Scouting DuPage and Fox boys track and field
After winning the Class 3A state championship last spring for the first time in school history, Batavia is already off to a fantastic start to the 2023 season as the Bulldogs recently rolled to the title of the DuKane Conference indoor meet with a staggering 155 points.
Senior Alec Crum set personal records at the meet in winning high jump (6 feet, 5 inches), long jump (21-11.25), and an incredible 44-8.5 in the triple jump. Seniors Quintin Lowe (1,600/3,200) and Weston White (55 sprint/200 meters) both won two races at the meet while sophomore Nathan Whitwell (22.98) was a close second to White (22.54) in the 200. Gabriel Benkers won pole vault while teammate Ben Mathews won the 55-meter hurdles for coach Dennis Piron's powerful squad.
There is still a very long way to go until the 2023 state meet, but the Bulldogs hope to be in the hunt for at least another top-three trophy when the meet is held in late May.
Bartlett finished near the middle of the pack last year in the UEC. The Hawks have some experienced athletes back this season as Alex Brown (100/200), Steven Conforti (100/200), Arturo Martinez (400/800), Issak Morales (1,600/3200), Luke Regalado (800), and Sam Mancilla (won shot put and discus at UEC indoor meet) are hoping to take Bartlett to the next level this season.
Burlington Central had a great 2022 season as it won the FVC and Rochelle sectional titles before taking 14th in the Class 2A state meet. The Rockets will have a tough time overcoming the losses of Yusuf Baig (Illinois State), Zac Schmidt (UW-Milwaukee), Gavin Sarvis (Loras College), and Alec Zaccaria (Dubuque). Burlington Central will be led by seniors Nolan Milas (sprints), Jack Freeman (throws), Leighton Dietz (mid-distance), Mikey Franzone (400), and Farooq Kusi (400). Juniors Ryan Kries (distance), Adam Hinkleman (mid-distance), and Grayson Burton (pole vault) should be keys along with sophomore Rocco Boss (sprinter/jumper).
Cary-Grove will have a hard time catching heavily-favored Huntley in the Fox Valley Conference this season. But the Trojans do have an elite athlete in junior Reece Ihenacho, who got his 2023 indoor track season off to a great start by winning the FVC shot put championship with a throw of 15.60.
Crystal Lake South is going to be facing a lot of tough challenges in the rugged FVC this season. Senior Nathan VanWitzenberg has been impressive for the Gators in the long jump and the triple jump as are teammates Ryne Salas (shot put), and Adam Strombom (800).
Dundee-Crown is really going to miss the presence of two 5-time FVC all-conference performers as both Diego Farias (sprints/hurdles), and Alek Ledezma (sprints) have graduated. The Chargers have senior Henry Kennedy (FVC champ in 100) back after Kennedy placed 13th in the state in the 100, and 14th in the 200. Senior Christian Roder was a part of D-C's 4x100 and 4x200 FVC champion relay teams while senior Ben Balboa placed second in shot put at the FVC indoor meet. Junior Kali Freeman reached state in the 4x100 last year, and he will also run on the Chargers' powerful 4x200 team.
Elgin placed third in the UEC indoor season this spring while Noah Mack (class of 2021) is now the top sprinter at College of DuPage. The Maroons have a great nucleus back in seniors Jack Allen (400/800/1,600), Diego Valdivia (1,600/3,200), Dawayne Evans (long jump /hurdles/sprints), Nick West (400), and Zane Warkel (pole vault). Juniors Matt Lawson (100/sprints), and Aramys Lopez (shot put) will also help boost team scoring for coach Anthony Mason.
Geneva did not have any state qualifiers for the first time in 18 years last season. But the Vikings hope to get right back down to Charleston in late May as seniors Genel Jaffer (200/400), Andrew Warcup (800/1,600), and Jack Kuehl (400/800/1,600) hope to close out their high school careers in style.
Hampshire was impressive in beating runner-up host Huntley 74-72 for the Class 3A sectional title last year. The Whip-Purs recently placed third in the FVC indoor meet as runner-up Jacobs edged them by two points. Hampshire got first-place finishes from Bryce Bannerman in the 400, and Shamir Allwood in the triple jump at the conference meet. Hampshire's 1,600-meter relay team of Bannerman, Owen Cuplin, Joel Jones, and Garland Brayden also took home first place in 3:38.90 in the meet hosted by FVC champion Huntley.
Huntley placed second to Hampshire in its own sectional last year, and the Red Raiders are ready to roll again this season with sophomore Tommy Nitz preparing to make a return trip downstate in the 3,200. Senior McKale Hood reached state in the high jump last year, and Huntley has great senior experience with Jayden Bell (hurdles/jumps), and Abraham Christian (jumps) back in the fold. Juniors Talon Sargent and Zack Garifo are sprinters to watch as is sophomore Vinny Costa. Huntley lost state qualifiers Hayden Swim (shot put, Colorado School of Mines), and Evan Gronewold (400) to graduation.
Jacobs is off to a good start to the season as the Golden Eagles edged Hampshire 68-66 for runner-up honors at the FVC indoor meet. Jacobs has a very impressive 3,200-meter relay team assembled as the squad of Matthew Andreano, Isaac Pepin, Adam Lakeman, and Andrew Beyer ran to first place in 8:24.22 at the FVC meet.
Kaneland really shined in 2022 by winning the Interstate 8 Conference, taking second at the Kane County meet, and finishing second at sectionals to Burlington Central (96 to 89.5) before the Knights sent four individuals and three relays to the state meet. Elijah Pflipsen (eighth in state shot put) graduated, and Kaneland placed third in the state in the 4x400. Seniors Chris Ruchaj (sprints), Brayden Farmer (pole vault), Jake Gagne (sprints), and Trevor Neal (hurdles) will be strong leaders. Juniors David Valkanov (distance), Logan Ehlers (jumps), and Collin Reutimann (mid-distance) will also provide great support. Sophomore Evan Nosek (distance) should also make an impact on the Knights' young squad according to coach Andy Drendel.
Larkin is in for a tough battle in the UEC, but the Royals have a strong triple jumper in junior Michael Barton to help lead their squad. Larkin junior Jaydis Frazier is the top performer in the 200 while senior teammate Omar Salazar is the team's front-runner in the 800. Jamari Stubbs (fourth in 300 hurdles) is now playing football at Quincy College.
Marmion Academy lost three state qualifiers to graduation. But the Cadets also have two state qualifiers back in Ryan Anderson (pole vault), and Connor Carlson (3,200). Senior Mitchell Gratz is a strong runner in the 400 and 800 while sophomore John Daffenberg will be a key in the distance races. Seniors J.P. Boerman, Will Dimitroff, and Billy Eby are leaders in sprints, relays, and hurdles as are juniors Jonah Augustyn (high jump/relays), John Murray (sprints/relays), and Chris Yarwood (sprints/relays) "As always, our No. 1 goal is to win conference and to send as many athletes as possible to state," said Marmion Academy coach Dan Thorpe, who is in his 18th season at the helm. "Patrick Fitzgerald (sophomore) will aid the varsity team in the hurdles, relays, and open 400."
South Elgin has an abundance of talent in its lineup, including Elias Cole-Williams (high jump), Lucas McMillan (pole vault), and De'Angelo McCullough (triple jump). The Storm's 4x400 team of Jacob Yachinich, Noah Callahan, Zach Meyer, and Harry Carr have been outstanding as is their 4x200 team of Donovan Smith, Kendall Andrewin, Jabari Pruitt, and McMillan. Senior Andrew Strama (1,600/3,200) is a steady distance runner for South Elgin.
St. Charles East was competitive in the recent DuKane Conference indoor meet with only 16 points separating the 2-5 teams. Senior sprinter Josh Evans has been a huge force in the 55, 200, and 400 while teammate Mitch Garcia is strong in the 1,600. The Saints also have Matt Hall running well in the 55-hurdles, and Jack Sheley performing well in the long jump. St. Charles East's 4x400 team of Hall, Charles Bolsoni, Niko DiGuilio, and Conner Blaine are looking good in the early stages of the season.
St. Charles North has numerous key seniors back in Bryce Thomas (4x800 state qualifier), Henry Warsaw (throws), Nathan Carpenter (sprints), and Robert Messina (sprints). Nathan McLoughlin looks like a strong contender for reaching state in the pole vault. But the North Stars will be without graduated key performers Paolo Gennarelli (West Point), and Joshua Otis Duncan (redshirted at West Point preparatory) this season.
Streamwood was really hurt by massive losses to graduation. But in spite of that, the Sabres are ready to start rebuilding in the UEC behind senior Dakota White in the 800 and 400. Sophomore Alex Harrison is another bright spot in the young Sabres' lineup as Harrison will be the focal point in the 3,200 and 1,600.
West Aurora has a tough road ahead as the Blackhawks have to battle powerful teams like Plainfield South and Plainfield North in the Southwest Prairie Conference. West Aurora senior Trevor Mathison is excelling in the shot put this season while teammates Sean Heetland (3,200), and Nathan Gehrmann (1,600) are strong distance runners.
DuPage County
Addison Trail placed fifth in the West Suburban Gold last year as Patrick Campbell has moved on to compete at Elmhurst University this season. Senior Damarius Allen (100/200/relays) is among the returning runners to watch for the Blazers this spring along with sophomore teammate Daniel Lupa in the 110 and 300-meter hurdles.
Benet Academy is coming off of one of its best seasons in school history as the Redwings won both ESCC and sectional crowns last year. Benet's 4x200 relay team broke a 52-year old school record with a time of 1:30.91 in the state prelims. The Redwings lost seven key seniors to graduation, including Jason Huang (Emory University), who took third in the state in the 110-hurdles. Seniors Andrew Manuel (sprints/triple jump), Johns Hopkins-bound Owen Takahashi (sprints/hurdles/pole vault), and Michael Baker (sprinter) give Benet a lot of experience to fall back on along with junior Danny Keating (sprinter).
Fenton will have some serious challenges to face this season in the UEC. The Bison will turn to junior standout Jordan Wilson in the shot put to help boost their team scoring while Wilson has also been Fenton's top competitor in the 55-meter hurdles.
Glenbard East finished third in the UEC last year behind the strength of now graduated Tyrese Buffkin (two-time state high jump qualifier), and Alonso Perkins (seventh in long jump). This year, seniors Terrell Hatter (triple jump), Cooper Hoffman (800/4x800), and Beck Moreau (800/4x800) will help lead the Rams. Juniors Ryan Van Dam (1,600/4x800), David Hernandez (400), Joey Rosenthal (100/200/relays), Ryan Stringer (800/4x800), and Quami Stanton (long jump/relays) will also be key factors this spring.
Glenbard North has solid depth up and down its lineup with seniors Brett Brunner and Levonne Havard excelling in the shot put along with Isaih Nevarez in the pole vault, and Caden Lee in the long jump. Junior Daniel Prochaska has provided some great running in the 800 as have Connor Sisco and Jack Martinez in the 1,600.
Glenbard West has senior Owen Reiffel (800/4x800) back for leadership. Juniors Anthony Nitti (800/relays), Chuck Halden (1,600/relays), Ben Saucedo (throws), Julius Ellens (sprints), Luke Benson (jumps), Eduardo Vargas (relays), and Jed Bentinganan (relays) will help carry the Hilltoppers scoring. Sophomore Mason Ellens (sprints) will be another key contributor.
Glenbard South won the Fenwick Class 2A sectional last year, and the Raiders have returning state qualifier Jonah Keating poised to make back-to-back trips downstate in the pole vault. Standout juniors Cam Williams (high jump/long jump/100/200) and Harper Bryan (110/300 hurdles) also qualified for state last year as Williams placed eighth in the 200. Senior Ryan Chung (all-state in cross country), and junior Tim Jochum should both qualify for state in the 800. Chung, Jochum, Lucas Newman, and Michael Bailey should make the state finals in the 4x800 relay while Jaden Frederick (all-state in cross country) should reach state in the 1,600 and 3,200. Matthew King has a shot at state in the 1,600 or the 3,200.
Lake Park is coming off of a 13th-place finish at state as the Lancers lost key athletes Desmond Horton (Brewton-Parker University), Lucah Jones (Northern Iowa), Cooper Cerese (Drake), and Aidan Killmer (Lewis University) to graduation. Senior Tyler Michelini was a state-qualifier in shot put while senior John Turner was the DuKane Conference champion in high jump last year. Zach Nygren (high jump), Gino Cardone (shot put/discus), Jack Tucci (sprints), Dominic Tucci (sprints), Christian Khoury (sprints), James DiVito (hurdles), and Alex Apuzzo (pole vault) all bring key senior experience to the squad.
Lisle placed third in the IC8 conference last year, and the Lions will be heading into the new season without graduated Austin Hahn (12th in state pole vault) in the fold. Lisle will rely on Chris Farrell (20th in state shot put), Casey Rosenberg (22nd in state triple jump), George Tchakanakis (fifth in 4x100 and triple jump at sectionals), and Dean Tchakanakis (fifth in 4x100 at sectionals) to help lead the way for coach Pat Woyna's troops.
Metea Valley lost a real speedster when Jalen Johnson moved on to play football at NIU. Jake Paulline (discus state qualifier, playing football at Valparaiso), and Xavier London (high jump state qualifier) also graduated. The Mustangs' 4x200 relay team of Juantel Sherieves, Daniel Pere (100/200), Christian Smith, and Arthur Cox III (100/200) captured first place recently at the DVC indoor meet. Lucas Van Vlerah (400/4x400), Evan Sweeney (throws), and Austin Brown will also be keys this season.
Montini lost state qualifiers Tommy May (400/4x400) and Jackson McWhinney (shot put/discus) to graduation. But the Broncos have Jayden Leise (Prep Top Times Qualifier, indoor school record holder in triple jump) poised for a great senior season. Montini's returning state qualifiers include Luke Hemmersmeier (long jump/4x100), Jonathan Goff (100/4x100), Josh Ugorji (4x100/4x400), Gabriel Bianco (4x400), and George Asay (4x100). Hugh Flannery holds the indoor school record in the 3,200, Nolan Ferris is a two-time state qualifier in cross country, and Sam Hemmersmeier will be a key part of the sprint relay teams.
Naperville Central definitely lost a lot of talent from its 11th-place finishing team at the Class 3A state meet starting with Samir Hussain (New York University), Chris Fleschut (Valparaiso University), Ryan Eck (Grand Valley State), and state qualifiers Graham McAninch and Chris Comer. The Redhawks still have a lot of depth back with Maverick Ohle (second in discus), Foster Shelbert (fifth in 4x400), Sam Barnard (sixth in 4x800), Luke Noren (sixth in 4x800), and Bode Smith (fifth in 4x400) all returning with state-meet experience.
Naperville North (12th in Class 3A last year) will have to replace graduated state qualifiers Brian Holmes (Lewis University), and Gabe Ryan (UIC) from its 2022 sectional championship team. But the Huskies' arrow is still pointing in the right direction as Danny Eloe (fifth at 100 meters, second in 4x100, 3rd in 4x200), Nathan Jacobs (100-meter state qualifier, second in 4x100, third in 4x200), Colin Corcoran (3,200/1,600), and Emmanuel Wang (triple jump/long jump) are ready to make another big push for the top of the standings in 2023.
Neuqua Valley took home the DVC outdoor crown last year, and the Wildcats opened this season by rolling to the DVC indoor title. Junior Nick Pennington took second in the state in pole vault last year, and senior James Ammenhauser will be a major factor in the triple jump and long jump this year. Seniors Jake Lansdowne (hurdles), and Austin Belle (sprints) are also top contenders. Senior Tyrek Campbell (400) is joined by Lansdowne, Miles Miskel, and Nico Castrillon to make up a fantastic 4x400 relay team for Neuqua Valley which won state titles in 2018 and 2021 under current coach Mike Kennedy.
St. Francis should be strong in the distance events led by senior Sam Andrzewski, Charles Coyle, James Keegan, Michael Coco, and Nolan Kiley. The Spartans will have senior Ben Sanchez competing in the long jump while freshman Gavin Mueller is off to a great start in the shot put and discus.
Waubonsie Valley lost numerous top-notch competitors to graduation including Sam Mika (Southern Alabama), Jose Barragan (Benedictine), Angel Solis (UIC), Chris Miserendino (St. Ambrose), Jamir Harris, Jamon Harris, and Jerry Hatchett to mention some of the Warriors' state qualifiers. Waubonsie (fourth at sectionals) will turn to returning state qualifiers Brody Squires (long jump), Austin McInturff (4x800), and Gavin Ebenezer (4x800) for leadership. Julian Johnson (high jump/400/sprint relays) gives the Warriors great speed with strong scoring support from Erik Holstead (pole vault).
West Chicago is coming off a seventh-place finish in the UEC outdoor meet, and senior Jaden Bates should be the Wildcats' best sprinter at every distance after getting off to a very good start in the indoor season. Junior Matt Dewees (110 and 300 hurdles) returns after a strong sophomore season, and sophomore Judah McLean is building off a breakout cross country campaign this past fall.
Wheaton Warrenville South placed third in the recent DuKane Conference indoor meet hosted by Batavia. Not only do the Tigers have a standout 800 and 1,600 runner in Colin Nelson, their 4x800 team of Nathan Virginelli, Benjamin Adkins, Sam Cruz, and Nathan Banowetz has been spectacular. Junior Da'jion Riley is strong in the 55-dash while teammate Lucas Yonker has been stellar in the 3,200. Sophomore Amari Williams is solid in the triple jump, and he joins Riley, Ethan Campbell, and Parker Holz to make up a great 4x200 team.
Wheaton North placed third in the DuKane Conference and second at sectionals before getting some great performances from graduated Ryan Schreiner (fourth at 800 meters, University of Iowa), Devon Neal (14th in triple jump), Eamon Kane (12th in discus), and Ryan Zydek (21st in 3,200) at the state meet. Returning state qualifiers for Wheaton North are Caleb Varney (shot put), Caleb Youngstedt (3,200), Kyle Komro (4x400), and Hudson Romaine (4x400).
Wheaton Academy will miss the presence of graduated Sheldon Powell (College of DuPage), who finished fourth in the 3,200 at sectionals last spring. Coach Chris Felinski is very optimistic that the junior Canyon Roberts has a great chance to qualify for the state meet in the 110-meter hurdles for the Warriors, who placed fifth in the Metro Suburban Conference last year.
Willowbrook placed second to Downers Grove South at the West Suburban Gold indoor meet by 44 points recently. The Warriors got indoor WSG titles from Evan Weder (high jump and triple jump), and their 4x400 team of Weder, Elijah Smith, Luca Parato, and Samuel McNeilly in 3:44.72. Willowbrook got seconds from Smith (400), Daeveon Madison (long jump), and Bernardo Albarran (shot put). Kevin Diederich (3,200), John Brisboy (pole vault), and Ottis Powell (long jump) placed third.
York has a strong senior front-runner back in Aidan Hill (800/4x800). Hill had the fastest split on the Dukes' 4x800 all-state team (fifth in 2022) with a time of 7:53.63 in Charleston. York is off to a great start as its 4x200 relay team of Leo Glennon, Payton Noble, Joey Valeski, and Cash Langley set the school indoor record with a clocking of 1:30.43 for coach Charlie Kern's squad.