Boys track: Scouting the Northwest suburbs
Central Suburban North
Maine West
Coach: Andrew Trotter (17th year)
Last Season: 4th place CSL North
Key losses: Pawel Mirek (state qualifier), Martin Chavez, (state qualifier - Oakton), Juan Chavez (state qualifier), Andy Kunzer, Kevin Norman.
Key returnees: Seniors Tony Fitzpatrick, Mike Conneely, Kevin Schaeffer, Dan Savino, Trevor Kelley, Oscar Gomez, Ogar Somo, Pat Jost, Charlie Vana; juniors Kevin Britt, Tim Bugajsky, Norberto Novoa, Ryan Mangoni, Sam Kim; sophomores Felipe Garcia, Alec Polovchak
Top Newcomer: Juniors Randy Ritzema, Tim Campbell
Outlook: Every year it seems Trotter finds four to go together just right in a 3,200 relay. This year looks like the challenge could be greater, but the focus just might switch to the 1,600 relay instead. Kelley, and Fitzpatrick figure to lead the way for this Warrior team as they try and catch CSL powers Deerfield and Niles North. Connelly is emerging in the shot put and could be a qualifier as he ahs already been near 52-feet indoors.
West Suburban Gold
Leyden
Coach: Tom Cartwright (third year)
Last Season: 7th Place WSC Gold
Key losses: Jordan McMillan, Rafael Crisosto, Vince Aiello, Ethan Rivera, Tom Cartwright, Ivan Ortega, Michael Dietrich, Kevin Kriston, Ray Rivera, Michael Carrera
Key returnees: Seniors Mike Ellis, Kevin Lewis, Harold Alvarez, Fernando Ramirez, Amaury Michel, Ricardo Ascencio; juniors Kyle Baker, Ervin Sanchez, Justin Bolo, Josh Gordon, Roberto Gonzalez, Ras Chudoba; sophomores Joey O'Donnell, Krystian Chudoba.
Top newcomers: Senior Poitr Kubek; junior Andres Orrego; sophomores Nelson Lugo, Fabian Cabrerra.
Outlook: With each season the goals for the Eagles still remain the same - top four in the indoor season, top four in the outdoor. In the rugged WSC Gold, that is just where the Eagles rate right now. A fourth-place finish this indoor season spells good things for the outdoor. The junior class is deep and talented, but it all starts with the seniors in Ellis, Alvarez and company. Kubek is a nice addition.
East Suburban Catholic Conference
Carmel Catholic
Coach: Jim Halford (25th year)
Last Season: 4th place ESCC
Key losses: Cameron Reiger (Iowa), Sean Madison, Jimmy Miller, Drew Van Manen, Pat Lyons, Matt DeFiore, Andrew Rapinchuk.
Key returnees: Seniors Nick Sturm, Connor Hughes, Xavier Davismckennie, Karl Horcher, Donnie Devitt; juniors John Thumel, A.J. Gawin, Ryan Ruddell, James Prather, Tommy Miller; sophomores Brian Kadowaki, Devin Becker, Anthony Paul, Jack Schoen, K. J. Matuszak.
Top newcomers: Senior Pat Cox; junior Ed Banderowicz
Outlook: A top-three finish in the ESCC has been commonplace for the Corsairs the last decade. Only three times in the last 10 years has it happened and Carmel looks to change that trend this year. In order for that to happen in Halford's 25th year he will need good contributions from his talented young group of juniors and sophomores. Matuszak and Thumel look to lead the Corsairs back to the top. Benet, St. Patrick and Marian look to be the biggest threats to the top of the conference for Carmel.
St. Viator
Coach: Rodero Warren (sixth Year)
Last Season: 3rd place ESCC
Key losses: Mike Krawzak, Nick Fratto, Mike Radcliffe, Dan Drehobl, Tom Timmerman, Mike Wickman, Joe Perricone
Key returnees: Seniors Mike Sroka, Mike Cervantes, Tim Brinkmann, Tim Phillips; juniors Justin Johnson, Patrick O'Malley, Eric Loy, Nick Fiore, Daniel Moynihan, Michael Murray; sophomores D.J. Horstmann, Jimmy Sexton,
Top newcomers: Freshmen John Balas, Adam Clark, Tyler Sammons
Outlook: Even though graduation took away pieces from a very successful run for the Lions, the incoming group of freshmen could fill that void quickly. Balas, Clark and Sammons are expected to make immediate impacts. Cervantes, Phillips and Brinkmann should make their transition to the varsity much easier.