Lake Zurich aims to repeat in NSC
The Lake Zurich boys track team finds itself in a different position than in years past.
Heading into the North Suburban Conference track and field championships, the defending outdoor conference champions are not only the hosts this year, but the Bears are the heavy favorites to repeat their title won at Lake Forest a year ago.
No coach wants to hear that his team is the favorite, but Chad Beaver’s team is ready to take on all comers Thursday night at Mel Eide Field. Prelims on the track will start at 4:30 p.m. with the finals slated for a 5:45 p.m. start.
“We plan on putting our guys in a position to compete to their strengths,” Beaver said. “The kids are looking forward to this.”
As good as the Bears were in winning their second title under Beaver last year, they may be even better this year because of solid top-end talent and incredible depth.
The top-end talent starts with seniors Jacob Brinlee and Purdue-bound Alex Brend. Both figure to battle in four events, with Brinlee covering three relays and the 100-meter dash. Brend will lend his services to the Bears’ 3,200-relay along with competing in the 800 and 1,600 runs as the top seed in both races.
Field events will also be key for Lake Zurich as the Bears try to hold off challenges from Stevenson, Warren, Lakes, Lake Forest, Warren and Zion-Benton. Senior Eric Porter has been impressive in the high jump and should battle with Libertyville senior Jeremy Birck and Warren senior Isaac Jean-Paul.
Lake Zurich can also score in the throws with Mark Tabaka and Cody Cameron leading the way. Pole vault has become a strong event too for the Bears and Colton Gray and David Smith are among the best in the conference and will try and catch Libertyville’s Sam Littlefield, the top seed.
Stevenson figures to be right on the heels of the Bears and Illinois-bound senior Brandon Stryganek will be the one along with Kevin Wood to lead the Patriots. Stryganek is the defending conference champion in the 100 and 200 dashes and will anchor the Patriots top-seeded 400 and 800 relays.
Wood will battle with Lake Zurich senior Ryan Moncrieff in the 3,200 and Brend, Pat Juras of Lake Zurich, Martin Martinez of Warren and Martin Mean of Mundelein in the mile.
The best races of the night figure to be the hurdles. The 300 hurdles in particular should be the tightest battle led by junior Sean Wells of Grant and senior Brandon Dorsey of Wauconda. Wells should also get pushed by Kyle Berkhof and Troy Holley of Warren in the 110 high hurdles.
East Suburban Catholic: Carmel Catholic will host the East Suburban Catholic Conference track and field championships Thursday at Baker Stadium — which is fitting, really, considering the Corsairs are the heavy favorite to earn their first conference title since 2004. Carmel finished second to Benet Academy last year and is led by John Thumel, AJ Gawin, Anthony Paul and Jack Schoen and Tommy Miller to name a few.
St. Viator is aiming for its best finish in the conference. The Lions finished third in 2009 and sixth last year and are led by senior Justin Johnson. Johnson is a returning state medalist in the 110 high hurdles and could bring home four medals for the Lions.