Men's XC expectations high with depth, experience

Despite returning only two runners from last year’s team, including a national qualifier, the Cyclones aren’t figuring on losing a step. They’re counting on gaining a few that could lead to titles down the road.

“This will be one of the deepest teams we have had at Moraine Valley in a long time,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer, who begins his 14th season at the helm. “The guys remind me a lot of our last two national championship qualifying teams.”

What those two teams had in common was a pack mentality, and Horstmeyer sees that as the Cyclones’ strength this year. “The guys coming out of high school all ran pretty similar times, and many of them ran against each other for several years so they’re familiar with each other. Even though they competed against each other in high school, they now have a common goal and are working together because they know that will produce success,” he said.

Returning from last year’s squad is Thomas Cira (Brother Rice), who competed in the NJCAA Division I championship last November at Rend Lake College, Ina, Ill. “We expect big things from Thomas this year, but it’s nothing he can’t shoulder. He wants to improve, and his experience from racing at the college level a year ago will be one of his assets,” Horstmeyer said.

Also returning is Sergio Villarreal (St. Laurence), who had to battle injuries last year. “Sergio was hampered by leg issues, but he’s healthy this year, so if he continues to work hard, he’ll contribute to any success we have during the championship season,” his coach said.

Leading the new group is Zach Butera (Sandburg/Carthage College), who was a solid runner for the Carthage cross country team. “He has high expectations for himself as do we. He has set the bar high, and he has the confidence to leap over it,” Horstmeyer said. “We also are looking to him for leadership as he has been through the cross country wars.”

Big things are also expected from Dawid Palac (Reavis), Alejandro Montes and Jesus Rojas (both Eisenhower), Anthony and Justin Briante (both Evergreen Park), Brandon Ceh (Evergreen Park), Ryan Dovgin (Andrew), and Anton Thauer (St. Rita).

“All of these guys are experienced high school runners and understand what it takes to be successful. Once they make the transition to college racing, they will be a force. We’re putting high expectations on them, and we have every reason to believe they’ll respond,” he said.

“Dawid was Reavis’ top distance runner last year, and there is a reason for that—his work ethic,” Horstmeyer said. “He really wants to improve and that’s a main ingredient for success. We really like what he’s doing for us. Jesus and Alejandro were top contributors for Eisenhower’s 17-0 cross country regular season, second place in conference and sectional qualifiers last fall. Jesus and Alejandro have the same ingredients—they work hard and they want to improve. We’re counting on them to really help us out. Ryan had a really good outdoor track season, and we’re expecting him to carry over that success to this fall. He’s been working hard in the off-season, so he already knows what he has to get done. Anton is really working hard to get into shape and shows great potential. We’ll need him now to gain race experience.”

Evergreen Park High School is well represented this fall. Ceh, who as a senior in 2012, teamed with Anthony Briante, who was a junior, to compete in the state outdoor track championship. “Their work ethic and their middle-distance speed will definitely be factors as they once again team up, but this time to help push the Cyclones to the next level,” Horstmeyer said. “Justin has shown that he wants to put in the time and make the effort to help and that will serve him, and us, well this season.

“All in all, we’re really excited about the season and for the guys to achieve a lot of success. We have a long ways to go, but I think the journey will be fun and rewarding,” their coach said.