Indiana Runner

Boys Preseason Top 50

Indiana Runner brings you this season's top 50 preseason boys teams

By:  Brandon Jones 

#50 – Bloomington North Cougars

Brown County Semi-State #8

2008 Results:

Brown County Sectional – 2^nd place (54 points)

Brown County Regional – 4^th place (108 points)

Brown County Semi-State – 8^th place (210 points)

2009 Returnees: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)

Steven Zerfas (12) – 17:17 (57^th place)

Steven Hosler (12) – 17:24 (65^th place)

Charlie Wagner (11) – 17:46 (90^th place)

Jeff Sparks (11) – 17:50 (96^th place)

Outlook:

2008 was not a typical year for perennial powerhouse Bloomington North.  They are usually a staple when it comes to state meet appearances but ran a bit subpar at the semi-state.  2009 will be a year in which Bloomington North will once again struggle to advance to the state level of competition.  Gone is front runner Andrew Buzzelli.  All is not lost however as they are very well coached and have a handful of athletes capable of helping at the varsity level as they rotated various runners in and out of their varsity lineup during the tournament series last fall.

New Haven Semi-State #15

2008 Results:

South Bend Riley Sectional:  2^nd place (64 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  8^th place (168 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Elkhart Central Regional)

Mike Bradley (12) – 17:00 (23^rd place)

Conner Method (10) – 17:06 (28^th place)

Joshua O’Brien (10) – 17:51 (55^th place)

David Borntrager (11) – 18:10 (70^th place)

Joe Zielinski (10) – 18:18 (72^nd place)

Outlook:

The Indians return five athletes from the 2008 edition that placed eighth at the underrated Elkhart Central Regional.  They are lacking a front running threat, but have a decent 1-2 punch that will do some damage in low-key meets.  They are in a position to extend their season an extra week by advancing to the semi-state, but a state berth seems out of reach at this point.

#48 - Crown Point Bulldogs

New Prairie Semi-State #7

2008 Results:

Crown Point Sectional – 1^st place (48 points)

Crown Point Regional – 2^nd place (76 points)

New Prairie Semi-State – 8^th place (256 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Chris Shellenber (12) – 17:03 (39^th place)

Colin Likas (12) – 17:13 (49^th place)

Kyle Davis (12) – 17:54 (90^th place)

Ryan Santelik (11) – 18:07 (107^th place)

Jake Masolak (12) – 18:08 (110^th place)

Jake White (12) – 18:52 (138^th place)

Outlook:

At first glance, one might think that Crown Point is in great position to make a run towards the state finals.  They return six of their seven that toed the line at New Prairie last fall where they were in the money for a trip to Terre Haute.  However, that ONE loss is a big one in front runner Brian Witt.  The Bulldogs do have senior leadership on their side as five members of the 2010 class will lead them on the course.  They will once again be in the conversation for the final spot at New Prairie.

#47 – Plainfield Quakers

Franklin Central Semi-State #20

2008 Results:

South Putnam Sectional:  2^nd place (48 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  4^th place (99 points)

Franklin Central Semi-State:  14^th place (377 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Franklin Central Semi-State)

Patrick Patterson (12) – 17:05 (78^th place)

Dalton Boyer (12) – 17:24 (107^th place)

Sam Eichenberger (11) – 17:47 (122^nd place)

Grant Collicott (12) – 18:24 (142^nd place)

David Owens (10) – 18:41 (149^th place)

Outlook:

Plainfield has been a strong team that has not gotten much attention over the past few years.  They have quietly qualified for the Franklin Central Semi-State consistently as of late.  2009 will be another year that the Quakers could be present at that level, but it will not be easy.  Junior front runner Nick McGrew has departed for Martinsville (he also attended Martinsville as a freshman) which leaves a hole at the front of the lineup.  The Quakers have a decent group of guys and should be in the mix for another semi-state berth.

#46 - Homestead Spartans

New Haven Semi- State #14

2008 Results:

Bellmont Sectional – 2^nd place (56 points)

Marion Regional – 3^rd place (87 points)

New Haven Semi-State – 14^th place (323 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Kodi Mullins (11) – 16:42 (33^rd place)

Andrew McLain (12) – 17:13 (67^th place)

Brandon Soat (10) – 17:47 (102^nd place)

Eric Miller (12) – 17:54 (105^th place)

Donnie Heath (12) – 18:20 (125^th place)

Outlook:

Homestead is another one of those teams that should improve, but their team scores might not indivate the level of improvement.  They return a core group of athletes that placed 14^th at New Haven.  Mullins will take over the front running responsibilities and should do so with relative ease.  Realistic goals for the Spartans will be a top ten team finish and the possibility of Mullins make a trip to state individually.

#45 – Heritage Christian Eagles

Franklin Central Semi-State #19

2008 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  4^th place (98 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  10^th place (221 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

Taylor Story (11) – 16:42 (40^th place)

Jack Morgan (11) - 16:59 (50^th place)

Nathan Hadley (11) – 17:06 (57^th place)

Warren Lawless (11) – 18:10 (71^st place)

Chris Davidson (10) – 18:33 (74^th place)

Outlook:

The Eagles were a team that underachieved in 2009.  Being one of the smaller schools in the toughest part of the state for this sport, Heritage Christian will struggle to improve upon last season’s regional berth.  They will miss the front running capabilities of Nick Thompson, but have a nice group of juniors ready to take over the duties.  They have a nice 1-2-3 punch but will need big breakthroughs from their final scorers and beyond if they are to take the next step.

Franklin Central Semi-State #18

2008 Results:

South Dearborn Sectional – 1^st place (20 points)

Greensburg Regional – 5^th place (118 points)

Franklin Central Semi-State – 20^th place (472 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Franklin Central Semi-State)

Blake Coleman (12) – 17:13 (91^st place)

Chris Giesting (11) – 17:14 (94^th place)

Hayden Merkel (10) – 17:21 (102^nd place)

Collin Koury (11) – 18:02 (130^th place)

Jonathan Krekeler (12) – 18:05 (134^th place)

Damien Suffridge (12) – 19:22 (155^th place)

Outlook:

Batesville should undoubtedly improve upon its last place finish at last season’s Franklin Central Semi-State.  They return six of seven athletes from that squad and have a respectable 1-2-3 punch.  Merkel is coming off a great track season and should challenge for the front running spot.  Add incoming freshman Trevor Smith (who should be a scorer for the Bulldogs) into the mix and you have a team that could crack into the top 15 which is nothing to be ashamed of.

#43 – Culver Academies Eagles

New Prairie Semi-State #6

2008 Results:

Culver Academies Sectional – 1^st place (38 points)

Culver Academies Regional – 2^nd place (74 points)

New Prairie Semi-State – 11^th place (288 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Alejandro Arroyo (12) – 16:13 (8^th place)

Christopher Trennepohl (12) – 17:08 (45^th place)

Coleman Zimmerman (12) – 17:24 (57^th place)

Bradke Ramsey (12) – 18:06 (104^th place)

Alexander Burke (11) – 18:10 (112^th place)

Austin Welch (11) – 18:53 (140^th place)

Outlook:

Culver Academies has two ingredients for success as we enter the fall.  First, they have a tremendous front runner in Arroyo.  He should make the trip to state without many problems.  Second, they have senior leadership, which is a key component of any successful team.  They have a shot to make the trip to Terre Haute as a team, but need to establish consistency and see improvement in the 4-5 spots.  An insurance policy in solid 6-7 runners wouldn’t hurt either.

#42 – Lawrence Central Bears

Franklin Central Semi-State #17

2008 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional – 5^th place (130 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional – 9^th place (216 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

Connor Claflin (11) – 16:46 (44^th place)

Doug Blaase (11) – 16:56 (49^th place)

Cameron Doxey (11) – 17:40 (66^th place)

Outlook:

Lawrence Central will greatly benefit from a super freshman class that should come in and contribute immediately at the varsity level.  The Bears are in a similar position to Brebeuf, in that, it will be difficult to measure their improvement because of the superb talent surrounding Indianapolis.  They should once again challenge to qualify out of the Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional (no easy task) and be satisfied with another trip to the loaded Brebeuf Regional.

#41 – Fort Wayne Northrop Bruins

New Haven Semi-State #13

2008 Results:

Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional:  4^th place (86 points)

West Noble Regional:  4^th place (117 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  5^th place (194 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  17^th place (417 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Cyrus Brinegar (12) – 16:55 (46^th place)

Nick Nave (12) – 16:56 (47^th place)

Cullin Brinegar (10) – 18:03 (115^th place)

Logan Pulver (10) – 18:45 (131^st place)

Outlook:

Entering this fall, the Northrop program is one of the most interesting storylines.  Seven underclassmen competed for the Bruins at the state finals last season, making the future seem bright.  However, after speaking with head coach Matt Parker, the top three returnees are choosing not to compete for one reason or another.  However, the only runner that he completely ruled out of the lineup is top runner Cedrick Hannah.  At full strength, the Bruins could compete for another state berth and a top ten team finish.  But for now, a return trip to the New Haven Semi-State seems like a realistic goal.

#40 – Castle Knights

Brown County Semi-State #7

2008 Results:

Evansville Mater Dei Sectional:  1^st place (37 points)

Pike Central Regional:  1^st place (31 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  12^th place (287 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)

Gordon Cunningham (12) – 17:04 (46^th place)

Rudy Brake (11) – 17:25 (67^th place)

Alex Phaup (11) – 17:29 (74^th place)

Dylan Dale (12) – 17:37 (86^th place)

Michael Brown (11) – 17:59 (106^th place)

Eric Bravo (11) – 18:01 (109^th place)

Alex Schoenstein (12) – 18:02 (111^th place)

Outlook:

Experience is everything in this sport and Castle has plenty of it.  All seven returnees toed the line in last fall’s Brown County Semi-State and they have something to prove.  After cruising through the first two rounds of the tournament, the Knights figured to be in the hunt for a state berth.  However, they did not run up to par and sunk to a disappointing 12^th place finish.  Schoenstein was a front runner for the Knights much of last season and made a formidable lineup.  If he can return to form and Castle can learn from previous mistakes, 2009 could be the year.

#39 – Mount Vernon (Fortville) Marauders

New Haven Semi-State #12

2008 Results:

Pendleton Heights Sectional:  1^st place (57 points)

Delta Regional:  1^st place (70 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  8^th place (239 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Jalen Matney (12) – 16:43 (34^th place)

Alex Cappelletti (12) – 16:52 (42^nd place)

Keegan Vail (12) – 17:24 (76^th place)

Nathan Bode (10) – 17:57 (111^th place)

Gary Maley (10) – 18:07 (117^th place)

Outlook:

Mount Vernon (Fortville) returns five runners who were seconds away from a state berth last season.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that one of the two departures was front runner Michael Mead.  The Marauders relied heavily on him last season and he will be tough to replace.  If they wish to take another shot at a trip to Terre Haute, they must close the gap on their top two and their two sophomores (freshmen in 2008) must grow up in a hurry.  Also, keep an eye on this team to see if senior Chris Hanson makes an appearance after a great track season.

#38 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves

Franklin Central Semi-State #16

2008 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  6^th place (139 points)

2009 Returnees: (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional)

Jason Hoard (11) – 16:20 (6^th place)

John Krasich (12) – 17::25 (25^th place)

Isiah Brenner (12) – 17:52 (38^th place)

Jacob Krevda (12) – 17:56 (40^th place)

Outlook:

The Braves are in the unfortunate scenario of hosting the most difficult sectional and regional in the state.  Last season, they were in the worst position one can be in, which is sixth.  While 2009 does not look too promising for Brebeuf due to geography, expect some improvement from Hoard (who was a state qualifier in track as a freshman).  Nick Kirkpatrick (a transfer from Carmel) should help out greatly and slide in to the second spot on the Braves roster.  Another trip to their own regional would have to be considered a successful season for Brebeuf.

#37 – Pendleton Heights Arabians

New Haven Semi-State #11

2008 Results:

Pendleton Heights Sectional:  2^nd place (65 points)

Delta Regional:  4^th place (95 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  13^th place (306 points)  

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Nathan Hendershot (12) – 15:43 (2^nd place)

Hunter Mills (12) – 16::33 (23^rd place)

Cameron Mandrell (11) – 17:03 (50^th place)

Sam Giddings (10) – 18:00 (112^th place)

Jared Burke (11) – 18:08 (119^th place)

Chase Stephenson (11) – 18:10 (121^st place)

Andrew Rainer (12) – 18:47 (133^rd place)

Outlook:

Pendleton Heights has an advantage that few other teams in the state have.  They have a front runner in Nathan Hendershot that should score minimal points in every meet.  That puts the pressure on the remaining six, who all return as well.  The Arabians have one of the best 1-2-3 punches in their area, but after that the bottom falls out.  They should improve upon last season’s 13^th place semi-state finish, but will need huge improvements from runners 4-7 if they want to do some real damage.  If not, Hendershot and possibly Mills could be flying solo to Terre Haute.

New Haven Semi-State #10

2008 Results:

Bellmont Sectional:  1^st place (36 points)

Marion Regional:  2^nd place (58 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  9^th place (250 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Evan Boucher (10) – 16:46 (36^th place)

Nick Fuelling (10) – 17:01 (49^th place)

Blake Adams (10) – 17:16 (69^th place)

Kyle Lehrman (11) – 17:44 (100^th place)

Outlook:

Bellmont will be an interesting team to keep an eye on in 2009.  The Braves return four athletes from last season’s sectional championship squad that placed ninth at New Haven.  Three of their four returnees (the top three in fact) were all freshmen last time around.  It will be interesting to see how they progress as sophomores and a new leadership role.  While a state berth seems like a long shot, if these kids get some confidence and build some momentum going into the tournament, they could turn some heads.

#35 – Lake Central Indians

New Prairie Semi-State #5

2008 Results:

Hammond Gavit Sectional:  1^st place (34 points)

Crown Point Regional:  3^rd place (82 points)

New Prairie Semi-State:  9^th place (268 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Chris Jelewski (12) – 16:53 (30^th place)

Efrain Flores (12) – 17:30 (63^rd place)

Eric Hickok (11) – 17:37 (70^th place)

Kevin Horecky (12) – 17:38 (72^nd place)

Jake Ponton (11) – 17:44 (78^th place)

Erik Plesha (11) – 17:53 (89^th place)

Jeff Trembecki (12) – 17:55 (91^st place)

Outlook:

2009 appears to be a great year for the Indians of Lake Central.  They return all seven runners from last season’s sectional championship squad that placed ninth at New Prairie.  They have some problems to fix, such as a legitimate front running threat as well as a gap after their top gun.  However, they have depth on their side which is often an underrated quality.  These types of teams seem to not care who gets the credit and if Lake Central abides by this rule it is hard to see them not making a state meet appearance this fall.

#34 – Warsaw Tigers

New Haven Semi-State #9

2008 Results:

Elkhart Central Sectional:  3^rd place (113 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  3^rd place (109 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  16^th place (360 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Jordan Scroggs (11) – 17:05 (53^rd place)

Nate West (12) – 17:10 (62^nd place)

Trevor Callahan (11) – 17:17 (70^th place)

Jeremiah Stichter (12) – 17:24 (78^th place)

Spencer Rheinhardt (10) – 17:40 (97^th place)

Ryan Connors (11) – 18:04 (116^th place)

Outlook:

Warsaw is another team that will undoubtedly improve upon its successes from 2008.  The Tigers return their top six athletes from last season’s semi-state qualifying squad.  They have one of the tougher roads through the tournament which could have taken its toll last season.  They have a solid core, but are lacking the front running needed to solidify a state berth.  If someone can emerge from this pack as a legitimate sub 16:30 guy and the remaining scorers can dip below 17 minutes, keep an eye on Warsaw.

#33 – North Harrison Cougars

Brown County Semi-State #6

2008 Results:

Crawford County Sectional:  3^rd place (71 points)

Crawford County Regional:  2^nd place (95 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  6^th place (188 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  19^th place (436 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)

Tyler Byrne (12) – 15:50 (1^st place)

Ryan Foster (10) – 16:52 (32^nd place)

Johnnie Guy (10) – 17:22 (64^th place)

Peter Book (12) – 17:58 (105^th place)

Josh Guy (10) – 18:17 (122^nd place)

Outlook:

North Harrison caught fire last season and surprised many by grabbing the final spot at Brown County.  They then, succeeded expectations by placing 19^th at the big show.  Five of the athletes who led them last season are back, led by all-stater Tyler Byrne.  They have quite a gap following the senior, but incoming freshman Jonathan Reynolds should step right into the second slot and has a chance to be a sub 16:30 caliber guy right away.  If North Harrison makes another run towards the state finals, no one will be surprised this time around.

#32 – West Lafayette Red Devils

New Prairie Semi-State #4

2008 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional:  2^nd place (62 points)

Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional:  3^rd place (61 points)

New Prairie Semi-State:  5^th place (197 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  18^th place (426 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)
Julian Jimenez-Corridor (12) – 16:22 (9^th place)

Zane Cooperider (11) – 16:51 (27^th place)

Andrew Cartwright (10) – 17:36 (68^th place)

Ben Ooms (12) – 17:49 (86^th place)

Outlook:

West Lafayette’s girls program has had a lot of success in recent years.  In 2008, the boys squad made others notice as they made a state finals run.  They have a nice front runner in Jiminez-Corridor returning, so that will make things easier for a repeat run this fall.  In what seems to be another down year for the New Prairie Semi-State bubble teams, West Lafayette simply needs to find another sub 18 minute performer to punch their ticket.

#31 – Martinsville Artesians

Brown County Semi-State #5

2008 Results:

Brown County Sectional:  3^rd place (57 points)

Brown County Regional:  3^rd place (98 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  7^th place (207 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)

Jace Lowry (11) – 16:22 (11^th place)

Taylor Lowry (12) – 16:49 (28^th place)

Clifford Marr (12) – 17:29 (73^rd place)

Eli Dannemiller (12) – 18:06 (116^th place)

C.J. Cazee (10) – 18:24 (130^th place)

Leigh Nelson (10) – 18:48 (140^th place)

Outlook:

Martinsville was a near miss last season as they placed seventh at Brown County.  They return six of the athletes that competed at the semi-state including their top two.  They appear to be in a similar position entering 2009.  If they can improve 20-30 seconds a man, it will be hard pressed to keep them at home state finals week.  The return of junior Nick McGrew (who ran for Martinsville as a freshman and competed for Plainfield last fall) should allow the Artesians to boast one of the best 1-2-3 punches in the south.  However, his status is still up in the air.

#30 – Ben Davis Giants

Franklin Central Semi-State #15

2008 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional:  4^th place (66 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  4^th place (106 points)

Franklin Central Semi-State:  11^th place (332 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Franklin Central Semi-State)

Traishaun Johnson (12) – 16:09 (19^th place)

Joshua Williams (12) – 16:59 (75^th place)

Luke Brahm (10) – 17:12 (87^th place)

Amanuel Medhane (12) – 17:14 (93^rd place)

Esteban Alberto (12) – 18:12 (137^th place)

Outlook:

Ben Davis would be a legitimate state meet threat anywhere else in the state.  However, their tough road through the tournament and their lack of depth will cost them in 2009.  They have a great 1-4 punch and Johnson should be a state qualifier individually.  However, a fifth man over 18 minutes in central Indiana is a dagger.  They are the largest school in the state so finding another 17 minute guy walking the halls is a distinct possibility.  If they can do so, they could be in the conversation with other central Indiana teams.  If not, a semi-state berth is the top level this team can reach.

#29 – Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish

Franklin Central Semi-State #14

2008 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  3^rd place (79 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  8^th place (186 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

James Ricker (12) – 16:00 (14^th place)

William O’Herren (12) – 16:32 (30^th place)

John Kelly (10) – 16:43 (42^nd place)

Outlook:

Indianapolis Cathedral has the potential to be a good team in 2009.  They boast one of the state’s best 1-2 punches in Ricker and O’Herren.  They need some more complimentary pieces if they are to take the next step and qualify as a team to the semi-state.  However, individual goals should be the focus for the Irish this fall.  Ricker and O’Herren have the potential to both place in the top 15 at the Franklin Central Semi-State.  O’Herren had an extremely disappointing end to his cross country season last fall, but was on fire this spring on the track.

New Haven Semi-State #8

2008 Results:

Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional:  2^nd place (69 points)

West Noble Regional:  3^rd place (117 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  6^th place (195 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  24^th place (512 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Charles Melton (11) – 16:30 (19^th place)

Mackenzie Neukam (11) – 16:31 (20^th place)

Stuart Schnelker (11) – 17:18 (73^rd place)

Outlook:

Fort Wayne North grabbed the last spot out of New Haven last season, but seemed simply happy to be in Terre Haute as the placed a disappointing 24^th place.  They return their top two athletes from that squad in Melton and Neukam.  Other teams in northeast Indiana return more depth, so if the Redskins wish to make a second consecutive trip to the state finals, they will need to find a couple more sub 17:30 caliber kids.  If not, we could see two individuals from Fort Wayne North Side toeing the line at the state finals.

#27 – LaPorte Slicers

New Prairie Semi-State #3

2008 Results:

Chesterton Sectional:  3^rd place (70 points)

New Prairie Regional:  3^rd place (72 points)

New Prairie Semi-State:  4^th place (157 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  13^th place (330 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Mitchell Hubner (10) – 16:55 (31^st place)

Joshua Hojancki (11) – 17:26 (59^th place)

Morgan Dearing (11) – 17:29 (62^nd place)

Austin Alcorn (10) – 17:45 (80^th place)

Stuart West (11) – 17:56 (93^rd place)

Outlook:

LaPorte has been a team on the rise over the past few years.  Their second place finish in 2007 has seemed to create a buzz around this program and they carried that momentum to another state berth last fall.  It appears that the Slicers have another shot at the state meet in 2009.  Hubner will now assume the front running duties after the graduation of Matthew Miller.  He has enough complimentary parts to make this season another one to remember for the Slicers.  Also, 2009 could just be a dress rehearsal as all five athletes listed above will return in 2010 and one would have to think they could be in the mix for a podium spot.

#26 – Northridge Raiders

New Haven Semi-State #7

2008 Results:

Elkhart Central Sectional:  1^st place (49 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  1^st place (42 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  3^rd place (157 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  8^th place (255 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Trevor Moore (11) – 16:11 (8^th place)

Tyler Beachy (10) – 17:15 (68^th place)

Marshall Hawn (11) – 17:43 (98^th place)

Outlook:

Like Bloomington North, Northridge is a team that measures its success in state final appearances.  2009 could possibly to be the end of a long stretch of success in Middlebury.  Gone are four seniors, including frontrunner Andrew Albert.  The Raiders do not appear to have the star middle school talent coming in that they have had in past years.  But don’t let that fool you.  They are very well coached and Hawn had a poor race at the semi-state in 2009.  They have a couple of promising junior varsity runners that could fill in the roster nicely. 

#25 – Wawasee Warriors

New Haven Semi-State #6

2008 Results:

Elkhart Central Sectional:  4^th place (119 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  5^th place (152 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  11^th place (299 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Jose Meija (12) – 16:29 (17^th place)

Adam Glandon (11) – 17:08 (57^th place)

Daniil Gardner (12) – 17:18 (71^st place)

Matt Rensberger (12) – 17:22 (75^th place)

Luke Thompson (11) – 17:24 (79^th place)

Justin Krizman (12) – 17:33 (87^th place)

Silas Shear (10) – 18:09 (120^th place)

Outlook:

Wawasee is a team that reminds me of Concord entering last season.  They have a solid front runner in Meija and a solid pack to compliment him.  They are in a great position to make a run towards Terre Haute as they return all seven runners from last season’s 11^th place semi-state team.  If Meija can do his job and the remaining scorers can follow suit and keep the gap small, the Warriors will be amongst the teams battling for a state meet berth at New Haven.

#24 – Lawrence North Wildcats

Franklin Central Semi-State #13

2008 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  2^nd place (77 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  7^th place (181 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

Zachary Grese (12) – 16:36 (34^th place)

Joshua Roche (11) – 16:46 (45^th place)

Zachary Miller (12) – 17:16 (60^th place)

John Alvardo (12) – 17:29 (64^th place)

Scott Stanley (11) – 18:01 (70^th place)

Outlook:

Lawrence North returns five athletes from last season’s squad that saw its season end prematurely at the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional.  The Wildcats look to be in a similar position as many of the teams around them also return a solid lineup.  Grese returns as the front runner and he and Roche had great track campaigns.  Add in a couple of freshmen that could help at the varsity level and Lawrence North will once again be a team to keep an eye on in central Indiana.

#23 – West Noble Chargers

New Haven Semi-State #5

2008 Results:

West Noble Sectional:  1^st place (55 points)

West Noble Regional:  2^nd place (111 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  10^th place (261 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Joseph Landeros (11) – 16:18 (13^th place)

Matthew Price (11) – 16:37 (29^th place)

Jose Ibanez (11) – 17:05 (55^th place)

Alan Pizana (11) – 17:35 (90^th place)

Thomas Weimer (12) – 18:52 (135^th place)

Outlook:

West Noble had an off day at the New Haven Semi-State last time around.  They defeated eventual state qualifiers Fort Wayne Northrop and Fort Wayne Northside the previous week at the regional round only to get 10^th at the following week’s semi-state.  They return five athletes from that squad including a potent top three.  They need to find a fifth man who can seal the deal as over 100 points for one runner will not get it done.  Help may be on the way however as sophomore Kevin Handshoe had an impressive track season and could come in and help on the grass in 2009.

#22 – Perry Meridian Falcons

Franklin Central Semi-State #12

2008 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional:  3^rd place (59 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  2^nd place (92 points)

Franklin Central Semi-State:  13^th place (358 points)

2009 Returnees:  (Based on results from the Franklin Central Semi-State)

Lance Young (12) – 16:41 (50^th place)

Kameron Casey (11) – 16:44 (55^th place)

Steven Eakle (12) – 17:15 (95^th place)

Joel Petersen (12) – 17:44 (118^th place)

Daniel Swem (10) – 17:45 (121^st place)

Casey Rohl (10) – 18:03 (133^rd place)

Outlook:

Not to sell Perry Meridian short, but the Falcons should have one thing on their mind entering 2009.  Win a sectional title.  Considering the road that Perry takes through the tournament, this is no easy task.  Many of the teams that follow the same path through the tournament as Perry Meridian have suffered graduation losses.  The Falcons could also crack the top 10 at the semi-state with some improvements, especially at the back end of their lineup. 

#21 – Perry Central Commodores

Brown County Semi-State #4

2008 Results:

Jasper Sectional:  1^st place (50 points)

Crawford County Regional:  3^rd place (100 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  5^th place (178 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  20^th place (453 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)

Michael Ernst (12) – 16:51 (30^th place)

Jake Schwartz (12) – 16:56 (37^th place)

Eric Schreiber (11) – 16:58 (38^th place)

Ian Bashor (11) – 16:59 (40^th place)

Neil Schwartz (11) – 17:57 (102^nd place)

Kyle Troesch (11) – 18:46 (139^th place)

Noah Gatwood (11) – 19:11 (151^st place)

Outlook:

Perry Central was a team that had high expectations entering 2008.  They laid low for the majority of the regular season and hit their stride come tournament time as they qualified for the state meet for the second consecutive season (which is rare for a small school).  They should be in position to make it three in a row but MUST get their #5 spot under control.  A solid freshman class coming in should provide some help for the Commodores.

2008 Results:

Edinburgh Sectional:  2^nd place (53 points)

Greensburg Regional:  2^nd place (54 points)

Franklin Central Semi-State:  10^th place (327 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Franklin Central Semi-State)
Nathan Catt (12) – 16:46 (59^th place)

Austin Mudd (11) – 17:01 (76^th place)

Jacob Martin (11) – 17:07 (81^st place)

Jordan Bantista (11) – 17:13 (89^th place)

Ryan Meyer (11) – 17:44 (119^th place)

Outlook:

Center Grove returns a nice group of athletes that had a respectable performance (10^th) at the Franklin Central Semi-State.  Their top four need to continue to improve if they are to repeat last year’s success.  However, like many other teams, they need to see improvement at the final scoring spot or they are in trouble.  If Meyer, or another runner for that matter, can drop some time into the low 17’s, don’t sleep on Center Grove.

#19 – Bloomington South Panthers

Brown County Semi-State #3

2008 Results:

Brown County Sectional:  1^st place (36 points)

Brown County Regional:  2^nd place (62 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  2^nd place (107 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  15^th place (388 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Brown County Regional)

Justin Chen (12) – 16:30 (15^th place)

Carl Smith (10) – 17:01 (43^rd place)

Michael Staton (10) – 17:02 (45^th place)

Jordan Gornall (11) – 17:06 (49^th place)

John Wagner (12) – 17:57 (103^rd place)

Outlook:

Though they lose front runner Joe Holahan, Bloomington South won’t drop off too much, if any at all.  The Panthers return five athletes with state meet experience led by Justin Chen.  Chen had a great track season at 3200 meters and should step in to the leadership role with little difficulty.  They are solid through four runners, but need some help at the final scoring spot.  Senior Alex Bristol did not compete at the semi-state, but was the fifth and final scorer at the state meet.  That should be enough to solidify another state meet berth.