Scouting the Fox Valley area's boys track & field teams
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Jeff Bral (8th season)
2007 finish: 7th place Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors Ian Campoli (high jump), Bobbie Rachford (3,200), Nick Johnson (middle distance), Travis Ziemke (middle distance), juniors Dan Karys (long jump, triple jump), Gianni Pietanza (throws), Jasen Massey (disc, sprints, relays), Thomas Niewiara (distance)
Key newcomers: Seniors Joe Zambetti (distance), Cory Hrynyk (jumps), freshman Josafat Gonzalez (800)
Outlook: Bartlett's program has ballooned in numbers this season to 110 kids. "That's 40 more than we've ever had," said Bral. "I hate to use the word, but we've got a lot of potential. But there is a lot of learning to be done. We're young. We've got 12 to 15 seniors on the whole team." Bartlett is strong in the field, led by sectional champion Karys who has already hit 43-feet indoors in the triple and is well over 20-feet in the long jump indoors. Pietanza had thrown 45-9 ½ in the shot put, while Zambetti has gone 10:16 in the 3,200 and was Bral's top cross country runner in the fall. Gonzalez ran a 2:05 split in the half-mile. "We'll be strong in the jumps for sure," said Bral. "The numbers we have will really help us. The more we get, the better off we will be. We're very proud of where we are at, but we are not settling for that," said Bral. "We need to get better."
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Mike Schmidt (13th season)
2007 finish: Big Northern Conference champions
Top returning athletes: Seniors Ryan Phebus (800, 1,600), Dan Hagberg (hurdles), Scott Knewitz (800), Tim Colby (hurdles, 400), Kevin Meyer (1,600, 3,200), Dan Conran (high jump), juniors Joe Manzie (pole vault), Chris Leffler (sprints), Tommy Gast (sprints), Peter Cappas (1,600, 3,200), sophomore Kyle Kita (sprints)
Key newcomers: Seniors Steve Greene (sprints, long jump), Jordan Romano (throws), juniors Vic Zavala (throws), TJ Pasia (jumps), Matt Kling (sprints), Nick Smith (sprints), sophomore Mitch Plumb (sprints), freshman Tre Llanes (jumps)
Outlook: The Rockets are in a role-reversal of sorts this season. Schmidt feels the team will especially thrive in the field events, where as previous years the team's main calling card as been on the track. Conran won the unofficial Big Northern Conference high jump indoor title, while Llanes was the triple jump BNC champion indoors. "Our field events are better this year," said Schmidt. "At indoor conference, that's what pretty much carried us and helped us win." Cornell-bound Hagberg and Phebus, a Division I prospect, give the Rockets two excellent performers on the track. Look for the Rockets to have a strong 1,600 relay team. "Our relays are solid," said Schmidt. "We can put together a really good mile relay team," said Schmidt. Phebus and Hagberg will be part of that 1,600 team. "We've got 6 guys for the next 2 spots," said Schmidt. "They'll compete all year for it. Competition breeds success in my book." Central has qualified a 400 relay team for state 8 years in a row. The Rockets have won the BNC title in 6 out of the last 8 years. Central will also debut a new 8-lane track this season with 4 runways.
Cary-Grove Trojans
Coach: Layne Holter (13th season)
2007 finish: 3rd place Fox Valley Conference; McHenry County champions
Top returning athletes: Seniors Dan Bartz (300 hurdles), Dan McCall (300 hurdles), Dan Fallon (400, 800), juniors Zach Zimay (sprints), Ryan Psenka (discus), Kai Rikardsen (mid-distance), Jake Underwood (sprints), sophomores Phillip Fairleigh (distance), Matt Shmiel (triple jump)
Key newcomers: Juniors Dave Moreno (jumps), Griff Gatewood (sprints), Jonas Mack (sprints), sophomore Devin Lasker (throws), freshman Anthony Golowach (high jump)
Outlook: While the Trojans lost a lot of seniors to graduation last year, there are still many key parts remaining. "We lost a lot of seniors last year who were big point-scorers for us," said Holter. "We have some holes to fill, but I think we'll be competitive." Bartz and McCall are 2 of the top hurdlers in the area and were seeded 1-2 in the conference and sectional. Fairleigh is coming off a strong cross country season and recently ran a 4:32 mile in an outdoor meet. Holter also feels his 1,600 relay team will have the components to make some waves. "We're not as deep as we were last year in the sprints, but we've got a lot of guys who are stepping up." Holter is looking for another dogfight in the FVC. "Jacobs won the conference and Huntley was second," said Holter. "There is some real depth in the conference. There are some very solid teams. The conference will be pretty competitive." Golowach, a freshman, has already cleared 6-feet in the high jump.
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Dave Puma (9th season)
Top returning athletes: Seniors Matt Zaluckyj (mid-distance), Phil Hernandez (distance), Mike Van Dorpe (jumps, sprints), juniors Steven Rogers (mid-distance), Josh Uvodich (distance)
Key newcomer: Junior Max Bush (hurdles, sprints)
Outlook: Track events should be South's strong suit this season. "We're more on the mid-distance and distance levels," said Puma. The Gators also have an abundance of talent at the lower grade levels. "We're loaded at the frosh-soph level. Hopefully these young guys can step up and make an impact and our underclassmen can continue to do what they are capable of or more than that. We're looking for some young guys to step up and fill some spots." Hernandez and Van Dorpe are veterans who will lead the way for the Gators. Zaluckyj played baseball his first 2 years. "Matt has been very successful for us," said Puma. "He had a 1:57 split (800) at the state meet for us. We've got high hopes for him."
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Tom Smith (28th season)
2007 finish: 4th place Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors Matt Cutinello (jumps, relays), Connor Kustief (distance), Tyler Jones (hurdles), Tyler Neumann (mid-distance), Kurt Scheffrahn (mid-distance), Garret Minaglia (sprints, relays), juniors Paul Smith (distance), Dan Magnant (mid-distance)
Key newcomers: Juniors Aaron Reams (jumps), Kyle Ryan (sprint relays), Mike Hubers (hurdles), sophomores Matt Hellyer (sprints), Nathan Prom (mid-distance), Jon Magnant (mid-distance), Pat Livengood (high jump), Taylor Flannagan (pole vault), freshman Anthony Manfran (mid-distance)
Outlook: D-C has been pegged by a number of area coaches to be a key contender in the FVC this season. The Chargers won an indoor meet recently that featured many of the FVC schools. "We have people who can do some things," said Smith. "We had a very successful indoor season. We're hoping to build on that, but we've got some things we have to shore up. Teams like Jacobs and McHenry are going to score points. They have talent and depth. The conference is going to be a battle as always. Our guys are working hard and have a good attitude. I like this group. They are really into it." D-C will be competitive in the middle and longer distance races. "As usual, the conference has a lot of people in those events," said Smith. "I think we'll do well in the jumps. Those are some strong areas for us." Jones is the defending conference champion in the high hurdles. Depth is something Smith says will be the determining factor in the FVC. "I think depth-wise we've got a shot at a back-up hurdler and a back-up jumper and those are the types of things you need to have to score," said Smith. "We can be in the hunt, but we've got just enough question marks. We still have some work to do."
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Bill Harris
Top athletes: Seniors Steve Farbota (hurdles), Joe Kozlowicz (800, hurdles), Dan Vecchiolla (sprints), juniors John Floyd, Josh Leong, Steve Maas, Chris Morrow, Drew Stuart, Chris Theodorou, sophomore Pax Kelly, freshmen John Eisenbroek, John Lucas
Outlook: Harris has a number of athletes who have potential to place in the Independent School League this year. Farbota was a place-finisher in the high hurdles last year, while Kozlowicz has a chance in the 300 hurdles, as does Vecchiolla in the 100 and 200. Harris' roster has doubled from a year ago. "We've got a young team," said Harris. "We've got three guys who we know can score (Farbota, Kozlowicz and Vecchiolla). We'll have guys in a few more field events and we'll have some relay teams. We've got some depth. Our goal is to be competitive at the ISL meet and get some kids to place and get a couple of relays to place." Harris also coaches the girls team, which has 7 girls on the roster. That list includes sophomores Ellie Bremseth, Karen Darling, Erin Kenney, Sarah Parker and Maddy Stone, along with freshmen Neha Khemani and Eleanna Mathioudis. Harris said Darling and Kenney have shown promising running ability in early-season practice. Elgin Academy did not have a girls team last year.
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Adam Freed (2nd season)
2007 finish: 6th place Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors Eric Deneui (1,600, relays), Chase Riddle (400, relays, jumps), Tommy Bowers (100, 200), sophomore Adam Kuforiji (400)
Key newcomers: Senior James Duncan (sprinter, high jump), sophomores Ricardo Mancha (distance), Hector Hernandez (throws)
Outlook: The Maroons possess a solid middle distance core and will assemble a strong 800 relay team with Duncan, Bowers, Riddle and Kuforiji. "Our 4-by-2 team should be very competitive," said Freed. "Our goal is a top 3 finish and get all-conference." Overall, Elgin has a youthful roster this season. "One word would be inexperience," said Freed. "Three-quarters of the program had never run in a meet before the indoor season. We're coming along nicely and showing a lot of improvement. We've got some strong individuals and we should be able to put together some competitive relays." Freed is also proud of his team's academic standing. "This is the highest team GPA I've been around," said Freed. "We've got 7 kids who are members of the academy (Gifted and Talented Academy at Elgin)."
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Steve Bruhn (7th season)
Top returning athletes: Seniors Quinn Walker (hurdles, relays), Ryan Smialek (triple jump, mid-distance), Trace Teboda (sprints), juniors Matt Drendel (distance), Joe Fillipello (triple jump, long jump, sprints), Kevin Becker (mid-distance)
Key newcomers: Seniors T.J. Burzak (throws), Junior Makinde (sprints)
Outlook: Walker is one of the area's top athletes. He won 2 state medals last year as a junior in the 110 (third) and 300 (eighth) hurdles. Walker also now owns the school record in both events. The Whip-Purs also return most of their 1,600 relay team that was third at the sectional level last year. Bruhn feels Hampshire will excel in the sprint and hurdle events. "I'm excited to see how all of our athletes will fit together as the season goes along," said Bruhn. "We hope to get as many kids Downstate as possible. Quinn Walker should lead the way after his 2 places last year Downstate and I look forward to all of the things he can accomplish this year. I hope a few more guys step up and find their way Downstate." Walker finished second in the state in the indoor 55-meter race recently.
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Jim Rolando (3rd season)
2007 finish: 2nd place Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors Todd Farbiak (800), Brock Larkin (pole vault), Jon Ofenloch (pole vault, high jump), George Shaw (sprints, sprint relays), Mike Todd (sprints), Casey Popenfoose (400, 800, sprints), Justin Cassidy (mid-distance), Sal Torrison (3,200 relay), juniors Josh Sivila (sprints), Alex Beruscha (distance), sophomore Marcus Popenfoose (throws)
Key newcomers: Senior Joel Ortiz (jumps), junior Brett DePorter (jumps, sprints), Nick Davila (mid-distance)
Outlook: The Red Raiders have made a dramatic rise up the FVC ladder the last few years and look poised to drop anchor into that upper tier of contention again this season. "We have a good core of guys coming back," said Rolando. "We've got a lot of seniors who have been in big meets. They were the nucleus of the team as sophomores and juniors and they will continue to do that this year. They know the system and they know what to expect." Farbiak returns after reaching the 800 state finals, while Marcus Popenfoose is back after an eighth-place state showing in the discus as a freshman. Larkin has already cleared 12-9 in the pole vault indoors. The Red Raiders also return all of their record-breaking 3,200 relay team (Farbiak, Casey Popenfoose, Cassidy and Torrison). That group set the McHenry County record in that event last year as juniors. "Our goal is to continue to improve as the year goes on and be competitive in the county, FVC and sectional," said Rolando.
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Jason Borhart (6th season)
2007 finish: Fox Valley Conference champions
Top returning athletes: Seniors Tim Constant (mid-distance), Darius Bowers (jumps, relays), Brad Foote (throws), JM Salcedo (sprints), juniors Mike Wallace (sprints, relays), Kyle Kopinski (distance), sophomore Danny Trevor (hurdles)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Danny Carey (mid-distance), Joey Cieniewicz (mid-distance, high jump)
Outlook: Jacobs will be looking for its sixth straight FVC title this season and fifth McHenry County title in the last 6 years. The Golden Eagles did graduate 3,200 state champion Evan Jager (now at Wisconsin) and mid-distance runner Aaron Russo. But many veteran performers are still in place. "We have top-end strength but no as many guys that will grab the 4th-6th places as we have had in the past," said Borhart. "We should score quite a few points in the sprint events and we have a thrower and a jumper that should score well." Relays will also be a key for Jacobs. "We hope to find some runners to complete our relays so that they can be competitive," said Borhart. "We are looking for our high jump and pole vault athletes to continue to improve so that they can score at our big meets." Borhart feels teams like Dundee-Crown, Huntley and McHenry will be among the prime contenders for the FVC title.
Larkin Royals
Coach: Eric Hill (6th season)
2007 finish: 10th place Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Senior Kyle Engen (throws), juniors Tyler Ortman (hurdles), Salvador Pena (800)
Key newcomers: Junior Yousef Salem (sprints), sophomores Xavier Ruiz (400, 1,600 relay), Jason Spencer (sprints)
Outlook: Ortman placed at both the conference and sectional meets in the 300 hurdles. Hill feels the potential is there for Ortman to take the next step. Overall, Larkin features a youthful roster. Engen is the lone senior on the team. "We are a young squad looking to get some experience," said Hill. "We have to learn how to rise up to challenges and be mentally strong." Ruiz is an athlete Hill feels has a lot of potential.
Prairie Ridge Wolves
Coach: Judd Shutt (4th season)
2007 finish: 6th place Fox Valley Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors David Carbajal (shot put), Brett Ramirez (discus), Billy Ten Busch (1,600, 3,200), Ben Jellicoe (100, 200), juniors Joe Davila (400, 800), Jon Rohrer (110 hurdles)
Key newcomer: Sophomore Joe Bickler (400, 800)
Outlook: The Wolves have a number of talented athletes. Carbajal finished fifth at the state indoor meet in the shot put with a 54-4 throw. "I think he'll be throwing in the 56s this year," said Shutt. "Our throws will be a strength. David and Brett should score some high points. Ten Busch is coming off a stellar cross country season where he won the FVC individual title. Shutt sees a number of teams to keep an eye on in the FVC. "I think there is definitely a class of the field with teams like Jacobs, Huntley, McHenry and Dundee-Crown," said Shutt. "We've got a lot of young guys on the team. We'll be in that middle of the pack and will look for some individual accomplishments."
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Bill Lucas (2nd season)
Top returning athletes: Seniors Matt Ardiente, Matt Dodgen, Ryan Gilbert, Eric Guerrero, Nick Louis, Mike Young, juniors David Bailey, Brennan Biasotti, Joe Juns, Jimmy Mathisen, Merrick Vaigrt, sophomores Shane Finane, Patrick Mattoon, David Smith
Key newcomers: Senior John Sheehan, juniors Cory Diaz, Steve Martin, Moises Quiroga, Josh Scholly, Bobby Weiss, sophomores Jeralds Cody, Nick Kerger, Danny Thomas, freshman Andrew Knapik, Kip Guerrero, Jon Keokenlaya, Andrew Louis, Kyle Unto, Zack Remmers.
Outlook: St. Edward is another area team that has experienced a raise in participation totals. "With a strong increase in numbers this year, the boys team will compete in every event," said Lucas. Ardiente and Eric Guerrero lead the sprinting contingent that Lucas feels can compete at the top of the conference individually and in relays. St. Edward's 400 relay team was third at the sectional level last year. Young is a distance runner to keep an eye out for. Finane, Dodgen and Juns give St. Edward depth in the throws. "Our goal is to be among the top three in conference this year and to advance several individual athletes and relay teams to the state finals," said Lucas.
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Dale Schabert (2nd season)
Top returning athletes: Seniors Josh Kabala (100, 200, 400 relay), Phyll Zone (200, triple jump, long jump, 800 relay), Josh Guth (400, 1,600 relay), D'Aron Bowman (100, 200, 400 relay), juniors Dan Cluchey (100, 200, relays), Dea-nton Failla (high jump, 200, 400 relay), Nate Van Metre (throws)
Key newcomers: Juniors John Hull (throws), Travis Sims (throws)
Outlook: The Storm has strengths in a number of areas including sprints and throws. "Our sprint guys are where we have the most experience and the older kids," said Schabert. "Our distance, we're still working on a bit." Van Metre, Hull and Sims provide depth in the throws. Schabert has been pleased with this group's work habits. "This is the first time we've had a senior on the roster," said Schabert. "The group we have here works hard. Hopefully, we'll make some gains with them."
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: Weert Goldenstein (4th season)
2007 finish: 8th place Upstate Eight Conference
Top returning athletes: Seniors Neal Klein (distance), David Shaw (sprints), Nick Milne (throws), Ikenna Aghadi (sprints), Kyle Holder (sprints)
Outlook: Goldenstein has been impressed with his senior class of athletes so far this season. "Our senior guys are committed and work really hard," said Goldenstein. "They have goals. They want to make it to state. We've got seniors who want to make their last year a good year. We've got a lot of determined guys." Klein is a decorated distance runner who put big points on the board for the Sabres. "Neal wants to go to state," said Goldenstein. "He's been working hard toward it."
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Larry Cochran (1st season)
Top athletes: Seniors Eric Berntson (800, 1,600, 1,600 relay), Drew Kalina (400 relay), junior Ben Linder (throws), sophomore Thomas Galvin (400, 1,600 relay)
Key newcomers: Freshmen Ian Dutcher (high jump, shot put), Conner Egan (400 relay, 100, 200), Steven Hoerflich (400 relay, 100, 200), Brady Huddleston (400 relay, 100, 200), David Lindberg (400, 1,600 relay)
Outlook: This is the second year of the Westminster Christian track program. The Warriors compete in the Private School League. In addition to 9 boys, the program also features a pair of female competitors in sophomores Jaclyn Brisebois (800, 1,600) and Tanya Rogers (800, 1,600).