New Prairie Boys Semi State Preview
By Coach Louie Guillen
Boys New Prairie Semi-State Coordinator
It is October, the leaves have changed and the temperature has dropped a couple of degrees. Decisions… decisions… hats, gloves, under armor? While the body is getting colder on the outside, it is starting to get warmer on the inside for most of the runners that will compete at the New Prairie Semi-State. This is what everyone has been dreaming about since they started summer workouts, a chance for a state berth on the line. While many have said the NPSS is down this year in terms of podium teams (Chesterton,) it is still nonetheless exciting to see every team so close and needing every place to count. Every point counts so their will be some great runs to the chute.
Another great season runs through New Prairie and Agony Hill and for some it will be the end of a season…a high school career... an end to countless memories that no one can take away. For others it will be the obtaining of a goal, one more week, one more race and the chance to compete against the others vying for Indiana High School Cross Country supremacy.
Here are the teams that will be competing:
The Favorite:
Chesterton
This team has been dominant from the beginning, they have weathered the storm of suspensions,sickness, etc. and have all the chips in place to make a podium run representing the New Prairie Semi-State. They are the class of the field right now.
The Contender:
West Lafayette
Should the Trojans all get sick with swine flu the day before the race the Red Devils would be the next in line. With Jimenez-Corredor and Cooperider up front with the leaders and a close supporting cast it would be hard not to pick them.
Looking to Advance:
Lake Central
The main word to describe the Indians is consistency, they have been running together consistently throughout the year. Look for them to be in the hunt with Horecky, Flores, and Co. to be focused after a big regional win.
Laporte
The Slicers have become quite the surprise these past couple of years having the last 2 semi-state winners (Miller, Fout) Coach Beres will have his team ready once more and expect them to be ready the week after as well.
Valparaiso
Valpo has been waiting for their young guys to step up in a big race. With a healthy Ahljobeh and James Elia running well this team changes and jumps up to make it.
Culver
The emergence of Trace Ostergren at this point bodes well for the Eagles, a complement to Arroyo and the rest of the team puts this team in the hunt for one of those 6 spots.
Crown Point
This team relies on Schellenberger, if he is healthy look for them to advance. Likas kept them afloat at the Regional but at this stage a poor race by one runner could leave them at home.
Looking for a Miracle:
Rensselaer Central
The miracle run by Rensselaer has been fun to watch all year, sadly the cinderella team needs a hail-mary of sorts to advance to the big dance. Prove me wrong…
Looking for the Top 10:
Maconaquah
Bingham leads this team as far as it will go, you have to give him some props
McCutcheon
Even with Wethington and Welsh up front the gap is too much for McCutcheon to make up for a state bid.
Lowell
The consistent Red Devils will be looking at a finish to build on for next year.
Lafayette Jeff
A good showing at the Harrison Regional and a respectable showing here. The Bronchos will pull some points to maybe mess up another team’s chances.
Northfield
The Freshman Augustus will need a few more pieces to the puzzle for Northfield to move up, look for him to have a great future and their 4-7 to improve in coming years.
Happy to Be Here:
Oak Hill
Cameron Balser will be making the trip to Terre Haute alone, but they did get a shout out for their Vegas Gold jerseys.
Western
Young Love are two words that usually spell doom for couples, fortunately for the Panthers these two have been leading this team throughout the year. Alas as some might attest it can only take you so far…
Benton Central
The Bison should be proud of their accomplishments on the season, but if Rossville isn’t goin neither is Benton Central.
Rossville
A 3rd place at the Harrison Regional and an average time of 17:57 just will not get the team to State at this level.
Munster
The Mustangs survived a tough regional and is looking for a respectable place to build for next year.
Predictions:
1. Chesterton
2. West Lafayette
3. Valparaiso
4. Laporte
5. Culver
6. Lake Central
7. Crown Point
8. Rensselaer Central
9. McCutcheon
10.Northfield
11. Maconaquah
12. Lafayette Jeff
13. Lowell
14. Highland
15. New Prairie
16. Rossville
17. Benton Central
18. Western
19. Munster
20. Oak Hill
Here's a breakdown of the individuals:
The Favorite:
David Osborn, Chesterton
Out of everyone in the field Osborn looks the most prepared, not coming off any illness and leading his team to a likely Semi-State title, he is running really well and this should give him confidence heading into Terre Haute for a rematch with Futsum as well as others.
Potential All-Staters:
Cameron Balser, Oak Hill
The early favorite in the beginning of the season, an untimely bout with the flu hit Cameron at the wrong time. He should advance here and another weeks recovery will hopefully boost his bid for a second-straight All-State medal.
Alejandro Arroyo, Culver
Alejandro has been running great at the most important time of the year. A guy that has been in the top 10 consistently throughout the season, look for him to surprise a few people and possibly break through for a medal.
Kyle Overway, Logansport
Initially overlooked by me (I’ll admit) Kyle has impressed and thrown down some impressive times. Look for him in the lead pack at the Semi-State and maybe to sneak into the medals while competing at State.
Predictions:
1. David Osbourne- Chesterton
2. Alejandro Arroyo- Culver
3. Kyle Overway- Logansport
4. Cameron Balser- Oak Hill
5. Ryan Cutter- Chesterton
6. Zane Cooperider- West Lafayette
7. Jared Wethington- McCutcheon
8. Jake Carden- Kouts
9. Blake Lawson- New Prairie
10. James Elia- Valparaiso
11. Jon Rogers- Chesterton
12. Jamie Dority- Carroll (Flora)
13. Dylan Harrison- Merrillville
14. Julian Jimenez-Corredor- West Lafayette
15. Mitchell Hubner- Laporte