2018 XC Coach's Comments

Of all the years of doing these comments, the one I have missed the most is probably the sectional recap. Perhaps it’s because of the way it feels afterward. There is a finality to it. If no one advances, the season is over. If the team or individual advances, it all seems like icing on the cake. I was reminded to get these done by Senior Erin Degnan who also asked me how I felt as we were walking back to the bus after the awards ceremony. The truth is that it is a range of emotions. There is a relief knowing that there are no more training logs to craft, no track workouts to figure out splits for, no more hoping that everyone is getting enough hydration, sleep, sanity, etc. The feelings though are mostly happy as I reflect back on the season and, in the case of the seniors, the last several seasons.

We drew box one, which really means nothing with the long straightaway at the Kaneland course. I told our runners to stay right as long as possible with the time we had to let things sort out. Inertia brought them inward, which was a tough place to be in a crowded pack of runners. The individuals I was keeping my eye on got out fast and were set on making qualifying for the state meet a chore. Our initial grouping was back a little bit, but there was still plenty of time to move up. At the 600 meter mark, this gap was only growing. I have mentioned the eye test before and even though I have learned to never doubt our season-long top-runner Ailee Hogan, her stride wasn’t working for her that day. Just after the first mile, it was apparent that we were not going to be traveling to Peoria this season, but this race still had to be run. Degnan and Melissa Harris were keeping Ailee in sight and running a strong race. Abby Hosek was next and what an amazing bounce back she had. I feel as if I can say it now that we were considering not running her at Regionals and possibly Sectionals after a few off races due to soreness, but she delivered at races both weeks, running a personal best on Saturday and capping an amazing career that began without running more than 2 miles a day during summer running to being a two year varsity runner and a mileage hound. Maddie Bent rounded out the scoring 5 with a near season best. It was apparent that Mad Dog was feeling the effects of a long season, but she is a tough one who we will look to make great growth next season. Sofia Moreno came up in the 6th spot on this day, she might never be our top runner, but she brings so much to the table and will be a leader that we depend on next season both on the course and also in training. Sabina Llerenas finished our group and gutted out a tough run while being sick. Most would have opted to stay home and rest, but Sabina’s dedication to her team was on display Saturday. When she is at full strength next season, her Ailee and Melissa will form an impressive core for us. Speaking of Ailee and Melissa, they finished within 2 seconds of each other, something I would like to see more of heading into next season, but with lower times and places attached to the two of them. This symmetry will hopefully continue on the track in the spring. Just a few seconds ahead of those two juniors was Degnan. She posted the best time of her career on this day and was our top finisher. Making the postseason squad was long overdue for Erin but these past few weeks made up for it. The goal is always to end your career at Detweiller Park, but if you can’t make it there, finish on a high note at Kaneland.

One more emotion I was telling the girls on that walk back to the bus I felt was the feeling of a bitter taste. I’ve been part of the jubilation of having your team announced as one of the five qualifiers and I’ve also been on the side of missing it by four points. Seeing those teams announced did make me a little bitter while also making me hungry to get back at it and advance in 2019. I would be remiss though not to give a shout out to boys runner Scott Sikorski who advanced with an amazing race while also giving a shout out to Coach Kevin Milos who will be wrapping up a nearly 20-year career by taking Scott to Detweiller. If we can all be so lucky to end our career at Detweiller Park

Coach Wejman

I love the postseason. Regardless of competition, regardless of what our objectives are, regardless of weather, the postseason is just fun. It begins when we announce the Top 12 runners who will carry our banner forward. This is often a hard decision and the closest thing our sport comes to ‘cutting’ athletes. The first time we address the group there tends to be a feeling of happiness and relief that we’ve gotten to this point. And this is quickly replaced with a focus on what lies ahead. The first step in the state series is the regional meet.

Regionals are often an odd bird. Trying to understand the logic of the IHSA when it comes to assignments is a fool’s errand. This year we were sent to Sundown Meadow hosted by Riverside Brookfield. This meet has hosted schools as far west as Wheaton Academy (last year) or as far east/south as Morgan Park (this year). Being just three miles from RB, we have been to this regional for 9 of my 11 seasons as head coach. All we can do is show up and run against those we are assigned. In looking at the teams coming in, winning the meet wasn’t a likely scenario, so we set our sights on taking second against Evergreen Park, a team that we have raced closely when facing them.

Sun and wind greeted us at the forest preserve in Countryside, the wind would be mitigated by about 70% of the race being in the forest. As we commandeered our box, and the girls began peeling off their warm ups, seeing the Columbia jerseys got me excited. Maybe it was the sun hitting it, maybe it was thinking back to our first time unveiling this postseason twist, maybe it was seeing Senior Erin Degnan warm up for the first time in, being sidelined the last two seasons with injury, maybe it was freshman Maddie Bent who perhaps didn’t quite grasp the moment, but it reminded me why I enjoy the postseason so much. The gun rang out and we got a strong start. Heading into the woods we were where we wanted to be. RB seemed to be holding back a bit early on so we probably were in first place in points after a half mile. After 12-14 minutes the runners started coming out. RB was 1-2 then it was Ailee Hogan and a runner from Evergreen Park neck and neck for 3-4. This would be good enough for Ailee to earn medalist status, and a good test in the last half mile. She did get edged out and took 4th, but also dropped about a whole minute off her time at the same course over a month ago. Then a smattering of RB/Evergreen Park runners came up next putting 2 place in doubt. Erin Degnan was next for us, locking up 10th place. She ran a near personal best on this tough course. Melissa Harris was our 3rd finisher and did a great job legging out an impressive kick grabbing another spot. Going in, we knew that Evergreen Park matched us well 1-4, but gaining on their #5 was going to be crucial. Our last two scorers were Sabina Llerenas an Abby Hosek. Abby bounced back in a big way after two races she was disappointed in. She was aggressive early and confident late, things we need from an experienced runner. While Sofia Moreno wouldn’t factor into our scoring at 6th place, she would help push back Evergreen Park’s #5 runner. Freshman Maddie Bent would be able to help as well, it isn’t often that the #7 runner can push a 5 but on this day she did. It wouldn’t be enough, but at a bigger meet like sectionals, perhaps we can sneak past them. We came in third by 4 points, you never can tell when a spot can make the difference. Congratulations to RB on claiming 1st place, with their 4 top runners graduating, we will be poised to knocked them off their spot next year. We live to fight another week and move on to the sectionals hosted by Kaneland high school. Perhaps a top 5 finish and a berth to the state meet isn’t in the cards for us, but we will set our objective and execute because this is when it matters most, this is the postseason.

Coach Wejman

Back in early September, we heard that St. Viator wasn’t able to secure a permit for Melas Park, the site of last year’s conference finals. Much speculation about who would host and where bounced around the ESCC coaches. In late September a crazy rumor was going around; the meet would be held at Arlington International race course, the well-known horse racing course in Arlington Heights. How would this work? Would the horses be there? Would there be wagering? Growing up in the northern suburbs, Arlington was a well-known institution. I recall my Dad and uncle breaking down quinellas and superfectas for one of my grandma's birthday parties in the Million Room. We got the map of the course and it appeared to be mostly on the infield of the course, but due to heavy rains, the course was going to be three loops on the mile-long inner turf track.

The frosh-soph race kicked things off and there was still frost on the group when the gun went off. While a fun venue, it wasn’t great for spectating/coaching. We really only had a chance to see the racers once per loop. Sabina Llerenas was our top finisher and she ran a great race as she battles end of season wear and tear. No doubt she will appreciate as the taper continues this week. Next up was Megan Henehan, who is probably the most like a thoroughbred on our team. Her strength and power were on display in the thick wet grass. Probably would’ve had a personal best had she run later in the day on drier conditions. Next up were Maddie Bent and Erin Howard, two freshmen who will play big roles on next year’s team. The knowledge they both gained this year as racers will grow as they head into the postseason and step up into their sophomore season. Caitlin McGarry ran a gutsy race on an injured hip and showed flashes of her freshman year stamina, but sometimes the injury bug bites too hard. Elena Beczkiewicz rounded out the squad, Elena also gained great experience and began to show bust out as a runner and personality towards the end, I know she is looking forward to track season so I’ll have to tell Coach Beedie to throw her into some 400s with her newfound stamina.

As the sun rose, the dew began to dry and it was time for the varsity race. I’ve always said that our conference isn’t great, it’s just really good. What I mean by that is we won’t have any teams on the podium in November, but there is just a lot of depth. We told all runners to throw the clock away and just get out and compete. Once again Ailee Hogan was our top finisher and I don’t doubt that she is disappointed with her time, her ability to grow as a runner has not wavered all season. The best runners always seem to rise up in the postseason and this will be Ailee’s time to rise to another level. At this juncture, everyone is good, it’s a matter of tapping into the mental aspect and use it as a positive. Melissa Harris was next, her stride has never looked better and she ran a smart race that put her in a good position. Senior Erin Degnan wrapped up her final ESCC meet in fine fashion. Her consistency and growth these last few weeks have been a great manifestation. In talking to her at the Homecoming dance Saturday night, she said ‘I’ve never made the postseason’ This is going to be a special couple of weeks for a great teammate and student-athlete. Sofia Moreno was next, and she has had a bust out over the last two weeks. She dominated the fabled Junior Year workout and this thrust her into what was her best race regardless of what the stopwatch said. Calie Svoboda and Abby Hosek were next, running strong races and making my life difficult in working on a roster for the upcoming weeks. Kayla Salerno wrapped up the scoring squad, in horse racing speak, Kayla is a trotter. She keeps a solid consistent gait, running an amazingly consistently mile split. Hard to believe how far she has come since she came out last summer.

The last race was the open JV race, conditions had improved as the temperature rose. For several seniors, this would be the last race of their career. Perhaps it was a combination of sadness or relief, but emotions were high. From the gun it was a sea of Benet, many names that were once on their varsity squad got pushed out by newcomers, a reminder that no athlete is guaranteed a varsity spot year to year. Monse Morales was our top finisher making big jumps over the last couple of weeks to secure a postseason spot. Alexandra Hyman was next wrapping up a solid three year career. Seniors Gigi Kinsella and Sarah Merda finished up next close together, Kinsella closed out as our only 4-year runner. Her growth as a runner leader will be missed next season. Carly Schabow was our next senior finisher and I don’t think that her sophomore self would believe she become the strong, confident runner that finished her career. Shelly Cabrera was the final senior finisher, who, even in her one season, showed growth and improvement since summer. Special shout to senior managers Dani Ardizzone and Nora Harrington. Managers are an underrated part of the team, and our functionality is aided by their contributions.

We now move onto the postseason. Things now become more focused and serious. The top 12 runners will carry on and train in preparation for first the regional and then it’s on to sectional meet. In every sport, the postseason is when things get fun and we are ready to have some fun… And down the stretch we come!

Coach Wejman

As we were waiting at the starting line for the varsity race, Coach Gonzalez commented on how he felt good about the race, and I wasn’t just trying to be agreeable when I said I felt the same way. Despite all the questions we get on a daily basis about how many loops, how many more, or how many whatever, this group is incredibly receptive to what we’ve asked of them. We’ve seen this play out over the last two weeks as the training has ratcheted up and each workout takes on its own life of competition and intensity. However, if the results aren’t seen on Saturdays, it can almost seem like a lost cause.

So maybe it was just hope that coach and I shared at the start line, but there was some reason for our optimism. Before the varsity though, came the frosh/soph tilt. For whatever reason, this meet has kept the frosh/soph race at a 4K or about 2.4 miles, so times are a bit hard to gauge, but watching the racing gives insight. Megan Henehan was our top finisher dropping 20 seconds off last year’s time. Caitlin McGarry was the next finisher, gutting out a great finish while dealing with some stiffness in her hips. The duo of Erin Howard and Elena Beczkiewicz were next, as these two track runners have done a great job showing their finishing speed, but it’s a reminder that there is still something left in the tank. Managing this takes time to figure out, but these two are starting to improve. Isabella Plescia, Natalie Rozmus, and Fiona Roach rounded out the team.

As the aforementioned varsity race kicked off, my vantage point 100 meters out saw a timid start, which isn’t devastating, but something that we need to get better at. Our attention next turned to the infamous hill as our sluggish start was shaken off and our 7 moved up. Ailee Hogan was in the top 20 and looked solid. We don’t really have the tight pack we’ve had in years past, but the gaps between runners has shrunk as the season has progressed. Melissa Harris was next up and she has had her best two weeks of her career, demonstrated as she’s kept the gap as low as possible between her and Hogan. Erin Degnan and Sabina Llerenas were next and they did a great job of keeping a slim gap between them and Melissa. Abby Hosek, Maddie Bent and Monse Morales rounded out the 7 varsity runners. Our pre race sentiments were validated as we saw numerous personal bests and preseason goals met, and we expect more of the as the training taper starts to happen.

The Open race saw this trend continue, a few notable performances were put in by Eileen Harrington who dropped over a minute of her personal best, Nancy ‘la Jefa’ Martinez dropping over 30 seconds off her best. Senior Sarah Merda shaved 90 seconds of her best time over the last two years. Kayla Salerno and Sofia Moreno also posted best times as they both strive to grab a Top 12 top and possibly even toe the line at regionals or sectionals. As the races wrap up, I enjoy watching girls confer with the managers about their times and see their reactions. Sometimes this reaction is frustration, maybe they didn’t do as well as they hoped, but this frustration shows they care. Or, they see the good news and get excited to the point of hosting a pizza party to celebrate this personal best. Regardless, we take pleasure in putting in the work and seeing the bigger picture of what this is all about. We turn to October in a great place and we look forward to two more great weeks of racing.

-Coach Wejman

I know I’ve alluded to it before in these reflections, but, the regular season doesn’t have much bearing on the ‘success’ of our season. We have always kicked around the idea of an off week, in which we don’t travel to a meet. We decided against it because we can always give our top runners a weekend break, but letting all the JV/Open runners a chance to get another race in. This year, the Leyden Invite was canceled due to facilities issues and we filled that with the Harvest Christian Invite in Elgin. We opted to run this weekend, against new competition, on a new course and at least for this year, amazing weather. Pre-race rumors about the course being a 5K sent shockwaves through the team camp. That extra .1 really throws off some otherwise tough competitors. Regardless of distance/course, everyone runs the same race. The frosh-soph led things off. This was our first frosh-soph race of the season. We decided to go full strength at the lower level and give them a chance to work with each other. Sabina Llerenas was our top finisher in the race and she was followed by Maddie Bent. The overall level of competition in this meet was a good fit for us and this showed in the home stretch. All 5 frosh-soph finishers were forced to put in a hard kick to grab another spot or to hold off someone from behind. This is a reminder that every spot matters, as the squad finished 4th- 3 points from 3rd and 1 point ahead of 5th. This was a great experience as we prepared to turn the calendar into October.

The Varsity race would prove more of the same as over 25 teams toed the line. At the first pass, the eye test I mentioned last week was encouraging. Frontrunner Ailee Hogan looked sharp and was primed to move up as the race progressed. Not far behind was Melissa Harris who had her best race of the season keeping the smallest gap of the season between her and Hogan. Senior Erin Degnan has never looked better at the training workouts throughout the season and this manifested itself for Erin’s best race over the last three years. I look forward to her continued developments as her final season unfolds. Same goes for senior Abby Hosek who had the most impressive final kick of her career, tough races make tough racers. Calie Svoboda, Sofia Moreno, and Kayla Salerno rounded out the squad. It is going to be a challenge to figure out who will grab the 7th spot assuming our top 6 stay healthy.

The Open race was last and we proudly occupied three boxes. I don’t take for granted what a privilege it is to have such a large team. Schools of our size were at this meet and most had 5-7 open racers, we had over 20. Monse Morales was our top finisher as she pushes for a postseason spot. Some other strong performances came from Sarah Martin who had her best race of the season (maybe it was the shoes), Amanda Myers dropped over a whole minute on her personal best despite the extra distance. Some good looking conditions and favorable courses should yield some great performances. This will lead to the regular season success that we value, the weekly growth and the improvements that come from hard training. We might not grab any hardware, but we will put ourselves in the best possible spot come mid-October.

-Coach Wejman