Boys XC Preseason Top 50 -- 2011
By: Brandon Jones
#1 – Columbus North Bulldogs
Carmel Semi-State #1
2010 Results:
Edinburgh Sectional: 1st place (17 points)
Greensburg Regional: 1st place (18 points)
Carmel Semi-State: 1st place (46 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 1st place (94 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Carmel Semi-State)
Michael Sublette (12) – 15:18 (4th place)
Andrew Diehn (12) – 15:27 (6th place)
David Powell (12) – 16:29 (44th place)
2011 Outlook:
Everyone in Indiana should know by now that the road to the state title goes through Columbus North. The Bulldogs dominated the scene last season en route to another title. Back from that squad are four athletes (Christopher Kelsey did not run in the semi-state but was CN’s #4 man at the state meet) who are poised to carry on the Bulldog tradition. No one can match them through three runners and a usually strong group of underclassmen will be ready to step right in and contribute on the varsity level immediately.
#2 – North Harrison Cougars
Brown County Semi-State #1
2010 Results:
Crawford County Sectional: 1st place (25 points)
Crawford County Regional: 1st place (52 points)
Brown County Semi-State: 1st place (55 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 7th place (230 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Jonathan Reynolds (11) – 15:34 (5th place)
Johnnie Guy (12) – 15:37 (8th place)
Ryan Foster (12) – 15:56 (15th place)
Josh Guy (12) – 16:07 (19th place)
Kyle Chesser (12) – 16:30 (35th place)
Cody Morgan (12) – 17:21 (96th place)
Jason Head (12) – 17:33 (105th place)
2011 Outlook:
North Harrison used to be a relative in the running world until recently. The Byrne brothers helped put this team on the map from an individual standpoint, but team success has been the story lately. After a nail biting semi-state win, the Cougars nearly grabbed a podium spot in Terre Haute. Back from that team is all seven runners and NO ONE will be surprised this time around. North Harrison is here to stay folks and they are one of a handful of teams capable of winning the title.
#3 – Hamilton Southeastern Royals
Carmel Semi-State #2
2010 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 4th place (93 points)
Brebeuf Jesuit Regional: 2nd place (93 points)
Carmel Semi-State: 6th place (147 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 6th place (221 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Carmel Semi-State)
Sawyer Hitchcock (12) – 16:01 (24th place)
Troy Reeder (11) – 16:01 (25th place)
Jack Andritsch (12) – 16:23 (37th place)
Kyle Knight (12) – 16:29 (43rd place)
Alex Zoumbaris (11) – 16:35 (54th place)
2011 Outlook:
After returning to the state meet in 2009, the Royals continued that momentum and finished with a great 2010 season. They just missed the podium last time around and return five runners ready to finish the job. Reeder had an outstanding track season, so expect big things from him. A tough schedule will test this team’s might all season long. Hamilton Southeastern is going to make 2011 a year to remember and a possible state title is within reach.
#4 – Carmel Greyhounds
Carmel Semi-State #3
2010 Results:
Noblesville Sectional: 1st place (68 points)
Brebeuf Jesuit Regional: 4th place (103 points)
Carmel Semi-State: 4th place (118 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 9th place (241 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Carmel Semi-State)
Patrick Appleton (11) – 15:59 (23rd place)
Daniel Williams (11) – 16:05 (26th place)
Eric Kinn (12) – 16:24 (39th place)
Robert Browning (10) – 16:34 (52nd place)
Charles Watson (11) – 17:18 (94th place)
2011 Outlook:
For most programs, a sectional title and top 10 state finals finish is a tremendous season. But not at Carmel, where championships are the norm. Expect the ‘Hounds to come out with some fury this fall as they return five athletes from last year’s squad. Though they lose national caliber harrier Chris Walden, there is plenty of talent returning for them. A return trip to the podium is likely and the possibility of leaving Terre Haute with rings is not out of the question.
#5 – Franklin Central Flashes
Carmel Semi-State #4
2010 Results:
New Palestine Sectional: 1st place (26 points)
Rushville Regional: 1st place (34 points)
Carmel Semi-State: 7th place (192 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Carmel Semi-State)
Jason Crist (12) – 15:14 (2nd place)
Andrice Martin (11) – 16:33 (50th place)
Matt Shaw (12) – 16:33 (51st place)
Branden Hearrell (11) – 16:45 (64th place)
Nick Dhadwal (12) – 16:47 (66th place)
Andy Webb (11) – 16:53 (73rd place)
Aaron Nanavaty (12) – 17:24 (101st place)
2011 Outlook:
The time for Franklin Central is NOW. The 2011 season has been one that many people have been pointing to as the banner year in Franklin Township. A talented roster that has now grown up should have the experience needed to take their performances to the next level. They will be tough to beat and the state should keep their eyes on Indianapolis’ south east side.
#6 – South Bend St. Joseph’s Indians
New Haven Semi-State #1
2010 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 1st place (36 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 2nd place (71 points)
New Haven Semi-State: 3rd place (100 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 8th place (231 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Joey Zielinski (12) – 15:44 (4th place)
Connor Method (12) – 16:15 (18th place)
Joshua O’Brien (12) – 16:17 (19th place)
Jordan Holloman (12) – 16:52 (57th place)
Patrick Favo (11) – 16:53 (58th place)
Dylan Dominello (11) – 17:11 (82nd place)
2011 Outlook:
The Indians are looking primed for a legit run this fall after last season’s 8th place state meet finish. They return six athletes from that team and are well-traveled with experience as they have four seniors in the lineup. Rumor is that Favo has moved out of state though. Still, they and Mishawaka will push one another through the tournament series and that will make both programs stronger. This team has been strong recently, and 2011 will be the best yet.
#7 – Bloomington South Panthers
Brown County Semi-State #2
2010 Results:
Brown County Sectional: 2nd place (55 points)
Brown County Regional: 2nd place (67 points)
Brown County Semi-State: 3rd place (123 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 19th place (480 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Brown County Semi-State)
Carl Smith (12) – 15:29 (4th place)
Mark Chandler (12) – 15:36 (7th place)
Kaleb Rich-Harris (12) – 16:33 (41st place)
Michael Slaton (12) – 16:46 (53rd place)
Jordan Huntoon (11) – 16:47 (54th place)
Alexander Burt (10) – 17:34 (107th place)
2011 Outlook:
The Panthers are looking strong entering this season. Bloomington South returns six runners who from last season’s state finals. They should be one of the better teams in the state and have a tremendous 1-2 punch. Bloomington South’s goals this season should be large and include a top 5 finish with the possibility of having two all-state athletes.
#8 – Valparaiso Vikings
New Prairie Semi-State #1
2010 Results:
Chesterton Sectional: 2nd place (56 points)
New Prairie Regional: 1st place (47 points)
New Prairie Semi-State: 1st place (78 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 10th place (263 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results of the New Prairie Semi-State)
Ahmad Aljobeh (12) – 15:45 (3rd place)
John Couloopoulos (10) – 16:00 (8th place)
Peyton Reed (11) – 16:40 (27th place)
Patrick Dalton (11) – 16:47 (36th place)
Xavier Reed (11) – 17:05 (51st place)
2011 Outlook:
They’re back! After a couple year hiatus from podium contention, the Vikings will return to their rightful place amongst Indiana’s elite in 2011. The green-clad harriers return five athletes that earned a top 10 finish in Terre Haute last season and should have higher goals this year thanks to a great 1-2 punch and a handful of runners vying for those final varsity spots.
#9 – Mishawaka Cavemen
New Haven Semi-State #2
2010 Results:
South Bend Riley Sectional: 2nd place (60 points)
Elkhart Central Regional: 1st place (64 points)
New Haven Semi-State: 2nd place (98 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 11th place (269 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the New Haven Semi-State)
Miguel Lozano (12) – 15:47 (5th place)
Justin Duvall (12) – 16:35 (34th place)
Elijah O’Hara (12) – 16:40 (38th place)
Eric Hancock (12) – 16:49 (53rd place)
Jordan Annis (11) – 16:50 (55th place)
Austin Ganger (11) – 16:58 (67th place)
2011 Outlook:
Mishawka was a near miss on a top 10 state meet finish last time around and should have higher goals entering 2011. They return six athletes from that squad and all are upperclassmen. That is usually an ingredient for success and they are poised for a great year this fall that could end with a podium finish.
#10 – North Central (Indianapolis) Panthers
Carmel Semi-State #5
2010 Results:
Brebeuf Jesuit Sectional: 1st place (38 points)
Brebeuf Jesuit Regional: 1st place (86 points)
Carmel Semi-State: 2nd place (89 points)
IHSAA State Finals: 4th place (202 points)
Returning Runners: (Based on results from the Carmel Semi-State)
Futsum Zeinasellassie (12) – 14:51 (1st place)
Siemon Adhanom (11) – 16:27 (42nd place)
Matthew Fox (12) – 16:32 (49th place)
Corey Turner (11) – 17:20 (97th place)
2011 Outlook:
North Central returns four athletes from last season’s podium team including two-time defending state champion Futsum Zeinasellassie. That helps as the senior should score one point in every meet this season. They return three other capable athletes from that squad and had a breakout track season from a couple of other harriers. Another podium finish is easily within reach for this team.