Local teams clash in Class 2A race

Trevor Holm (right) hopes to help lead Kaneland to a team trophy in the Class 2A boys state cross country meet Saturday in Peoria.

(Tyler Stoffel/For Sun-Times Media)

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Looking for excitement this weekend?

The IHSA Class 2A boys state cross country meet is shaping up to be a local trophy quest between evenly-matched Kaneland and Marmion. If the seesaw confrontations with Prairie Ridge the past two weeks have shown anything, it is that any number of teams could walk away with first, second or third Saturday at Detweiller Park in Peoria.

"The opportunity is there for many teams," Kaneland coach Chad Clarey said.

The Knights, who finished fourth at the demanding Belvidere Sectional last week, are led by returning All-State runner Matt Reusche and junior Trevor Holm. Both will be in the mix to finish in the top 25 and earn All-State honors.

"We hope to see our top two set the tone with our three through seven shortly behind," Clarey said.

Joining Reusche and Holm in the finals will be Dominic Furco, Edgar Valle, Grant Alef, Billy Hard and Logan Markuson.

Whereas the Knights, who finished eighth last fall, have considerable experience competing at the state meet, it has been awhile since Marmion has sent an entire team to compete for a trophy -- 26 years to be exact.

"Our goal is an attempt at a trophy," Cadets' coach Dan Billish said.

The Cadets are paced by the 1-2 punch of senior Zack Young and junior Ben Kanute, both of whom have the opportunity to earn All-State honors.

"We will need at least two to three All-Staters as we look to achieve a top five finish," Billish said, "which is realistic."

Also running for Marmion are Bennett Marsh, Chris Hebert, Matt Wenzel, Josh Kanute and Nolan Dickson.

"If we come out firing on Saturday," Billish said, "I believe our upside could propel onto the award stand."

Yorkville, which is one of only eight teams in Class 2A to have qualified the past three years, plans on giving both Marmion and Kaneland a run for their money.

With a pack split of 28 seconds at last weekend's East Peoria Sectional, the Foxes have a strong chance of cracking the Top 10 for the third consecutive year.

"If we can keep the split down," Yorkville coach Chris Muth said, "we can do damage."

Racing for the Foxes will be Scott King, Jake Callahan, Eric Baker, Zac Acara, Carl Bomba, Chris Kellogg and Danny Fish.

Based off of his strong performance at the East Peoria Sectional, Sandwich junior Mike Gaydos will also compete in the 2A race.

"This is his first year in cross," Indians coach Jeff Smith said, "and I can't imagine a better start for someone than qualifying for the state meet."

Later in the afternoon, Geneva will compete in a challenging 3A race, with the likes of York, Neuqua Valley and defending state champ Naperville North.

The Vikings, who finished third last fall, are led by senior Kevin Sparks and junior Kevin McDowell. Both runners have the opportunity to earn All-State honors.

Joining them on the course for the Vikings are Ryan Ahern, Justin Rodriguez, Connor Bartel, Peter Archibald and Eric Blake.

Waubonsie Valley junior David Grober will also compete in the 3A race.

"David's been consistent with his ability to run an even pace and move up throughout the pack," Warriors coach Kevin Rafferty said. "He's set up perfectly for how the state meet course develops."

The Fox Valley did not have any teams or individuals qualify to compete in the Class 1A finals.

The 2A Final will be held at noon and the 3A final begins at 2 p.m. For details, visit www.ihsa.org. Boys Cross Country: State Meet