Spartans out to impress at Detweiller

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 11:27pm | Fred Kroner

Danville coach Todd Orvis is learning what can happen when a group of cross-country runners advances to state for the first time.

“I’m fighting the ‘we’re happy to be here syndrome’ because it’s the first time any of these guys have qualified,” Orvis said.

Danville’s Class 2A team state berth is the school’s first since 2000.

With senior Caleb Hummer projected as a potential top-10 individual finisher, Orvis senses good feelings.

“I’m excited. The team is excited,” he said. “The goal for the team is to finish in the top 10, which will be tough, but attainable if we run well.”

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Mahomet-Seymour’s boys’ program is shooting for school history this week. Twice, the school has been on the verge of a state trophy, which goes to the top three team placers.

In 1995 and 1996, M-S was fourth when it was a Class 1A school. M-S’ highest finish since advancing to Class 2A is fifth in 2011.

“Our goal is to try and place the highest we have ever placed,” M-S coach Neal Garrison said. “We feel a sense of obligation to our alumni that worked so hard to set the standards for us to try and beat.”

Alex Keeble has won six races this fall and is among a handful of individuals expected to challenge for the top spot this weekend.

For the team to meet its expectations, however, Garrison recognizes that more than the leaders will need to run well.

“Most races are won and lost by the later runners since they give the most amount of points to the team score,” he said. “This year, our No. 6 and No. 7 runners will play a critical role in pushing back other top teams’ runners.

“In many ways, we gain as much confidence knowing our fourth through seventh runners are tough runners that we can count on when it matters.”

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Urbana Uni High coach Doug Mynatt has had to reassess what is possible for his Class 1A girls’ team.

“Going into the season, I thought our girls were a top-five team,” Mynatt said. “With the season they have had so far, I honestly think they are capable of a top-three finish.

“Arielle (Summitt) and Annemarie (Michael) will be working hard up front, and that sets the stage for our three-four-five and even the six-seven runners to make the difference for the team.”

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Unity’s girls secured the fifth — and final — team qualifying berth from last week’s Class 1A sectional at Hickory Point Golf Course.

“We knew we had our backs to the wall, and they stood up and battled the best they could,” Unity girls’ coach Gary Wieneke said. “They did really well.”

Team leaders Nicole Bagwell and Taylor Renfroe have been up front in most meets. That is an extension of what the coach sees during training runs.

“They push each other in practice,” Wieneke said. “We’ll see where that takes them on Saturday.”

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Monticello coach Dave Remmert has seen a steady drop of times among all his squad members, boys and girls, this season.

“We had 17 of 26 finishers at our last invitational prior to regional set personal or season bests, and we have continued to improve during the championship season,” Remmert said. “The kids seem eager to get after it, and I like seeing that.”

Remmert hopes his teams are positioned for success.

“It is unrealistic to expect every runner to perform well at every meet,” Remmert said, “but on certain days, the clouds will part and the sun will shine on certain teams. Every coach, and every team, hopes and prays
that those clouds will part for them this weekend.”

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SJ-O coach Jason Retz has had three different girls set the pace for his team this season. It’s a pattern that has helped his squad reach the state meet.

“They have each other’s backs,” Retz said. “If you always have to have one gal do the brunt of the work, that can be a lot of pressure on her, but when you know your team is going to run together and everyone is going to pull their own weight, there is a lot of pressure lifted off your shoulders.

“Every day, everyone has someone to train with. Never are the girls having to work hard by themselves. Over the season, we have seen the Maroon Train roll in together for their fair share of success.”

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Jon Davis, from Oakwood/Armstrong-Potomac, will attempt to become the first area athlete to win back-to-back Class 1A state titles since Prairie Central’s Ryan Young pulled off the feat in 1997 and 1998.

“Jon has been training very hard since last year at state and looks forward to running a new personal best at Detweiller,” O/A-P coach Damon Ehrett said.

One of his top challengers could be Tuscola’s Eric Ponder, whom he has raced against at the regional and sectional meets.

“Eric’s success did not come without effort,” Tuscola coach Doug Robinson said. “He made sure he got the most out of every workout this season. He is very motivated this week.”