2A Boys-
Distance power Normal (University) moves up to 3A giving credence to two-time defending state champion Mahomet-Seymour to be in position for another crown. The Bulldogs return four starters from a year ago. It helps they return #1 man senior Mathias Powell who placed 4th last fall. They will have work to do in holding back with the likes of Sycamore, Chatham-Glenwood, Springfield, and Danville.
Sycamore is a school that placed third a year ago. Although they lose their low-stick runner Stephen Poorten to graduation, four of the top seven runners return. Getting back to the podium won't be as easy as the latter half of the runners will need to step up.
Chatham-Glenwood will be an upperclassmen outfit this fall. Look for the Titans to vault up from their 5th place state finish a year ago. The Maton twins seniors Drey Maton and Dathan Maton will lead the charge along with fellow senior Cooper Peterson. Drey placed earned all-state honors last year by placing 25th.
Springfield is a team that returns six starters from a year ago. The Senators has always been a tough team in state series play, and look to be difficult to handle once again. All-stater junior Kyle Boughter is ready to improve on his 18th place finish. More importantly, it is the tight 1-5 split is what you have to watch out for.
Can a 9th place team like Danville make a run for a top three trophy spot? This is a program that has been simmering for some time and with six runners returning, why not?
The race for individual supremacy will be a new one. Powell appears to be the favorite now after big graduation losses- most notably are state champ and runner-up Matt Richtman (Kaneland) and Jake Gebhardt (Sterling). Also gone is Jack Becker (Crystal Lake South). This fine group of talented runners is now in college. Rising junior Adam Gilbreath-Glaub of Metamora had a rough ending to his cross country season. He did not compete in the state final. He got major solace in upending Powell over the final two laps of the 3200 to win the state title. Look for a strong challenge in Peoria later this fall.