and should make an impact for the Saxons this season. "We are looking to improve upon our finish last year in the conference," added Lilley.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Andrew Trotter (27th year).

Last year: 11th in the CSL, 5th in the CSL North, 8th at the Loyola regional.

Key losses: Cesar Soria.

Top returning runners: Derek Pace (sr.), Donny Johnson (sr.), Angel Soria (sr.), Ray Ure (so.), Jonathan Kang (so.).

Outlook: Pace has qualified for the sectional meet the past two years and will supply the power in the Warriors' effort this season. Look for Ure to follow. Highland Park looks like the team to beat in the CSL North "We have a nice blend of seniors and sophomores on our varsity this year. Our numbers are up a little and we should also be more competitive this year," said Trotter.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Wayne Edelman (11th year).

Last year: 14th in Class 2A, 2nd in ESCC, 1st at regional, 2nd at Fenton sectional.

Key losses: Sam Brey.

Top returning runners: Kevin Goss (sr.), Brady Collis (sr.), Rich Rinka (sr.), Patric Natindim (so.), John Leineiger (sr.), Jason Doland , Dan Dabobna (sr.).

Promising newcomer: Nathan Kochera (fr.)

Outlook: Last year St. Viator qualified for its fourth state meet in five years, earning a 14th-place finish in Class 2A. The Lions also won their first regional title last season. They return six runners that ran in the state meet - but lost Brey, who was the No. 1 runner, to graduation. Look for Natindim to slide into the top spot. Goss, Collis, Rinka, Leiniger, Doland, and Bartelt form the chase pack for a team that is once again aiming for a big finish in Class 2A. "We would like to win the conference and finish top 10 in Class 2A," said Edelman.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Bradley Henning (fourth year).

Last year: 3rd in WSC, 7th at Lake Park regional.

Key losses: Moises Coronel.

Top returning runners: Patrick Sarad (jr.), Brian Santos (sr.), Armando Alvarez (sr.), Julian Munoz (jr.), Bart Sniezek (sr.), Gerardo Porras (jr.), Dioco Reyes (sr.).

Outlook: Sarad will lead the way for the Eagles this season. Munoz, Alvarez, Santos, Porras, Sniezek and Reyes will form the chase pack. Danny Cazaras and Jose Garcia are also hoping to crack the varsity top seven. "We have logged more quality miles this summer and are looking forward to reaping the benefits. Our leadership has been great and the guys are challenging each other every day," said Henning.

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Taylor Stafford Bauer (third season)

Key losses: Tommy Lowry.

Top returning runners: Matthew Merrill

Promising newcomers: Timothee Ducrozet.

Outlook: "I believe we have a group of athletes who will prove to be highly competitive as this season unfolds," added Staffford Bauer.