Boys track and field: Scouting Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Tim Podulka
Top returners: Ronald Michel (Sr., sprints), Alberto Rivera (Sr., 800), Evan Linborg (Sr., throws), Zach Gazda (Sr., distance), Zack Sheasby (Sr., jumps), Matt Prawica (Sr., jumps)
Promising newcomers: Andriy Mykulyanych (Sr., sprints), Isaac Suh (Soph, high jump), TJ West (Jr., throws), Jon Peici (Jr., sprints)
Outlook: Coach Tim Podulka is eager to see where this group can end up - ideally with several competing downstate. In addition to the core of senior returners, the Bison add Andriy Mykulyanych, who made it to state last year in both the 100 and 200 and has transfeed to BG. Sophomore high jumper Isaac Suh has also impressed and will be a difference-maker. Podulka hopes an abundance of top-level competitors can offset a general numbers challenge. "What we lack in depth, we make up in quality athletes with character," Podulka said. "We have a lot of athletes who work as hard as they can to be the best athlete they can be. With that mentality and a little bit of talent, we have to be accounted for in any meet. The trick is going to be staying healthy and peaking at the right time in May. We are looking forward to getting a few more Bison downstate this year."
Elk GroveCoach: Brian Bucciarelli
Top returning athletes: Brandon Paeng (Sr.), James Spatafore (Sr.), Adian Keserovic (Sr.), Nate Kraemer (Jr.), Devaughn Tillman (Jr.), Kosei Kusunoki (So.), Michael Johnson (So.)
Promising newcomers: Jayden Marquis (Fr.), Keshawn Bates (Fr.)
Outlook: The overall numbers are on the rise in coach Brian Bucciarelli's program, and he's hoping that translates into improved overall performance. "This year's team is larger than it was in years past," he said. "We have been steadily adding depth in numbers and are improving as a team. The seniors in the program are hard working, providing good leadership, and they do a good job of mentoring the younger athletes. We look forward to competing and improving on our individual marks."
HerseyCoach: Ken Blazek
Top returners: Shawn Bolin (sprints), Jack Fredian (distance), Josh John (sprints), Nate Mayo (distance), Lucas Philip (sprints), Frank Schutz (hurdles), Joe Theisen (distance), Ryan Theisen (distance), Christian Varughese (sprints), Ryan Buch (distance), Josh Methner (distance), Max Svienty (distance), Tom McCarthy (distance), Colin Safford (distance).
Promising newcomers: Jack Harmon (hurdles), Kevin Igoe (jumps), Joe Lehman (sprints), Abe Pennant (sprints/jumps), Nick Steger (throws)
Outlook: The Huskies have a solid distance core, as demonstrated by a 1-2 finish in the 3,200 by Ryan Theisen and Josh Methner at the Mid-Suburban League Indoor Invitational. Coach Ken Blazek also likes the look of a young but energetic sprints group. "If we can find the right balance between experience and youth, along with a solid work ethic, we can make some noise in the East Division," Blazek said. "Our goal is to be extremely competitive in the conference and qualify as many athletes to the state meet as possible."
ProspectCoach: Jay Renaud
Key returners: Seniors Nate Cozine (distance), Jack Terry (distance), Casey Daleiden (distance), Jack Hempleman (distance), Tommy Morton (throws). Juniors Michael Shafis (sprints, jumps), Tim Zalinski (sprints, jumps), Andrew Reimann (distance), Nathan Kowalski (sprints, hurdles, jumps).
Promising newcomers: John Moellenkamp, Justin Carreon, Andrew Diversey, Will Horvath, Erik Snell, Tom Walter, Sebastian Swistak, Mitch Kamp, Kevin Stokes, Luke Cwidak, Noah Marx.
Outlook: The defending MSL East champs lost more than their fair share of quality seniors from last year's team. That's the bad news; here's the good: coach Renaud remains optimistic that this year's team has a chance to repeat in the East. "Although we lost a lot of seniors and the majority of our point-scorers from last season, we have reloaded with a ton of talent on the sophomore and junior levels," he said. As usual, expect a stellar Knights distance group, paced by Cozine, Terry and Daleiden. Shafis brings ample state-level experience and Moellenkamp place third in the triple jump at the MSL Indoor Invitational. "We were pleasantly surprised with a third-place finish, scoring 75 points at the MSL Indoor meet and will carry that positive momentum to the outdoor season," Renaud said.
Rolling MeadowsCoach: Frank Schweda
Top returners: Will Rezny (Sr., shot), Zach Olberg (Sr., sprints), Sean Felkes (Sr., sprints), Ian Simonson (Sr., pole vault), Brad Figiel (Sr., distance), Eddie Lennon (Jr., distance), Joseph Boyer (Jr., throws), Tim Szylak (Jr., sprints), CJ Miller (Jr., mid-distance), Matt Schoessling (Jr., sprints), Alec Rebsamen (Jr., sprints), Nick Greazel (Soph., sprints), Sergio Castro (Soph., sprints), Stephen Barretto (Fr., sprints), Mick Lawlor (Fr., high jump)
Outlook: Rezny looks like an elite performer ready for a big senior year. He place second in the shot put in the MSL indoor invitational, then bettered that performance with a throw of 58-1.25 for third place in the Top Times Invitational last weekend. Ian Simonson was second in the pole vault at the MSL indoor and cleared 12-6, and Lennon is a distance ace, having finished third in the 3,200 at the same meet.
WheelingCoach: Tom Polak
Top returners: Lawrence Knish (Sr., sprints, jumps), Phil Bucko (Sr., sprints, jumps), Angel Villegas (Sr., pole vault and sprints), Mao Gurney (Sr., jumps), Logan Laude (Sr., sprints), Carlos Martinez (Sr. throws), Tyler Polak (Jr., distance), Braxton Barrett (Sr., sprints), John Quintero (Jr., sprints), Kevin Juarez (Sr., sprints), Jon Ufir (Sr., jumps)
Top newcomers: Ted Giang (Jr., jumps), Jason Aguilar (Soph., sprints), Matt Chludzinski (Soph., sprints), Ryan Glassberg (Jr., jumps), Sebastian Vences (Jr., distance), Esteban Lagunes (Soph., distance), Jordan Teran (Soph., distance), Jackson Gross (Jr., distance), Kelvin Chavez (Sr., distance), Jorge Pizano (Sr., distance), Justin Hall (Jr., throws), Ivan Muro (Jr., throws)
Outlook: Knish, a senior, will be central to Wheeling's effort this spring. A state meet veteran, he's already exceeded the qualifying standards in high jump and long jump, and will also be a force in the hurdles and sprints. Coach Tom Polak says his other seniors will provide support, and that the team's challenge is getting some others to step forward. "We lack the depth of the other East and West Division schools, but will make some noise in the division meet," Polak said. "Our distance crew is young and developing nicely through the indoor season. We hope to surprise a few as we move outdoors." Expect Wheeling to be strong in the sprints and throws. "Scoring in shot and discus will be needed for us to finish in the top half or better in the conference," Polak said. The Wildcats are looking forward to hosting the MSL meet on Friday, May 11.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Todd Kuklinski (15th year)
Top returners: Luis Cossio (Sr., state champion 400 meters), Brad Warman (Sr., 4th at state, shot put), Nick Laning (Sr.. ninth place in state, 3,200), Ray Niro (Sr.400 relay state qualifier), Alec Andrea (Sr., relay state qualifier), Michael Curran (Jr., 1,600 state qualifier), Kevin Curet (Sr., hurdles), Jake Parsons (Sr., hurdles), Geoff Frenk (Sr., throws), Mark DiIorio (Jr., throws), Aidan King (Sr., distance), Jeff Hesselbein (Sr., mid-distance), Aaron Sarkar (Soph., distance), Paddy Furlong (Soph., mid-distance), Sean Cleary (Jr., mid-distance), Ryan Sorenson (Sr., mid-distance), Ryan Dykes (Soph., jumps), Kyle Rivas (Soph., jumps)
Promising newcomers: Michael Dreiling (Sr., sprints), EJ Darlington (Soph., sprints), Kartik Sarangmath (Jr., sprints), Brian Smith (Fr., sprints), Ryan Smith (Fr., sprints), Greg Van Hollen (Jr., distance), James Lyon (Jr., distance), Aayush Agarwal (Jr., distance), Emmitt Lodl (Jr., distance), Ryan Kenny (Jr., mid-distance), Nathan Zachar (Jr., mid-distance), Luke Goodwin (Jr., throws), Michael Bedard (Jr., sprints), Max Bowman (Jr., hurdles), Nate Goodman (Fr., high jump), Chase Cimaglio (Fr., high jump), Adam Calacci (Soph., jumps/400), John Palumbo (Soph., sprints), Blaz D'Adamo (Jr., jumps), Kunal Mamtani (Jr., jumps), Danny Olson (Jr., pole vault).
Outlook: Coach Todd Kuklinski refers to the Mid-Suburban League as a grind, citing Hoffman Estates, Prospect and Fremd as this year's front-runners. Expect the Broncos to have plenty of grit was well. They took top honors in the MSL Invitational as a team and boast a group with plenty of state-level experience back in the fold - including the defending state champ at 400 meters, Luis Cossio. Brad Warman, Nick Laning, Ray Niro, Alec Andrea and Kevin Curet give Barrington a way-above-average quotient of state-tested talent and a confident approach to the task at hand. Kuklinski cites a talented freshman and sophomore class as providing a great deal of depth in multiple events as says this year's team "will go as far as their leadership takes them."
ConantCoach: John Powers
Top athletes: Seniors Nate Foster, Michael Barberini, Tabish Sultan, Sam Torrens, Chris Floyd, Matt Candre, Michael Lee, Pate Anderson, Matt Connolly; Juniors Ulysses Silva, Sean Le, Patrick Malecki, Liam Harrison; Sophomores Drashya Sadiwala, James Preueil
Outlook: The Cougars were largely in development mode last season, but that seems to have paid some dividends with a solid core group of seniors this year. Barberini, Floyd, Sultan and Torrens ran to a second-place finish in the 3,200-meter relay at the MSL indoor invite (8:09.12) and the 1,600 relay with Foster, Barberini, Sultan and Torrens was third at the same meet in 3:37.97.
FremdCoach: Jeff Williams
Top returners: Jaden Jackson (Sr., sprints and hurdles), Ben Konopka (Sr., sprints and hurdles), Ed Worthem (Sr., distance), Matt Bilek (Sr., throws), Jim Leahy (Jr., pole vault)
Newcomers: Zach Balis (Jr., sprints) Justin King (Jr., sprints and hurdles), Kyle Johnston (Fr., sprints) Luke Fissinger (Jr., pole vault)
Outlook: Many are pegging the Vikings as a team with a high ceiling, which was confirmed by a strong runner-up finish just behind Barrington at the MSL Indoor Invitational. The Vikings have a number of athletes who will be competing for an opportunity to perform downstate - and several of which already have had valuable experience on that stage. Jackson was the state runner-up in the 300 hurdles, and Bilek had a terrific end-of-season surge to grab 10th place in the discus. Coach Jeff Williams says the big-picture focus will be on improving in the hurdles, sprints, and relays, all of which figure to be team strengths. The distance group is young and trying to replace a talented group which graduated last year, but Worthem will lead that effort as a proven state-level competitor and the champion at 800 meters in the MSL Indoor Invitational. Another indoor champ for the Vikes was Jim Leahy in the pole vault.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Tyrone Jones
Top returners: Declan Rustay (senior, sprints), Anijel Jones (senior, sprints and jumps), Marshall Davis (senior, jumps), Jaylan Alexander (throws), Shreekar Patel (distance), Conner Kiley (senior, sprints), PJ Rodriguez (hurdles).
Promising newcomers: Malik Whitehead, Cameron Kindred, Darian Waits, Malik Shabazz, Ken Winston, Femi Oginni
Outlook: The Hawks intend to continue building upon last year's impressive run, which included a fourth-place finish at the state meet and individual titles from Rustay in both the 100 and 200 dashes. Without question, Rustay is an elite performer and will continue his exploits at Illinois next year after having committed to the Illini in December. He'll have plenty of company this spring at Hoffman Estates in high achievers such as Anijel Jones and Marshall Davis. Rustay and Jones also comprise half of the 4 x 200 relay which finished second in the state last year. Coach Tyrone Jones says the real story for his group will be just how quickly the younger contributors can develop into varsity difference-makers. "If the younger Hawks can support the seniors," said Jones, "this could be another banner year for the Hawks."
PalatineCoach: John Nalley
Key seniors: Evan Eckels, Jacob Busse, Rahul Gudivida, Henry Lechowicz, Art Oshinson in distance; Josh Danielson and Eduardo Orozco in throws; Tom Dennee, Mason Gratzianna, Elliott Hardwick, Josh Okee, Justin Sardon and Martire Walker in sprints/hurdles/jumps.
Promising juniors: Timi Afolabi (sprints), Joe Ahlgrim (distance), Zach Cherian (hurdles), Noah Chon (hurdles), Kai Ding (sprints), Josh Dysango (jumps), Malcom Filichia (distance), David Godsey (throws), Damien Gonzalez (jumps), Jake Gronwick (jumps, hurdles), Cole Kiefer (distance), Chris Lewiston (jumps), Jesus Lopez (jumps, hurdles), Luke Sauerland (distance), Jordan Schwartz (sprints), Tyler Williams Smith (jumps)
Promising sophs: Ian Cameron (distance), Daevin Diaz (jumps), Richie Jacobo (distance), Ricky Orozco (throws), Jaden Rasheed (sprints), Mossimo Vardamaskos (sprints)
Promising freshman: Damian Zach (pole vault)
Outlook: Coach John Nalley refers to his team as "relatively young" and hopes that it collectively comes of age through the course of the season. One of the seniors, Evan Eckels, provided the best kind of demonstrative leadership by running to a sixth-place finish in the 1,600-meter run in last weekend's Illinois Top Times indoor invitational in Bloomington, finishing in a brisk 4:24.58. Another recent fine effort came from Elliott Hardwick, who cleared 5 feet, 10 inches in a third-place finish at the MSL indoor invitational. Nalley knows there will be no shortage of competition in the MSL West outdoors season. "Tough conference, like every year," Nalley said. "We are hoping to find the right mix of seniors and youth to be ready for the Palatine Relays at the end of April."
SchaumburgCoach: Ryan Senica
Top returners: Victor Olaitan (Sr., hurdles/jumps), Scott Brown (Sr., sprints), Karsten Zielinski (Sr., distance), Mike Baranowski (Sr., distance)
Promising newcomers: Parth Mohanty (Jr., pole vault), Cedric Celino (Jr., sprints/jumps), Joe Jamison (Jr., throws), Austin-Morales Sanchez (Jr. distance)
Outlook: Saxons coach Ryan Senica says he'll be looking to his seniors for strength and consistency. Victor Olaitan leads the way, after just missing the state meet podium last year in the 110 high hurdles; he'll refocus his efforts on both hurdles races plus both jumps this year. Scott Brown returns as the top sprinter on the team and Karsten Zielinski and Mike Baranowski will lead the charge in the distance events. Newcomers Parth Mohanty (pole vault), Cedric Celino (sprints/jumps), and Austin-Morales Sanchez (distance) will look to strengthen the overall lineup.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Andy Trotter
Top returners: Walter Hutt (Sr., throws and sprints), Donny Johnson (Sr., distance), Matt Litas (Sr., jumps), Derek Pace (Sr., distance), Taras Dzhul (Sr, pole vault)
Promising newcomers: Jaden Dolphin (Soph., high jump, sprints), David Jackson (Soph., sprints), Mike Bartusiak (Soph, throws), Jonathan Kang (Soph., distance)
Outlook: Coach Andy Trotter is taking the long view with a group that has plenty of potentional but is limited in terms of overall experience. "We're young and have a lot of work ahead of us," he said. The Warriors finished sixth in their indoor divisional meet in the CSL and soon get going on a tough schedule outdoors. "We do have some talent and will get better as the season rolls along," Trotter said. "The attitude and the work ethic of the team has been good. We have a lot of potential, both individually and as a team. I'm looking forward to our outdoor season."
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Rodero Warren
Top returners: Joe Cleary (Sr., throws), Jack Scislowski (Sr., sprints), Jeremiah Hare (Sr., sprints and jumps), Michael Steadman (Sr., 200, 400, long jump), Jeremy Yoder (Sr., middle distance, distance), Richard Rinka (relays), William Sheriff (Sr., sprints), Brady Collis (Sr., 800, 1,600), Gawin Kennedy (Sr., sprints and jumps), Kentaro Lim (Jr., pole vault, sprints), William Walberg (Jr, 100, 200), Jason Doland (Jr., distance), Joseph Turzitti (Jr., sprints), Patric Natindim (Jr., distance).
Promising newcomers: Athan Huelskamp (Soph., throws), Jeremiah Pittman (Fr., sprints, throws), Lucas Barisas (Fr., sprints), Daniel Bottcher (Fr., distance), John Montesinos (Fr., throws).
Outlook: The Lions are without a couple of key senior standouts from last year's team in Sam Brey and Darreonte Jackson, but coach Warren has three seniors back who will be keys this year: Joe Cleary (throws), Jack Scislowski (sprints) and Jeremiah Hare (sprints, jumps).