Scouting DuPage County boys track

Addison Trail

Coach: Bruce Kelsay (11th year).

Last year: Sixth in the West Suburban Gold; 12th at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Francisco Castellan, so., sprints; Frank Cervantes, sr., sprints, jumps; Alex DiMaris, sr., high jump; Robert Ellis, jr., sprints; Avion Fowler, jr., sprints; Matt Halberthal, sr., sprints; Pat Prasak, so., sprints.

Outlook: Sprints are the Blazers' game. In 2008 Cervantes qualified in the 200 and hopes to go back in that or in the 400, on a relay or in long jump. Co-hopefuls Ellis and Halberthal each made the WSG indoor 55 finals, Halberthal winning it. The sophomores are probably a year away. Drawn perhaps by a yet unfinished field house - ending an era of training in halls, walking tracks and parking lots - 75 athletes are out, the most Kelsay's had. It's helped fill gaps and will hopefully complete a state-qualifying relay. "We're getting high jumpers and other events we haven't had," he said.

Benet

Coach: Pat Marshall (fourth year).

Last year: First in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; fifth at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Chris Brom, sr., pole vault; John Cannova, sr., shot put; Paul Clifford, sr., middle distance; Matt Dickey, sr., sprints, jumps; Pat Flavin, jr., throws; Mike Gallo, sr., sprints; Eliot Howe, jr., jumps, sprints; Jackson Jenkins, sr., sprints; John Kawka, sr., sprints; John McLaughlin, sr., sprints; Jerry Olp, sr., distance; Tom O'Sullivan, sr., throws.

Outlook: The Redwings basically return all but state-qualifying hurdler/triple jumper David Gorenz and hurdler Chris Reyes from a team that won its third straight ESCC title by 59 points over St. Patrick. In the 3,200 Olp placed 11th running a time he has easily surpassed. Last year Clifford in the 800 and triple jumper Howe were on the brink of qualification. In 2010 Benet's pluses include a good cycle of throwers, some top-level individuals and senior-led sprints that have Marshall thinking statebound 800 and 1,600 relays. Conference is still a focus, Marshall said, "but we're also looking to send a good number of guys downstate."

Downers Grove North

Coach: John Sipple (third year).

Last year: Fourth in the West Suburban Silver; 11th at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Pete Claus, sr., throws; Courtney Greenwood, sr., jumps; Anthony Grippando, jr., throws; Rob Lott, sr., sprints; Brendan Koegel, jr., throws; TaSean Jackson, sr., sprints; Brian Llamas, jr., distance; Colin MacArtney, sr., sprints; Andrew Montague, sr., distance; Kameron Rush, sr., jumps; Ben Silver, jr., distance; Will Stephens, sr., hurdles; Mitch Witek, sr., hurdles.

Outlook: A more well-rounded look for a normally distance-based program. Lott and Jackson set new program indoor 55 and 200 marks, respectively, and hope to send the sprint relays downstate. (Jackson transferred back to Downers North after his sophomore and juniors years at Downers South.) Witek and Rush are 2008 state qualifiers looking to return, Llamas comes off a ninth-place 3A 3,200 relay; 50-foot shot putter Claus and Silver are big keys to a team aiming to qualify multiple events and steal points from Silver toughies York, Oak Park and Lyons. "TaSean has changed the dynamics of our squad," Sipple said.

Downers Grove South

Coach: Mark Wiggins (fifth year).

Last year: First in the West Suburban Gold; tied for sixth at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Sean Akporido, jr., sprints, jumps; Zach Baleski, jr., high jump; Bobby Castillo, sr., distance; Chris Husby, sr., distance; Jason Jozaites, sr., hurdles; Jeff Lester, jr., distance; Chris Madison, sr., middle distance; Jeremy McNeal, sr., sprints; Shane Molidor, sr., sprints/long jump; Nick Monaghan, jr., throws; Ryan Oruche, jr., sprints; Tyler Rocco, sr., throws; Steve Zahrobsky, sr., middle distance; Spencer Zidarich, sr., distance.

Outlook: Fueled by last year's successes including a WSG outdoor title, the Mustangs have the most depth and competitive drive in Wiggins' tenure. Rocco placed eighth in 2009 shot put; back also are three-fourths of state-qualifying 3,200 and 400 relays. Downers South set five indoor records (including Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor champ Molidor's 22-11 long jump that also ties the outdoor mark) and won the Gold indoor meet. Wins over York, Neuqua Valley, Lyons provide hope for a first sectional title, and state trophy, in history.

Fenton

Coach: John Kurtz (42nd year).

Last year: Third in the Metro Suburban Conference; fifth at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.

Top athletes: Pat Bowles, jr., middle distance; M.J. Harkens, jr., distance; Rob Howe, jr., distance; Jason Lobojko, sr., sprints; Dan Mikos, sr., hurdles, pole vault; Mike Wojcik, sr., throws.

Outlook: The dean of DuPage coaches returns with typical high spirits, enthused by higher numbers, great leadership and talent throughout rather than concentrated in one or two areas. The Bison placed second at the MSC indoor meet behind newcomer Illiana Christian - and ahead of usual nemesis Riverside-Brookfield - and scored in all but one event. Lobojko and Howe each set meet records at the indoor meet, and the traditionally distanced-based Bison won both sprint relays. Big boy Wojcik will quickly improve. A larger roster means greater depth, and Hall of Famer Kurtz stresses their work ethic. "We will be competitive," he said. "And that's the best that we can be, competitive in almost all events. That's exciting."

Glenbard East

Coach: Jack Brady (26th year).

Last year: Sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference; tied for sixth at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Dave Bean, sr., throws; Luke Chvatal, sr., middle distance; Mike Fahey, so., distance; Dreylon Jones, junior, sprints, jumps; Matt Kapustka, sr., hurdles; Brad Magnetta, sr., middle distance, Ryan O'Connor, sr., pole vault; Jim Peters, sr., middle distance; Nathan Peterson, jr., distance; John Reese, sr., distance; Evan Schiewe, so., distance; Billy Sipek, jr., high jump.

Outlook: Brady called the Rams' hallmark "an abundance of middle distance runners." A lineup including Peters, Fahey, Magnetta and sectional 400 champ Chvatal should three-peat as a 3,200 relay qualifier (East won the event at the IPTT Indoor) while spinning off one or more solo qualifiers. Jones, a Proviso West transfer, will bolster an optimistic 1,600 relay. Kapustka, Bean, O'Connor are point scorers and with Brady's career-high 125 athletes out, jumps coach Tim Weber will find some diamonds. Flexibility and quality make the Rams a DVC top-half candidate.

Glenbard North

Coach: Eric Manuel (16th year).

Last year: Eighth in the Dupage Valley Conference; 14th at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Steve Cook, sr., sprints; Mike Cosentino, sr., pole vault, hurdles; Anthony DiStefano, sr., hurdles; Kyle Flores, jr., distance; Garrett Gingras, sr., distance; Devin Harkins, sr., sprints; Malcolm Heard, so., sprints, hurdles; Wesley Lam, so., sprints, jumps; Aaron Lasek, sr., throws; Marquis Mitchell, sr., sprints; Barrett Parod, sr., sprints, jumps; Nigel Quick, jr., jumps; L.A. Smith, sprints, jumps; Tremel Smith, so., sprints; Tyler Warner, jr., middle distance.

Outlook: The Panthers appear better than 2009 when graduated vaulter Tommy Stacey was their sole state qualifier. North showed balance by scoring in 11 events in a fourth-place DVC indoor finish. The Panthers looks fast in sprint relays and open distance and can double-score in the field. An upper-half DVC finish remains the goal, hopefully as Harkins and Lasek help after football injuries. The sophomores will add choice alternatives down the stretch. "We're excited. We did a little better than we thought we could," Manuel said after the DVC indoor. Winning the Pirate Indoor Classic over Glenbard South and East St. Louis excited him further.

Glenbard South

Coach: Andy Preuss (28th year).

Last year: Third in the Western Sun Conference; first at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.

Top athletes: Tyler Benware, jr., sprints, jumps; Joe Boesso, so., jumps; Nick Boesso, so., throws; Connor Douglas, sr., sprints; Grant Gibson, jr., middle distance; Lamar Johnson, jr., sprints; Assan Khan, jr., hurdles; Dave McGrath, jr., distance; Kyle Lapointe, jr., throws; Garret Payne, jr., sprints; Wesley Sanders, so., sprints; Arsal Shareef, jr., distance; Chris Sirota, sr., jumps; Austin Teitsma, sr., throws; Collin White, jr., distance; Austin Williams, sr., sprints; Jon Woldman, sr., middle distance; Peter You, jr., hurdles.

Outlook: That lengthy list indicates sprint, throws and high jump strength paced by returning state qualifiers Payne (400 state-caliber), Teitsma, Joe Boesso and Williams. The latter joined Sanders and Douglas on a 2A fifth-place 800 relay; Boesso was seventh in high jump. White and Gibson are back from a qualifying 3,200 relay as distance is returning to form. The Raiders didn't run at the league indoor meet but will push Kaneland for the outdoor title and - despite Douglas' serious leg injury in football - could vie for a top-eight 2A finish. "It'd be nice to defend our sectional title," the ageless Preuss added.

Glenbard West

Coach: Kurt Frazier (fourth year).

Last year: Fifth in the West Suburban Silver; 13th at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Nick Burrello, jr., sprints, jumps; Nate Evans, sr., sprints; Denis Iradakunda, jr., jumps; Mike Lederhouse, so., distance; Zach Marshall, jr., hurdles; Josh Niebe, jr., sprints; Chris Phillips, sr., throws, sprints; Richard Ruffolo, sr., throws; Filip Swift, sr., jumps; Alex Stockwell, sr., distance; C.J. Watson, jr., jumps, hurdles.

Outlook: Indicating an upbeat trend, the Hilltoppers' varsity scored 15.5 points at the WSS indoor meet while the sophs had 103 points and trailed only York. Thus Frazier may mix and match. The coach thinks the field events lead the way, but West sent hurdlers Marshall and Watson (also a high jumper) into both the indoor hurdles finals. Glenbard West's sprint relays have delivered their best times in four years, Frazier said. In the Silver hierarchy, there's first off York, Oak Park and Lyons Twp. "We hope to close the gap between those three," Frazier said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Jim Kupres (fourth year).

Last year: Sixth in the West Suburban Silver; fifth at the Class 3A Lyons Twp. sectional.

Top athletes: Ben Cherry, jr., sprints; Jordan Cray, sr., sprints; Arash Darbandi, sr., distance; Billy Fayette, sr., distance; Connor Furlong, so., sprints; Chris Kiser, sr., sprints; Cameron Legan, sr., sprints, high jump; Bill Monat, jr., throws; Mike Rogers, sr., throws; Victor Twardowski, sr., sprints.

Outlook: The Red Devils' best news is the 160 athletes out and the sophomores' third-place Silver indoor finish (the varsity was fifth but off the pace). Upperclassmen still offer viable options. Fayette, 26th last year in the 3A 3,200, looks to add a 1,600 berth downstate as does Darbandi. At the indoor meet the 1,600 relay was a second off a program record. Kupres also likes his 800 and 3,200 relays and two-time freshman record setter Legan returns from two years of club soccer. Inability to cover all events makes a top-four Silver finish tricky, but Kupres likes the direction. "Definitely we're rebuilding," he said.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Dean Norman (fifth season).

Last year: Third in the West Suburban Gold; seventh at the Class 3A Lyons Twp. sectional.

Top athletes: Dominic Abiagom, jr., jumps; Dontarius Cole, sr., high jump; Dane DeKing, sr., throws; Don DeSalvo, jr., distance; Matt DeSalvo, jr., distance; Jeff Francisco, sr., hurdles; Joe Gangichiodo, so., sprints; Ryan Johnson, jr., jumps; Devin Lee, sr., jumps; Kevin Miller, sr., sprints; Corey Noel, sr., hurdles; Bryson Pitts, jr., throws; Michael Schmitt, sr., sprints; DeJon Weems, sr., sprints.

Outlook: Lee was ninth in the 3A triple jump last year at 45-4 and has improved - 46-9 at the Gold Indoor, 46-10 in summer AAU. "I expect him to push 48," Norman said. The coach also has Lee running more, and indeed the Hornets appear to have recaptured their sprint/relay power. Weems, Schmitt won the Gold Indoor 400 and 800, respectively, and could help a relay or three qualify. Hinsdale South will do well on and off the track to push Downers South in conference. Lee should not be alone downstate. Plus it's a good group. "It's probably the most team unity I've ever had," Norman said.

Immaculate Conception

Coach: Bob Cronin (seventh year).

Last year: Eighth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; 11th at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.

Top athletes: Mike Bosworth, jr., middle distance; Miguel Cavazos, sr., distance; Chris Cheng, sr., middle distance; Will Cronin, sr., hurdles; Mark DiBrito, sr., sprints; Sean Doherty, sr., distance; Anthony Garcia, sr., hurdles; Caleb Hamilton, sr., sprints; Danny Headley, jr., distance; Patrick Kirby, so., sprints, jumps; Cody Kotlow, jr., middle distance; Vitino Labadessa, so., throws; J.C. LeGal, sr., throws; Dom Lucena, jr., sprints; Kyle Siranovic, jr., sprints; Dan Vatch, so., high jump.

Outlook: Of the new Suburban Christian Conference, Bob Cronin said, "It's big." So is his team. Driscoll refugees including former head coach Deirdre Archer, assisting Cronin, have nearly doubled the numbers. He can fill most every event, the top ones being Garcia in the 110 hurdles and IC's standby, sprint relays. Cronin plans on Garcia, Hamilton, Siranovic and his son, Will, bidding for a 400 relay slot downstate. At this point, though, the coach said: "It's just a bunch of nice kids trying to get better."

Lake Park

Coach: Jay Ivory (10th year).

Last year: Third place in the Upstate Eight Conference; third at the 3A Lake Park sectional; tied for sixth in Class 3A.

Top athletes: Greg Block, jr., throws; Carlos Claudia, sr., sprints; Zach Cooper, jumps; Scott Filip, fr., hurdles; Ryan Jorgensen, sr., middle distance; Jeremy Kline, jr., throws; Jermaine Kline, jr., throws; Steve Krauss, sr., distance; Demetrios Layne, sr., hurdles, high jump; Larry Matthies, jr., hurdles; Luke Nally, sr., distance; Joey Pacione, sr., jumps; Kevin Spejcher, so., high jump; Zach Ziemek, jr., pole vault, jumps.

Outlook: Based on the Kline twins - 1-2 in state shot put indoors with Jermaine No. 3 last year in 3A - Ziemek, Spejcher and whomever else emerges from the quality field events, a state trophy may await. The Lancers are deeper in the field (Ziemek won three UEC indoor events in a second-place team finish) than the 2009 group led by graduated superstar thrower Dan Block. Lake Park has solid individuals from 800 to 3,200 meters. Question is, can they, the hurdlers or a 3,200 relay qualify for state. If so, Ivory asks a bigger question that could determine a trophy: "Can they score?"

Lisle

Coach: Ken Jakalski (25th year, 35th overall).

Last year: Third place in the Interstate Eight Conference; fifth place at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.

Top athletes: Greg Danner, sr., distance; Jon Ferrari, jr., sprints; Ryan Kilroy, fr., distance; Mitch McCarthy, jr., sprints, jumps; Michael Reeves, sr., middle distance; Jack Stephens, sr., sprints; Anthony Ventrella, sr., jumps, sprints; Dan Wroble, jr., throws.

Outlook: Jakalski looks for big things from Ventrella, maybe even to approach the school triple jump record. Ventrella, Kilroy, Wroble, Danner and Stephens earned the Hall of Fame coach's praise after a fourth-place finish at the Reed-Custer Invite. Season goals include a good 3,200 relay around Danner and Reeves and perhaps a sprint relay. Numbers are down, so against distance-heavy Westmont, Reed-Custer, athletic Herscher and upstart Plano an upper-division I8 finish would be big. "If we're in the top four I think we're going to be in really good shape," Jakalski said.

Montini

Coach: Pete Connelly (first year).

Last year: Tied for sixth in the Suburban Catholic Conference; 11th at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.

Top athletes: Patrick Barrett, so., pole vault, hurdles, jumps; Jim Harrington, jr., sprints; Asante McKinley, so., jumps; Alan Milarski, sr., distance; Tim Perlowski, jr., sprints; Michael Spangler, fr., sprints; Anthony Taylor, so., sprints; Vince Towler, sr., sprints, jumps.

Outlook: Former coach Chris Andriano gets to bask in the football glow and enjoy his grandkids. He heaped praise on Connelly, who also coaches the Broncos girls and has a Brother Rice background. Last year Montini's sophomores won that SCC level with 204 points; football injuries deplete several seniors this year. Decathlete-type Barrett is a 13-foot pole vaulter; on the track his hurdling and the Broncos' sprint relays are the best bets, though Milarski has plenty of training under his belt. Montini's halls are obviously talent laden. Connelly looks to take advantage. "I think fairly quickly we'll be pretty decent," he said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Steve Wiesbrook (seventh year).

Last year: Fifth in the DuPage Valley Conference; 13th at the Class 3A Plainfield Central sectional.

Top athletes: Dan Blazek, sr., sprints; Kyle Boot, sr., throws; Alex Chorosevic, sr., sprints; Arnold Ezeolisa, jr., throws; Mitch Gilbert, sr., middle distance; Brad Kouchoukos, so., middle distance; Jason Kreger, jr., sprints; Jeff Kreger, jr., sprints; Sachin Natesh, so., jumps; David Storino, so., sprints; Jan Torres, fr., middle distance.

Outlook: Gilbert stands out on a young squad that will improve as it focuses on personal bests. The senior, 45th in 3A cross country, placed a close second in the DVC indoor 1,600 and should run state qualifying time from 800-3,200. With help the speedy Kreger twins could send a sprint relay downstate. Torres, Storino and Natesh each won their events at the DVC indoor fresh/soph meet, Natesh with a triple jump that would have placed second on varsity. They'll get their chances. "We're hoping we can surprise some people by the end of the season," Wiesbrook said.

Naperville North

Coach: Mike Ellberg (second year).

Last year: Third in the DuPage Valley Conference; tied for sixth at the Class 3A Plainfield Central sectional.

Top athletes: Willy Vukasovic, sr., sprints, jumps; Colin Brown, sr., distance; Bob Guthrie, sr., distance; Tyler Jermann, sr., distance; Nick Lyon, so., pole vault; Kasey McCauley, sr., throws; Charlie McKeown, jr., distance; Antonio Owens, jr., sprints; Richard Painter, sr., throws; Chandler Polyte, sr., pole vault; Chase Power, sr., distance; Colin Prescott, sr., sprints; Blex Vixama, sr., sprints; Alex Wang, sr., jumps; Michael Willingham, sr., sprints; Max Willingham, so., hurdles.

Outlook: One of the state's top distance coaches, Dave Racey again has some horses. Tyler Jermann returns having placed sixth in the 3,200 last season and also 11th overall in cross country. Guthrie and others from last fall's seventh-place 3A cross country team aim for a downstate 3,200 relay (they won that race at the DVC indoor) and open events, perhaps a distance double. Ellberg also likes Owens in the sprints and hopes to piece together state-qualifying sprint relays. "I think we're going to be OK on the track. We just need some guys to step up in the field events," Ellberg said.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Mike Kennedy (sixth year).

Last year: First in the Upstate Eight Conference; first at the 3A Plainfield Central sectional, second at the Class 3A state meet.

Top athletes: Aryan Avant, sr., sprints; Aaron Beattie, sr., distance; Cale Brown, sr., springs, jumps; Steve Carron, sr., sprints; Josh Ferguson, jr., middle distance; Carlton Folster, sr., distance; Alec Gleason, sr., pole vault; James Krist, sr., distance; Jamere Morrison, sr., sprints; Adegbenga Okubadejo, jr., sprints; Matt Ramuta, sr., pole vault; Luke Verbus, sr., middle distance; David Wing, sr., distance.

Outlook: The Wildcats should vie for a Class 3A state title. They began their pursuit by winning a seventh straight UEC Indoor title. Marquette-bound Avant placed fourth last year in the 3A 400; he joins Morrison and Brown off a first-place 1,600 relay. Beattie (eighth in the 3,200 in 2009), Wing and Folster each were all-state on a first-place 3A cross country team with Verbus right behind. Krist and Avant were half a third-place 3,200 relay. There are some holes, mainly in field events, but versatility, experience and mid-distance strength should counter that. "They know what it was like to be second," Kennedy said, "and they're working hard to try to be first."

St. Francis

Coach: Scott Nelson (22nd year).

Last year: Second in the Suburban Catholic Conference; second at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.

Top athletes: Matt Denny, so., middle distance; Joe Germanos, sr., middle distance; Joe Giamberdino, jr., distance; Jon Giovenco, sr., throws; Sean Montague, sr., distance; Andrew Nelson, sr., middle distance; Jeff Rutkowski, so., sprints; Mark Schmitt, sr., sprints; Alex Tomei, sr., throws, jumps; John Weisner, sr., throws, sprints.

Outlook: Scott Nelson anticipates up to 10 state qualifiers and a title run in the Suburban Christian Conference and at sectional. Having graduated state-qualifying sprinters, the strengths start in distance runs. In 2009 Montegue took 12th in the 2A 3,200; he and 1,600 qualifier Giamberdino could be back for more, joined individually and in relays by good 800 runner Germanos, Denny, Andrew Nelson. Sophomores and juniors will play big roles on a team that doesn't have a superstar but should offer multiple point-scorers. "We always tend to come together at the end of the season," Scott Nelson said, "and I think we'll be ready."

Timothy Christian

Coach: John Vander Kamp (24th year).

Last year: Fourth in the Private School League; seventh at the Class 1A Lisle sectional.

Top athletes: Justin Barak, sr., throws; Brody Bilthouse, so., jumps; Chris Biesboer, jr., distance; Maurice Green, sr., sprints; Tyler Jones, sr., throws; Justin Loerup, jr., middle distance; Rob Stein, sr., throws, sprints; Alex Sweatman, so., middle distance.

Outlook: The Trojans placed sixth and last in the Metro Suburban Conference indoor meet but Vander Kamp called the move out of the defunct PSL "a good fit." He's got plenty of question marks with 17 new track athletes. There's no question about Stein. The 2009 1A runner-up in shot put won the MSC at 53 feet, is a three-year state qualifier and two-time sectional champ. His goal is a state title. Barak, Bilthouse and Jones join Timothy's usual quality field events, while Green hopes to qualify in a sprint or two, Sweatman in the 800. "We're looking forward to positive things," Vander Kamp said.

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Kevin Rafferty (second year).

Last year: Second in the Upstate Eight Conference; second at the 3A Plainfield Central sectional.

Top athletes: Joe Brant, jr., middle distance; James Davenport, sr., jumps; Miguel Gonzalez, sr., hurdles; David Groeber, jr., distance; Jordan Jennings, jr., sprints; Alex Kampf, sr., throws; Jalen Love, sr., sprints; Eric Pembrook, so., middle distance; Kyle Piegore, sr., pole vault; Owen Saldana, jr., throws; Lathen Scheitlin, sr., hurdles, high jump; Andrew Strathmann, sr., middle distance; Andrew Szott, sr. throws; Danny Tucker, jr., sprints; Ricky Walls, sr., jumps.

Outlook: T-shirts Rafferty printed up read "Waubonsie Valley Field and Track." He hopes Track can narrow the gap between 2009 3A Field qualifiers Szott and Kampf (top-10 in 2009 shot and discus, respectively) and Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor champs Davenport and Walls, whose program-record 48-3 triple jump would have won 3A last year. UEC indoor champs Gonzalez and Tucker head many less-seasoned yet promising runners; the 2009 first-place 3,200 relay graduated or transferred (leader Craig Huhtala) all. Field? "We're in a fortunate situation," Rafferty said.

West Chicago

Coach: Paul McLeland (20th year).

Last year: Seventh in the DuPage Valley Conference; tied for seventh at the Class 3A St. Charles North sectional.

Top athletes: Matt Bannon, jr., jumps; Jeff Foreman, jr., high jump, hurdles; Nick Hawco, sr., sprints; Jon Hernandez, so., distance; Tom Kaczmarczyk, sr., throws; Matt Kubik, sr., pole vault, sprints; Deven Lopez, sr., throws; D.J. Muzzy, sr., distance; Derrick Pietrobon, jr., middle distance; Brent Smith, sr., middle distance; Gunnar Sterne, jr., distance.

Outlook: The hardworking Wildcats provide optimism after placing fourth at the 2009 DVC sophomore meet, returning state qualifiers Foreman and Kubik and competing well at the DVC indoor. West Chicago has never qualified a 1,600 relay, but the foursome of Kubik, Pietrobon, Hawco and junior Alex Perez won the DVC indoor version, and the Wildcats placed no less than third in the other two relays. Sterne is among some runners who may push for individual honors, but McLeland really likes these relays. "It's just a team atmosphere," he said.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Bill Bickhart (15th year).

Last year: Seventh in the Private School League; eighth at the Class 2A Glenbard South sectional.

Top athletes: Mike DeRenzo, sr., distance; Wes Killian, jr., sprints; Kyle McCordic, so., sprints; Justin Sargeant, fr., sprints; Colton Seager, jr., sprints; Kent Smith, sr., distance; Joel Swick, so., sprints; Logan Troester, fr., sprints.

Outlook: Smith, Killian and DeRenzo - a 2009 qualifier in the 1,600 - are veterans among a promising group of speedsters probably a year or two away. Bickhart's 72 athletes (boys and girls combined) is almost double what he usually has. On the boys side, some of the sprinters listed above are 400 runners, lending versatility. Bickhart expects the two senior distance runners to head downstate while others score points to help the Warriors gain footing in a new league. "I love being in the Suburban Christian Conference," Bickhart said, "because it raises the bar for us. Now we as coaches and athletes need to raise the bar."

Wheaton North

Coach: Don Helberg (18th year).

Last year: First in the DuPage Valley Conference; second at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Logan Blair, sr., middle distance; John Bloss, jr., sprints; Austin Cristofaro, sr., jumps; Tyler Ester, jr., jumps; Mike Haney, sr., sprints, jumps; C.J. Jossell, sr., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Rafe Kiely, jr., throws; Mike Paradise, so., sprints; Carson Rajcan, sr., sprints; Anthony Rocco, jr., sprints; Mike Sammer, fr., sprints; Ivan Tamba, sr., sprints; Jake Waterman, sr., distance; James Waterman, sr., distance.

Outlook: A balanced lineup that's too good to be "rebuilding" yet young and not as deep as recent relay-laden Falcon teams. Able to compete at any meet are Tamba, Cristofaro, Kiely, Jossell and the Waterman twins, who were both top-22 in last year's 3A 3,200 and each victorious in events at the recent DVC indoor meet. A downstate sprint relay remains a possibility, as does a 3,200 relay. The Falcons will improve daily to doggedly defend their DVC title against West Aurora and WW South. "I think we're probably a good big-meet team because those kids will score in big meets," Helberg said. "But we're just lacking in depth this year."

Wheaton Warrenville South

Coach: Ken Helberg (22nd year).

Last year: Third in the DuPage Valley Conference; fourth at the 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Rocco Ammons, sr., throws; Nick Casa, sr., distance; Digba Coker, jr., hurdles; Chris Cortopassi, sr., throws; Andrew Dabisch, jr., sprints; Titus Davis, jr., sprints; Colin Fedor, jr., distance; Keenan Havey, jr., distance; Dan Hohenstein, sr., high jump; Joe Krob, sr., hurdles; Lukas Looby, sr., pole vault; Matt McAndrews, sr., distance; Matt Mazzoni, sr., distance; Kyle O'Malley, jr., middle distance; Aaron Peck, sr., distance; Charlie Pinedo, jumps, sprints; Kevin Piraino, sr., jumps, sprints; Dan Walsh, sr., pole vault.

Outlook: Apologies to all the deserving athletes not listed above. In distance especially this team is deep; at the DVC indoor meet the Tigers scored the most combined varsity-soph points. Field events offer quality individuals such as eighth-place 3A vaulter Looby (his 15-6 is WW South's indoor record) and two-time qualifiers Piraino (indoor record 45-7 triple jump) and Hohenstein. Helberg said he doesn't have "burners," but all these numbers add up. "I think relay-wise in the state series we should be OK," he said.

Willowbrook

Coach: T.J. Artman (second year).

Last year: Fourth in the West Suburban Gold; 15th at the 3A Lake Park sectional.

Top athletes: Kevin Aguilera, jr., middle distance; Farhab Arshad, sr., distance; James Connelly, sprints, jumps; Randy Francek, sr., throws; Gabe Chanez, sr., discus; Anthony Jordan, sr., hurdles; Brian Kane, sr., middle distance; Alex Pate, sr., sprints, high jump; Isaac Trostle, sr., distance; Wes Umano, jr., middle distance; Jeff Urbanowicz, jr., sprints; Darius Zilius, sr., throws.

Outlook: The Warriors' goal is to amass personal-bests every meet and compete hard in conference. A decent-sized squad of 75 gives Artman choices, and the Warriors as usual look solid in the throws. Trostle and the hustling Kane are among several point scorers. Jordan, though, is a potential 300 hurdles state finalist. He ran a great time early last year and just won the Pirate Indoor Classic 300 hurdles and the 400. Overall, Artman hopes his team can move up from a sixth-place Gold indoor finish. "It's a good group of kids to work with," he said.

York

Coach: Stan Reddel (10th season, 18th overall).

Last year: First in the West Suburban Silver; first at the Class 3A Lake Park sectional, first at the 3A state meet.

Top athletes: Kevin Adamik, jr., sprints; Adam Cecil, sr., distance; Jack Driggs, jr., distance; Nick Gornick, middle distance; Ron Hedman, jr., distance; Tom Hedman, jr., distance; Connor Hennessey, sr., sprints; Carson Ingle, sr., sprints; Trevee Kelly, sr., jumps, sprints; Anthony Melone, sr., hurdles; Khushpal Sangha, sr., distance; Matt Schacht, sr., middle distance; Andrew Smith, sr., distance; Nick Sgarbossa, so., pole vault; Will Sullivan, jr., sprints, jumps.

Outlook: York and new Hall of Famer Reddel have finished no less than fifth since 2004. Graduating outstanding sprinters means a more traditional reliance on strength and depth in distance. Driggs and Smith should qualify downstate individually and/or in dynamite relays. Reddel said relays may be the way to go for this year's Dukes, whose 131 points at the Silver indoor meet were sandwiched between Oak Park's 151 and Lyons' 124. Intriguing: basketball star Will Sullivan is back long jumping (he holds York's freshman record). Field events and from 400 down are iffy yet the Dukes must be accounted for. "I think we have a lot of unknowns," Reddel said, "which is sort of fun."