Lake Zurich leads the way to Peoria

The boys cross country state meet will be a new experience for all of the Lake County area runners Saturday afternoon in Peoria.

When the gun sounds for the Class 3A meet at 2 p.m., Lake Zurich will be running in its first state meet in school history with the awards ceremony slated for 3 p.m. at historic Detweiller Park.

The Bears continued their great 2008 season by coming through with a third-place finish at the rugged Schaumburg sectional last weekend to finally earn that elusive trip downstate.

Senior Gerardo Perez has been the driving force behind Lake Zurich's success as Perez has emerged as an elite runner after winning the sectional meet in 15:01.51.

Juniors Andrew Morrison and Francisco Soto have also been a huge factors for the Bears after placing eighth and 17th respectively at the sectional.

"I trained with (Deerfield's) Billy Malmed at camp and Morrison really stepped it up (at sectionals)," said Perez, who also won conference and regional crowns this fall. "I was more concerned about our team at sectionals and my goal is to finish in the top five at state."

Junior Paul Geimer has been another stabilizing factor for Lake Zurich's pack headed into the pressure-packed 3-mile race while junior teammate Jordan Pavlovich was the Bears' No. 5 runner last weekend.

The Bears have very good depth in senior Jake Paulus and freshman Pat Juras to round out their seven-man squad heading downstate.

"We're going to do the same thing that we've always done,- toe the line and do the best we can," said Lake Zurich coach J.B. Hanson. "Perez hasn't lost in six weeks now, I know he will carry the same race plan he always does, and if you win this sectional (at Schaumburg) you're a pretty big deal."

Not only will Lake Zurich be making its first trip downstate as a team, but Carmel senior Cameron Reiger and Warren senior Karsen Green also earned individual berths downstate Saturday.

Reiger was very impressive at Schaumburg as he turned in a fourth-place time of 15:09.

"I want to be in the top 10 (at state), and once I get in the top 10 the sky is the limit," said Reiger, who has run a 14:45 this season. "I just need to be relaxed the first mile and sustain my pace in the second mile to be in a good position the last mile."

Carmel coach Jim Halford has a lot of confidence in his top runner heading into the big meet.

"In my heart I believe he is in the top 15 somewhere and if he has a good day that is a good solid goal," Halford said. "He needs to run exactly like he did at sectionals and he'll be in good shape."

After not running in the regional meet due to a deep tissue foot injury, Green shocked a lot of people with his seventh-place finish at sectionals.

"I definitely want to make all-state (top 25) and this has given me a lot of confidence," said Green. "This season has just been a huge mental block for me, and I had to get past the mental aspect."

Green is the first Warren boys cross country runner in school history to qualify for the state meet.

"All-state is going to be our goal, and he's really talented," said veteran Warren coach Bill Dawson. "You just have to run smart and run all the way through."

The Lake County area will also have two individuals competing in the Class 2 A state meet with starting time slated for 12 p.m. The 2A awards will be at 1 p.m.

Vernon Hills senior Max Candocia placed sixth at the Belvidere sectional to earn a berth to state along with Lakes sophomore Blake Franson (19th).