Boys cross country: Wheeling's Hoffman takes another step forward

Wheeling senior Matt Hoffman is feeling more and more like he belongs with the boys cross country elite.

Last week, Hoffman took second at the Fenton Invitational, and the senior continued to impress on Saturday at the Harvey Braus Invitational at the Lake Park East campus in Roselle.

Hoffman established his position after a bit of a slow start and then maintained it in running to an impressive second-place finish in a personal-best 15:14.

"I ran a bit faster than last week and it definitely boosts my confidence," said Hoffman. "It helps to know I can stay with the top guys and I'll continue to keep pushing it."

Hoffman finished 19th at Mid-Suburban League meet last season, but his early season marks show that he is a runner on the rise.

"He has made great progress," said Wheeling coach Tom Polak. "The more chances he has to run with some of these top kids, he understands that he belongs there. Now it's just learning to make a move at the end of the race."

Jones College Prep senior Jeremy Adams took the individual title, crossing the line in 14:58.1.

Senior Jake Beno (15:26.5) and junior Cole Adesso (15:38.1) finished fourth and fifth in powering St. Charles East to the team title with 36 points.

The Saints had five runners finish in the top 12 in taking the title. Jones College Prep (95 points) took second, followed by host Lake Park (121 points).

Lake Park junior Colin Kirkham (15:22.5) gave the Lancers a huge lift with a third-place finish.

Schaumburg junior Karsten Zielinski (16:09.6) showed some promise by taking 20th place, with junior teammate Mike Baranowski (16:39.1) adding a 39th-place finish for the Saxons.