Indiana Runner

Boys XC Preseason Top 50 -- 2010

By:  Brandon Jones

#50 – Avon Orioles – Carmel Semi-State #21

2009 Results:

South Putnam Sectional:  3^rd place (87 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  7^th place (195 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Ben Davis Regional)

Jordan Mueller (10) – 17:48 (38^th place)

Zachary McCormack (12) – 17:54 (43^rd place)

Ross Hughes (10) – 18:09 (48^th place)

Calvin Nguyen (12) – 18:10 (49^th place)

Luke Briggs (11) – 18:12 (51^st place)

2010 Outlook:

Avon returns a nice group that will fare well in small meets and small invitationals.  They have a great 1-5 gap which will help.  However, they will need to find a front running threat if they are to compete with the big dogs of central Indiana.  Until then, improving upon last season’s 7^th place finish in the Ben Davis Regional by qualifying for the semi-state round of competition seems like the most realistic goal for the Orioles.

#49 – Bedford North Lawrence Stars – Brown County Semi-State #9

2009 Results:

Bedford North Lawrence Sectional:  2^nd place (36 points)

Bedford North Lawrence Regional:  2^nd place (75 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  11^th place (327 points)

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

Logan Barrett (12) – 17:10 (11^th place)

Lane Barrett (10) – 18:30 (90^th place)

Jay Wilson (12) – 19:06 (122^nd place)

Clayton Orender (11) – 19:17 (135^th place)

Aaron Zollman (10) – 19:36 (144^th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Stars look to be in prime position to improve upon their near miss of a top 10 finish in last fall’s Brown County Semi-State.  They return a solid front runner in Logan Barrett and a decent nucleus behind him.  The key to Bedford North Lawrence’s season will be the improvement of their 2-5 runners and beyond.  They cannot survive with a gap of over 60 seconds between their 1-2 runners and an additional minute to their fifth a final scorer.  If they can find answers beyond their front runner, they may hear their name called as state qualifiers out of Brown County.

#48 – Penn Kingsmen – New Haven Semi-State #13

2009 Results:

South Bend Riley Sectional:  3^rd place (76 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  6^th place (156 points)

Returning Runners (Based on results from the Elkhart Central Regional)

Devin Duffy (12) – 17:03 (22^nd place)

Paul Watts (11) – 17:23 (32^nd place)

Tim Koontz (11) – 17:41 (43^rd place)

Aaron Long (11) – 17:55 (53^rd place)

Jack Adams (12) – 18:50 (69^th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Kingsmen find themselves in a difficult position entering this fall.  They are not strong enough at this point to run with the top dogs of northern Indiana, but still should extend their season by one week.  After a disappointing sixth place finish at the Elkhart Central Regional last season, the Kingsmen return five athletes who ran and should be on the bubble once again for a shot at the New Haven Semi-State.

#47 – Perry Meridian Falcons – Carmel Semi-State #20

2009 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional:  2^nd place (50 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  3^rd place (87 points)

Carmel Semi-State:  16^th place (409 points)

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

Matt Terlep (12) – 17:26 (80^th place)

Daniel Swem (11) – 17:37 (99^th place)

Mark Zieles (12) – 17:58 (115^th place)

Brian Clark (12) – 18:16 (128^th place)

Casey Rohl (11) – 18:25 (132^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

Perry Meridian is a solid team on paper, but geography is doing them no favors.  They lack a front runner, but do boast a solid group of harriers whom are all close in terms of talent.  The Falcons should have a winning season and a good goal would be to place in the top half of the loaded Conference Indiana race.  Getting back to the north side of Indianapolis to compete as a team in the Carmel Semi-State is the ceiling for this team.  

#46 – Batesville Bulldogs – Carmel Semi-State #19

2009 Results:

South Dearborn Sectional:  1^st place (22 points)

Edinburgh Regional:  4^th place (97 points)

Carmel Semi-State:  17^th place (412 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on times from the Carmel Semi-State)

Hayden Merkel (11) – 17:10 (58^th place)

Collin Koury (12) – 17:48 (106^th place)

Chris Giesting (12) – 18:01 (116^th place)

Jon Ault (12) – 18:29 (133^rd place)

Trevor Smith (10) – 18:34 (135^th place)

2010 Outlook:

Batesville has the luxury of cruising through the first round of the tournament series before feeding in to the Edinburgh Regional and Carmel Semi-State.  The Bulldogs dominated their sectional last season and ran quite well with the big dogs the succeeding two weeks.  They return five athletes from last season’s semi-state finishing squad and finishing in the top 15 of the tough Carmel Semi-State should be their ultimate goal.

#45 – Terre Haute South Braves – Brown County Semi-State #8

2009 Results:

Terre Haute North Sectional:  2^nd place (72 points)

Brown County Regional:  6^th place (133 points)

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

Taylor Head (12) – 16:55 (7^th place)

Dale Young (12) – 18:07 (32^nd place)

Matt Collier (12) – 18:11 (36^th place)

Kyle Mullins (10) – 18:38 (45^th place)

Devon Fuson (10) – 18:59 (49^th place)

Jessie Bender (12) – 19:07 (52^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

Terre Haute South is looking to close the gap on their cross town rivals as well as the remainder of the teams in their area.  After a near miss at a semi-state berth in 2009, expect the Braves to not only take that next step, but to make a run towards the state finals in their home city.  They have all of the ingredients:  a solid front runner, senior leadership, and a dependable supporting cast.  Add into the mix talented freshman Jackson Bertoli and the Braves should be confident heading into October.

#44 – Mishawaka Cavemen – New Haven Semi-State #12

2009 Results:

South Bend Riley Sectional:  2^nd place (68 points)

Elkhart Central Sectional:  5^th place (118 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  15^th place (339 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Miguel Lozano (11) – 16:52 (18^th place)

Justin Duvall (11) – 17:32 (56^th place)

Matt Horsman (11) – 18:26 (112^th place)

Conner Patton (11) – 18:31 (119^th place)

Alex Trippel (11) – 19:12 (141^st place)

2010 Outlook:

Mishawaka returns five runners from last season’s 15^th place team at New Haven.  While making the jump to a state qualifying caliber team may be out of reach, the Cavemen still have a shot at cracking the top 10 at the semi-state which is no small feat.  Lozano looks as if he is in a good spot to make the tip to Terre Haute individually as he was a near miss in 2009.  If this team can get some experience this fall, they may have some momentum heading in to 2011.

#43 – Portage Indians – New Prairie Semi-State #7

2009 Results:

Chesterton Sectional:  5^th place (141 points)

New Prairie Regional:  6^th place (159 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Regional)

Robert Blackwell (11) – 17:18 (23^rd place)

Ross Falk (12) – 17:25 (26^th place)

Max Zmija (11) – 17:33 (33^rd place)

Zack Swets (10) – 18:04 (45^th place)

Jake Sullivan (11) – 18:06 (46^th place)

2010 Outlook:

Making a return towards the top of the rankings is former perennial powerhouse Portage.  The Indians, after a few years under the radar should be back in top form this fall.  Incoming freshman Dustin Balboa could provide immediate help and added depth as well.   They could challenge for a state berth out of the New Prairie Semi-State, but they have to get there first.  They travel through the challenging Chesterton Sectional and New Prairie Regional.  If they can survive those tests, don’t be surprised if the “flying P” is represented once again at the state finals.

#42 Ben Davis Giants – Carmel Semi-State #18

2009 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional:  1^st place (31 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  1^st place (35 points)

Carmel Semi-State:  9^th place (241 points)

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

Luke Brahm (11) – 16:59 (50^th place)

Dominique Brooks (12) – 17:31 (91^st place)

2010 Outlook:

At first glance, the Giants of Ben Davis are in rebuilding mode after losing 5 of their top 7 runners from last fall’s sectional and regional title teams.  Not so fast.  Ben Davis is on top of the running world right now after just capturing their third consecutive track state championship.  Common sense would indicate that “some” of that success would spill over to cross country.  While not in a position to challenge for a state meet berth, expect the Giants to field a very competitive team as they have one of the largest talent pools (over 4000 students) to choose from in the state of Indiana.

#41 – Concord Minutemen – New Haven Semi-State #11

2009 Results:

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

Elkhart Central Regional:  1^st place (51 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  1^st place (103 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  13^th place (320 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Daniel Zelaya (12) – 16:33 (5^th place)

Collin Chupp (11) – 17:30 (55^th place)

Alejandro Rodriguez (12) – 17:49 (80^th place)

2010 Outlook:

Concord had a magical campaign in 2009 as they ran though the state’s northeast corner en route to a 13^th place state meet finish.  The Minutemen will be hard pressed to repeat that success, but they will not fall too far.  They return a great front runner in senior Daniel Zelaya and a couple more components from that semi-state championship squad.  While you should not expect to see Concord toeing the line at the state finals as a team, expect to see Zelaya make the trip as an individual qualifier.

2009 Results:

Brown County Sectional:  3^rd place (83 points)

Brown County Regional:  4^th place (124 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  8^th place (250 points)

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

Andrew Carmin (10) – 17:36 (32^nd place)

Jeff Sparks (12) – 17:41 (36^th place)

Sebastian Kagemann (11) – 18:28 (83^rd place)

Logan Herendeen (11) – 19:13 (131^st place)

Eric Johnson (12) – 19:51 (147^th place)

2010 Outlook:

2009 was a rarity for Indiana high school cross country:  No Bloomington North in the state finals.  The Cougars were a near miss at Brown County last season as they finished eighth.  The good news?  They return five athletes from that squad.  The bad news?  Most of the teams that defeated them at the semi-state also boast a handful of returnees.  If Carmin can successfully mature in to a front runner and encourage his teammates to come along, then the Cougars will be right back in the mix of things at Brown County.

#39 – DeKalb Barons – New Haven Semi-State #10

2009 Results:

West Noble Sectional:  4^th place (84 points)

West Noble Regional:  7^th place (176 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the West Noble Regional)

Crouch Buster (12) – 16:57 (16^th place)

Evan Beakas (12) – 17:32 (33^rd place)

Samuel Passwater (12) – 18:00 (44^th place)

Austin LaRowe (11) – 18:04 (48^th place)

James Dillinger (10) – 18:15 (52^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

DeKalb is another team that is accustomed to running in the state finals.  After missing the semi-state by two positions last time around, the Barons will be looking to take that next step, and perhaps beyond.  DeKalb could have the ingredients to surprise some people.  If they can improve a bit up front and their 3-5 runners can steadily make progress, DeKalb could be in the discussion for a trip to Terre Haute.

#38 – Fort Wayne North Redskins – New Haven Semi-State #9

2009 Results:

Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional:  3^rd place (74 points)

West Noble Regional:  4^th place (111 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  14^th place (326 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Charles Melton (12) – 16:59 (22^nd place)

Mackenzie Neukam (12) – 17:38 (65^th place)

Clayton Brundige (11) – 17:49 (81^st place)

Stuart Schnelker (12) – 18:30 (116^th place)

Mason Luce (12) – 18:42 (128^th place)

Randy McComb (12) – 19:08 (138^th place)

2010 Outlook:

After making its first state meet appearance in quite some time (2008), North Side returned to the semi-state last year and finished a distant 14^th place.  Back from that team are six athletes poised to make a state meet run.  They need to tie up a few loose ends if they are to do so.  They have a solid front runner in Melton as well as a couple of complimentary parts in Neukam and Brundige.  Depth will be the Redskins’ deal maker or breaker.  If they can get their 4-5 runners under 18 minutes, they will be in the mix.  If not, Melton could be making a solo trip to LaVern Gibson.

#37 – Brebeuf Jesuit Braves – Carmel Semi-State #17

2009 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  5^th place (89 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  10^th place (237 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

Jason Hoard (12) – 16:08 (8^th place)

Nick Kirkpatrick (11) – 17:05 (47^th place)

Sam Pence (11) – 18:19 (72^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

The Braves were once again bitten by the geography bug last season.  The Braves finished 10^th at their own regional and only Jason Hoard advanced to the semi-state.  While 2010 looks to be more of the same, don’t count out Brebeuf from producing a solid team.  Hoard should have little trouble (easy to say but take a look at his path through the tournament) making the state finals as an individual, but don’t expect his teammates to join him.  A solid goal for this squad would be to match last season’s success in qualifying for the regional on their home course, which is no small feat.

#36 – Evansville Memorial Tigers – Brown County Semi-State #6

2009 Results:

Evansville Mater Dei Sectional:  2^nd place (55 points)

Pike Central Regional:  1^st place (51 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  7^th place (186 points)

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

Alec Sievern (10) – 17:40 (35th place)

Eddie Crabtree (12) – 18:23 (78th place)

Antony Maclean (12) – 18:24 (79th place)

Christian Elpers (11) – 18:46 (102nd place)

Matt Tresslar (12) – 18:49 (106th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Tigers were in one of the worst spots imaginable at last fall’s Brown County Semi-State as they finished in 7^th place, one spot away from clinching a state meet berth.  They appear to be in good shape entering 2010 as they return five athletes from that squad and they should be hungry.  Expect big things from  Alec Sievern.  He will take over as the team’s front runner and had a great track season.  If  Memorial is on their game come October, expect to see them at the state finals in Terre Haute.

#35 – Goshen Redskins – New Haven Semi-State #8

2009 Results:

Elkhart Central Sectional:  5^th place (116 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  8^th place (169 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Elkhart Central Regional)

Tyler Winn (12) – 16:33 (8^th place)

Luke Kaufman (10) – 17:04 (23^rd place)

Luke Jacobs (12) – 17:41 (42^nd place)

Adam Weeden (10) – 17:49 (46^th place)

Reid Zimmerman (10) – 18:06 (59^th place)

Stephen Place (11) – 18:12 (61^st place)

Marvin Martin (12) – 18:22 (64^th place)

2010 Outlook:

After narrowly escaping the sectional round in 2009, they finished a distant 8^th at the Elkhart Central Regional.  Goshen should not have that problem this time around as they return all seven athletes that toed the line at that final race.  They are led by Tyler Winn who really came on this past spring.  The

‘Skins have all of the ingredients of a team ready to take it to the next level.  Whether or not that next level is the state finals is to be determined.

#34 – West Noble Chargers – New Haven Semi-State #7

2009 Results:

West Noble Sectional:  1^st place (47 points)

West Noble Regional:  5^th place (115 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  12^th place (282 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Joseph Landeros (12) – 17:05 (31^st place)

Kevin Handshoe (11) – 17:22 (47^th place)

Matt Price (12) – 17:36 (63^rd place)

Jonathan Weimer (10) – 18:00 (95^th place)

Andrew Huntsman (12) – 18:21 (108^th place)

Jose Ibanez (12) – 18:39 (125^th place)

Alan Pizana (12) – 18:51 (132^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

The Chargers return all seven athletes from a year ago and look to be in prime position for a state meet run.  While they do not boast a consistent front runner, they have a nice group of athletes that should approach the 17 minute barrier.  If West Noble can maintain less than a 60 second gap from 1-5 and get all of their scorers in under 17 minutes, they could hear their name called as a state qualifying team.

#33 – Carroll (Fort Wayne) Chargers – New Haven Semi-State #6

2009 Results:

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

West Noble Regional:  3^rd place (108 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  8^th place (230 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

James Martin (12) – 15:55 (1^st place)

Bradley Hess (12) – 16:26 (4^th place)

Jonathan Harper (10) – 17:40 (68^th place)

Joshua Utley (12) – 18:23 (111^th place)

Braxton Willis (11) – 18:31 (120^th place)

Kyle Gater (10) – 18:48 (130^th place)

2010 Outlook:

After a memorable fall in 2008, Carroll suffered from graduation losses in 2009.  Boasting the best 1-2 punch in northeast Indiana, Carroll also returns 4 others who competed in last fall’s semi-state.  That experience will be huge this time around as steady improvement beyond Martin and Hess will be the key to Carroll’s season.  If they make the leap and close the gap on their elite front runners, they will be tough to beat.

#32 – Bellmont Braves – New Haven Semi-State #5

2009 Results:

Bellmont Sectional:  1^st place (33 points)

Marion Regional:  3^rd place (60 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  7^th place (229 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Evan Boucher (11) – 16:55 (21^st place)

Nick Fuelling (11) – 17:36 (64^th place)

Kyle Lehrman (12) – 17:45 (72^nd place)

Blake Adams (11) – 18:01 (96^th place)

2010 Outlook:

Bellmont was on the border of a state meet berth in 2009, but just missed out as they finished 7^th at New Haven.  They will once again be on pins and needs come semi-state time as they appear to be in a close pack with other local teams.  They do return four athletes from last year’s squad led by front runner Evan Boucher.  They need to find a new final scorer as well as some depth if they are to take the next step.  If not, we could see Boucher as an individual qualifier in 2010.

#31 – New Prairie Cougars – New Prairie Semi-State #6

2009 Results:

Chesterton Sectional:  4^th place (93 points)

New Prairie Regional:  5^th place (122 points)

New Prairie Semi-State:  12^th place (301 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Blake Lawson (12) – 16:42 (16^th place)

Tyler Szynal (11) – 17:30 (60^th place)

Nickolas Arndt (10) – 17:39 (73^rd place)

Cal Debiak (11) – 18:03 (100^th place)

Ian Silver (11) – 18:25 (114^th place)

Jacob Claeys (10) – 19:34 (147^th place)

2010 Outlook:

New Prairie will be looking to return to the state meet in 2010.  They return six runners from last year’s semi-state qualifying team that finished 12^th.  While it would be a big jump to crack the top six, the Cougars have all of the necessary tools to do so.  Lawson is a great front runner that will score a small number and they also have a small gap between runners 2-5.  They need depth and if they find it, the Cougars could hear their name called on their home course.

2009 Results:

Ben Davis Sectional:  3^rd place (68 points)

Ben Davis Regional:  2^nd place (79 points)

Carmel Semi-State:  11^th place (341 points)

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

Brian Jett (12) – 16:44 (37^th place)

Andrew Wilkey (12) – 17:32 (94^th place)

Logan Jones (12) – 18:06 (120^th place)

Luis Salcedo (12) – 18:09 (124^th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Red Devils have one thing on their side entering the fall of 2010:  senior leadership.  Pike returns four athletes from last year’s semi-state finishing squad.  While leadership is important, Pike must focus on dropping significant time if they want to improve on last year’s finish.  The addition of sophomore Sammy Tebeje should help with the process.  They should have little difficulty reaching the semi-state level again, but need some help if they are to take the next step.

#29 – Martinsville Artesians – Brown County Semi-State #5

2009 Results:

Brown County Sectional:  2^nd place (45 points)

Brown County Regional:  3^rd place (96 points)

Brown County Semi-State:  5^th place (169 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  15^th place (308 points)

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

Jace Lowry (12) – 16:49 (4th place)

Nick McGrew (12) – 17:24 (20th place)

Leigh Nelson (11) – 18:08 (63rd place)

CJ Cazee (11) – 18:52 (108th place)

Lane Guy (10) – 18:59 (117th place)

2010 Outlook:

Martinsville appears to be in good position to make back to back state meet appearances in 2010.  While front runner Jace Lowry has his sights set on individual success, he will have a solid group of athletes following him.  Lowry will score low numbers throughout the season, so his teammates must do their part in steadily improving and learning from last season’s experience.  If things go well, Martinsville could crack the top half of teams at the state meet.

#28 – Maconaquah Braves – New Prairie Semi-State #5

2009 Results:

Logansport Sectional:  1^st place (46 points)

Culver Academies Regional:  3^rd place (96 points)

New Prairie Semi-State:  10^th place (281 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Jacob Bingham (12) – 16:53 (21^st place)

Chad Gregory (12) – 17:27 (54^th place)

Zac Butts (12) – 17:36 (71^st place)

Bryce Comp (12) – 17:54 (91^st place)

Austin Wise (12) – 18:06 (102^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

Maconaquah returns five athletes who narrowly pulled out a top 10 semi-state finish last time.  One would have to think that repeating that feat would be a disappointment for the Braves in 2010.  All five returnees are seniors this fall which is key.  Maconaquah looks like they are primed to take the next step towards the state finals.  The only concern is the lack of an insurance policy beyond their top five.

#27 – Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles – Carmel Semi-State #15

2009 Results:

Carmel Sectional:  7^th place (177 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Carmel Sectional)

Kent Garrett (11) – 16:03 (5^th place)

Mark Babbey (12) – 17:07 (37^th place)

Andrew Elston (11) – 17:45 (45^th place)

Austin Gerulski  (11) – 17:47 (47^th place)

Michael O’Hara (12) – 18:28 (51^st place)

Dan Day (10) – 18:39 (52^nd place)

2010 Outlook:

Guerin Catholic burst on to the scene last fall and really turned some heads.  If not for their dangerous tournament path, the Golden Eagles may have been more of a story in the postseason.  They return six athletes from last year’s squad, led by elite front runner Kent Garrett.  They once again must compete with the big boys in Hamilton County, so a state berth is highly unlikely.  A realistic goal for this small school squad would be to advance to the regional round of competition. 

#26 – Indianapolis Cathedral Fighting Irish – Carmel Semi-State #14

2009 Results:

Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional:  4^th place (84 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  8^th place (157 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the Brebeuf Jesuit Regional)

John Kelly (11) – 16:33 (27^th place)

Elliott Parshall (11) – 16:55 (39^th place)

Daniel Stempky (12) – 17:43 (64^th place)

William Bond (12) – 17:48 (65^th place)

Thomas Proffitt (11) – 17:55 (67^th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Fighting Irish will have a new look in 2010.  Gone are front runners Hale O’Herren and JR Ricker.  It is now junior John Kelly’s team as he takes over the top spot.  Indianapolis Cathedral returns five athletes but will need to close the gap to Kelly if they want this season to be a success.  For now, it appears that another Brebeuf Jesuit Regional berth is the ceiling for this team, which is still quite an accomplishment.

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

Ryan Foster (11) – 16:55 (6th place)

Jonathan Reynolds (10) – 16:58 (7th place)

Johnnie Guy (11) – 17:01 (9th place)

Josh Guy (11) – 17:56 (47th place)

Cody Morgan (11) – 19:06 (123rd place)

2010 Outlook:

North Harrison was a great story in 2009.  The Cougars overcame all of the doubters and reached the podium in Terre Haute.  Get used to it because they are here to stay.  While expected to drop off a bit following the graduation of national caliber runner Tyler Byrne, the Cougars will still be a force to be reckoned with.  One factor that hurt North Harrison last season was depth and in 2010 that will be the storyline once again.  The Cougars are set at positions 1-4 and must find a final puzzle piece to repeat last year’s success.

#14 – Zionsville Eagles – Carmel Semi-State #8

2009 Results:

Carmel Sectional:  3^rd place (80 points)

Brebeuf Jesuit Regional:  5^th place (122 points)

Carmel Semi-State:  5^th place (145 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  7^th place (251 points)

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

Samuel Berger (11) – 16:24 (23^rd place)

Graham Bixler (11) – 16:30 (27^th place)

Ian Boggs (12) – 17:14 (63^rd place)

2010 Outlook:

At first glance, Zionsville should expect a drop off and be in rebuilding mode in 2010.  After all, the Eagles lose four of their top seven from last year’s 7^th place state meet squad.  However, Zionsville was a very deep and talented squad in 2009 and those athletes who did not run at the varsity level in the tournament series will step in to the spotlight this fall.  It will not be easy however as many other teams in central Indiana have their eyes on a state meet berth.  Zionsville peaks well and will once again be in the conversation of the state’s top teams.

#13 – Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger Saints – New Haven Semi-State #2

2009 Results:

Fort Wayne Northrop Sectional:  1^st place (45 points)

West Noble Regional:  1^st place (53 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  3^rd place (128 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  12^th place (307 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Phil Schroeder (12) – 17:03 (27^th place)

Luke Miller (10) – 17:24 (48^th place)

Sam Gray (12) – 17:29 (54^th place)

Andrew Eckrich (11) – 17:55 (86^th place)

2010 Outlook:

Bishop Dwenger looks to be among the top teams in northeast Indiana entering 2010.  The Saints return four athletes that snuck in to the top half of the state meet last season.  The Saints have a great 1-4 group that is usually separated by mere seconds.  Eckrich had a poor showing at the semi-state, but returned to the front at the state finals and should lead this team in 2010.  Add in the fact that the Saints had a solid junior varsity crew last year and there is no reason to believe that this team cannot challenge for the podium this fall.

#12 – West Lafayette Red Devils – New Prairie Semi-State #3

2009 Results:

Harrison (West Lafayette) Sectional:  1^st place (28 points)

Harrison (West Lafayette) Regional:  1^st place (31 points)

New Prairie Semi-State):  3^rd place (137 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  21^st place (475 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Prairie Semi-State)

Zane Cooperider (12) – 16:32 (9^th place)

Andrew Cartwright (11) – 16:58 (26^th place)

John Ribeiro (12) – 17:17 (44^th place)

Chase Lewark (11) – 17:31 (63^rd place)

2010 Outlook:

West Lafayette underachieved at the state finals last season after a great first three rounds of the tournament.  Returning from that squad are four solid harriers that are ready to redeem themselves.  The Red Devils have what it takes as they boast a quartet of reliable and consistent performers that will be ready when the gun fires.  As many other teams are, West Lafayette is in need of a fifth and final scorer plus a couple of extra legs to seal the deal.  A top 10 state meet finish is within reach for this team.

#11 – South Bend St. Joseph’s Indians – New Haven Semi-State #1

2009 Results:

South Bend Riley Sectional:  1^st place (28 points)

Elkhart Central Regional:  2^nd place (77 points)

New Haven Semi-State:  4^th place (131 points)

IHSAA State Finals:  16^th place (360 points)

Returning Runners:  (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)

Joey Zielinski (11) – 17:02 (25^th place)

Conner Method (11) – 17:15 (39^th place)

Joshua O’Brien (11) – 17:20 (45^th place)

David Bontrager (12) – 17:25 (50^th place)

Jordan Holloman (11) – 18:04 (99^th place)

2010 Outlook:

The Indians appear to be the class of the field in the New Haven Semi-State.  They return five athletes from last year’s 16^th place state finals squad.  St. Joe’s has a nice tight group up front and a solid nucleus beyond that.  If they are to challenge for the podium, depth is a necessity which should not be much of a problem as the Indians were a fairly deep squad last fall.