Duneland Athletic Conference

CHESTERTON

Runners to watch: Andrew Morris, Sr.; Ryan Cutter, Sr.; Manny Orlich, Sr.; Tyler Rusboldt, Jr.

Outlook: The 2009 state runners-up must replace four of their top seven, including all-stater David Osborn. The holdovers have plenty of varsity miles on their shoes, but the rest of the crop is pretty green.

Quote: "You talk about kids waiting their turn, well, OK, there are a bunch of spots open now. A couple look good, but they don't really have any race experience. It's different running the varsity race at New Prairie than the reserve race. They're unproven." -- coach Tim Ray

Runners to watch: Ryan Santelik, Sr.; Marcus Trybula, Sr.; Tor Jansson, Jr.; Shaun DeBoth, Jr.; Eric Banser, Jr.; Alex Ray, So.; Daniel Walters, So.

Outlook: Crown Point has won a sectional championship in nine of the past 10 years. The Bulldogs want nothing more than to make that 10 in the last 11 behind both impressive talent and depth.

Quote: "We have some young men who have put in a lot of work, and I am looking forward to seeing them benefit from their efforts." -- coach Keith Iddings

Runners to watch: Eric Hickok, Sr.; Erik Plesha, Sr.; Kennan Arvay, Sr.; Steve Barajas, Sr.; Josh Keith, Jr.; Alex Thomson, Jr.; Mike Buchman, Jr.; Chris Albright, So.; Nick Lopacki, So.

Outlook: L.C. graduated six of the seven runners who ran in the state meet last season. Hickok is the only returnee from that squad, and there will be tough competition for every other varsity spot.

Quote: "They have all been working hard and have improved from last year. With their inexperience, however, it remains to be seen as to how well they will compete." -- coach Rudy Skorupa

LAPORTE

Runners to watch: Mitch Hubner, Jr.; Josh Hojnacki, Sr.; Stuart West, Sr.; Austin Alcorn, Jr.; Morgan Dearing, Sr.

Outlook: The Slicers have five runners who have been part of two state meets (13th in 2008, 11th in 2009), but the drop-off from there is sharp so they can't afford any off days from their veterans. When they're all on, they're probably a top 10 team.

Quote: "It's a pretty solid group, but depth is really an issue for us. On the right day, we're pretty good, but I feel like there will be days when we'll lose to teams we shouldn't when one guy has a bad day." -- coach Tim Beres

MERRILLVILLE

Runners to watch: Dylan Harrison, Sr.; Jacob Caddick, Sr.

Outlook: Numbers won't be a problem for Merrillville, as 15 runners are out for the program this season. Harrison, a state qualifier, and Caddick, a semistate finalist, will anchor that team while everyone else steps up.

Quote: "We have a solid top two. We plan on capitalizing on that fact." -- coach Michael Hoffman

MICHIGAN CITY

Runners to watch: David Dailey, Sr.; Evan Doperalski, Jr.

Outlook: The ranks are thin for Wolves with a pack of just seven, and Doperalski is gradually working his way back from a broken foot sustained during basketball.

Quote: "Hopefully, these two will have some success this year, and that might attract other boys to come out for the team in the future." -- coach Bob Sieko

PORTAGE

Runners to watch: Robert Blackwell, Jr.; Max Zmija, Jr.; Ross Falk, Sr.; Zack Swets, So.

Outlook: The Indians return four runners from a team that missed semistate by one spot. They expect a big lift from a huge freshman class of 17 that excelled at the middle school level. Dustin Balboa and Anthony Best should have an immediate impact.

Quote: "We've got more talent than the school has had in at least the time I've been here. The big thing is we don't know how tough they are. If they're tough, I don't know what the limit is on this group." -- coach Tom Erickson

VALPARAISO

Runners to watch: Ahmad Aljobeh, Jr.; Peyton Reed, So.; Michael Bobos, Sr.; Murray Banks, Jr.; Colin Stisak, Sr.

Outlook: The Vikings, 41 strong, are the largest squad in school history. Headed by Aljobeh, five of the seven from the state meet, where Valpo placed 19th, return. They should be helped by a strong sophomore class and at least a handful of the dozen freshmen.

Quote: "There's a lot of optimism. We had our green and white meet, and there were some of the fastest times I can ever remember having. We're still hoping we can be the best in the area." -- coach Mike Prow

 

GREAT LAKES ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

CLARK

Runners to watch: Devin Ellis, Sr.; Joe Milkowski, Jr.; Noe Gutierrez, So.

Outlook: The Pioneers have aspirations to move up a couple spots in the sectional this year to move on to the Crown Point Regional.

GAVIT

Runners to watch: Dario Palmerin, Sr.; Johnny Gomez, Sr.; Donjah Reed, Sr.; Joey Guevara, Jr.; Van Westerhoff, Jr.

Outlook: Gavit returns seven of its top 10 runners from last season's GLAC championship team. Dario Palmerin will fill the No. 1 void left by his brother, Jose, who graduated. The Gladiators should remain solid.

Quote: "Our goals are to win the GLAC and go deep into the IHSAA tournament. Gavit is a deeper squad this year." -- coach Bob Stephens

HAMMOND

Outlook: The Wildcats failed to finish as a team in last season's Gavit Sectional, as only three runners completed the race. Two of those three runners graduated, as well.

MORTON

Outlook: The Governors finished last in the 2009 Gavit Sectional, so efforts are focused on all-around improvement this season.

Greater South Shore Conference

BISHOP NOLL

Runners to watch: Richie Yzagairre, Sr.; Ryan Malone, Jr.; Danny Pobereyko, So.; Jimmy Mullaney, So.

Outlook: With the absence of a girls team this season, new coach Karl Repay can shift his focus toward guiding the Warriors to be as successful as possible.

Quote: "We've been working hard in the weight room. I've been telling them that our season doesn't really start until conference." -- Repay

CALUMET

Runner to watch: Dylan Akermann, Jr.

Outlook: The Warriors graduated four of their strongest runners from last season's team, meaning a rebuilding year is forthcoming.

LAKE STATION

Runners to watch: Lucio Martinez, Jr.; Joe Dickerson, Jr.; Brett Boby, So.

Outlook: Lake Station finished 10th in last season's Crown Point Sectional while fielding a full team for the first time in several years. The loss of No. 1 runner Gary Shewmaker to graduation, however, will hurt.

MARQUETTE

Runners to watch: Alex Miles, Jr.; Kevin Brown, Fr.

Outlook: Miles was a one-man gang last season, when an injury kept him out of the sectional. Brown gives him at least a little company this season.

Quote: "Both of them have looked really good in the preseason. Kevin has a bright future, and Alex could have a breakout season, too." -- coach Eric Hubertz

NORTH NEWTON

Runners to watch: Josh Hook, Jr.; Zack Baker, Jr.; James Fritz, Jr.; Jesse Anderson, Fr.

Outlook: The Spartans graduated six seniors from last season's GSSC championship squad, so they'll have to find ways to fill those holes. Fortunately, North Newton only has one senior this season, so the future could be bright.

Quote: "We'll be competitive. We're trying to get some more kids out." -- coach Tim Loughmiller

RIVER FOREST

Runners to watch: Dylan McPhee, Sr.; Brian Mikulaj, So.

Outlook: River Forest currently fields just two runners, so recruitment efforts are being made for the Ingots to field a full team.

Quote: "We're looking for them to do as good or better than they did last year." -- coach Milagro Gonzalez

WHEELER

Runners to watch: Kyle Nurse, Jr.; Matt Hurst, Sr.; Bryan Lee, Sr.; Lucas Talmadge, Sr.; James Mills, Fr.

Outlook: The Bearcats will get a lift from Nurse, a track standout who is running cross country for the first time, and Mills, a promising newcomer. Wheeler has increased numbers with a turnout of 10.

Quote: "We're looking to win our conference and get that last spot at the sectional. The kids are getting it. They're coming together, working hard, pushing each other. We're looking to turn some a few heads throughout the year." -- coach Luis Guillen

WHITING

Runners to watch: Phil Espinoza, Sr.; Stephen Bajzatt, Sr.; Joe Bondi, Jr.; Matt Filipek, Jr.; Matt Lowe, So.

Outlook: Most of the Oilers' runners had no cross country experience last season. A year of running under their belts should help Whiting improve upon a fourth-place finish in the GSSC last season.

Quote: "We're looking to turn some heads and get out of the sectional." -- coach Kevin Moynihan

 

NORTHWEST CROSSROADS CONFERENCE

ANDREAN

Runners to watch: Pat Musgrave, Jr.; Jeff Gough, Jr.; Lucas Kalbfell, So.; Nick Janiga, So.; Nick DeMass, Jr.; Blaine Wolf, Jr.

Outlook: The 59ers have a young team, but coach Rick Torres believes they have what it takes for a successful season. Wolf, a newcomer, should be a valuable addition to the team.

Quote: "We're flying under the radar, but I don't think that's going to last." -- Torres

GRIFFITH

Runners to watch: Joel Kepchar, Jr.; Jeff Tinich, Sr.; Robert Gonzales, Sr.; Ryan Zubrick, Jr.; David Stokes, Jr.; Nathan Bailey, Jr.

Outlook: Griffith hopes to make a repeat regional trip behind a very solid corps.

Quote: "The guys have been working hard and have a strong top six to lead the way." -- coach Shannon Scheidel

HIGHLAND

Runners to watch: Jake Baranowski, Jr.; Matt Orsag, Sr.; Thomas Manyek, Sr.; Scott Zimny, Jr.; Trevor Spiegel, Sr.

Outlook: The Trojans had a strong 2009 season, finishing second in the NCC and Gavit Sectional before placing third at the Crown Point Regional and 11th at the New Prairie Semistate. The loss of state qualifier Allan Appiah will certainly hurt, but the Trojans still have one of the top runners in Lake County in Baranowski.

Quote: "The junior class is going to be the key to our success. We'll see how it pans out." -- coach Carlos Aburto

HOBART

Runners to watch: Zach Spain, So.; Oakley Molinaro, Sr.; Alex Cordova, So.; Jon Petroskey, Fr.; Alek Seeley, Fr.; Brent Dunn, Fr.

Outlook: This is the largest team coach Ty Artherhults has ever had, with 25 runners. Hobart should be competitive in the tough NCC. Spain and Molinaro will lead the team this season with other young runners in tow.

Quote: "I am genuinely excited about the season and really enjoy working with this group of young men." -- Artherhults

KANKAKEE VALLEY

Runners to watch: Seth Raebel, Sr.; Travis Conley, Fr.; Trevor Overstreet, Jr.; Cody Jones, Jr.; Justin Wicker, Jr.; Stephen Mezzacato, Jr.

Outlook: New coach Tim Adams knows his team isn't on anybody's list to shine this season, but that isn't keeping the Kougars from working overtime to turn some heads. The team is practicing by running through the woods near the high school.

Quote: "They've got a good work ethic. They're more mature and can handle a few more miles." -- Adams

LOWELL

Runners to watch: Cole Bushore, Jr.

Outlook: The Red Devils lost a plethora of talent to graduation, so they'll need to find ways to fill those holes.

MUNSTER

Runners to watch: Brooks Platt, Sr.; Tony Rigoni, Jr.; Grant Sepiol, So.; Steven Burgwald, So.; Steve Gehrig, Sr.

Outlook: Platt being able to run at full health should be huge for the Mustangs this season. He suffered from two stress fractures last season, and he and the rest of the top five are expected to run at a high level this season.

Quote: "We think we can be competitive with any program in the area." -- coach Aaron Brown

Porter County Conference

BOONE GROVE

Runners to watch: John Wallington, Jr.; Karl Hartwig, So.

Outlook: Four-year mainstay Mike Fauser is gone and the Wolves are just getting by as a team with five runners. They're aiming for a top-half finish in the PCC.

Quote: "They are working very hard, and I am very proud that they came out. They are trying to recruit more guys, but most don't want to do the work." -- coach Bob Witt

HANOVER CENTRAL

Runners to watch: Eddie Rodriguez, Sr.; Craig Erickson, Sr.

Outlook: Rodriguez has a personal best of 18 minutes flat, which he ran last season in the sectional. Improvement should be forthcoming for the entire team.

Quote: "Eddie ran an 18:08 at Lemon Lake and two other kids PR'd, so we expect to get better and better." -- coach Steve Foulds

HEBRON

Runners to watch: Jasen Egolf, Jr.; Kyle Schmidt, Jr.; Trevor Lewin, Sr.; Hunter Barbian, So.; Dan Seel, Sr.

Outlook: Freshmen Jon Hogg and Ryan Witt bolster an already strong squad that should dominate the PCC and vie for a semistate berth.

Quote: "The boys are all in the best shape we've been in years. We want to win the PCC, contend for the sectional and qualify for semistate." -- coach Mike DeFries

KOUTS

Runners to watch: Jake Keough, Sr.; Dan Cullison, Jr.; Mike Ferrell, Fr.

Outlook: The drop-off has been sharp for the Mustangs, who sent Jake Carden to state last season and were 25-3 in conference duals over the last four years. In addition to the graduation losses, Kouts had two runners not return, leaving it with only three. Keough is a semistate hopeful individually. Cullison, who ran as a freshman, splits time with soccer.

Quote: "It's really disheartening to get off the bus and not be able to compete as a team. Kouts is known as a good cross country program, and you'd think it would carry over, but it doesn't. We have to go back and rebuild, make changes in the program to get it back up." -- coach Perry Heinold

LACROSSE

Runners to watch: Nate Rhodes, Fr.; Ross Warner, Sr.; Tyler Mack, Jr.

Outlook: Rhodes immediately steps in as the team's top runner. LaCrosse has six runners and will be without Mack for the early part of the season.

Quote: "Rhodes is already low 19s as a freshman. We had five guys under 21 (minutes) in our first meet, which is actually pretty good for us." -- coach Brian McMahan

Runners to watch: Alec Kostelnik, So.; Jaron Coleman, Sr.; Kyle Osborne, So.; Chris Dupre, Fr.

Outlook: The Cherokees have no margin for error with five runners but return two all-conference finishers in Kostelnik and Coleman. A healthy Osborne and the addition of Dupre from Valpo should help.

Quote: "I think we can be competitive in the conference, somewhere in the top two, three, four." -- coach Mike Grennes

Runners to watch: Derek Budka, So.; Stephen Price, So.; Caleb Scarborough, Sr.; Bobby Claypool, Fr.

Outlook: Scarborough returns after a year off, and Claypool should be an immediate contributor. The Satellites' numbers are also up with eight runners.

Quote: "I'm happy to have a few more kids. We're hoping to continue building with a younger team." -- coach Rachel Werner

Runners to watch: Andrew Matchett, Sr.; Jonah Copsy, So.; Zac Cannon, Sr.

Outlook: An experienced group should get a boost from the addition of Matchett, a track standout who has joined the cross country ranks.

Quote: "We're excited to have an older team. With cross country, it's always nice to know what to expect. We've got a lot of good leaders, which keeps the team going and growing." -- coach Angela Kneifel-Mendenhall

Others

E.C. CENTRAL

Outlook: The Cardinals finished seventh in last season's Gavit Sectional, but a rebuilding year is likely upon them with the loss of three top runners to graduation.

RENSSELAER

Runners to watch: Pat Massoels, Sr.; Nathan Graves, Sr.; Casey Hooker, Sr.; Matt Dobson, Jr.; Zach Horner, Jr.; Tyler Kem, So.; Trent Nagel, Jr.

Outlook: The Bombers return an extremely talented core from last season and look to repeat their trip to semistate as a team.

Quote: "I don't see why we can't (qualify for semistate) again. They're more consistent this year." -- coach Sid Dobson

WESTVILLE

Runners to watch: Drake Wood, Jr.; Elvester Moore, Jr.; Kyle Hodge, Jr.; Sam Polchlopek, Fr.

Outlook: The Blackhawks need another body for a team score. Wood should lead the way and Moore has made significant improvement.

Quote: "We're still searching for that fifth team member. It's a challenge." -- coach Todd DeVries