Boys-
Last year's boys victorious coach Paul Vandersteen was incredibly modest
Key teams: #2 Naperville (Neuqua Valley), #4 Wheaton-Warrenville South, #7 Hinsdale Central, #13 Winnetka (New Trier), #19 Minooka, Naperville North, Palatine; [2A]- #12 Darien (Hinsdale South), #22 Deerfield
The outlook: After an easy 44 point romp against some of the best teams here last year, defending state champion Neuqua Valley is in the same position as a year ago. That position is a team returniing while having graduated many key part. But the goal is to win another big early season championship. The Wildcats are a deep bunch with some great experience returning. Seniors Danny Winek, Tyler Bombacino, and Ryan Kennedy along with junior Zach Kinne form a great alliance. They will pack run with the best of them and surge home like a hornet's nest. Speaking of hornets, both Hinsdale teams Central and South will look to be among the top five teams and collecting honors. Central graduated long time runner Blake Evertsen. They will be tough to beat on their home course as usual. Don't overlook Wheaton South who in their season debut will not make things easy for Neuqua Valley and others. The Tigers return a loaded squad that finished third here. Don't be surprised if they make a move toward the first place plaque.
Some great talent has graduated leaving giviing upcoming emerging runners an opportunity to step up like Kinne and last year's 7th place finisher Ralph Papa of Metea Valley. Many will come out and run in the low to mid 15:00s as usual making this a great meet as always.