RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

2024 GENESEO H.S. BOYS XC TEAM

Pictured are most of the 2024 Team

LEAFS PLACE 26TH IN I.H.S.A. STATE MEET

Pictured are (Row 1):  Graysen Carlson, Dylan Gehl, Henley Bouren;  Row 2:  Coach Jeff Brown,
Jaxson Sottos, Aiden Bries, Kaden Elmer, Max Johnson, & Coach Todd Ehlert.

On Saturday, November 9th, the Leafs traveled to Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park, to participate in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) STATE FINALS.  This was the 5th straight trip for the Maple Leafs (Boys Team Record.). The 28 team field included qualifying teams from:  Aurora (Marmion Academy) Belvidere (North), Bethalto (Civic Memorial), Burbank (St. Lawrence), Chathnam-Glenwood, Chicago (Brother Rice), Chicago (DePaul), Chicago (Latin), Chicago (Payton), Chicago (St. Ignatius), Crystal Lake (Central), Dixon, Geneseo, Herrin, Highland, Lake Villa (Lakes), Lisle (Benet Academy), Mahomet-Seymour, Maple Park (Kaneland), Marian, Metamora, Morris, Morton, Mt. Vernon, Normal (University High), Sycamore, Washington, & Woodstock.  In addition, there were 40 individual qualifiers (10 from each of the four 2A Sectional Meets) in the 236 runner field.  The 2A boys raced at “High Noon”.  The temperature was perfect for racing (50˚) with little to no wind.  There was a light rain that had started to make it a bit slippery on the corners.  Peoria had also received quite a bit of rain earlier in the week but overall the conditions were GREAT for the middle of November in Illinois.

The Leafs entered the meet ranked 23rd according the latest Illinois Running News Rankings.  The team’s goal was to try and secure a “Top 15” team finish and join the “Wall of Honor” in the Geneseo High School Gymnasium.  As a result, Head Maple Leaf Boys Coach Todd Ehlert instructed his team to “Take a Chance and Get out “Hot”.  He felt that last year the team didn’t get out well and ended up getting buried in the field.  The boys were starting near the far right side of the boxes and Coach Ehlert instructed Senior Team Leader Christian Haney to hold the large Geneseo flag near the 180 turn to give the boys something to aim at and to run a straight line.  GREAT IDEA, Coach.  On to the race.

Senior Dylan Gehl led the way and simply ran another amazing race.  Dylan rolled through the mile in 4:48 and was in 20th place.  He then passed two miles in 9:50 (5:02 2nd mile) and was sitting in 19th place.  Dylan then closed in 4:59 for his 3rd mile and moved all the way up to 14th place to earn his 2nd straight “All-State” Award.  He is the only boy to ever accomplish that feat.  His final time of 14:49 is the 5th fastest time EVER for a Geneseo High School runner on the course and the 3rd fastest for a GHS Senior.  Dylan missed his personal record on the couse by a mere one second and with the rain and mud his effort was certaily superior to that.  Great Race Dylan.  Congratulations on an amazing career.  We have our fingers crossed about the upcoming spring.  Either way, God Bless you and your amazing family. 

The second Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape” was Junior Jaxson Sottos who placed 91st in a personal best tying time on the course of 15:43 (#13 EVER for a GHS Junior on the course and #18 on the All-Time Performance List…any grade.)  Jaxson got out fast and rolled through the mile in 4:50 and was sitting in 42nd place and just behind Dylan.  He then passed the two mile in 10:08 (5:18 2nd mile) and was in 52nd place.  He tied up a bit in the last mile and ended up in 91st place.  He fought every step of the way and closed in a hard fought 5:35 last mile.  Jaxson “Cracked the Top 100” to join the “Top 100 List of  Honor” on the team’s website historical section.  “JJ”, you had a GREAT Season.  We are already “drooling” for the spring and then your Senior campaign.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.  You are a great team leader.  All the best.

Freshman Henley Bouren was the next Geneseo finisher.  Henley sprinted home in 160th place and was timed in 16:14.  His time is the 3rd fastest time EVER in GHS History for a Freshman on the Detweiller Course.  WOW!  Henley was the 16th fastest Freshmen in the 2A field.  He rolled through the first mile in a quick 5:05 and was in 131st place.  He passed two miles in 10:43 and was in 163rd place.  He kicked a few runners down in the final mile and closed in 5:31 for his 3rd mile.  Did I mention that Henley is only a FRESHMAN?!  I am guessing that both his mile and two mile splits were personal bests.  If you have any extra money, please consider investing in this youngster’s future.  He is “Gonna FLY”.  Keep “Dreaming Big”, Henley and then backing those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.  You have a chance to become the greatest distance runner in our school’s long, proud history.  Ready, Set, GO!!!

Next up for the Maple Leafs was Junior Graysen Carlson.  The “Greyhound” ran a strong race was timed in 16:30 and placed 184th.  Graysen passed the mile in a quick 5:05 and was sitting in 126th place.  He passed two miles in 10:49 (5:44 2nd mile) and was “Feeling It’ but fighting bravely.  At two miles he was in 174th place.  Graysen closed in 5:49 for his final mile and looked pretty glad to be across the finish line.  He gained a “Plethora” of “Big Meet Experience” that he will put to good use in the spring and then during his Senior year.  Graysen, you have the “It Factor”.  The willingness to chase greatness and pay the price to get there.  Try and bring your teammates along for the ride.  The fall of 25 Already has me “Drooling”.  Keep “Paying your dues”.  The best way to lead is via example.  Take care & God Bless.

The Leafs 5th scorer was Junior Aidan Bries who sprinted home in 16:47 and placed 204th overall in the race.  Aidan was literally “On Fire” when “Championship Meet Season” rolled around and helped the Leafs accomplish some great feats.  Aidan hit the one mile mark in 5:14 and was sitting in 190th place.  He rolled past the two mile mark in 11:03, running his 2nd mile in 5:47 amd was om 201st place.  He picked up the pace and dropped his last mile to 5:44.  He wasn’t feeling too great the second half of the race but gave it everything that he had anyway.  Aidan is a great guy and a wonderful team leader.  He doesn’t just “Talk the Talk”….He “Walks the Walk”.  That is the best way to lead.  Via example.  All the best to you this spring and then as you attack your Senior Campaign.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.  LEADERSHIP!!!  Take care and God Bless.

Junior Kaden Elmer was up next for the team.  Kaden sprinted across the finish line in 17:04 and placed 220nd.  He also got out fast and passed the mile in 5:16 which had him sitting in 198th place.  He passed the two mile in 11:13, as he ran his 2nd mile in 5:57 and was in 217th place.  Kaden was “Grinding Hard” but kept up the fight all the way to the finsih.  He picked up his pace the last mile as he “Dropped” at 5:48.  Great Effort, Kaden.  Outstanding effort.  Now, heal up and then get ready to “Blast the Track”.  After that….it will be time to “Get After” your Senior Year.  You and “da Boys” are headed for GREATNESS.  Keep them on the right path.  “Dreaming Big” and then backing those dreams up with the Commitment that Excellence DEMANDS.  You and your fellow classmates are all in a position to be “The Guy”.  Carpe Diem.  God Bless!

The final Maple Leaf on the day was Senior Max Johnson.  Max was hoping for a lot more but gave it everything he had.  Max ended up running 17:44 and placed 232.  The “Big Yohanson” rolled through the mile in 5:31 and was sitting in 232 place.  He then passed two miles in 11:44, as he split 6:13 for his second mile and he was in 233rd place.  Max attacked the last mile and dropped his pace.  His final mile was 6:00.  Max, thank you for all that you have done for your team this season in addition to all of the contributions you have made in previous seasons.  You are a special young man with a LOT of God Given Talent.  Heal up and then get ready to “Attack” your Senior track and field season.  Both the 400 and 800 meter distances are going to be a LOT of Fun to watch this spring.  Take care and God Bless.  Keep on Leading “Big Yohanson”.  Carpe Diem!!!

As a team the Leafs ended up placing 26th.  They were 16th at the mile and 24th at the two mile in the team standings.  On the day 99 boys (from all 3 classes) broke the “Magical 15:00” barrier.  That is a record.  Also, for the first time in the 2A division it took a sub 15:00 to earn “All-State Honors”.  On the girls side 128 girls “Cracked” the impressive 18:00 barrier.  What a day and what a season.  There were 6 races on the day (1A, 2A, 3A girls and boys.)  Each race was incredibly exciting and filled with amazing performances.  I truly wish that every athlete in every sport could participate in a State Championship.  It is VERY HARD to achieve.  Great Job by the Maple Leafs.  Also a special Thanks You to the GHS “Hype Squad” who was everywhere I rode my bike around the course.  Each of you helped the team immensely.  Ditto to the Lady Leafs who also qualified for the State Finals and enjoyed a tremendous season themselves.  Great job by the coaching staff also.  Geneseo is very lucky to have the “Dynamic Duo” of Todd Ehlert and Jeff Brown.  Continued success, Men.  It is both a pleasure and honor to serve with you.  I speak for Fredericks-1 too.  Take care and God Bless.

DETWEILLER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

COACHES JEFF BROWN & TODD EHLERT SELECTED
AS “CO-BELL RINGER AWARD WINNERS”

Pictured are Coaches Jeff Brown & Todd Ehlet who were
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winners”

Coaches Jeff Brown & Todd Ehlert were selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winners”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday.

It was my idea to honor both of them together as “Co-Bell Ringers”.  It just seemed appropriate and neither of them had an idea it was coming.  They are both VERY eserving.  Coach Brown joined the staff last fall when I had to step down into a volunteer slot due to my wife Tessie’s on-going health issues.  We are both thrilled to be able to help out when we can.  Coaches Brown and Ehlert, together, form what I call, “The Dynamic Duo”.  They are both great guys and care deeply for each and every athlete.  It is a pleasure to watch them in action.  They both give the team a LOT and ask for little in return.  They just a deep love of the sport and love the challenge of trying to help each man on the team chase their potential.  It is a life-long pursuit and includes much more than just running faster.  Way to go Coaches.  It is a true honor to work with each of you.  I created a new, Coaches Bell Ringer, questionnaire.  Coach Brown’s responses will be up first.

COACH JEFF BROWN

Here are Coach Brown’s responses to the questions.

Nickname: “My very close friends call me Browner”.

Family Members (and ages or grades):  “Spouse Mindy (Married 24 years), Josie (23, Physical Therapy at Creighton), Esther (21, Nursing major at Elmhurst), Russell (18, Ag Econ major at Iowa State), and Bella (15, sophomore at GHS)”.

Where you born &  raised?  “Born and raised outside of Geneseo.  Graduated in 1985 from JD Darnall High School and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1989 and 1990. I worked in Accounting and Finance for John Deere for over 30 years and have been retired for three years”.

High School & College Clubs and/or organizations that you have taken part in:  “I was a staff writer for the school newspaper and was selected co-editor my Junior and Senior years.  I also acted a little bit though that was short-lived.  I was also involved in 4-H showing vegetables, rabbits, and swine at the county fair and participated in Horticulture judging and identification competitions ultimately qualifying for the National competition during my senior year of high school”.

Your Athletic History & Awards

Prior to high school:  “Bowling, Basketball and Track.  Not gonna lie I was not very talented on the court or track”.

High School: “I did not participate in any school sponsored athletics. My only sanctioned sport was Youth bowling, in which I bowled well enough to qualify for the State tournament twice; once during middle school (I bowled my first 200 game at that tournament) and once in high school. I also played a lot of backyard football, basketball, volleyball, tennis and golf with my cousins and friends”.

Post High School:  “I started running 20 years ago.  I was coaxed into running the Moonlight Chase (a four mile run) by some friends who said we were only doing the run to get into the “free” post-race party!  I was 36 at the time and I was so embarrassed by my time for the race (and I was so worn out) that I skipped the post-race party and just went home.  On the car ride home, I decided that no one should be so out of shape at 36, so I started reading Runner’s World magazine to learn how to train and started training and haven’t looked back.  Over the past twenty years, I have competed in 94 road races of various distances. In the past year, I was able to set Personal Best times in the Bix (43:51), half marathon (1:25 at the Quad City) and the marathon (3:13 at Illinois Marathon) and qualified for and will be running the Boston Marathon in April 2025. Recently, I have ventured into the world of trail racing; placing 5th overall in the Swiss Valley 25K in October and most recently placing 1 st in the Master’s Division (4th overall) in the Illiniwek Race the Night.  I also still love to play Volleyball, especially Beach Volleyball on vacations”.

Please discuss your coaching career

Age group sports:  “I coached one of my daughter’s Soccer team from age 5 through middle school”.

Middle School sports:  “None”

High School Sports:  “Cross Country for 2 years and Track for 1 year, to date”.

ETC:

Favorite Food:  Ice Cream; I have a 32 ounce milk shake almost every night at 9:30″

Favorite Movie:  “Airplane or any of the Naked Gun movies”.

Favorite Music (Genre or group):  “I like all kinds of music and I have favorite songs from nearly every genre, except Hip Hop and Rap. I really like Country Music from the 60s, 70s and 80s and Tina Turner, Elton John, CCR and Def Leppard; that’s kind of diverse”.

Who is your Athletic Hero & Why:  “I can’t really name one, there are many and I think the things that makes me look up to someone in the elite athlete group are: a great work ethic and little to no trash talking. If you’re good enough the actions take care of themselves you don’t need to put others down or brag yourself up”.

Favorite Quote:  “You get out of it what you put into it” and “GOYDA”; I don’t think I can spell out the acronym in a family setting, but basically it means if you want something done quit complaining about it and DO IT! even if it’s really someone else’s responsibility”.

Why did you decide to join coach the Geneseo High School Cross Country Team:  I am blessed to have been asked to join the team as an assistant coach.  Luckily, my daughters participated in the GHS Cross Country and Track programs so over the years I have gotten to know the coaches.  When Coach Ehlert asked me to join he and the Fredericks, it was really an easy decision; the only thing I had to work out was still getting to watch my children in their activities.  I love the culture, the work ethic and the willingness to work together to achieve a common goal.  I absolutely love running.  I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the GHS program and being able to share my love of the sport and encouraging others to be the best
they can be in the sport”.

What advice do you have for anyone new to the sport:  “I truly believe the entire goal in this sport and in all aspects of life is to be better today than you were yesterday!  A few thoughts.  The first relates back to the quote, you truly do get out of it what you put into it.  The pain of training today is the gain for tomorrow.  Second, I shared this with the team early on.  The training plan is really an experiment.  There has been a lot of research and great plans have been developed based on that research, but each person is different and what works for one won’t necessarily always work for the other and what works today may not work tomorrow.  You have to have a plan and you have to continually tweak the plan to get better.  The last thing I would say is that it’s great to have a training partner.  Until I started coaching, I never ran with anyone except during races.  That’s 20 years of training by myself and even though I loved running I can’t even begin to describe how much better it is to run with other people.  So in short, I guess the advice is make a plan, be flexible, work hard, don’t listen to the little man, and make sure you have someone to run with!”.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Coach Brown has been an excellent addition to the Geneseo High School Cross Country program. His experience as a runner and as a father of former runners has been awesome. His positivity is infectious and the kids love to have him around. His passion for running and for the sport of cross country fits right in with the philosophy and passion our coaching staff. We are very fortunate to have him as a part of the program”.

COACH TODD EHLERT

Here are Coach Ehlert’s responses to the questions.

Nickname:  “Coach Ehlert”

Family Members (and ages or grades):  “Rachel Ehlert – Wife – Married 21+ years.  Age 21 (29 years of experience…Megan Ehlert – Daughter – 14 years old, & Will Ehlert – Son – 12 years old”

Where you born & raised, etc:  “Born and Raised in God’s Country (Keokuk, Iowa).  Graduated from Keokuk Senior High School.  College – Coe College – Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education, Collateral Concentration in Athletic Training, Minor in Biology – 1993.  Masters – Northwest Missouri State University – Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with an emphasis in Health, Physical Education, and Athletic Administration – 1996.Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) – National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) 1996 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) 2005. Certification in Applied Functional Sciences (CAFS) – Gray Institute – 2012.  United States Track and Field (USATF) Coaching School Level 2 – 2018.

HS & College Clubs and/or organizations that you have taken part in:  “High School…..Student Council.  In College…..Student Athletic Trainer – 4 Years, Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity – 4 Years Intra Fraternal Council – Vice President -1992-1993.

Your Athletic History & Awards

Prior to high school:  YMCA Baseball, YMCA Basketball, YMCA Football, Tennis, Golf, Middle School Football – 2 Years,  Middle School Basketball – 2 Years, Middle School Track and Field – 2 Years

High School:  Football – Four years – Varsity Letter Winner x 2 – All Conference, Basketball – Four years – Varsity Letter Winner x 2 – All Conference, Track and Field – Four years – Varsity Letter Winner x 4– All State (1600 Meter Run, High School Distance Medley),  School Record Holder 1600 Meter Run 1989 – Present, Class of 1989 – Most Valuable Athlete.

Post High School:  College Football – Two Years – Varsity letter winner x 1, College Track and Field – Four years – Varsity letter winner x 4 years, Conference Champion Individual and Relays, Conference Team Champion x 2,  Team Freshman of the year, School Record Holder as a part of Relays (4×800, College Distance Medley), United States of America Triathlon (USAT) – All American Honorable Mention x 4 years.

Please discuss your coaching career:

Middle School sports:  Middle School Basketball Coach (Geneseo Middle School) – 2008;  Middle School Track and Field Coach (Papillion Junior High School) – 2004 & (Geneseo Middle School) – 2008 to Present;  Middle School Cross Country Coach (Geneseo Middle School) 2008 – 2017;  Middle School Director of Athletics – Track and Field / Cross Country (Geneseo Middle School)  2010 – 2018. 

Middle School Awards as a coaching staff.  With the help of great assistants.  Heartland Conference Team Championships (Cross Country – 17) & (Track and Field – 48);  IESA Sectional Team Championships (Cross Country – 9) & (Track and Field – 47);  IESA State Trophies (Cross Country – 2) &  (Track and Field – 8);  11 IESA State Individual Champions;  5 IESA State Relay Champions;  1 IESA State Meet All Time Record;  5 IESA State Meet Class 4A Records;  4 IESA State Meet Class AA Records;  9 IESA State Individual Medalists (6 top ten finishes) – Cross Country;  279 IESA State Medalists – Track and Field;  4 Top Ten IESA State Team Finishes – Girls Cross Country;  5 Top Ten IESA State Team Finishes – Boys Cross Country;  7 Top Ten IESA State Team Finishes – Girls Track and Field;  7 Top Ten IESA State Team Finishes – Boys Track and Field;  Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (ITCCCA) – Distinguished Middle School Coach 2020.

High School Sports:  High School Cross Country Coach (Geneseo High School – 2018 to Present); 

High School Awards as a coaching staff.  With the help of great assistants:  Western Big 6 Conference Team Champions x 2;  Western Big 6 Conference Individual Champion x 1;  IHSA Regional Team Champions x 2;  IHSA Regional Individual ;  Champion x 1IHSA State Medalist x 1.

College Sports:  College Track and Field Assistant Coach (Coe College 1994);  Conference Team Champions Boys and Girls;   1994 Northwest Missouri State University 1996

Athletic Trainer:  Cedar Rapids Kennedy Fall of 1993;  Papillion-LaVista High School 1996-2004 (18 State Championship &  Teams 14 State Runner Up Teams);  Geneseo High School 2004 – 2007;  Trivia – Athletic Trainer for 3 different high schools to make it to 3 different State Championship Semi-Final football games (Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois);  Race Across America (RAAM) 1996, 1998, 2000 (Crew Member for Tom Buckley)

Career Path to date:   “1986 – 1994 Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor;  Keokuk Municipal Pool, Keokuk, IA;   Wet and Wild (Hurricane Harbor/Six Flags), Arlington, TX;  Summer 1995;  Fall of 1993 Student Teaching Cedar Rapids Kennedy/Athletic Trainer 1994 Assistant Track and Field Coach Coe College / Instructor of Athletic Training Course;  1994-1996 Graduate Assistant in Physical Education Department Teaching Activity Classes / Manager of Fitness Center / Assistant Track and Field Coach, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO;  1996 – 2004 Physical Education/Health Education/Strength and Conditioning Instructor / Athletic Trainer (Papillion Junior High School &  Papillion – LaVista High School, Papillion, NE);  2004 – 2007 Athletic Trainer / Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Hammond Henry Hospital (HHH);  2007 to present (Summit Present Physical Education/Health Education/Strength and Conditioning Instructor / Athletic Trainer at GMS & GHS.)  Also worked for Hammond Henry Hospital (HHH)”

Committees:  ITCCCA Board Member 2021 – Present;  ITCCCA Vice President 2022 – Present;  ITCCCA Middle School Representative 2016 – Present,  IESA Cross Country Advisory Committee Member – Past;  IESA Track and Field Advisory Committee Member – Present

Fundraising:  Helped Revamp Track and Field/Cross Country Booster Club;  Helped with structure and fundraising ideas

Grant Writing for the School District:
Wrote grants for the middle school GEF(GEEE), PTA:  (Ice Machine, Rock Wall at the Middle School, TRX Multi Mounts, Exercise Mats, Heart Rate Monitors.)

Wrote Grants for the high School for over $200,000:  Reconstructed the weight room (Benches, Racks, Dumbbells, Iron Plate Weights, Bumper Plates, True Strengths, Plo Boxes, TRX Staps, Clips, Exercise Mats, Battle Ropes, Barbells, Technology (TV’s, Clevertouch TV’s, Mini I-Macs, Med Balls, Jump Ropes, Hurdles.

ETC:

Favorite Food:   “Italian – Fettucine Alfredo”

Favorite Movie:  “Top Gun Maverick”

Favorite Music (Genre or group):  “U2”

Who is your Athletic Hero?  Why?  “Ken Popejoy – When I was running in high school at the Drake Relays in 1989, he was in the master’s division of the 800 and he ran 1:58 as a 40+ year old, I thought in my mind, I cannot let an old man like that beat me.  I ran 1:56 ten minutes later.  I then made it a goal to be like him.  That is why I still run today”.  

Favorite Quote:  “Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable!  Don’t Listen to the Little Man!  Go All Out!  Have Fun!   Dream Big!”

Why did you decide to join coach the Geneseo High School Cross Country Team?  “I was moved to the High School for teaching and the administration wanted me to move up from the middle school to coach also”.

What advice do you have for anyone new to the sport?  “I am going to quote Dylan Gehl.  “Racing hurts.  It doesn’t matter if you are running slow or running fast, it all hurts the same, so why don’t you run fast”

COMMENT FROM COACH JEFF BROWN:  Coach Ehlert has an in-depth knowledge of the sport.  He incorporates feedback from the coaches and student athletes in developing practice plans.  He does a great job motivating the student athletes. 

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

GENESEO ENJOYS A HISTORIC DAY AT
THE METAMORA I.H.S.A. SECTIONAL

Pictured are members of both the Girls & Boys XC Teams.  Both team qualied for the State Finals.
It has been since 1998 since that has happened.  That’s 26 YEARS AGO

LEAFS GO BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK
AND QUALIFY FOR THE 5TH STRAIGHT YEAR

On Saturday, November 2nd, the Leafs traveled to Metamora’s Black Partridge Park to participate in one of the four 2-A IHSA Sectional meets in the State.  On the line was a trip to next Saturday’s State Finals to the Top 7 teams and the Top 10 runners NOT on the 7 qualifying teams.  The field included teams from:  Chicago (Brother Rice), Chicago Heights (Marion), Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Crete (Crete-Monee), Dunlap, Evergreen Park, Geneseo, LaSalle (LaSalle-Peru), Lemont, Metamora,
Morris, Morton, Normal (University High), Oak Forest, Ottawa, Pontiac, Sandwich, Tinley Park, and Washington.

The weatherman treated the runners to a wonderful early November day.  The race time temperature was 53˚ and there was a SSE wind blowing 10-15 mph.  The course was hard and fast.  It was a great day to race.  The girls got things started at 10:30 a.m. and they ran awesome races.  The Lady Leafs tied for the final team qualifying spot and will be on the starting line next Saturday.  Congratulations to all of the girls and the coaches. 

The Leafs were lined up and ready to roll at 11:30 a.m.  The Leafs entered the meet with a LOT of momentum but qualifying wasn’t going to be easy.  Five of the State’s top 25 ranked teams were in the field with several others just outside the rankings (including the Leafs).  I will use the Athletic.Net Rankings in my summary because they also rank individuals.  The Leafs have qualified for the State Meet for the last four years (we are counting 2020….COVID-19 year too…no official State Meet but the team still qualified).  Thus, 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023.  We are talking about a “Historic Streak”.  The Leafs hoped to add 2024 to the list.  It wouldn’t be easy.

Senior Dylan Gehl led the way put himself in the Top 10 and simply refused to fall off the pace.  Dylan moved up late in the race and claimed the 6th place individual medal (They award medals to the Top 10 Finishers.)  Dylan was projected by  Athletic.Net to place 12th overall.  He bettered that by 6 places and broke the Geneseo High School School Record for the Black Partridge Course with his time of 14:51.  He took 13 seconds off of his own record.  Great Racing, Dylan.  All the best next to him Saturday when he hopes to become Geneseo’s first male athlete to earn “All-State” Honors TWICE.  “All-State” Honors are awarded to the Top 25 Finishers in the IHSA State Meet.

Junior Jaxson Sottos wasn’t too far behind Dylan and improved his personal best on the course to 15:26 which was good for 15th place overall.  Athletic.Net had predicted him to finish in 21st place.  Jaxson is now the 3rd fastest Geneseo High School Runner EVER on the course and the 2nd fastest Junior.  Way to Roll, “JJ”.  After the race there were a few minutes of true fear as Athletic.Live had the Leafs listed as finishing in either 8th or 9th as a team in the unofficial team standings.  After looking the results over Coach Ehlert noticed that the Jaxson’s computer chip hadn’t been counted.  That’s why they use a video review to catch any mistakes.  What a great start to a team score…..Two Maple Leafs in the Top 15.  Great Racing, Men!

Up next was one of the biggest surprises of the meet.  Geneseo Freshman Henely Bourne took TWENTY-TWO SECONDS off of his Geneseo High School Freshmen School Record for the Black Partridge Park course via his 16:10.  Henley ended up “Throwing Down” a strong last mile and was kicking runners down left and right.  Henley was predicted by Athletic.Net to place 95th.  He placed 46th overall (that’s 49 places better than he was predicted to finish) and was the 5th Freshmen to cross the finish line.  WOW!!!  Great Stuff, Henley.  All the best next Saturday in the Illinois High School  Associations State Final.  It is going to be fun watching you go after the GHS All-Time Detweiller Freshmen Top 25 List.  Don’t forget to have some fun along the way. 

The Leafs fourth man on the day was Junior Graysen Carlson who sprinted across the finish line in 47th place (Athletic.Net had predicted him to place 49th Overall).  Graysen was timed in a fast 16:11.  That time took 27 seconds off his personal best for the course (WOW!!!) and moved him into 10th place on the “All-Time” list (1 behind Henley).  It also moved Graysen into the number 7 spot on the GHS Junior Top 25 List for the Black Partridge course.  Great Racing, Graysen.  Graysen has developed himself into a “Big Dog” and has been racing with a plethora of confidence.  His “Passion & Purpose” have helped the Maple Leafs “Raise their Game” to a new level this season.  All the best next Saturday.  You will be “Dancing at Detweiller” next Saturday.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  We are all VERY proud of you.

Junior Aidan Bries sprinted across the finish line as the Leafs’ 5th man.  Aidan placed 58th overall and was timed in 16:30.  Athletic.Net had predicted him to place 70th.  Aidan’s time moved him into the number 15 spot on the GHS All-Time Top 25 list for the course and is the new number 10 Junior EVER to run the course.  Great Stuff, Aidan.  Aidan battled nasty growth spurt issues over the last couple of years and is finally running (almost) pain free.  He is an amazing young man and the dude can FLY!  Keep up the great racing, Aidan.  All the best next Saturday at Detweiller Park.  The team is hoping to make a run at “Cracking the Top 15” for teams.  That would qualify the team to have a banner put up in the gym.  All the best, Aidan.  Please tell your siblings that I am looking forward to wrestling them next Saturday.  Man, they are pretty tough 🙂

The fourth member of the Maple Leafs’ “Four Horsemen” is fellow Junior Kaden Elmer.  Kaden had another big race too and sprinted across the finish line in 70th place and was timed in 16:40.  Kaden was predicted by Athletic.Net to place 78th.  His time equaled a previous time that he had run and has him sitting at the number 15 Junior for GHS Runners EVER on the course.  He is also the 19th fastest GHS runner for any grade level.  Kaden helped to give the Leafs impressive depth.  Only two teams had their 6th man place ahead of him.  Kaden’s time also took 22 seconds off of his 2024 season best time at Black Partridge Park.  Way to Roll, Kaden.  Get ready to “Toe da Line” next Saturday in the IHSA State Finals.  You are enjoying an impressive high school career.  Stay tuned, there is MORE TO COME.  With 5 of the Leafs Top 6 returning…..just saying.  Also, the Leafs host their Invite, the Conference Meet, AND next year’s IHSA Sectional Meet.  OH BABY!

The final Leaf to “Break the Tape” was Senior Max Johnson.  The “Big Yohanson” was timed in 16:48 and placed 79th overall.  Athletic.Net had predicted him to place 112th.  He ran his finest race of the season to “Blow that away”.  His time ranks him as the 12th fastest Senior on the course EVER for a GHS Senior.  He is already sitting at #17 on the “All-Time” Top 25 Individual list via his 16:36 last year.  Max is the Leafs’ “Reigning Bell Ringer” Award Winner and ran a tremendous race.  Max also demonstrated Geneseo’s impressive depth as only two teams in the entire meet had their 7th man ahead of him.  Way to Go, Max.  Max also shared “The Spitting Story” with us.  An un-named athlete spit on him several times in the race.  Not accidentally.  Max finally “Snapped” and spit on him.  Then, fearing retaliation, took off like he was “Running for his Life”.  He never saw that runner again.  Motivation comes in many forms.  I have been around this sport for a LONG time and this is a new one for me.  All the best on Saturday, Max in the IHSA STATE FINALS.  Keep Dreaming Big.  Top 15 Team!!!

When the “Dust had Settled” and the team points were tabulated, the Leafs found themselves in 6th Place (Top 7 qualify for the State Finals).  Athletic.Net predicted Geneseo to place 8th and score 230 points.  The Leafs placed 6th and scored 166 points.  Take that Athletic.Net.  Illinois Running Net (Carson Vittorio) and Illinois Track and Tony Jones from Illinois Mile Split both had the Leafs ranked 6th in the Metamora Sectional.  Spot on, Men.  We Greatly appreciate Athletic.Net’s efforts.  They base their predictions on season best times.  Courses vary greatly and it is VERY hard to compare “Apples to Oranges”.  We also appreciate the added level of motivation that they provide.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Head Maple Leaf Coach Todd Ehlert and Assistant Coach Jeff Brown.  Geneseo has NEVER qualified for 5 straight state meets before on the boys side.  Four was the previous best.  Please keep in mind that it is very hard to fairly compare different eras.  There was only one class in Illinois until from 1946 (first year of a State XC Meet) until 1975.  Then, there were two classes from 1976 through 2006 (Geneseo competed in the large 2A class)m  Then, from 2007 to date there have been three classes and Geneseo competes in the middle class.  Size matters but ultimately, it is what it is.  We are very fortunate to have Coach Ehlert leading the program and what his teams have accomplished is VERY Impressive.  Also, having Jeff Brown “On Board” to be his Assistant Coach deserves an A+.  Together they form what I like to call the “Dynamic Duo”.  All the best at State and beyond, Men.  Thanks for allowing Fredericks 1 & 2 to still be a small part of the team.

BLACK PARTRIDGE PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SENIOR MAX JOHNSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Senior Max Johnson who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Senior Max Johnson was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the the previous the last meet through Saturday, October 26th where the Leafs participated in the I.H.S.A. Regional Meet.  The meet was held on Saturday, October 26th and was held on the grounds of Dunlap High School and both Middle Schools.  Max helped lead the Leafs to a strong 4th place team finish in the “Loaded Field”.  He placed 56thth overall in the race and was the Leafs 6th man on the day.  Max was timed in 18:08 for the challenging course. 

Max has been in a fierce battle for the to hang onto his Top 7 spot over the last several weeks.  The Leafs ran the Regional Meet without Freshman “Phenom” Henley Bourne who had a Marching Band Conflict. Henely has “firmly cemented” his position.  Thus, there was was lot ridding on Saturday for Max.  Max is one of the team’s Senior Leaders.  More than that….he has been a key “Piece to the Puzzle” each and every season he has worn the “Green and White” for the Leafs.  It was great to see him respond and “Earn” the spot.  After the race, we chatted shortly and I told him that it looked like he “Bought Himself” another week  He SMILED and said TWO WEEKS (STATE MEET……)  What a GREAT ANSWER!  That gives you just a “Sneak Peak” at how much of a “Team Man” Max is.  It has been a LOT of fun watching the “Big Yohhanson” develop over the last four years.  We know that he was hoping for A LOT MORE.  This season isn’t over yet, Max.  All the best on Saturday, Max.  Help lead the team back to State (via some serious “Detweiller Fever”).  Then, heal up and get ready to attack the 800 Meter School Record. 

Max is a great guy and it was interesting to read his responses to the “Bell Ringer” questioneere.  He mentioned that he loves running but really struggled at times during the season.  He wasnt performing at the level he expected of himself and that “Sucked” the fun out of it for him.  He seriously considered quitting.  There is a lesson in this for us all.  Life isn’t easy and everyone will be faced with adversity.  How we chose to handle that adversity will define us as people.  I am typing this after the Sectional meet and spoke with Max Sunday night after reading his responses.  We chated about what he had typed.  I thanked him for being so honest.  I also asked him if he was having some fun now…..his answer was a Powerful YES.  He is Very Glad that he stuck it out.  He also mentioned how impactful previous team leaders like Sam Mosbarger and Tyler Gehl had been for him.  He added that Tyler’s attending the Regional meet helped him dig deeper.  Great Stuff Sam.  You are a very special young man.  Leaders aren’t born, they are made.  You are tunringing into a powerful one.  Our world has way too many followers and not anough leaders.  Take Care and God Bless.

Here is what Max had to say about his athletic career:  12 Grade:  ‘This season has had its ups and downs, and has been particularly challenging for me.  I was looking forward to the season starting, and have always enjoyed the team comradery of
cross country.  I started the season with a promising time of 17:31, but unfortunately, that was my peak this season. The mental load at times was so unbearable that I thought about quitting, but felt a commitment to the team to see the season through. Despite the ups and downs, I’m proud to be able to run with the team at sectionals.  Cross country has always been my favorite
sport, and I will always remember the fun memories and the friendships I made”.;  11 Grade:  “My most proud moments from my junior year of cross country season are running 16:36 at Detweiler and 16:45 at Galesburg.  I remember being excited to have the opportunity to run at Sectionals and State with the team.  I was able to take full advantage during the winter and come out as a better runner. I was able to break my number one goal and run 1:59.3 in the 800m”.;  10 Grade:  “I started realizing the importance of year-round training. I started the season going out hard at the Rust Buster (2 miles) for fourth place OVERALL in the race, time of 11:22. First to the Finish, Detweiler Park 17:45, Hoover Park, 17:05 (Season PR), Varsity top 10 at Freeport, 17:55.  Running was slower due to homecoming week but I still ran fast.  Metamora…16:59. I was very excited to slip under 17 for the first time.  We won WB6 conference and my time was 17:24.  At Sectionals at Metamora I ran 16:36″.;  “10th Grade was my first State meet for Cross Country and I finished as Geneseo’s 3rd runner, timed in at 17:35. The course was muddy and slow. In fact, I’ve never seen a course as muddy as it was that year.  Track was a massive breakthrough for me.  Instead of running throughout the winter I decided to spend it working out every day in the weight room.  I must have put on about 20 pounds and it transformed me from an average runner to a state qualifier.  My most proud accomplishments from this track season were running 2:01 in the 800 and splitting a 52 in the 4×400. I went to state for both events.  I still believe that qualifying for State in Track is the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life.  It felt like I was running at the Olympics”.;  “09 Grade:  In my freshman year, I ran Cross Country and earned my Varsity Letter, and ended up with a season-best time of 19:38, which I ran in the final meet of my season at the JV State meet.  I was battling an injury and almost didn’t race.  I sure am glad that I did.  In the Spring, I joined the Track and Field team where I ran both the 400-meter dash (59.12 season best) and 800-meter run (2:17.26 season best) both in open races and in relays. I also earned my Varsity Letter”.;  “08 Grade: I ran Cross Country and made the Top 7 and raced at Sectionals. It was my greatest accomplishment at the time. In the spring, I ran Track & Field for the first time and raced anywhere from 100 Meters up to the 400 Meters. I believed that I was forever going to be a sprinter. Freddy proved me wrong on that one”.;  “07 Grade: In cross country I ran in the Top 7 and raced at sectionals. I'll never forget getting my first pair of spikes that my parents promised I'd get if I made top 7. We did not have a track season this year because of covid. I remember it being very disappointing”.;  “Prior to 7 th grade: I played Baseball from Kindergarten through Third Grade.  I played every position.  My favorite was Shortstop.  I love Baseball and am a huge Chicago Cubs Fan.  I also played Soccer both in Kindergarten and First Grade. It wasn’t my favorite.  I vaguely remember playing soccer with Sam at one point, not knowing we would end up on the same cross country team many years later. I do not remember playing specific positions. I remember having a lot of energy and being all over the field”.

Max is the proud son of Stephanie & Bob Johnson.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to “da Little Yohanson” (Micah….current GHS Sophomore.)

Here are Max’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Big Yohanson”.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track and Field.”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Spagetti.;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Forrest Bump”.;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Rock Mainly, although I like just about anything”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Nick Symmonds”.  Here is what a quick Google Search had to say about him:  “Nicholas Boone Symmonds is an American YouTube personality and retired middle-distance track athlete, from Boise, Idaho, who specialized in the 800 meters and 1500 meters distances. Symmonds signed with Brooks Running in January 2014 after a 7-year sponsorship with Nike”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Success is not final, fatal;  it is the courage to continue that counts – Winston Churchill”;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I wasn’t interested in playing other sports at the school and I happened t know people joining the cross cournty team”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Cross country is largely a race of who’s willing to commit the most.  It all comes down to the little things..”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Junior Graysen Carlson, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, & Junior Jaxson Sottos.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Max has been a great member of the Geneseo Cross Country team. He has been an integral part of the success the last three years. He has been able to participate in the IHSA State series the past two years and it looks like he maybe able to make it a 3rd year this year with a great team performance at Metamora. Keep up the great work, Max. Max is ready to bust a great race to finish out his career at GHS. Thanks for being a part of the XC family”.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

GREYSON OR GRAYSEN

Pictured are Freshman Greyson Claerhout and Junior Graysen Carlson

I can always be counted on making numerous typing mistakes during the course of the season.  I try my best but am only human.  My wife, Tessie, is my editor but has been struggling with health issues which have effected her vision.  We catch what we can.  However, confusion over how to spell the two team members listed above has taken my “Typo” numbers to a New Level.  By the way, they are two of the nicest dudes on the team and are also each gifted runners.  Thanks for keeping me on my toes, “G-Men”.

LEAFS “PUNCH IHSA SECTIONAL TICKET”

Pictured are the guys shortly after racing the Regional Meet.  L-R:  Max Johnson, Dylan Gehl, Kaden Elmer,
Jack Kreiss, Graysen Carlson, Aidan Bries, & Jaxson Sottos.

LEAFS RUN STRONG AT THE DUNLAP I.H.S.A. REGIONAL MEET

On Saturday, October 26th, the Leafs traveled to Dunlap to participate in the I.H.S.A. Regional Meet.  On the line was qualifying for next Saturday’s I.H.S.A. Sectional Meet.  The top 6 teams qualified along witht he first 5 individuals NOT on qualifying teams.  The meet was held on the athletic grounds of Dunlap High School & Middle School grounds.  There were several rolling hills along with sections of beautiful tree-lined trails.  Geneseo has never competed in Cross Country at Dunlap (as far as I know) and we were VERY Impressed with both the course and the meet administration.  The assigned field included teams from:  Bartonville (Limestone), Canton, Chilloicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Dunlap, East Peoria, Galesburg,
Geneseo, Macomb, Morton, Peoria (HS), Peoria Richwoods,and Washington.  The Girls race started at 10:00 a.m. with the Boys race following at 11:00 a.m.  The weather conditions were great for late October.  The race time temperature was 51˚.  There was a fairly strong 9 mph NE wind blowing with gusts up to 18 mph but the course is very well protected and the wind wasn’t a significant factor.

The field contained numerous state-ranked teams.  Morton is currently ranked 2nd in 2A while Washington is sitting 8th and Metamora is sitting in 9th spot.  There were also a plethora of “All-Staters” in “da House”.  According to the Athletic.Net Meet Simulation prediction, the Leafs were picked to place 6th and score 159 points.  It looks like they are NOT ready to invade “Vegas”.  On to the racing.

DYLAN GEHL EARNS TOP 5 INDIVIDUAL MEDAL

Pictured is GHS Senior Dylan Gehl who earned a highly coveted “Top 5 Finsher Medal” in the race

Senior Dylan Gehl has really been on a roll and continued his great racing on Saturday.  He did, almost, give us a “Heart Attack” when he fell around the 600 meter mark of the race going down a small hill.  He bounced back up immediately and was “In it” the entire way.  He ended up placing 4th overall and was timed in 15:24. Athletic.net predicted Dylan to finish in 10th place.  What a great start to the team scoring.  His time was a season best.  Great Job, Dylan.

The next man up for the Leafs was Junior Jaxson Sottos.  Jaxson has been reliable all season long for the team and Saturday was he “Was On” again.  He “Went With” the lead pack early and ran another great race to place 13th in a a solid time of 15:57.  Athletic.Net had him picked to place 14th.  Score another victory for the Leafs.  Great Racing, “JJ”. 

Junior Graysen Carlson who simply ran the best race of his life.  He went out aggreseively (Top 20) and just held on.  Greyson ended up placing 21st overall in the race and “Destroyed” his personal best time with 16:33.  Greyson was predicted to place 42nd and he beat that by 21 places.  WOW!  The team was running well, to put it mildly.

Not far behind were fellow Junior Aidan Bries and Kaden Elmer who ran most of the race within a step of each other.  I will devote a paragraph to each man.  Aidan ran very “Even” splits (5:40 – 5:36 – 5:35) which isn’t easy to do EVER let alone on a course that he had never even seen before.  Athletic.Net had him predicted to place 47th.  He ended up sprinting home in 27th place to better the prediction by TWENTY PLACES and was timed in a personal best time of 16:51..  Another WOW!!!  It was awesome to watch him run such an amazing race after battling growth spurt injures for the last several years.  Great Stuff Aidan.

Not far behind Aidan was fellow Junior Kaden Elmer.  Kaden only finished 9 seconds behind Aidan and placed 33rd overall in the race in a quick time of 17:00.  I believe that is a personal best for Kaden.  I am certain that was his fastest 3 mile time for this season too.  Athletic.Net predicted him to place 46th in the race.  He bettered that by 13 places.  All five Geneseo “Scorers” were in and the Leafs were certainly “Moving On” to next Saturday’s I.H.S.A. Metamora Sectional.  It was awesome to see the boys with “Pure Joy” on their faces “Post Race”.  Way to ROLL, KADEN!!!

Next up for the Leafs was Senior Max Johnson.  Max ran a gutsy race and sprinted across the finish line in 56th place.  He was timed in 18:08.  Max has run in the Maple Leafs “Top 5” for most of his career and he has done a great job of embracing and celebrating the ascencion of Geneseo’s “FOUR HORSEMEN”.  Who am I referring to???  The Junior “Foursome” of Jaxson Sottos, Graysen Carlson, Junior Aidan Bries, and Junior Kaden Elmer!  The Leafs were racing without Freshman Henley Bourne (Marching Band Conflict) so Max was racing for the 7th man position.  I told him after the race that it looked like he had just extended his season by a week.  He smiled at me and said…..don’t you mean “TWO WEEKS?”  The was the perfect reply “The Big Yohanson”.  Way to LEAD VIA EXAMPLE, Max!

The last man in for the Leafs on the day was Sophomore Jack Kreiss who placed 62nd overall in the race and was timed in 18:47.  Jack has been battling injuries for quite a while now and hasn’t been able to train much.  It was bound to catch up with him.  He had both of his feet taped and was limping pretty bad during the race.  Heal Up, Jack.  The Leafs are going to be doing some pretty amazing things next fall.  Hopefully, you will be “Hungry Like the Wolf” and respond to the challenge of your teammates.  Remember, the key to “Dreaming Big” is the willingness to back those Dreams up with the commitment that Excellence Demands. Also, stand ready, because YOU are the first man on “Off the Bench”.

What a day for the Maple Leafs.  Athletic.Net had Geneseo predicted to place 6th overall as a team and score 159 points.  The team ended up placing 4th and scoring only 98 points.  That’s 61 less points than predicted.  All this in a “Loaded” Regional that contained State-Ranked Morton (#2), Washington (#8), and Metamora (#9.)  Great Efforts, Men.  All the best next Saturday in Metamora.  The Top 7 Teams will qualify for the I.H.S.A. STATE FINALS the following Saturday.  You are Peaking Perfectly.   Keep “Dreaming Big”.

Congratulations also go to Coaches Todd Ehlert and Jeff Brown.  Way to lead the team.  Ditto to Lady Leaf Coaches Skopek, Atwell, and Miller.  The Lady Leafs also ran great and placed 4th in the Dunlap Regional Meet.  The girls side was “Loaded too”.  All the best next Saturday and beyond.

RESULTS

FRESHMAN FRITZ BOLME & SENIOR RYLAN LAMBERT
SELECTED AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNERS”

Pictured are Freshman Fritz Bolme & Senior Rylan Lambert who where
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Freshman Fritz Bolme and Senior Rylan Lambert were selected as co-winners of this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Wednesday, October 23rd. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” covered the week leading up and including the Sterling 09/JV Cross Country Invitational held on Tuesday, October 22nd  The meet was held at Sterling’s Hoover Park.  The weather conditions for the meet were nice with a daytime high of 72˚ and racing temperatures in the mid 60’s.  The wind was mild (10-13 SSW) and was mostly protected via all of the beautiful trees inside Hoover Park.  Also, the course is a tad long of the advertised 3/10 (5K.)  How long?  We are not sure but a couple of the mile splits seemed to be a tad long.  Thus, it is NOT a FAST course.  Both men ran GREAT races.  I will cover each man separately.  I will do so alphabetically.  Thus, Fritz Bolme will be first.

FRITZ

Fritz ran in the Freshmen Race that started at 4:30 p.m. sharp.  I decided to bike from Geneseo to Sterling on the Hennipen Canal Trail and it ended up taking me a lot longer than I thought it would.  I rolled into Hoover Park just before the race started.  The boys were huddled up before the race and saw me ride past…..They smiled at m and I could here them yell….There’s Freddy.  They made my day.

Fritz is part of a VERY Special Freshmen team.  They demonstrated that in this race by placing 1-2-3-4.  Medals were awarded to the Top 5 Runners and Fritz placed 4th in a time of 20:28.  Frits’ time is the 17th Fastest for a Geneseo High School Runner EVER on the new course (started this year.)  The course is 5K (LONGER than the usual 3.00 miles)  5K is 3.10 Miles.  Fritz is also, now, the 4th Fastest GHS Freshmen EVER on the new course.  Way to Go Fritz.

Fritz has been a GREAT Addition to the Maple Leaf Cross Counrry Team.  He brings an “Infectious Smile” with him to practice each and every day.  He is one of the rare “Dudes” who actually make you feel better about “Life” every time you cross trails with him.  He has a wonderful attitude and possess the omnipotent traits of both Passion & Purpose in everything he does.  It is going to be a LOT of Fun watching him delelope his God Given Talents over the next four years.  Together, with his teammates, I predict GREATNESS.  Don’t forget to enjoy the “Journey” along the way.  Utlimately, that’s the most important thing.  Take Care and God Bless.

Here is what Fritz had to say about his athletic history.  Most of the guys responded via grade level but he chose to answer in one, well thought out, paragraph.  “I have ran in Cross Country for 3 years now, I have played football for 2 years (not currently), I have done track and field for two years and this year will be my third year, I’ve played soccer up until fifth grade, and when I was in second grade, I placed second in the backstroke at state. I have also been running 5k’s since third grade and I have placed in three of them, maybe 4. In my freshman year for cross country, I ran 3 miles in under 20 minutes and placed 4th at the freshman state meet. My goals for track are to run a sub 5:30 mile and to pole vault over 8 feet”.

He also added:  08 Grade: “Cross country and track in cross country in my with grade year, I was 5th on the team and we all made it to state. I ran a 13:11 two mile there. In track I did long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and the mile for some meets.”;  07 Grade:  “Cross country, football, and track In cross country I ran the conference meet and I ran a 13:22. I was eleventh on the team then. In football I played linebacker and a tight end. In track I did the 400, pole vault, long jump, and triple jump.”;   Prior to 7th grade: soccer, swimming, football, and 5k’s throughout the years. I was often a goalie when I played soccer, but I only played rec. In swimming I swam the backstroke and in second grade, I placed second in backstroke. In football I was a tight end and a linebacker.”

“Fritz is the proud son of Mary Pat Tubb and Derek Bolme.   Frits is also the proud “Baby Bro” of: Greta (11th grade) and Proud “Big Bro” of Lenna (5th grade) and Shae (3rd grade.) 

Here are Fritz’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Foo or Fritzy”.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “I am currently in Cross Country, Marching band, (I play the Mellophone) and I plan to join the aviation club this winter.”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “All of them, I am not very picky,  and will normally eat whatever is on my plate”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “I don’t have a favorite Movie, however I do have a favorite show and that’s “The Office”.;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “I normally listen to Rock, Indie, or sad rap”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “My Athletic Hero is Louis Zamperini. He was a track long distance runner and was a bombardier in World War 2.”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “One moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory”- Louis Zamperini.”.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “When I was younger, my family and I would run 5k’s all the time and I always enjoyed them. My older sister also did cross country, so I thought I should give it a try.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Stick with it! At least try it in high school, the team there really is like a family. Going to practice always brightens my day. The sport is hard, but it’s supposed to be! Running is one of the most intense things a person can do and it’s so good for you.“.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Senior Mason Anderson, Junior Calvin Bell, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Senior Camden Baumgardner, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Senior Connor Douglas, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Freshman Kael McCord, Sophomore Connor Runty, & Freshman Patrick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Fritz Bolme – Fritz is having a great year. He has moved his way into the top 14. He is another one of our fabulous freshman we have coming through the program right now. He has a great future ahead of him. We are excited about his future with the team..

RYLAN

Rylan raced in the “JV” Race which started at approximately 5:10 p.m.  Rylan was on “A Mission”.  As soon as the gun fired he “Blasted Off” and immediately took the lead.  He just kept on going and opened up a VERY BIG Lead.  Unfortunately, he ended up “Paying” for it and wasn’t looking like he was feeling very good late in the race.  He “Hung On” to finish 3rd Overall in the race and all I can say is WOW!  That was one of the most inspiratinal efforts that I have EVER Seen.  Rylan took a “Big Swing” and almost pulled it off.  Rylan’s time of 19:42 (the hard way) moved him into the #13 Time EVER on the Hoover Park Top 25 All-Time Individual List for a GHS Runner.  It also ranks him #3 on the Senior List EVER for the course.  Great Stuff Rylan.  I will add this…..there is NO Better Way To Lead than Via Example.  You did a great job of inspiring your teamates Rylan.  The Varsity Top 7 wasn’t allowed to race but was there anyway to serve as the “Hype Squad”.  They were going CRAZY trying to help you hang on.  They LOVE YOU.  That was Very Evident.

It has been a lot of fun watching Rylan develop from “Little Lambo” as a Freshman into the impressive young man he is now.  My only regret is that I wasn’t able to be with you more in XC and Track but I know that you understand why.  You are a VERY Special person and it is my sincere hope that we will always stay in touch.  Your future is going to be Amazing.  All the best with the rest of your senior year and beyond.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and “Paying the Dues” that Excellence Demands.  You understand that better than most.  Take Care and God Bless.

Here is what Rylan had to say about his athletic career:  He was a man of few words so I will quote him.  “12 Grade:  Cross Country – 3rd place medal at JV State meet”;  “11 Grade:  Cross Country – Finished the season with around the same time as last year at 18:10, Track”;  “10 Grade:  Cross Country – Dropped time down to 18:05 at WB6 Conference, Track – Made it into sectionals for the first time in the 4×800″;  “09 Grade: Track, Cross Country – First race finish as a freshman was 21:59″;  “08 Grade: Cross Country, Track”;  “07 Grade: Cross Country, Track”;  “Prior to 7th grade: Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Swimming.” 

(I believe that he earned Varsity Letters each season in XC and Trackat the High School Level)

“Rylan is the proud son of MacKenzie & Korey Lambert.

Here are Rylan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Little Lambo (Promoted to Big Lambo now)“.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “None.”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “You know I can’t give up on the PB&J“.;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Alien: Romulus”.;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Rap and/or RNB”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “My Athletic Hero is my DAD who ran track & XC “Back in the Day”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  ““For the hill of it” -Coach Freddy.”;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “Competitive sports like baseball and basketball didn’t really appeal to me, and when I learned about Cross Country in middle school I thought I would give it a shot. I made lots of connections with people on the team that I otherwise wouldn’t have had had I not joined. Us guys grew together and found ourselves coming back time and time again and now we’re here, 6 years deep and I’m glad I stuck with it.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “It may seem crazy at first, but if you trust the process and have fun with it, you’ll be flying in no time.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Senior Mason Anderson, Junior Calvin Bell, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Senior Camden Baumgardner, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Senior Connor Douglas, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Freshman Kael McCord, Sophomore Connor Runty, & Freshman Patrick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Rylan Lambert – Rylan has been a part of the cross country program all four years and has been great to have on the team. He has been in our top 14 and top 10 the past few years and has been a leader for the guys. As a freshman he won the Sterling Freshman “State” meet and has done well since then. He is one of the leaders of the “Hype squad” and will be out in force this weekend at Metamora for the Sectional meet..

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

LEAFS RUN “WILD” AT STERLING “09/JV STATE”

Pictured is most of the team after the action had concluded.  Up front is the team’s mascot “Glenn”

LEAFS CONCLUDE REGULAR SEASON IN STERLING

On Tuesday, October 22nd, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Hoover Park to participate in the annual Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  The meet offers one last chance for the guys who are not in the Varsity Top 7 to “Lace’em Up” and race while they are in peak form.  We have been attending this meet for a LONG time and greatly appreciate Sterling for hosting it.  There were no team awards (The Leafs won both the Freshman and the JV Races.)  Individual medals were awarded to the Top 5 in the Freshmen race and Top 10 in the JV Race.  Both races started both the girls and boys together to shorten the meet’s length.  This has been done for years and is a great move.  Also, I should note that we affectionately refer to this meet as “JV & Freshmen STATE”.  It isn’t but we have a lot of fun with the guys about it.  We were just trying to get them fired up.  Mission Accomplished. 

The weather conditions were excellent with a daytime high of 72˚ with moderate winds that were mostly blocked via all the beautiful trees at the park.  The 6-team field included:  Dixon, Geneseo, LaSalle-Peru, Rochelle, Rock Falls, and Sterling.  The course was changed this year by new Sterling Head Boys Coach Mark Johnson.  He decided to make it a full 5K.  I have known Mark for years (back in my road racing days) and respect him immensely.  I do hate to lose the all of our GHS history via the Hoover Park top 25’s.  This is a pain I feel deeply every time a course changes.  Oh well, such is life.  On to the racing.

GH

START OF THE FRESHMEN RACE

The GHS Freshmen react to the “Bang” of the Starter’s Pistol.  Notice how they are in their drive phase.

The Freshman race started at 4:30 p.m. sharp.  The Geneseo Freshmen boys were a bit greedy as they “Grabbed” the Top 4 Places in the race to dominate the field.  Leading the was was Henley Bourne who was racing because he can’t attend this coming Saturday’s Regional Meet due to a Marching Band Competition conflict.  Henley took the lead early and “Roared” away from the field.  His winning time for the 5K distance (3.10 miles) was 18:21 which is a new GHS Freshman Record for the course.  It is also the 5th fastest time EVER for a GHS runner of any grade level.  He ended up winning the race by 49 seconds and looked like he could have gone a LOT Faster if he had needed to.  GREAT JOB, HENLEY.

Next up were the tandem of Kael McCord and Greyson Claerhout who ended up placing 2nd and 3rd.  They ran most of the race together before Kael pulled away late in the race.  Kael was timed in 19:10 (New #2 GHS Freshman on the Hoover Park Top 25 List and new #8 for any grade).  Not far behind him was Greyson who “Stopped the Clock” at 19:23.  Greyson is now the 3rd fastest GHS Freshman EVER on the current course and moved into 10th on the All-Time List (any grade).  GREAT JOB, MEN!

The Leafs’ 4th Man, Fritz Bolme, had one of the most exciting finishes of any member of the entire team.  He was in a tight battle with Sterling’s 1st man.  When they reached the final “Flag” (about 200 meters from the finish) he just TOOK OFF!.  It was AWESOME!  Fritz ended up running 20:28, besting the Sterling runner by NINE SECONDS in the final 200 meters of the race.  Fritz is now the 4th fastest GHS Freshman in GHS history for the course.  He also moved into the #17 spot on the All-Time GHS Individual list (any grade level).  WAY TO ROLL, FRITZIE!

Not far behind were Patrick Versluis and Rylan Carlson who sprinted across the finish line in 22:20 and 22:30.  They both ran great races and ended up placing 11th and 12th in the race.  They are now the 5th and 6th fastest Freshmen EVER on the course.  They also “Cracked” the All-Time Top 25 List.  Patrick is now 22nd and Rylan is 24th.  Patrick was also one of two Maple Leafs on the day to average his fastest mile pace for the entire season.  GREAT STUFF, MEN.

By the way, all 6 men recorded personal bests for the course.  The goal in any training program is to be at your best at the end of the season.  Obviously, weather & course conditions affect this.  To say the Geneseo High Schhol Cross Country FUTURE looks bright would be putting in Mildly.  WOW…..HOLLY MOLLY…..I Think you get the idea.  WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU MEN!

THE JV RUNNERS ARE OFF

Pictured are most of the Geneseo High School JV Runners as they react to the Starter’s Pistol

The JV race started at approximately 5:15 p.m..  Leading the Leafs effort was Sophomore Alex Aleman who moved up niicely in the race to “Grab Silver”.  He was timed in 19:17 for the 5K (3.10 miles) course.  His time is a New Sophomore School Record for a GHS runner on the new course.  It also moved him into the number 9 spot on the “All-Time” Top 25 List (any grade level.)  Alex was also one of two Maple Leafs on the day to race at his fastest mile pace for the entire season.  GREAT RACE ALEX

Senior Leader Rylan “Little Lambo” Lambert was on a mission in this race.  He took the lead early and put everything he had into trying to win the race.  At one point he had built a HUGE Lead.  He ended up tying up a bit but still hung on for 3rd place.  It as truly an inspirational effort and I have never been prouder of an athlete in my life.  Rylan ended up being timed in 19:42 which is the 3rd fastest time EVER for a GHS Senior on the new course.  He also moved into 13th on the “All-Time” Top 25 list (any grade level).  WAY TO LEAD VIA EXAMPLE, RYLAN!!!

Closing fast was Sophomore Micah Johnson who placed 4th overall and was timed in 19:46.  Micah was just off of his 19:30 time run at the Sterling Rock River Run Invitational which was held earlier in the season (#12th on the “All-Time” List) (any grade level) and #3 on the Geneseo High School Sophomore Top 25 List.  Every race doesn’t go as we hope and Micah did a great job of fighting all the way to the finish line.  It must be nice to have a “less than perfect race” and still finish 4TH OVERALL IN THE ENTIRE RACE.  WAY TO GO, “LITTLE YOHAANSEN”.  We are VERY proud of you.

The next Leaf up was Senior Leader Connor Douglas who sprinted home in 5th Place.  In case you aren’t counting, that’s FOUR Leafs in the TOP FIVE.  WOW!!!  Connor was timed in 20:18 which is now the 6th fastest time EVER on the new course for a GHS Senior.  it also moved him into 16th place on the “All-Time” Individual List.  WAY TO GO, PIZZA BOY  You have come a LONG way since you first began this journey.  WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU.  What a Great Way to end your Geneseo XC racing career. 

Junior Calvin Bell also ran an extremely aggressive race and paid the price.  Calvin was out “Hot” and was able to hang on to a Top 10 finishing medal (7th Place).  That isn’t the easiest way race but certainly demonstrated a LOT OF GUYS.  Great Effort, Calvin.  Calvin’s time of 21:18 was just off his 21:02 time that he ran at the Sterling Rock River Run Invitational earlier in the season (#5 GHS Junior Time on the new course and #18 on the GHS “All-Time” Individual Top 25 list).  Next year you will be one of the team’s Senior Leaders.  The Passion and Purpose you demonstrated in today’s race are signs that you will do a GREAT JOB OF BEING A GHS LEADER.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands. 

Next up was Sophomore Connor Runty who sprinted across the finish line in 21:30 and in 8th place to also grab a “Top 10” finisher medal.  That’s SIX Maple Leafs in the Top Eight by the way!  Great stuff, Connor.  Certainly, one of your best races EVER.  Connor’s time moved him into the 4th fastest Sophomore EVER on the new course for a GHS Runner.  It also moved him into the 19th spot on the GHS Top 25 Individual List (any grade level).  Remember, Connor, this course is LONG….it’s a 5K (3.10 miles) and may be farther than that.  We are VERY PROUD OF YOU.  WAY TO RACE!!!

Next up was Senior Leader Mason Anderson.  Mason has struggled all season long with a digestive track issue that has made it extremely uncomfortable to race at a fast tempo.  Mason put forth his best effort and ended up placing 11th overall in the race and was timed in 22:25.  That time moved him into the number 9 spot on the Hoover Park Top 25 GHS list for Seniors on the new course.  It also moved him into 23rd spot on the “All-Time” Individual list.  Great Stuff, Mason.  We greatly appreciate your efforts this season.  We know it hasn’t been easy for you.  Way to hang in there and help lead the team anyway.  YOU ROCK!

Sophomore Jacob Berry was the next Maple Leaf across the finish line.  Jacob has battled a “nasty” case of shin splints for the entire season.  He chose to finish the season racing and has really “Brought It” for “Championship Meet Season”.  Jacob placed 12th overall in the race and was timed in 22:59.  His time is the 5th fastest time EVER for a GHS Sophomore on the Hoover Park new course.  Jacob also “Cracked” the “All-Time” Individual GHS List (any grade level) as he moved into 25h place.

Senior Leader Camden Baumgardner was the final Maple Leaf to sprint across the finish line.  He was timed in 23:14 and placed 13th overall in the race.  Camden is a busy man with many interests.  He is a key member of the Geneseo High School Marching Band in addition to “Lacing Em Up” for the Cross Country team.  His efforts have been greatly appreciated.  Camden’s time of 23:14 moved him into 10th place on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the new course.  Great Job, Camden.  All the best in your future endeavors.

In summary, all but two of the men set a personal best on the course today.  That’s 86 percent.  That is AWESOME.  It is also a Great boost confidence-wise for the Varsity Top 7 who will be competing in the Dunlap Regional Meet on Saturday, October, 26th.  The “Peaking” component of the training program appears to “Spot On”.  Trust the process, Men and get ready to “Book Your Ticket” to the Metamora Sectional Cross Country Meet to be held at Black Partridge Park on Saturday, November 2nd.  Also, great job of serving as the “Hype Squad”, Varsity.  You were EVERYWHERE and certainly helped each teammate to put forth their best effort.  Hopefully, those men will repay your efforts in the coming weeks.  “TOGETHER WE CAN”!!!.

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

JUNIOR AIDAN BRIES SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Junior Aidan Bries who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Junior Aidan Bries was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday.  Since the Western Big 6 Meet was held on Thursday, October 17th, this week’s selection was made on Friday, October 18th.

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the the previous Monday (October 14th) through the Western Big 6 Conference Meet which was held on Thursday, October 17th.  The meet was held on the Galesburg’s challenging Lake Storey course. Aidan helped lead the Leafs to a strong 2nd place team finish.  He placed 7th overall in the race to earn 2nd team All-Conference honors.  He was the Maple Leafs’ 5th scorer.  Aidan was timed in 17:15 which is flying on the tough course.  Adding to the challenge was the fact the the winds were blowing at 20 mph and gusting to close to 30 mph.  Aidan’s lifetime best time is 17:06, run at historic Detweiller Park last November in the STATE MEET.. The fact that he barely missed that time on a slower course (longer with tons of turns and hills) is quite impressive.  Great Job, Aidan!!!

Aidan had been battling growth spurt related issues that have made running quite a challenge for him.  This has been going on for awhile now and has really tested his patience.  Aidan has been a key member of the Varsity Squad ever since he entered Geneseo High School.  He possesses an impressive dose of both Passion and Purpose and is a 100% Team Man.  It was awesome to watch Aidan run such a great race on Thursday and even better when he was selected as the “Bell Ringer” for the meet.  Evidently, he has been selected as a “Co-Winner” in each of the last two cross country seasons.  Not this time.  Way to go, Aidan.  All the best in the coming weeks of this season and beyond.  We (your coaches) have also been patiently waiting for your tendons and ligaments to catch up with your growth spurt.  Hopefully, you are there.  Get ready to “Let loose the BEAST”.   Seriously, it is going to be a LOT of fun watching you attack the last three meets of the season.  Regional, Sectional, and then, hopefully, STATE.  Then, nail your Junior Track and Field season.  After that, get ready to gain the magical powers that are there for the taking when you become a Senior.  We have a LOT of confidence that you and your fellow classmates will do a great job of leading the 2025 Geneseo Cross Country Team.  Take Care and God Bless..

Here is what Aidan had to say about his athletic history.  “11 Grade:  I am currently in XC, will run Track. So far I have gotten down to 17:15 for 3 miles at Conference. Made top 7 and my exact placement on the team and road to State is yet to be determined“.;  10 Grade:  “XC / Track, Ran 17:06 and shifted anywhere from the 4th to the 7th runner. Got second-team All-Conference honors and made State. Ran 10:26 in the 2 mile for Track and medaled at Sectionals where I finished in 6th place”;  9th Grade:  “XC / Track. Ran 17:24 freshman year and was the 7th runner, made State although I didn’t run well. Ran 4:54 in the mile during Track but then suffered some injuries in my knees and didn’t run at Conference or Sectionals”.  08 Grade:  “XC / Track. I won some open races for XC because I was the 8th runner and made Sectionals for Track in the 800 meters. My times were 13:30 for XC and 2:26 for Track in the 800 meter”;  7th Grade:  “Travel Soccer, Track and Field, and Golf, made Sectionals in the 4 x 200 meter relay for Track”;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “Played Travel Soccer from Age 7 up to 7th grade, Played 2 years of Travel Baseball too”.

“Aidan is the proud son of Jesica and Jeremy Bries.   Aidan is also the proud “Big Bro” of: Leila – 8th grade, Chris – 3rd grade, Kai – Kindergarten, & Kyra – Pre School.

Here are Aidan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “My old Soccer coach used to call me “Breezer””.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Burgers”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Lord of the Rings”. 7″;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Country”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “When I was a lot younger it was Anthony Rizzo on the Cubs, don’t really have an athletic hero now”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Today I will do what other’s won’t, so tomorrow I will do what others can’t – Jerry Rice”.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I always loved Soccer and then I just realized what I loved about it so much was the aspect of running, so XC felt natural to me”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “There is a lot more to running than just running, Making sure you stretch, roll out, and train in other aspects like hip and core strength is crucial for success and injury prevention”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Junior Calvin Bell, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Senior Connor Douglas, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Tyler Holtzen, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Sophomore Connor Runty, & Senior Jacob Taylor.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Aiden is another great runner for us. He also is having a great career at GHS. Aiden was unfortunate to have some injuries early in his sophomore year and this year. Aiden does a great job of getting over injuries and fighting to get into the top seven. He has been able to get to the state meet with this mentality and hopefully we will accomplish that goal this year. We are excited he won the bell ringer this year by himself. The past two years he won it with another teammate.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

SENIOR DYLAN GEHL WINS GENESEO’S
FIRST EVER INDIVIDUAL WB-6 CROSS COUNTRY TITLE

Pictured is GHS Senior Dylan Gehl who captured the Boys WB-6 Title

LEAFS CLAIM WB-6 TEAM SILVER

On Thursday, October 17th, the Leafs traveled to Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park to participate in this year’s Western Big 6 Conference Cross Country Championship.  The Leafs entered the meet as the defending champions.  The field included teams from:  Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), Sterling, & United Township.  The weatherman provided great conditions in regards to the temperature with a daytime high of 65˚.  There was a steady south wind blowing at 13 mph out of the south.  Gusts were around 20 mph.  The course was hard and fast.

The WB-6 chooses to run only one girls race followed by one boys.  In the previous conferences that Geneseo has been a part of there were always lower level competition with the Varsity Race limited to the Top 7 only.  This is our 7th year in the Western Big 6 and I have come to love the one race concept.  It allows head-to-head racing.  None of the programs have huge numbers so it works. 

Racing started at 4:30 p.m. sharp with the girls race.  The Lady Leafs and the Quincy Blue Devils each had tremendous races.  Both teams are strong and when the points were totaled the teams were tied.  They “broke” the tie by checking to see which school’s 6th runner finished higher.  The Lady Leafs ended up winning as their 6th runner finished 2 places ahead of Quicny’s.  Great Job, Lady Leafs.  What an exciting way to start the racing.

On to the Boys Race.  The Starter’s pistol “Clicked” at 5:10 p.m. sharp.  Coming into the meet, Quincy was projected by athletic.net to win scoring 43 points.  Sterling was projected to place 2nd and score 66 points.  Unfortunately, for Sterling, their top 3 runners didn’t race (1 Stress Fracture, 1 Case of Mono, and 1 other).  The Leafs were projected to place 3rd scoring 76 points.  Rock Island was projected to place 4th with 111 points and we knew it was dangerous.

Rock Island’s Junior Gabe Mahn and Sophomore Elliot Batz immediately took the lead and the Leafs’ “Dynamic Duo” of Senior Dylan Gehl and Junior Jaxson Sottos settled in behind them and the race was on.  Jaxson was dropped with a strong surge a bit before the 2 mile mark.  Dylan just “sat” until around 600 meters to go when the Lady Leafs’ Head Coach Aaron Skopek screamed at him “IT’S TIME TO GO”.  Dylan immediately surged away and became Geneseo’s very only WB-6 XC Conference Individual Champion.  Dylan was timed in a new GHS record of 15:35 for the course.  Jaxson’s time of 16:17 was just off his personal best for the course (set at the Galesburg Silverstreak Inv. earlier in the season…..16:07 which ranks him #2 AT).  His aggressive racing caught up with him but he ran an brave race and held on to 4th pace.  By the way, the Top 10 finishers earn First Team All-Conference Honors.  What a great start for the Maple Leafs.

WESTERN BIG 6 FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

Pictured are (L-R) Malik Gbadamasi (UT) 10th, Charles Ray (Quincy) 9th, Cameron CacDonough (Quincy) 8th, Gavin Slee (Quincy) 7th), Owen Triplett (Quincy) 6th, Eli Poe (Quincy) 5th, Jaxson Sottos (Geneseo) 4th, Gabe Mahn (Rock Island) 3rd, Elliott Betz (Rock Island) 2nd, Dylan Gehl (Geneseo) 1st

However, Quincy had plans of their own.  They sat back and ran as a pack.  They moved together and ended up 5-6-7-8-9 to score a mere 35 points to win the team title going away.  Three of their Top 5 are Freshmen.  Next year’s WB-6 meet will be hosted by Geneseo at Richmond Hill Park.  Let’s just say we are already getting excited about that (Sectional Meet too).

Back to this year’s meet.  Junior Graysen Carlson was the next Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  He was timed in a season best time of 17:03 which was good for 14th overall.  Graysen’s time moved him into the number 9 spot on the GHS Junior Top 25 list for the course.  Joining Graysen on the 2nd Team WB-6 All-Conference Squad (11th-20th places) were Freshman Henley Bourne (17th place timed in 17:14) and Junior Aidan Bries (19th place timed in 17:15).  Both men ran season best times with Henley climbing to 2nd on the GHS Freshman list for the course.  Aidan moved into to the 11th fastest Junior time EVER for a GHS Runner.  Great Racing, Men.

WESTERN BIG 6 SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

Pictured are 8 of the 10 2nd Team All-Conference Runners.  The Maple Leafs are represented by Graysen Carlson (3rd
from Left) 14th, Henley Bourne (4th from Left) 17th), and Aidan Bries (3rd from Right) 19th.

Rounding out the Leafs’ “Top 7” were Sophomore Jack Kreiss (30th place timed in 17:43) and Junior Kaden Elmer (32nd place timed in 17:50).  Jack’s time moved him into the number 8 Sophomore spot for a GHS Runner EVER on the course.  Kaden didn’t record a personal best for the course after going out Hard, trying to hang with the Quincy pack.  Gutsy stuff, Kaden.  He already owns the 12th fastest Junior time on the course for a GHS runner.

Cracking the Maple Leafs’ “Top 10” were Senior Max Johnson (40th place timed in 18:17), Freshman Greyson Claerhout (50th place timed in 18:36…..New number 11 on the GHS Freshman List), and Senior Rylan Lambert (56th place timed in 18:46…..New #21 Senior for a GHS Runner on the Course).  Great Efforts, Men.  Max had a tough day (it happens) and already owns the GHS #8 time for the course with his 16:45.  Bring on Regionals!!!

The next five Maple Leafs also added their names to the Lake Storey Top 25 Lists.  Senior Jacob Taylor (61st place timed in 19:00……Season Best Time and new GHS #22 Senior Time for the course), Freshman Kael McCord (68th place timed in 19:11…..new #15 time for a GHS Freshman EVER on the course), Freshman Fritz Bolme (70th place timed in 19:13…..Lifetime Best time for him and New #16 time for a GHS Freshman on the Lake Storey Course), Sophomore Alex Aleman (71st place timed in a Lifetime best of 19:14…….new #24 Sophomore Time EVER for a GHS Runner on the Course), and Junior Calvin Bell (76th place time in a Lifetime best of 19:28……new #23 Junior Time for a GHS Runner on the Lake Storey Course).  GREAT JOB, MEN!!!

Leading the next group of Maple Leafs who all “Cracked” the Top 100 were Sophomore Micah Johnson 77th place timed in 19:33), Senior Connor Douglas (78th place timed in a personal best of 19:37), Senior Christian Haney (85th place timed in 19:43), Senior Tyler Holtzen (89th place timed in a personal best of 19:50), and Sophomore Connor Runty (93rd place timed in a personal best of 20:04).

Closing out the team’s efforts were Senior Shane Bagby (112th place time in a lifetime best of 21:11), Freshman Patrick Versluis (114th place timed in a personal best time of 21:29, Sophomore Jacob Berry (115th place timed in a Season best of 21:29), Freshman Rylan Carlson (116th place timed in a Lifetime best of 21:32), Srnior Mason Anderson (122nd place timed in a season best of 22:26), and Senior Camden Baumgardner (132nd place timed in 23:20).  Great Efforts, Men.

Once the “Dust had Settled”, the Leafs had placed a strong 2nd scoring 55 points.  The Lake Storey course is longer than the 3.00 they claim.  It is at least 3.05.  It is also has a plethora of turns and rolling hills that make it a challenging course.  That’s a good thing.  It is a true XC course.  However, it is simply “Jaw-Dropping” that this team STILL had 14 Personal Bests EVER for ANY Course.  It was also VERY windy and 18 guys still ran their fastest time EVER on the course.  GREAT STUFF, MEN.  We are VERY proud of all of you.

For those of you racing for the final time at Sterling on Tuesday, all the best.  Try and make it your greatest race of the season.  To those of you who will be racing in Dunlap on Saturday, October 16th, all the best then.  The team’s goal has been to be racing at Detweiller in November (STATE MEET) all season long.  Each of you can help the team to accomplish that goal in some way.  Do your best to accomplish that goal.  God Bless ALL of you.

LAKE STOREY TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN KAEL MCCORD SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Freshman Kael McCord who was selected as this week’s
“Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Freshman Kael McCord was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” covered the week leading up and including the Metamora “Runnin’ Red” Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, October 12th.  The meet was held at Metamora’s Black Partridge Park.  The team hopes to be back there on Saturday, November 2nd, to participate in the IHSA Sectional Meet.  Kael raced in the F/S division and had a HUGE race.  He ran the 2.94 mile course in 17:46 and placed 53rd in the “Loaded Field”.  Kael was the 4th Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape” and helped lead the Leafs to a solid 10th place finish.  For his effort, Kael was selected as the “Bell Ringer” for the meet.  Great Job, Kael.

Kael has been “On Fire” all season long.  He put in a solid summer of base work and then continued that intense desire to excel throughout the season.  Kael has the “It Factor” which includes a powerful dose of both passion and purpose.  Add to that the fact that he can usually be found with a big smile on his face and in a great mood and start to “Get It’.  This young man is something special and is a key part to a tremendously talented and highly motivated Freshman class.  Kael has run in Geneseo’s Top 10 or better on FIVE occasions.  That’s pretty dang impressive for a Freshman on a very good team.  Kael is pretty quiet on most days and simply does what is asked of him and does his best to help his teammates to accomplish the same goal.  He possesses a beautiful stride and it a true pleasure to watch him run.

Together, along with his fellow Freshman classmates, it is going to be a LOT of Fun to watch these guys chase their potential over the next four years.  Everyone has God-Given talent.  These guys seem to have more than most.  In addition, they appear to truly enjoy running.  Set your goals high, Men.  “Dream Big” and then back those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.  In most sports you need to have the “Horses” to be successful.  In Cross country we make our “Horses” from all different sizes and shapes.  They all work.  I love the quote “You don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great”.  All the best with the rest of this season and beyond, Kael.  You are a very special young man.  Take advantage of your leadership skills and help to lead the distance class of 2028 to greatness.  Take care and God Bless..

Here is what Kael had to say about his athletic history.  “9th Grade:  “I have run up to 10 miles and have a PR of around 18:05 or so considering the last course was short”.  08 Grade:  “I did both XC and Track.  In XC I was number 2 on the team and made it to State running an 11:58 as my PR. In Track my events switched around a bit, but throughout the season I had done Pole Vault, Long Jump, Triple Jump, the mile, the 200m, and the 4x200m relay. I only did the mile for the very first meet as I got put into the 4x200m later and these two events don’t mix well. I nearly made it to State for Pole Vault, but was off by less than 6″ in and probably could’ve made it if I turned my body on my second jump”;  7th Grade:  I also did Cross Country and Track this year. In XC, I got stuck with a PR of 14:01 until Dunlap where it went down by around 30 seconds.  I also passed up Henely’s ranking here. Then at the conference meet,  my friend Micah who was number 3 on the team wasn’t doing well and I ended up catching up to him as number 7. Around 4/7 of us were all in a pack together. Eventually Micah caught up to about where his PR was and I finished that race getting a 12:26. We won that race and ended up going to State later in the season. For Track I ended up doing Pole Vault, the mile, hurdles and the 4x200m. I ended up dropping the mile for Sectionals as the 4x200m is right after the mile. I also didn’t end up running hurdles since I was #3 hurdler. We placed 6th in the 4x200m getting utterly obliterated by our opponents, but I ended up making State for Pole Vault with a height of 7’9”.  I also got my PR mile time of 5:45 which I didn’t end up beating until one practice in 9th grade XC.”;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “I played soccer when I was like 3, and did baseball for 2 years before COVID”.

Kael is the proud son of Amanda McCord (formerly Mierop) & Steve McCord.  Kael is also the proud “Big Bro” of: Ian McCord age 12 (7th grade) and Colin McCord age 10 5th grade).

Here are Kael’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “KP (by some family members);  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Probably tacos or burritos as they are good every time and are never situational”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Likely Edge of Tomorrow, it seemed pretty good when I watched it”. 7″;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Rock”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “No Clue”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “I don’t have one yet”.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “Probably from my friend Micah who ended up joining Football this year”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Convince yourself you like it, then you will. Otherwise you will keep being negative about it and won’t grow to enjoy it”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Junior Calvin Bell, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Kael is another one of our great freshman coming through the program. He had a great career at the middle school running Cross Country and Track. Not only is he a good runner, he can also pole vault really well. We are excited what these four years have to bring. Good luck, Kael..

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

48TH ANNUAL GENE JONES METAMORA
RUNNIN’ RED CROSS COUNTRY INV.

On Saturday, October 12th, the Leafs traveled to Metamora’s Black Partridge Park to participate in the 28 team Gene Jones Runnin’ Red Cross Country Inv.  This year’s meet was the 48th running of the meet.  The event took on extra importance to the Leafs due to the fact that Metamora will host the 2024 IHSA Sectional Meet on the course on Saturday, November 2nd.  The Leafs hope to participate in the event.  The weather for the meet was amazing for the middle of October in the “Land of Lincoln”.  Saturday’s daytime high was in the high 70’s.  That is pretty rare.  The 23-team field included Bloomington, Champaign Central, Dunlap, East Peoria, Eureka, Geneseo, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South), Lincoln, Mackinew (Deer-Creek), Macomb, Mahomet-Seymour, Metamora, Moline, Morton, Normal Community, Normal University, Oswego East, Ottawa, Pekin, Peoria Notre Dame, Peoria Richwoods, Rantoul, Rochester, Rock Island, Springfield, Springfield Lamphier, Springfield Sacred Heart, and Washington.  The field contained a good mix of 1A, 2A, and 3A schools (Illinois XC Classifiations).  Championship Meet Season starts next week so each team was ready to roll in near “peak form”.  Team champion plaques and medals to the the top 20 runners were awarded after the meet for each race.  Onto the action.

The F/S boys got things rolling for the boys when the starter’s pistol “cracked” at 10:00 a.m. sharp  Coach Jeff Brown was the only GHS Boys coach able to attend the meet and did a great job of attending to the team’s needs.  He estimated the temperature for the F/S race in the high 60’s.  The course was hard and fast and the racing conditions were PERFECT. 

Sophomore Jack Kreiss and Freshman Henley Bourne found each other early and packed together through the mile.  Then, Henley just kept rolling and ended up placing 11th overall in the talented field.  His time of 16:32 tied the GHS Freshman Record (Jaxson Sottos) and moved him into the number 13th fastest time for any grade on the course.  Great Job, Henley.  He had the Leafs’ 3rd fastest time on the day.  Jack tied up a bit but held on bravely for 36th place.  He was timed in 17:28 which made him the 21st fastest GHS Sophomore EVER on the course.

Not far behind were Freshmen Greyson Claerhout (49th place timed in 17:40) and Kael McCord (53rd place timed in 17:46).  They moved into 12th and 14th on the GHS Top 25 places on the course.  Great job, Men.  Filling out the Maple Leafs’ Top 7 were:  Freshman Fritz Bolme (107 place timed in 18:59), Sophomore Alex Aleman (108th place timed in 18:59), and Sophomore Micah Johnson (120th place timed in 19:15).  Fritz’s time of 18:59 “Cracked” the GHS Freshman Top 25 List for the course moving him into 23rd place.  Way to roll, Men.

Next up for the Leafs were Sophomore Connor Runty (152nd place timed in 20:07), Sophomore Jacob Berry (188th place timed in 21:21), Freshman Patrick Versluis (190th place timed in 21:30.) and Freshman Rylan Carlson (200th place timed in 22:03).  When the team scores had been tabulated, the Leafs found themselves in 10 place.  The field was strong and the guys ran great races.  Well done, Men.

The Varsity Boys race took off at 11:20 a.m. and the temperature had climbed well into the 70’s.  It was a bit warm.  Senior Dylan Gehl and Junior Jaxson Sottos continued their great seasons by nailing Top 20 Individual Finisher medals.  Dylan placed 16th and was timed in 15:28).  Jaxson was also timed in 15:28 and placed 17th overall.  Great Job, Men.  Dylan already owns the GHS school record for the course (15:04) and moved into the number two spot on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the course.  Jaxson recorded the 3rd fastest GHS time EVER for the course and is now the 2nd fastest GHS Junior.  Great Job, Men.

Next up was Junior Graysen Carlson who sprinted across the line in 62nd place.  He was timed in 16:38.  That time makes him the 11th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course (17th individual….any grade.)  Juniors Kaden Elmer and Aidan Bries closed the GHS scoring (4th and 5th men for the Leafs) via their 81st and 88th place finishes.  Kaden’s time of 17:02 is the now the 14th fastest time for a GHS Junior while Aidan’s time of 17:05 moved him into #15 on the same Junior list.  Both men have run faster previously and already rank on the “All-Time” GHS list.

Senior Max Johnson was the next Maple Leaf across the finish line.  He placed 114th and was timed in 17:30 making him the 17th fastest GHS Senior EVER.  He is also, already sitting in 15th from last season.  (Remember….it got hot out there in today’s race).  Closing out the Leafs’ Top 7 was Senior Rylan Lambert who placed 156th and was timed in 18:33.  Great Efforts, Men.

Junior Calvin Bell sprinted home in 188th place and was timed in 19:10.  He was closely followed by Senior Christian Haney (199th place timed in 19:22), Jacob Taylor (205th place timed in 19:27), Shane Bagby (227th place timed in 19:52), and Connor Douglas (253rd place timed in 20:30….his computer chip didn’t register so he isn’t in the official results.).  Rounding out the Varsity Team’s efforts were Seniors Mason Anderson (273rd place timed in 22:40) and Camden Baumgardner (28th place timed in 23:30).  When the team scores were tabulated, the Leafs found themselves placing a very respectable 8th overall.  

When you add in the fact that this was Homecoming Weekend for Geneseo, the race results become even more impressive.  There were a plethora of distractions that certainly didn’t help the boys on Saturday.  That’s OK.  Homecoming is a special event for Geneseo High School and our community and is supposed to be celebrated.  A ton of the guys partook in the dance later that night.  They also attended most of the events leading up to that during the week.

On the day 20 of the 24 Maple Leafs who “Toed da Line” ran a season best time.  The course was a bit short of 3 miles (2.94) but that is still an impressive accomplishment.  The team hopes to return to Metamora’s Black Partiridge Park for the IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 2nd.  Whichever 7 Maple Leafs earn those “Top 7 Spots” are going to DESTROY their personal bests for the course.  The Black Partridge Park Top 25 Lists will be re-written on that day.  All the best, Men.  Championship Meet Season begins on Thursday, October 17th when the Western Big 6 Conference Meet is hosted at Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park.  Get ready to FLY!

BLACK PARTRIGE PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

HOMECOMING 2024

Pictured are most of the 2024 team on the “Float”.  The team participated in the annual Homecoming Parade

XC ROYALTY

Pictured are Dylan Gehl (Duke) and Annie Maxwell (Duchess)

Other elected members of this year’s homecoming included:  Kamden Ariano (King), Allison Snogdrass (Queen), Payton Sherbyn (Lord), and Sophoe Bellagammba (Lady).  Congratulations to all.

SENIORS CHRISTIAN HANEY & CONNOR DOUGLAS
SELECTED AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNERS”

Pictured are Seniors Christian Haney & Connor Douglas who where
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Seniors Christian Haney and Connor Douglas were selected as co-winners of this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” covered the week leading up and including the Freeport “Pretzel” Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, October 5th.  The meet was held at Freeport’s Highland Community College.  The weather conditions for the Freeport Inv. were nice for the Varsity Race and Windy for Open Race (15-20 mph).  Also, the course is a tad long (3.05???) and has a plethora of turns and is on the hilly side.  Thus, it is NOT a FAST course.  Both men ran GREAT races.  Season Bests.  I will cover each man separately.  I will do so alphabetically.  Thus, Connor Douglas will be first.

CONNOR

Connor raced in the Open Race and helped lead the team to the Championship in the race.  They scored a mere 21 points to far outdistance Machesney Park (Harlem) who placed second with 58 points.  That is a margin of 37 Points.  Great Stuff, Leafs.  Connor ran a season best time of 20:55 which placed him 31st overall.  He was the 18th fastest Maple Leaf on the day.

Connor has a lot of conflicts during the season.  Most of them involve his employment at Casey’s as one of their “Pizza Boys”.  My wife and I are loyal patrons and he is our favorite “Pizza Boy”.  He makes a “Mean Pizza Pie”…..aka  GREAT!  Connor worked out a deal with Head Maple Leaf Boys XC Coach Todd Ehlert to miss when he needed to.  That included both practiced and meets.  Connor has done a great job, considering his limited training.  It was pretty cool to see his teammates select his as a “Co-Bell Ringer”.  Connor is simply a great guy and a total team man.  It has been a Lot of Fun watching him improve during the course of his high school career.  He always greets people with an infectious smile and the GHS XC team is lucky to be able to call him teammate.  All the best in the coming weeks, Connor.  Don’t be afraid to “Tap Into” your magical “Senior Powers”.  There is something both Special and Magical about being a Senior.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and chasing your potential.  It is an honor to serve as one of your coaches.  Take care and God Bless.

Here is what Connor had to say about his athletic history.  He is a man of few words.  12th Grade:  “XC & Maybe Track”;  11th Grade:  “XC & Track”;  10th Grade:  XC & Track;  9th Grade:  “None”;   8th Grade:  “None”;   7th Grade:  “None”;   Prior to 7th Grade:  “None”

Connor is the proud son of Katherine & Zack King.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” of: Alazay King, 11.

Here are Connor’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Buster Douglas.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Fries”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “None”. 7″;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “None in particular”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “None”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “None;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “A lot of my friends were on it”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “It hurts, don’t feel bad if you re not good at first, take your time”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Senior Dylan Gehl, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Senior Rylan Lambert, Freshman Kael McCord, Senior Rylan Lambert, Junior Jaxson Sottos, Freshman Patrick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Cannor is another senior that has come a long way. His first year of Cross Country his body was not a runner’s body. He had a lot of injuries during that first year and has turned into a good runner. He has been a great addition to the Cross Country family and is having a great senior year. Getting PR’s this year in runs has been a lot of fun to watch.”

CHRISTIAN

Christian raced in the Varsity Race and simply ran WILD.  He has been struggling for most of the season in races.  His workouts have been impressive all season long.  Well, on Saturday October 5th something very special happened.   First of all, Head Maple Leaf Coach Todd Ehlert had given Christian the choice of either running in the unlimited Varsity Race or competing in the unlimited Open Race.  Christian chose to run in the Varsity Race.  He ended up placing 48th overall in the race and ran a huge season best time of 18:05.  Keep in mind that the Highland Community College course is not a “Fast Course”.  There are a plethora of turns, rolling hills, and the course is most likely LONG.  Most of the guys registered 3.05 on their GPS’s.  So how did Christian run so fast?  I’m not sure we will ever figure this one out 100% but I am guessing a mixture of “Grandma Haney”, Coach Ehlert, and a LOT of SENIOR PRIDE all factor in.  GREAT JOB, CHRISTIAN.

It has been a lot of fun watching Christian develop both as a runner and as a person over the last four years.  He is a great guy who is deeply loved by his teammates.  That “Love” has been earned.  It is our hope that he will “Run Free” for the rest of the season and continue to “Drop the Hammer” on his races.  We also hope that he will continue to develop his God-Given talent in the coming years.  I can easily envision Christian having great success in Road Racing in the future.  The dude has a “Silky Smooth” stride that truly “Turns Heads”.  All the best in the coming weeks and beyond, Christian.  It has been a true honor to serve as one of your high school coaches.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and then backing those dreams up with the hard work that excellence demands.  There are no shortcuts to success in this sport.  That is one of the things that I love the most about it.  True success is achieved intrinsically (internally) via reaping the rewards from a plethora of hard work.  Also, please tell the “Little Man” to SHUT UP!  Keep believing in yourself.  Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  Take Care and God Bless.

Here is what Christian had to say about his athletic history.  “My running this year has been somewhat questionable. I haven’t been too confident in my races this year and, on average, ran the slowest times I have in awhile. The fastest time I put down this year was 18:05, and I was stressing about the pace, which still caused me to slow down throughout the race. Despite all of this stuff going on with my confidence, I am still in the best shape I’ve ever been and I enjoy running casually when giventhe chance. I still plan to do Track and Field this year since my confidence still resides in my ability to run the 1600m, since I was able to run 5:00 in XC practice”;  11th Grade:  “I’m still doing the classic XC and T&F combo. I had a pretty good start to my Junior year of XC, running 11:30ish in the Rust Buster and 17:46 fairly early in the season.  That was the first and only time I’ve broken 18 in a race since my confidence started dwindling after I ran that time. I continued running and kept getting in better shape, but I haven’t ran a better time than 17:46 for the rest of the year. Track was also considered to be a mid my junior year. I got close to breaking 5:00 in the mile, but never quite got it. I finished my season with a best time of 5:03 (3 seconds slower than what I ran in XC practice my senior year). Track was just a mental barrier I was trying to get through since running felt pretty pointless to me at this point. I mainly had a goal of putting on weight and getting strong, so I came into Track being 16 lbs. heavier than the previous year, which is probably a reason why it was harder for me to get faster. I still ran a season some would consider good so I can’t complain much further”.;  10th Grade:  “I came into Cross Country with a solid summer of training behind me, this was the first time I’ve considered myself to be “fast.” But good things don’t last so I had the misfortune of having to deal with acid reflux that continues to haunt me to this day. I struggled in most of my races and didn’t run a good time (or finish many races) until the Sterling meet, where I was promised a free sandwich if I finished the race. I surprised myself and ran around 18:18ish (My memory of times is getting foggy . . .  I’m getting old) for a solid PR. My season was still considered a success since this was the first time I had been feeling fast. My Track season was even better, I was a different type of runner than I was in Cross Country. I was more confident and in my very first 2-mile race I won my heat. I had prior knowledge that I was seated first for my heat so I took the opportunity and went out extremely fast for my standards, and split the first mile in 5:22. At this early point of the season, my mile PR was 5:20 so I was quite surprised when I heard my split. I managed to get a 2-mile PR of 10:59, which was nearly a 50-second PR than last year. Later in the season, I managed to do something I’ll never forget, which was breaking 5:00 in the 1600 for the first time. I managed to get 4:55 which is a PR that still stands to this day (Until senior year of Track rolls around). This was the most successful year of running I’ve ever had, and will be hard to one-up in the future if I continue my running journey“.;  9th Grade:  “This was the first year of XC that I decided to take seriously in terms of running in the summer. I had a giant boost in my endurance by my standards and was running my old race paces in regular runs (Granted my race pace before my freshman year was like a 9-minute pace). Although I had to deal with a weird hip injury, I had fun running and was faster than I ever thought I could be. I ended up running a PR at Richmond Hill with a time of 20:36 before I was put out of commission from my hip. I also did the Jingle Run in the winter and beat that PR.  My main goal in that race was to stick with Dylan and try to beat him (He beat me by 20 seconds). When Track came along I was pretty confident in my running but also concerned since I had a hard time trying to train in the winter. But I surprised myself and ran a 30-second mile PR of 5:25. I only ever beat that time by 1 second later in the season due to health issues I’ve faced. I also ran an 11:44 2-mile time which I was really happy with at the time since I’ve never averaged anything under 6:30 per mile before that.”.;  8th Grade:  “Grade: Decided to do XC and Track again this year since I still enjoyed running. XC was kind of interesting do to COVID, and I only ran one race. By my standards, it wasn’t that bad considering I had tendonitis for a fair bit and ran like 5 entire miles for the entire season. I only ever ran on par with myself from the previous year since I grew from 5’3″ to 5’8″, and was still the same weight as I was before my growth spurt which granted me a natural boost in my fitness. Track was kind of a mess but it was fun, I did the 4×200 and High Jump. I somehow qualified for Sectionals in the High Jump, despite admittedly being bad at jumping. I dealt with shin splints the entire time so I don’t know how I survived”.;  7th Grade:  “In the words of other people, I was a “bowling ball.” I wanted to do XC for the first time and did a small amount of running in the summer to try to get in shape. I started off very slow, running around 24-28 minutes for a 2-mile race. I can’t remember the times that well since this was quite a bit of time ago and I didn’t care for my times that much. I think I ran
around 16 minutes at the end of the year and was very happy with that. Track was canceled after the first week so I didn’t get to experience much besides a few practices.“.;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “Literally nothing.  I was glued to my tablet and sat around all day. I think I did T-Ball many years before middle school but that was the only thing.”

Christian is the proud child of Grandma, Candy Haney.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of: Isabella Haney, Freshman in college.

Here are Christian’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “None.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Grilled Chicken with potatoes (I eat this meal 5 times a week in the summer)”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “The Green Mile”. 7″;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “I don’t listen to music, it’s just me and my own thoughts”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Nick Symonds”….here is what a quick google search had to say about Nick – Nicholas Boone Symmonds is an American YouTube personality and retired middle-distance Track athlete, from Boise, Idaho, who specialized in the 800 meters and 1500 meters distances. Symmonds signed with Brooks Running in January 2014 after a 7-year sponsorship with Nike..;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “I run around in circles, progessionally.”  Nick Symmonds;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I was fat and my Grandma thought it would be fun if I were to join the Cross Country team.  I decided to go along with it not knowing I’d still be running today”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “It”ll hurt and suck but the more you run the more you’ll embrace it and find it fun (I’m still trying to embrace it but most people get past that within the first year).  Also, stay consistent otherwise you’re not benefiting to your fullest potential”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Senior Dylan Gehl, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Senior Rylan Lambert, Freshman Kael McCord, Senior Rylan Lambert, Junior Jaxson Sottos, Freshman Patrick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Christian has been with the program for all four years. I remember Christian when he was in 7th grade coming to summer runs and he was about 3 feet tall and a little over weight. He has come a long way since then. He has the potential to be a great runner and we have seen some glimpses of that the past two years. He has been great to have on the team these past four years.”

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

FREEPORT PRETZEL INDIVIDUAL MEDAL WINNERS

Pictured are the 9 Maple Leafs who won Top 15 Finisher Medals.  Front Row:  Greyson Claerhout, Henley Bourne,
Dylan Gehl, Alex Aleman.  Row 2:  Jaxson Sottos, Jack Kreiss, Kael McCord, Jacob Taylor, & Micah Johnson

G.H.S. OPEN RUNNERS CLAIM FREEPORT GOLD

On Saturday, October 5^th, the Leafs traveled to Freeport’s Highland Community College to participate in the annual Freeport “Pretzel” cross country invitational.  The weatherman provided a pretty calm winds for the Varsity race but strong 15-20 mph winds for the Open race later in the meet.  The race time temperatures were 62˚ and 72˚ for each race.  The 20-team field included:  Dakota, Durand, East Dubuque, Geneseo, Forreston, Freeport, Lanark (Eastland), Machesney Park Harlem, Oregon, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rockford Boylan Catholic, Rockford East, Rockford Jefferson, Rockford (Our Lady of the Sacred Hearts), Savanna (West Carroll), Schaumburg, Sterling, Stockton, Winnebago.  The meet contains a good mix of 1A, 2A, & 3A schools.  On to the action.  Individual medals were awarded to the Top 15 Finishers in each race.  In addition, the Top 5 in each race is also awarded a “Pretzel”.  They are really cool and highly desired.  The winning teams also were awarded a team trophy in each race.  Onto the action.

The Varsity Boys raced first this year.  They took off at 9:45 a.m. sharp.  The Maple Leafs “Dynamic Duo” of Senior Dylan Gehl and Junior Jaxson Sottos placed 2^nd and 3^rd overall to lead the team.  Dylan was timed in 15:48 which broke the GHS Senior Class Record for the course.  Jaxson’s time of 15:52 moved him into the number 3 GHS Junior EVER on the course and was the 4^th fastest for any Maple Leaf.  Great Job, Men.

Up next for the Leafs were Juniors Graysen Carlson, Kaden Elmer, and Aidan Bries who were the next Leaf’s to cross the finish line.  Graysen placed 28th and was timed in 17:05 (Moved him into the #11 Junior spot for a GHS runner on the course.)  Kaden placed 35th and was timed in 17:18 (14th fastest Junior in GHS history on the course.)  Aidan placed 45th and was timed in 17:52 (18th fastest Junior in GHS history on the course.)  Great Stuff, Men!!!

Closing out the Varsity efforts were Seniors Christian Haney (48th placed timed in 18:05), Max Johnson (56th place timed in 18:16), and Rylan Lambert (63rd place timed in 18:48.)  All threee men “Cracked” the GHS Senior list.  Christian is now sitting 12th, Max 14th, and Rylan 22nd for GHS seniors on the Highland Community College course.  Way to Roll, Men!

After the team scores were tabulated the Leafs found themselves placing 4th overall in the 20 team field.  Way to go Men!

The open boys race took off at 11:15 a.m.  The Leafs simply DOMINATED the race.  Sophomore Jack Kreiss led the way as he won the race in 17:46.  That was Jack’s first ever cross country invitational win.  Great Suff Jack.  That is an extremely hard feat to accomplish. 

Joining in on the fun and also grabbing top 5 medals and Pretzels were Freshmen Henley Bourne (2nd overall and timed in 17:54) and Kael McCord (4th overall and timed in 18:46.)  Here is how the boys rank on the Higland Community College Course All-Time Class Lists for GHS Runners.  Jack (11th fastest Sophomore), Henley (7th fastest Freshman), Kael (10th fastest Freshman.)  WAY TO GO GUYS.

The Leafs weren’t even close to being done grabbing “Hardware”.  Freshman Greyson Claerhout (7th place timed in 19:07), Sophomore Alex Aleman (9th place timed in 19:15), Sophomore Micah Johnson (10th place timed in 19:17), and Senior Jacob Taylor (11th place timed in 19:18) also joined in on the fun.  In case you weren’t counting that’s 7 Leafs finishing in the Top 15.  WOW!  Each man also “Cracked” the course Top 25 Lists for GHS runners.  Greyson (13th fastest Freshman), Alex (23rd fastest Sophomore), Micah (24th fastest Sophomore), and Jacob (24th fastest Senior.)  That’s EVER for each man.  Way to roll Men.  Great Stuff.

Not far behind were Senior Tyler Holtzen (26th place timed in 20:10), Freshman Fritz Bolme (30th place timed in 20:31….23rd fastest GHS Freshman EVER on the course), Senior Connor Douglas (31st place timed in 20:55), Sophomore Connor Runty (34th place timed in 21:19), Senior Shane Bagby (39th place timed in 21:39), Freshman Patrick Versluis (42nd place timed in 21:49), and Freshman Rylan Carlson (44th place timed in 22:01).

The Leafs ended up scoring a miniscule 21 points to win the team competition by a ton.  Second place Machesney Park (Harlem) scored 58 points.  GREAT JOB, MEN.  This demonstrates that this team possesses a plethora of team depth.

Next up is the Metamora Running Red Cross Country Invitational.  The meet will be held at Metamora’s Black Partridge Park which will also play host the the IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 2nd.  After next Satruday the competition schedule rolls into “Championship Meet Season.  All the best Men.  Take care and God Bless.

HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN GREYSON CLAERHOUT SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Freshman Greyson Claerhout who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Freshman Greyson Claerhout was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” covered the week leading up and including the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 28th.  The meet was held at Sterling’s Hoover Park.  Greyson ran a tremendous race that saw him improve dramatically.  He placed 37th in a VERY talented F/S field.  His efforts helped the Leafs “Crack” the Top 10 via their 8th place team finish.  Don’t let his time of 19:30 fool you.  That was for 5K.  Yup…..3.10 miles instead of the usual 3.00 miles.  Greyson ended up as the Leafs’ 3rd man in the race and was the Maple Leafs 9th Fastest (for the whole team….everyone ran the same course) on the day.  GREAT STUFF, GREYSON.

Greyson has just kept improving all season long.  The Coaching Staff is literally “Drooling” with anticipation for the coming seasons.  This year’s Freshmen Class is VERY SPECIAL.  IF they are willing to put the time in they are going to accomplish some GREAT THINGS before their senior year ends.  How about that!  Greyson possesses a great work ethic and has the “It Factor” which includes a nice dose of Passion and Purpose.  He also possesses an infectious smile that literally lights up a room when he walks in.  Thanks for being such a GREAT person, Greyson.  It is a true honor to serve as one of your coaches.  All the best in the coming weeks and then years.  “Dream BIg” and then back those dreams up with the commitment that excellence Demands.  Also, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.  Ultimately, that’s the best part.  Take care and God Bless..

Here is what Greyson had to say about his athletic history.  “9th Grade:  “I ran a PR of 5:25 in the 1600 Meter Run in our time trial.  My PR for three miles is 18:52 while my PR for 2 miles is 13:04”.  08 Grade:  “I ran the 1600 in 5:45 and 13:42 for two miles in XC.  In track I ran the 1600, 800, 4 X 4 make up team, and used to run the hurdles”;  7th Grade:  “In XC I started with a mile personal best of 6:30 and a two mile PR of 18:57.  I’ve improved a LOT since then.  In Track I ran the hurdles, 800 , 400 , and sometimes the 1600.”;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “First I started in soccer and I didn’t like it so I move onto baseball all through grade school but then stopped playing sports for a year..

Greyson is the proud son of Jaci and Mark Claerhout.  Greyson is also the proud “Baby Bro” of: Morgan Claerhout (18 soon to be 19).

Here are Greyson’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Greyhound”.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Chicken Alfedo specifically from Pizza Hut”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “The Great Outdoors”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Almost any type of music, Rock Rap, Country, Etc.”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Either Kevin Van Dam or Coach Todd Ehlert”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Look in a mirror” – Coach Todd Ehlert”.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “Ella Taylor said when we were running on the middle school track to try it out”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Keep going even if you think you’ll fail.  You’ll do good”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Senior Mason Anderson, Senior Shane Bagby, Senior Camden Baumgarnder, Junior Calvin Bell, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Junior Matthew Darnall, Senior Connor Douglas, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Christian Haney, Senior Tyler Holtzen, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Freshman Kael McCord, Senior Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos, Senior Jacob Taylor, & Freshman Partick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Graysen has come a long way this year. Last year he was on the middle school team that qualified for State and has been a great addition to the high school team. He has improved so much this year and is still improving every week. He has broken into the top 10 of the team and that is awesome! We are excited about Graysen and we believe he has a great future as a runner at GHS.”

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

‘DYNAMIC DUO” LEAD MAPLE LEAFS

Pictured are Geneseo two medalists at the Sterling Rock River Run Inv.
Senior Dylan Gehl & Junior Jaxson Sottos have led the way all season long for the team.

LEAFS PLACE IN THE TOP 10
AT THE STERLING ROCK RIVER RUN INV.

On Saturday, September 28th the Leafs traveled to Sterling Hoover Park to participate in the annual Rock River Run Invitational hosted by Sterling High School.  The 22-team field entress from:  Belvidere, Belvidere (North), Darian (Hinsdale South), Dixon, Durand, Geneseo, Geneva, Lanark (Eastland), LaSalle-Peru, Maple Park (Kaneland), Moline, Ottawa, Princeton, Rock Falls, Rochelle, Rockford (Auburn), Rock Island, Sandwich, Sterling, Summit (Argo), Sycamore, & Yorkville.  The weather man provided racetime temperatures in the high 60’s.  The course was hard and fast.  The winds were strong (25-30 mph NNW) but Coach Ehlert reported that the runners were mostly portected from by the trees from the winds.  Also, Sterling’s new head coach decided to change the course and make it a 5K.  Thus, our Top 25 lists for the course that go back several decades are now obsolete.  Bummer.  Also, individual medals were cut from the Top 30 to the Top 15.  Team plaques used to be awarded to the Top 5 teams.  Now, only the winning team receives one.  Ouch.  On to the races.

The Varsity Boys Race started at 9:30 a.m..  The field contained numerous state-ranked teams and multiple “All-Staters”.  The Leafs “Dynamic Duo” of Senior Dylan Gehl and Junior Jaxson Sottos ran smart races and worked their way up throughout the race.  Dylan ended up placing 4th while Jaxson also “Cracked the Top 15” via his 8th place finish.  They were timed in 16:10 and 16:24 (remember….5K now…..that’s 3.1 miles instead of the usual 3.0).  Dylan and Jaxson won the Leafs’ only “Hardware” on the day.  Great Job, Men!

Next up were the foursome of Junior Kaden Elmer (61st place timed in 17:55), Junior Graysen Carlson (72nd place timed in 18:08), Junior Aidan Bries (78th place timed in 18:25), and Senior Max Johnson (103rd place timed in 19:05).  There was a Marching Band conflict so quite a few of the team members were unable to race today.  We wish them well in their competition.

Next up were Senior Rylan Lambert (122nd place timed in 19:52), Senior Christian Haney (127th place timed in 20:10), Senior Jacob Taylor (129th place timed in 20:14), Junior Calvin Bell (150th place timed in 21:02), Senior Tyler Holtzen (158th place timed in 21:34), Senior Connor Douglas (163rd place timed in 21:49), and Senior Shane Bagby (165th place timed in 21:54).  When the team scores were tabulated the Leafs found themselves placing 9th out of 22 teams.  Great Job, Men.

The F/S Boys race started at 10:40 a.m. and the Leafs were led by Sophomores Jack Kreiss and Micah Johnson.  Freshman Greyson Claerhout also joined in on the fun.  All three Leafs finished within 2 seconds of each other as they placed 35-36-37.  Jack was timed in 19:28 while Micah and Greyson were both timed in 19:30.  Way to pack it up, Men!

Rounding out the 6 man Maple Leaf F/S squad on this day were Sophomore Alex Aleman (53rd place timed in 20:28), Freshman Patrick Versluis (115th place timed in 23:57), and Freshman Rylan Carlson (120th place timed in 24:16.)  When the team scores were tabulated the Maple Leafs found themselves placing 8th overall in the 22 team field.  Considering how many team members who were unable to race due to the Marching Band conflict and the end result is “Jaw-Dropping”.  The Future appears to be VERY EXCITING!  Way to go, Men.

I am going to post the old Hoover Park Top 25’s one last time.  I will create a new list for next year.  The old list will be jumping in the dumpster.

Next week the team will head to Freeport’s Highland Community College to participate in the Annual Freeport Pretzel Cross Country Inv.  The meet offers the team a chance to race in a different part of the state (Way up North) and “Mix it Up” with some different teams.  After that, they will head to Metamora’s Black Partridge Park to participate in the Running Red Cross Country Invitational.  Metamora will be hosting the IHSA Sectional meet later this season on Saturday, November 2nd.  After that, get ready to “Lac’em Up” for “Championship Meet Season”.

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

GENESEO

SENIOR DYLAN GEHL & SOPHOMORE ALEX ALEMAN
SELECTED AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNERS”

Pictured are Sophomore Alex Aleman & Senior Dylan Gehl who were
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winners”

Sophomore Alex Aleman and Senior Dylan Gehl were selected as co-winners of this week’s “Bell Ringer Award”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday. 

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” covered the week leading up and including the annual Geneseo Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 21st.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s challenging course.  The daytime high was  89˚ with racing conditions being in the mid 70’s.  Not bad for September.  Also, the course is certainly NOT a speed course.  The name Richmond Hill Park sums that up.  It is still early in the season and both men ran GREAT Races.  I will cover each man separately in this story.  I will do so alphabetically.  Thus, Alex Aleman will be first.

ALEX

Alex ran in the combined Freshmen & Sophomore Race.  Their race started at 9:00 a.m.  Medals were awarded to the Top 20 Freshmen and the Top 20 Sophomores.  The Freshmen wore a 9 on the backs of their jerseys to help runners, coaches, and spectators have a clue what place they were in.  Alex simply ran a great race and grabbed a Top 20 spot early and held on to it the entire race.  He ended up placing 19th and earned a Highly Coveted Individual Finisher Medal.  He also helped the Geneseo Sophomore Boys place 3rd as a team in the Sophomore competition.  Alex’s time of 20:34 moved him into the number 20 spot for GHS Sophomores EVER on the current course.  Great Job, Alex!  We are all VERY proud of you.

Alex is one of the most dedicated members of the 2024 Boys Cross Country Team.  He is almost always at practice and always gives his best efforts both in practice and in races.  It has been a LOT of fun watching him improve during his two seasons of Cross Country.  We can see his confidence growing and his tactical knowledge “Tool Box” is alwo growing.  Alex is a true student of the sport.  In life, the goals that we work the hardest for are the most satisfying to achieve.  Alex is “All In” with his running.  He possesses tremendous amounts of both Passion and Purpose.  Keep up the great work, Alex.  Keep chasing your potential via “Dreaming Big”.  Also, remember to back those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.  Thanks for being such a great guy, Alex.  You are a quiet, hard working young man that obviously loves his teammates.  God Bless You.  Thank you for choosing to be a member of this team.  We are all better off becasue of that decision.  All the best in the coming weeks of this season an beyond.

Here is what Alex had to say about his athletic history.  10th Grade:  “As of this writing I earned a 19th Place Medal, this Bell Ringer Award, and finally completed my Cross Country goal (my goal was to get under 20 minutes) because on the Rock River Run Race according to pace calculators, I got a 19:44 3 mile (converted from 5K….3.10 miles) and I’m going to concentrate more on my academics and my goal is to get a 4.0+ GPA and get into more clubs because I want to be the best version of me”.;  9th Grade:  “Most improve tennis player, youth group volunteer (still am), and became a beast in Pickle Ball, I go to 3 yourth groups as well as the 2 FCA Days, I joined Tennis because Track is very boring to me, and it turns out I like Tennis because somedays I would practice after school when the lights are turned on”.  I also ran Cross Country in the fall.;   8th Grade:  “For Cross Country , I got a top-ten shirt and a 10th place medal.”;   7th Grade:  “I joined Cross Country, Wrestling (now I am banned because I just had to break my arm), and I also joined Track & Field”.;   Prior to 7th Grade:  “I gave up on Soccer because after COVID-19 I was bad at it so that was my last season.  I had played up to then.  My first mile run was a sub 13 minute buy by my 8th grade year I was down to 5:56.”

Alex is the proud son of Heather Kuriger an Omar Aleman. He is also the proud brother to step-brother Logyn (15) and step-sister Emily (21).

Here are Alex’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Alex”…his full first name is Alejandro.;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country, Bowling, Tennis, & Dance Marathon”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Authentic Tacos and Avacados”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Red Wagon or Wonder”.;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Rock, 60’s, Christian Hip Hop, and Indie Music”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Russel Westbrook and Dylan Gehl”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  ““Long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive” (I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor), “It ain’t about how hard you hard you’re hit, it’s about how you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” (Rocky), “You will not outwork me” (Kobe Bryant).  When I first joined Cross Country I was sluggish. I had a walking break like 16 times per race but one practice my coach told us if we weren’t running a certain amount of time we were too lazy.   We were not working hard enough (one of those called out people was me) and it was a hard pill to swallow but I swallowed that pill because after that I tried my hardest in practice even with shin splits. I would run every chance I could get and I went from 24 minute mile at the beginning of 7th to 16 something at the end of the season.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I wasn’t allowed to play Football and I thought about how hard running is (that mindset changed after the first practice).  I have stayed for the way it helps me learn how to keep on going even when you are in a tough mental battle.”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Show the strenghth of God’s Creation (I’m not talking about physical strengh).  I hate cross country 80% but that just means it is 80% more relevant to my time because that’s the essence of discipline”.    As Mike Tyson once said, “Discipline is doing what you hate to do but doing it like you love it”.  Challenge yourself and Cross Country.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Senior Mason Anderson, Senior Shane Bagby, Senior Camden Baumgarnder, Junior Calvin Bell, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Junior Matthew Darnall, Senior Connor Douglas, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Christian Haney, Senior Tyler Holtzen, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Freshman Kael McCord, Senior Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos, Senior Jacob Taylor, & Freshman Partick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Alex has done a great job this year. He is improving on his times from last year. His hard work and determination has earned him this award this week. He took over 2 and half minutes off from last year’s time at the Geneseo Invite. He did that with hotter weather than last year. That is hard to do. Alex also has a harder task than the rest of the team. During the summer, he lives in Iowa and can not make any of the summer runs. He does it on his own. Alex, keep working hard and your future looks bright. We love the internal motivation!”.

DYLAN

Dylan raced in the Junior / Senior Race which started at 9:45 a.m.  It is hard to believe that this was the last time the Geneseo Seniors will ever race on the challenging Richmond Hill Course.  There were a LOT of emotions “In the Air”.  It is still very early in the season and Dylan is still chasing his fitness level following a challenging Track season that forced him to deal with a nasty knee injury that sidelined him for almost the entire season.  It lingered into the summer and has been a huge obsitlcle for “The Big Horse” to overcome.  He has been doing his best to keep positive and to keep moving forward.  Mission accompished.  Dylan won the race in a great time of 16:08.  It was the 2nd fastest time on the day and won the Senior Division.  In fact, his time of 16:08 just missed the Geneseo High School Senior Record for the course.  His time is 2nd only to Sam Mosbarger who ran his best Richmond Hill Park Senior time of 16:04 at last fall’s IHSA Sectional Meet.  Dylan ran 15:34 in that race to place 2nd in the Sectional Meet when he was in peak shape.  Dylan helped lead both the Junior and Senior Maple Leaf teams to 1st Place Team Finishes.  Great Job, Dylan and fellow Juniors and Seniors.  It was a VERY SPECIAL DAY.

Dylan has enjoyed a storied GHS career that has seen him achieve tremendous success.  Along the way, Dylan hasn’t changed a bit.  He is still the same humble, carrng individual that he was the first time we met him.  He can usually be found wearing a Great Big Smile.  His injury has tested him to the core,  Such is life.  Everyone faces challenges and ultimately, how each person handles those challenges speaks volumes about them.  Dylan has chosen to “Dig In” and keep moving forward.  It is working.  There is a LOT of season left and he never looked better than he did in today’s race.  Hang in there, “Big Horse”.  We are all VERY proud of You.  It is a true honor to serve as one of your coaches.  We wish you much happiness and success as you move forward.  Only you can determine how that will be defined.  Remember our Motto……NO EXCUSES…..NO RETREATS…..NO REGRETS……Also, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.  Ultimately, that’s the best part of the whole experience.  Take care and God Bless you and your amazing family.

Here is what Dylan had to say about his athletic career to date.  12th Grade:  “Number 2 runner for Geneseo after doing the required Summer training. Having fun and helping with the team when I can. The posters and other senior projects I have contributed to seem to have had a positive outcome. I would like to organize more outside of practice hangouts for the team. I have so far accomplished sub-16 this season. Sub 15:30 at Conference”.;  11th Grade:  “In 11th grade I ended up getting 7th at the class 2A IHSA boys Cross Country State Finals. The top 25 finishers medal. I finished within 5 seconds of the only two non-seniors who beat me. I knew it was possible to get top three at State the next year. After I got injured in Track though, I came back just running for the joy of it and to clear my head. You have to control the controllables, and learn how to deal with the rest”.;  10th Grade:  “10th grade was the first running season in my career where I was the “Top Dog” on the team throughout the entire season. It was a lot of fun to be with my brother and all types of other friends. This is where the funniest moments, the best pictures, and most pure Cross Country was for me. Over the Winter I ran pretty much every week, getting between 15-45 miles per week. It paid dividends, and I was fortunate enough to place 8th at the class 2A IHSA boys Track and Field 3200m finals. The top 9 medal, and I squeaked in behind the two Kaneland boys. The first place finisher is an absolute legend, and was laughably far ahead of me, but I still took my low podium spot with great pride. This season was a very clear “input=output” scenario. I have never worked as hard as I did during that season, and it took surprisingly little time to have a break out season. It may have happened too quickly, because after that point I was satisfied. The most memorable part of that season was the Track State expereince with Christian Haney and Max Johnson. Max was there for a surprising 2:01 800m at Sectionals and Christian was there as a warm-up partner. We were incredibly focused but had a ton of fun after all our races were over. We also had a lot of fun beforehand, buying beet juice by the gallon to try to get every last bit of cardiovascular benefit before the finals”.;  9th Grade:  “Freshman year was pretty cool. This is when I learned to run with Gavin Allison and Justin Johnson. I was in the top 7 throughout the season and in a back and forth tug-of-war with my brother. We always ran thresholds together. We also SLAMMED the long runs. In some ways, I think the training was a lot harder back then. I was brand new to the workouts, but I just did them without a second thought. It was a lot of fun. In Track and Cross Country, I PR’d in more meets than I didn’t, and that is really an amazing feeling. In Track, I ran a sub 5 minute mile and was a 10:28 3200m runner. Track is when I started to lock in and dream big”.;  8th Grade:  “In 8th grade we didn’t run at State, but it was a peaceful time. To start the season, Tim Sebastion was faster than me because he trained over the Summer. I thought that was very impressive, and nowadays even after his knee surgeries, I am pretty sure he is a state-medaled wrestler. I ran a couple weeks of Track in 8th grade, but had tendonitis so stayed home most of the time. In the two times I did run, I ran the mile in around 5:32”.;  7th Grade:  “I ran as close as I could to Cooper Schaad in 7th grade, and at Sectionals he, Bella Cucuru, and I qualified for state. At State the weirdest thing happened; there were 800 meters left and Cooper told me to just “go”. And so I did. That was a distinct moment, because there was no reason for me to beat Cooper, but in that competitive environment I just felt great. It was a good omen for the future”.;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “Prior to 7th grade I begrudgingly played Rec Baseball and Youth Football. I was pretty decent at Football, but I could have cared less. Travel Soccer was legit, and when I was at practice I tried to run for longer than all the guys. My ball control wasn’t the best, but I wanted to win”.

Dylan is the proud son of Maria and Barney Gehl. He is also the proud brother to Kylee (twenty-one), Tyler (nineteen), & Jacey (fifteen).

Here are Dylan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “”Big Horse”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “XC, Track, Madrigal, Jazz Choir, Pep Band, Choir, Barbershop Choir, Church Choir, Community Choir, Manplettes, Robotics Club, Environmental Club, Student Council, Class officers, Friends of the Hennepin Canal, SWA, Scholastic Bowl, Dance Marathon, Wyffels Hybrids, Team WTI”.;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Ice Cream”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Lord of the Rings”.;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “The Beatles”.;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Dan Chenoweth….Geneseo Great”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Cogito ergo sum”. Freddy asked what it means. It means “I think therefore I am.”.;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “Guess what? Running releases endorphins!  It can help you sleep, improve your mood, and create healthy habits. Most people have time to run. It’s harder if you don’t have practices to hold you accountable, but once it becomes a habit you will be skinny—and maybe—fast.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Run because you love it and run because it can heal the mind”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Senior Mason Anderson, Senior Shane Bagby, Senior Camden Baumgarnder, Junior Calvin Bell, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Freshman Greyson Claerhout, Junior Matthew Darnall, Senior Connor Douglas, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Christian Haney, Senior Tyler Holtzen, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Freshman Kael McCord, Senior Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos, Senior Jacob Taylor, & Freshman Partick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  “Dylan has had an incredible career at GHS. He is one of the harder working runners we have had come through the program. He has a passion to do the best and during his freshman year he showed this with his mentality of, “Can I do one more?”. He is a great leader and has lead teams to the State Finals and many Invitational team championships. Not many athletes get to win invitationals and he has won a bunch. His hard work and dedication led him to a top 10 finish at last year’s IHSA State Finals and earning him “All State” honors. Great job this year and keep up the hard work!

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

LEAFS MINE RICHMOND HILL PARK GOLD

Pictured are most of the boys and girls team members.  They won the overall combined title.  Great Job, Leafs.

GENESEO HOST ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY INV.

On Saturday, September 21st, the Leafs hosted their annual Cross Country invitational.  The meet offers teams a unique format that includes races for each class.  Medals were awarded to the top 20 finishers in each race (Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors).  In addition, championship plaques were awarded to the winner of each class race.  Then, all the team scores were added together to crown overall boys and girls team champions.  Then, those points were added together to crown an overall combined champion.  The race is timed by Shazam Timing and they simply do an amazing job.  The freshmen & sophomores ran together (girls 5 minutes after the boys) and then the computer scored the meet.  The juniors and seniors followed the same format.  It should also be pointed out that if a team didn’t have a full “Scoring 5″ ,”Ghost Runners” were used.  What is a “Ghost Runner”?  If there were 50 finishers in the race then each team not having a 5th runner would have a 51 put into their score.  If they were missing more than one add 51, or 52, etc.  Also, ALL runners counted in the scoring.  Usually, it is only the first 7 runners for each team.  The idea is for EVERYONE to impact the team scores. 

Credit for the concept of the meet goes to ITCCCA Hall of Fame Coach Dick Klloepfer from Crystal Lake.  He is currently in his late 80’s and still follows the sport closely.  I spoke to him just before the meet started to share that his concept still lives.  The meet back in Crystal Lake died several decades ago.  We believe that our meet is the only meet in the state of Illinois to use this format.

I love the fact that the meet’s duration has been cut in half but hated the fact that athletes had no clue what place they were in (other than the leader).  Coach Ehlert solved that dilemma by putting FAT numbers on the backs of the freshmen (9) and the juniors (11).  GREAT IDEA.  The weather for the meet was a bit warm for late September.  The daytime high was 89˚ with race time temperatures in the mid 70’s.  The winds were light at 6-9 mph from the SSE.  The course was hard and fast due to the lack of rain over the last month.  The field expanded this year from last year’s seven teams to twelve teams this year.  Jumping into the IHSA Sectional and Regional hosting rotation is certainly paying dividends.  More teams have already expressed an interest in joining in the fun next year.  It makes a lot of sense.  Gaining some experience on the challenging Richmond Hill Park course is a smart move that is sure to pay dividends later. 

On to the action.  The field included teams from:  Bettendorf (Rivermont Collegiate), Davenport West, East Moline (UTHS), Geneseo, Lemont, Macomb, Moline, Princeton, Rock Island, Rock Falls, Rock Island (Alleman), and Sterling.  The first race was at 9:00 a.m. sharp.  The race included the combined Freshman & Sophomore divisions.  The girls started four minutes after the boys.  I will discuss each race individually.  Then, the Junior & Senior Races (together) were up last and started at 9:45 a.m.  They used the same format as the first race.

The freshman boys got things started.  Freshman Henley Bourne led the way for the Leafs placing 2nd overall in the race.  His time of 18:03 is the 6th fastest time on the course EVER for a GHS freshman.  Henley ended up running the 4th fastest time for the Leafs on the day.  Teammates Kael McCord, Greyson Clearhout, and Fritz Bolme also “Cracked” the Top 20 to earn individual finisher medals.  Kael (13th overall & was timed in 19:14….#13 fastest Freshmen time EVER for a GHS athlete on the course).  Greyson (14th place and was timed in 20:22 which places him in the #21 Freshmen spot for a GHS runner on the course).  Fritz (16th place overall was timed in 21:05…..#24 for a GHS Freshmen on the course.  GREAT JOB, MEN.  Not far behind were Rylan Carlson (31st place timed in 23:56) and Patrick Versluis (33rd place timed in 24:04).  When the “Dust had Settled” the Leafs had placed a strong 3rd as a team in the division.  Moline won it with 50 points.  Rock Island was a close second with 57 points.  The Leafs were the only other team (12 total teams) to break 100.  They scored 72 points.

Up next were the Sophomore Boys.   Leading the way was Jack Kreiss (9th place overall and timed in 18:53…..his time moved him into #14 for a GHS Sophomore Runner EVER on the course).  Next up was Micah Johnson (15th place overall and timed in 19:37…..good for 17th on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 list).  Alex Aleman also joined in on the fun (19th Place overall and timed in 20:34…good for 20th for a GHS Sophomore EVER on the course).  Each man earned a “Top 20 Individual Finisher Medal”.  It should also be pointed out that Alex took well over TWO MINUTES off his personal best for the course.  He has been working VERY hard and it is paying off.  Connor Runty just missed the top 20 with his 25th place finish.  He was timed in 21:59.  The Leafs only have five sophomore runners on the team and Jacob Berry has a bad case of shin splints and was held out of the meet.  The Leafs ended up placing a strong 3rd in the team competition.  Lemont won the division with 58 points.  Moline placed second scoring 79 points.  The Leafs scored 104 points to grab “da Bronze”. 

The Leafs saved their best team efforts for the last two races.  The Junior boys took off at 9:45 a.m.  Jaxson Sottos continued his great season with some very aggressive racing.  J.J. payed the price of going “for It” but we loved the effort.  He ended up placing 3rd overall in the race and was timed in 16:22 for a sweet personal best on the course.  His time is the 2nd fastest time EVER for a GHS Junior on the course.  Not far behind were Graysen Carlson (9th overall and timed in 17:56…..10th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course), Kaden Elmer (11th place overall and timed in 18:29…..13th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course), and Aidan Bries (12th place overall and timed in 18:38…..14th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course).  Congratulations to Jaxson, Graysen, Kaden, and Aidan for earning a highly prized “Top 20 Individual Finisher Medal”.  Calvin Bell also had a great race and ended up just missing “the hardware”.  Calvin placed 22nd overall and was timed in 20:22.  He didn’t get to race the course last year but he DESTROYED his personal best from Freshman year by almost 7 minutes.  His time is the 25th fastest Junior time EVER on the course for a GHS runner.  Matthew Darnall sprinted home in 34th place.  He was timed in 26:32.  Matthew has battled some illness recently and ran a brave race.  When the points were totaled the Leafs found themselves winning the division.  GREAT JOB, MEN. They scored a mere 57 points.  Rock Island placed 2nd with 85 points with Moline 3rd scoring 101 points.  

The meet saves the best for last….”da Seniors”.  Dylan Gehl busted loose for his best race of the season.  He placed 2nd overall and was timed in a quick 16:08 on a warm day.  His time is now the 2nd fastest time EVER for a GHS Senior on the course.  Joining in on the fun were:  Max Johnson (14th Place and was timed in 18:47…..10th Fastest Senior EVER on the course), Rylan Lambert (18th Place overall and was timed in 19:27…..14th Fastest Senior EVER on the course), and Jacob Taylor (20th Place Overall and timed in 20:15…..17th Fastest Senior EVER on the course).  Congratulations to Dylan Max, Rylan, and Jacob for earning Top 20 Finisher Medals.  GREAT JOB, MEN.  Not far behind were: Christian Haney (25th Place overall and timed in 20:51…..18th fastest Senior EVER on the course), Tyler Holtzen (30th Place overall and timed in 21:43…..22nd fastest Senior EVER on the course), Connor Douglas (31st Place Overall and timed in 21:54…..25th fastest Senior EVER on the course…..ALSO almost a 5 Minute personal best for the course…didn’t run it last year), Shane Bagby (33rd Place Overall and timed in 22:18), Mason Anderson (35th Place Overall and timed in 23:24), and Camden Baumgardner (38th Place Overall and timed in 25:21….over a minute personal best on the course.)  GREAT JOB, MEN.  The Leafs ended up winning the division scoring 78 points.  UTHS was second scoring 84 points with Rock Falls placing 3rd scoring 94 points.

SENIORS HONORED

Pictured are most of Geneseo’s Seniors signing the team posters

At the conclusion of the award ceremony, the overall team awards were handed out.  Team plaques were awarded to each class winner (the Leafs WON both the Junior and Senior Class Races).  Then they found out that they had WON the Overall All Combined Boys Title.  Then, both the girls and boys teams were Crowned Overall Combined Champions.  The girls barely missed winning the Overall Combined Girls title by a mere 7 points.  It was a great day to be a Leaf.

I would also like to point out that hosting meets are a wonderful experience for the program.  However, it isn’t the best situation for coaching.  To put it lightly, Coach Ehelrt was a busy dude.  Unfortunately, Coach Brown wasn’t able to be there.  Add to that the fact that Coach Skopek (girls head coach) was in France supporting his wife in the world triathlon championships.  And, Fredericks 1 & 2 were of little help due to #1’s health issues.  Hats off to Coach Ehlert.  Great Meet.  After the meet, he blasted off to St. Louis for a wedding and a funeral.  Then, he drove home Saturday night.  Oh My…..

What’s next…..Sterling’s Rock River Invitational next Saturday.  After that…..the Freeport Pretzel Invitational.  Then, the Metamora Running Red Invite will be up (they host the IHSA Sectional Meet this year).  After that….it will “Championship Meet Season”.  Get Ready to Roll, Men.

RICHMOND HILL PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

“EVEN THE KITCHEN SINK”

Pictured are 18 of the Leafs 27 team members with their “Treasures”

ANNUAL “DUMPSTER DIVE”

On Thursday, September 18th, the Leafs participated in the team’s annual “Dumpster Dive”.  The city of Geneseo has both a fall and spring clean-up day.  People simply put items that they want to discard out by the street and the city picks it up for free.  Individuals looking for “Treasures” come from all over the area.  The team started to bring back a few items early in 2018 (Head Boys XC Coach Todd Ehlert’s first year on the job).  The tradition has both continued and grown.  Pictured above are what the boys brought back following a short recovery run.  The items where then made available again.  Watching them bringing the items back was worth the wait.

SENIOR SHANE BAGBY SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Senior Shane Bagby who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Senior Shane Bagby was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday (Thursday this week).

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from Wednesday, September 11th through Wednesday, September 18th.  During that time the Leafs participated in First to the Finish Invitational.  The meet was held at Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park.  Shane didn’t compete in the meet (only our top 10 runners competed) but Shane was selected ANYWAY.  The reason?  Well, actually many reasons.  Shane was recently selected by the Geneseo Food Pantry as their Volunteer of the Month.  Pretty impressive for a high school student.  On top of that, Shane was also named a “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program.  Well Done, Shane. Here is what Shane had to say about his involvement with the Geneseo Food Pantry.  “The summer before my junior year I was working full time. After working so much, I had a decent amount of money saved up. I live close to school so gas expenses were pretty low, and I still have a lot of my savings. So when the next summer came, I was able to volunteer at the food pantry worry free from threat of expenses. It was perfect. However, I’m no saint. As much as I love it there, I admit that the reason I initially joined was to get my silver cord. I hate saying that though, because it implies that I’m doing it begudgingly or involuntarily, and that’s not true at all. I love it there. I said in my volunteer of the month nomination that the people there are the salt of the earth, and I stand by that. I haven’t met many better people. After volunteering there all summer and up to now, I can say that my perspective has changed. There is something so special about being a part of something so genuinely good. It’s hard to put into words. Charity, generosity, and humility are traits that I have come to hold dear. At any rate, I’ve been happy to help, and I’m going to try to do something similar throughout my life. It’s so rewarding.”  Great stuff, Shane.  It is RARE to find people who are willing to donate so much time and energy to a wholesome cause.  Finding someone with those traits in high school is “Off the Chart”.  Shane is a wonderful young man and we are truly honored to have him as leader on the 2024 Geneseo Boys Cross Country Team.  The team has some BIG goals for the 2024 season.  Shane is in a position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  Leadership opportunities exist and are omnipotent.  Carpe Diem!!!

Shane is the proud son of Audrey and Brad Bagby.  He is the proud the “Big Bro” of Alex (current GHS 10th grader), Avery (current 8th grader), and Alaina (current 6th grader).

Here are Shane’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “N/A.”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “I haven’t really been involved with any activities at school other than athletic teams.  In hindsight, I wish I was”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “All Food”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “The Shawshank Redemption”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Rock. Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin, Starset, and Volbeat are some of my favorite bands.”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Aleksandr Karelin. I know he’s the bad guy, but man he was such a powerhouse. His old matches are just cool to watch….(Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Karelin is a Russian politician and retired athlete. Karelin competed in Greco-Roman wrestling, representing the Soviet Union and Russia between 1986 and 2000).  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Don’t rest on your laurels” -Many people have said this. I love this quote.”;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I didn’t like Football very much. In hindsight, I should have done Cross Country starting freshman year. I love the sport..”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “You’ll be as good as you want to be.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Graysen Carlson, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Christian Haney, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Senior Rylan Lambert, & Junior Jaxson Sottos.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Shane has been on the team for two years now and has had a positive impact on the team. He works hard everyday and goes all out. In his words “I am out just to stay in shape coach”. But he does more than that. He has a great and caring attitude. Being volunteer of the month at the local food pantry and also being awarded the “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program shows he is a student and an awesome person. Keep coming to keep in shape Shane. Great Job!.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

HISTORIC DETWEILLER PARK

Pictured is the sign near the entrance to Detweiller Park in Peoria

LEAFS PLACE 22nd AT
FIRST TO THE FINISH INVITATIONAL

On Saturday, September 14th, the Leafs traveled to Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park to participate in the First to the Finish Invitational.  The meet is HUGE and offers competition for 1A, 2A, and 3A boys and girls teams.  There was also an Open Race that had over 1,000 runners.  The weatherman provided a warm early fall day with daytime high of 85˚.  The course was hard and fast but with the huge fields a LOT of dust was generated making breathing a challenge.  The team hopes to be making a return trip to Peoria to run in the IHSA State Finals come November.  Detweiller Park has served as the host site for the State Meet since 1971.  Thus, “cracking” the Detweiller Park Top 25’s for a GHS athlete is no easy task.  Every other course that we race on has changed over the years so the lists don’t go back too many years.  That is sad to me because great performances by Maple Leaf Greats have been lost to history.  Sadly, we can’t control that.  The closest thing GHS XC has to school records is the Detwiller Park Top 25’s.  On to the meet.

The Leafs competed in the 2A boys race.  The 66-team field included teams from:  Antioch, Arlington Heights (St. Viator), Belvidere, Belvidere (North), Breese (Central), Canton, Champaign (Centennial), Champaign (Central), Charleston, Chicago (Agricultural Science), Chicago (Brother Rice), Chicago (Northside College Prep), Chicago (University), Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Crystal Lake (South), Danville, Dunlap, East Peoria, Effingham, Freeburg, Galesburg, Geneseo, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South), Grayslake (Central), Jacksonville, Jerseyville (Jersey), Joliet (Catholic), LaGrange Park (Nazareth Academy), Lawrenceville (Red Hill), Macomb, Manteno, Marengo, Maroa-Forsyth, Midlothian (Bremen), Norridge (Ridgewood), Ottawa, Peoria (Central), Peoria (Richwoods), Plano, Pontiac, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rockford (Boylan), Sandwich, Sterling, Streator, Sycamore, Tinley Park, West Chicago (Wheaton Academy), Wheaton (St. Francis), & Woodstock.  There were 18 State-Ranked Teams “On da Line”. 

Leading the way for the Maple Leafs “Dynamic Duo” of Junior Jaxson Sottos and Senior Dylan Gehl.  Each man earned a highly coveted “Top 50” Finisher Medal.  Jaxson has been the Leafs’ #1 man in every race thus far and led the way via his 29th place finish.  He was timed in 15:43 which is a personal best and moved him into the #13 Junior position for a GHS Runner EVER on the course.  Not far behind was Senior Dylan Gehl who ran a season best time of 15:50 which placed him 35th overall.  By the way, almost 600 runners raced in THIS race.  Dylan’s time moved him into the #15 Senior position for a GHS Runner EVER on the course.  Both Jaxson and Dylan hope to get another chance to improve their times later this season.  That opportunity will come in November and is call THE STATE MEET.  Great job, Men.  Keep up the good work.

Next up was Geneseo Junior Kaden Elmer who is the the Leafs’ “Reigning Bell Ringer”.  Kaden responded with a season best time of 17:14 which placed him 160th in the field of 575 finishers (there were numerous DNF’s).  Kaden shared that when he lost contact with his teammates the race got really difficult for him.  Racing with a “Pack Mentality” is omnipotent.  Either with your teammates or other runners in the field who you have raced before and know you can “Hang” with.  Every race is an opportunity to improve on tactics.  Carpe Diem.

The rest of the Maple Leaf Top 7 was in the middle of the “Dust Bowl”.  Literally.  With no rain for weeks and thousands of runners racing over the course the runners in each race created a “Dust Cloud”.  Not a good thing in a sport that demands a LOT of oxygen consumption.  Senior Max Johnson (199th place timed in 17:38), Junior Graysen Carlson (224th place timed in 17:48), Sophomore Jack Kreiss (233rd place timed in 17:54), and Freshman Hanley Bourne (250th place time in 18:00).  Each gave it what they had.  There weren’t too many smiles after the race as they guys were NOT satisfied with the results. 

Not too far behind were Senior Rylan Lambert (318th place timed in a season best time of 18:29.)  Great Job, Rylan.  Sophomore Micah Johnson (410th place timed in 19:24) and Senior Christian Haney (586th place timed in 20:32) closed the Maple Leaf efforts on the day.  Each man had a film of dust over them.  You could actuallly see dirt on their teeth.  Nasty conditions putting it mildly.

When the team scores were tabulated the Leafs found themselves in 22nd place.  There were 66 scoring teams in the 2A boys race.  The team wasn’t happy to see 7 teams from the sectional meet that we were assigned to last year (the 2024 assignments have Not been released yet).  Thus, as of this meet, the Leafs are not headed back to the IHSA State Finals.  I wouldn’t put too much stock in these results.  The bottom line is the overall team had a tough day.  We have every confidence in this team.  We need the 2024 Senior Leaders to work together and pull this team together.  Our team is blessesd with TEN amazing Seniors.  Each man possesses a plethora of leadership potential.  Each of us needs to help them to “Let it Loose”.  The end result will help lead the team 2024 Maple Leaf Harriers to a successful “Championship Meet Season”.  Remember, you are a Family….a “Band of Brothers”.  EVERYONE matters.  Try and be the “IT Guy”  for the team that provides the “Final Pieces to the Puzzle” for this year’s team.  Let’s keep those BIG DREAMS ALIVE!  God Bless EACH of you.  All the best this season and beyond.

This team is blessed with a plethora of talent and it is going to be a LOT of fun watching the team “Pull Together”.  I always include a page in the XC Cross Country Yearbook that is titled “Philosophy of a Geneseo Distance Runner”.  It seems appropriate to me to share that with you now.  I’m not sure how many of you have actually read it.  I grabbed “Bits and Pieces” of it from numerious sources.  I have always found it to be full of inspiration and it has aided myself and a plethora of former Maple Leafs over the years.  I hope the same for the 2024 team.

NO EXCUSES…..NO RETREATS…..NO REGRETS

DETWEILLER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

JUNIOR KADEN ELMER SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Junior Kaden Elmer who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Junior Kaden Elmer was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday (Thursday this week).

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the the previous Thursday (When Henley was selected) to now (Tuesday, September 10th).  During that time, the Leafs participated in the Galesburg Silver Streak Cross Country Invitational. The meet was held on Saturday, September 7th and held at Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park.  Kaden placed 23rd overall in the meet (Earning a highly coveted Top 30 Individual Finisher Medal).  He was timed in 17:23 and was the Maple Leafs’ 3rd man on the day helping to lead the team to a strong 3rd place team finish.  His time of 17:23 moved him into the 16th fastest GHS Runner EVER on the current course.  He is also now the 10th fastest junior.  Great Job, Kaden.

Kaden put in a strong summer of base training and has been reaping the benefits of that fitness all season long.  Kaden is a special young man who also possesses strong leadership qualities.  Here is a quick summary of Kaden’s season to date.  He started the season at the Geneseo “Rust Buster” team time trail.  He placed 3rd overall in the race in a time of 10:42 (5th fastest individual and 4th fastest junior in GHS History).  Kaden was the Maple Leafs 3rd man on the day.

Kaden has “Been on Fire” all season long.  He carried the momentum of his summer training right into the season.  Kaden placed 3rd overall in the team’s annual “Rust Buster” time trial which was held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park on Tuesday, August  20th.  Kaden was timed in a quick 10:42.  Unfortunately, the then came down with a case of COVID-19.  The Moline Season Opener Invite was cancelled on Monday, August 26th due to dangerously high temperatures.  Kaden would NOT have been able to race on that day anyway due to being sick.  He then did “Toe the Line” on Tuesday, September 3rd at the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Invitational.  He was still not feeling too hot but raced anyway.  He ended up being the Leafs’ 6th man on the day and placed 13th overall (earning a Top 20 Individual Finisher Medal).  Kaden’s time of 17:37 was the 9th fastest time EVER for a GHS Runner.  It also moved him into the 7th fastest Junior EVER for a GHS Runner.  Great Job, Kaden.  Not too bad for not feeling too hot. 

The Maple Leafs have some BIG TEAM GOALS and Kaden has placed himself in a position to help make those “Dreams” come to fruition.  The best way to lead is via example and that is exactly what Kaden does on a daily basis.  He possesses tremendous amounts of both Passion and Purpose.  It is a true honor to serve as one of his coaches.  All the best with the rest of the 2024 XC season and beyond.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and then backing those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.  Don’t forget to enjoy the “Ride”.  Ultimately, that ‘s the best part.

Here is what Kaden had to say about his athletic history.  “11 Grade:  I don’t remember my times for the Rust Buster but I know it was in the high 10’s. I finished 3rd for Geneseo that day. At the Kewanee Dunes, I ran a 17:37 finishing 13th total and 6th for Geneseo. At Galesburg, I ran 17:23 finishing 23rd and 3rd for Geneseo. I was sick around the time of the Kewanee meet. (I’m always sick which is so annoying”.;  10 Grade:  I won’t list all of my times for everything so I’ll give some PR’s. Running at State I ran 17:00 flat. That was recently coming off of having the IT band syndrome thing with my hip. I also ran 16:40 at Metamora but I don’t think that really counts. In Track, I ran 4:57 in the mile beating my freshman time by 0.65 seconds. Not much of an improvement but still there. I ran a 58.52 in the 400 this year which was a PR but still not very fast. Ran a 10:55 in the 3200 at Monmouth which was also a PR.”;  9th Grade:  “I did both XC and Track and Field.  In Cross Country I enjoyed a strong season that saw me earn a Varsity letter and get to “Toe the Line” at the IHSA State Meet.  I climbed all the way up to 8th and and was substituted in for Sam when he got hurt and couldn’t run the Sate Meet.  17:47 was my PR at Sterling.  In Track I mostly ran the 800 meter run.  Most of the season I ran 2:17 but I was able to drop a 2:11 at the Conference Meet.  I also ran the 1600 Meter Run and 3200 Meter run a couple of times with 4:57 and 10:57 personal bests.  08 Grade:  “I participated in both Cross Country and Track and Field.  In Cross Country, I placed 10th at the Sectional Meet and qualified for the State Meet along with Jack Mickley.  I ran a 12:10 at the State Meet and was very proud of my effort.  For Track season, I started out in both the hurdles and long jump.  I eventually transitioned to the mile where I dropped my time down to 5:09 by the end of the season at the Sectional Meet.  The State Qualifying Standard was 5:02 which I barely missed.  It “fired me up” to try and improve for next year.”;  7th Grade:  “I participated in both Cross Country and Track and Field.  I placed 8th in the Sectional Meet in Cross Country to qualify for the State Finals.  However, they did not have the State Meet that year due to COVID-19.  Dang.  In Track, I competed in the hurdles, the 1600 Meter Run, the 400 Meter Relay, and the Long Jump.  I competed in the all of those events except the Long Jump at the Sectional Meet.  I did not qualify for the State Meet.”;  Prior to 7th Grade:  “I played Baseball for three years but wasn’t very good at it.  My position was Second Base.  I also played Soccer for two years.  This was more for fun but when I found out that I was good at running I ended up joining the Cross Country team.”

“Kaden is the proud son of Kari and Josh Elmer.  He is the proud the “Baby Bro” of Anthony (25), Hope (23), and Gabrielle (19).  Kaden is also the proud “Big Bro” of Reese (13 in 8th grade) and Hallie (11 in 6th grade).

Here are Kaden’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Kaden Elmberg.”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Homemade Italian Beef”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “Magnificant 7”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Classical Rock / Modern Rock / Heavy Rock / Cats & Dragons (always loyal);  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Tim Tebow…(former NCAA Championship Quarterback for the University of Florida)….he was homeschooled and raised in a Christian Family.  He believes uniqueness is a gift from God.”  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fall above everyone else’s success” – James Cameron;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  ” I had always known I was solid at running. Whether it was doing well in the pacer test or winning my age group in road races 💪. I really enjoyed the running aspect of soccer as well. I’ll never forget Eric State recruiting me to join Cross way back in 7th grade. I’ve been doing it ever since.”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “I’ll die on the hill that Cross Country is the hardest sport. I can’t honestly say I’ve participated in that many other sports but I have sources and also what other sports require you to run 10+ miles on Sunday? Cross Country takes so much dedication and work and if you’re not willing to put that in you shouldn’t join. I know most of you guys reading this are probably in Cross right now but that’s not the point. Cross is so much fun because you get to mess around in practice but eventually Ehlert or Brown will crack that whip and tell you to get running. Tip: Don’t expect to get better if all you do is mess around. One of my favorite things about the sport is the bond you can form with teammates and how that’ll go with you even out of the sport. It’s super special. The feeling of a good race or PR is also just super exhilerating. One of the best things about Cross is going out to eat with everyone too. Playing Frogger in the road, watching Jack eat 40 McDonald’s nuggets, or getting sick off of a large chocolate cake shake. It’s all worth it. Anyone that’s remotely good at running or looking to stay in shape or just socialize should join Cross Country. Some quotes: “No balls no glory” -Frank Shorter “Faster you run faster you’re done” -Idk “Burst” Anonymous.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Senior Camden Baumgardner, Junior Calvin Bell, Freshman Fritz Bolme, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Aidan Bries, Freshman Rylan Carlson, Senior Connor Douglas, Junior Graysen Carlson, Freshman, Greyson Clearhout, Senior Dylan Gehl, Sophomore Jack Kreiss, Freshman Kael McCord, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos, & Freshman Patrick Versluis.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Kaden is having a great career at GHS. He has been fortunate to run at the state meet as a freshman and sophomore. He is growing every year and this year looks to be another great year for him. We hope we can make this year a three peat at the state meet. He will be a great leader for us next year as a senior..

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

LEAFS CLAIM GALESBURG SILVER STREAK INV. BRONZE

Pictured are most of the Juniors and Seniors who led the Leafs to a 3rd place team finish in the Varsity Race
Also pictured are the individuals who earned medals in the F/S Race

SOTTOS AND GEHL LEAD LEAFS

ON Saturday, September 7th, the Leafs traveled to Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park to participate in the 47th Annual Galesburg Silver Streak Cross Country Invitational.  The field consisted of teams from:  Abingdon-Avon, Annawan-Wethersfield, Dunlap, East Peoria, Ft. Madison, Galesburg, Geneseo, Knoxville, Macomb, Metamora, Morton, Normal West, Peoria Notre Dame, Ridegwood, Rockridge, ROWVA, United (Monmouth), & UTHS.  The weather was unseasonably cool.  The daytime high was only 66˚.  When the team arrived at 7:30 a.m. the temperature was still in the high 40’s.  By race time the temperature had climbed into the mid 50’s.  There was a noticable NNE wind in the low teens.  The Varsity Races are run first in this meet with the F/S races to follow.  We have chosen to run all of the Freshmen and Sophomores in the F/S race.  I will discuss that race later.  On the line were trophies to the Top 3 Teams in the 18-team field.  Also, individual medals were awarded to the Top 30 Finishers.  The current course at Lake Storey has been run since 2015.  Thus, this is the 10th year for the current course.

The Varsity Boys race started at 9:40 a.m.  The guys were pretty fired up after watching the Lady Leafs race first.  Sophomore Brooklyn Smith won the Varsity Race beating several All-Staters.  The Maple Leafs’ Dynamic Duo of Junior Jaxson Sottos and Senior Dylan Gehl, once again, led the way as they both finished in the top 10.  Jaxson placed 4th running the 2nd fastest time EVER for a Maple Leaf on the current course.  His time is only 2nd to Senior Dylan Gehl who “Threw Down: a time of 15:37 last season.  Dylan is still on the “Rebound” following a serious knee injury suffered during the Track season.  Jaxson is also now number two on the Junior List.  Dylan wasn’t too far behind and ended up placing 6th overall.  His time of 16:19 is the 5th fastest performance EVER for a GHS runner and moved him into the number two spot on the GHS Senior List.  Great Job, Men. 

Up next was the rest of Geneseo’s “Scoring 5”.  Juniors Kaden Elmer and Graysen Carlson each earned highly coveted “Top 30” Individual Finisher Medals.  Kaden sprinted home in 17:23 and placed 23rd overall.  His time was the 10th fastest for a GHS Junior EVER on the current course.  Graysen was only six seconds behind him as he took OVER A MINUTE off his previous best time for the course.  His time of 17:29 is now the 11th fastest time for a GHS Junior EVER on the current course.  Closing the scoring for the Maple Leafs was Senior Max Johnson.  Max had a tough day but still fought hard, giving it everything that he could.  Way to Lead by Example, Max.  He placed 49th overall and was timed in 18:17.  His time moved him into the #16 spot for a GHS Senior on the course.

Rounding out the rest of the Leafs were Senior Rylan Lambert (56th place timed in 18:40….new #20 on the Senior List for the current course), Senior Christian Haney (85th place timed in 19:46), Senior Jacob Taylor (94th place timed in 20:00), Senior Tyler Holtzen (107th place timed in 20:38), Junior Calvin Bell (110th place timed in 20:54), Senior Connor Douglas (116th place timed in 21:15), Senior Shane Bagby (121st Place timed in 21:30), Senior Mason Anderson (136th place timed in 22:57), and Camden Baumgardner (139th place timed in 23:09.)  Rylan , Tyler, Calvin, Connor, Shane, and Camden all ran personal bests on the course.  GREAT JOB, MEN. 

When the “Dust had Settled” and the team scores were tabulated, the Leafs found themselves winning the 3rd place team trophy.  Class 2A number two (state-ranked) Morton won with a mere 35 points.  Metamora was a bit of a surprise in 2nd (76 points).  The Leafs scored 100 to grab 3rd as they held-off Peoria Notre Dame (104) and Normal West (105).  Great Job, Men. All of our F/S ran “Down” and everything wasn’t perfect and you still grabbed some nice hardware.  Also having 4 men place in the Top 30 was impressive.  Keep up the good work.  Bring on Detweiller!!!  That’s where we will be headed next Saturday.  Get Ready to FLY!!!.

BOURNE AND KREISS LEAD GENESEO F/S TO 5TH

The F/S boys race started at 11:00 a.m. sharp.  A LOT of teams decided to run their “Young Stars” in this race.  Thus, the field was much more competitive than it has been in quite some time.  Individual medals were awarded to the Top 20 Individual Finishers while team trophies were awarded to the Top 3 Teams.  There was a plethora of talent in this race and I predict that multiple individuals in the field will earn “All-State” Honors before they graduate from high school.

Leading the way for the Leafs was Freshman Henely Bourne.  Henley was the current GHS “Bell Ringer” and backed that up with another Great Race.  Henley ran an evenly paced race and just kept moving up.  He ended up placing 8th overall and was timed in 18:10.  His time is the 4th fastest EVER for a GHS Freshmen on the current course.  Not too far behind him was Sophomore Jack Kreiss who placed 14th.  Jack went out “Hot”, running with the lead pack and paid the price.  He did a great job of hanging on for a Top 20 Medal.  Jack was timed in 18:10 which moved him into the #14 Sophomore spot for a GHS runner EVER on the course.  Up next were: Sophomore Micah Johnson (30th place timed in 19:13), Freshman Kael McCord (35th place timed in 19:23), and Freshman Greyson Clerhout (48th place timed in 19:58).  Micah is now the 23rd fastest GHS Sophomore EVER on the current course.  Kael and Greyson moved into 15th and 18tth places on the GHS Freshen list for the current course.  GREAT JOB, MEN. 

Not far behind came the hard charging “2nd Wave” of:  Freshman Fritz Bolme (53rd place timed in 20:09), Sophomore Alex Aleman (63rd place timed in 20:25), Sophomore Connor Runty (78th place timed in 21:38), Freshman Patrick Versluis (97th place timed in 23:25), and Freshman Rylan Carlson (100th place timed in 23:32.)  Great job of racing men.  I was on my bike (bad left hip…can’t run anymore) and was all over the place.  Each member of the F/S team is Very Coachable and listened to the advice that they were given during the race.  We saw it as they reacted appropriately.  Thank you, Men.  You are the future of our team and the future looks BRIGHT..

LAKE STOREY PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN HENLEY BOURNE SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Freshman Henley Bourne who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Freshman Henley Bourne was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday (Thursday this week).

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the the previous Thursday (When Graysen was selected) to now (Thursday, 5th).  During that time, the Leafs participated in the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Cross Country Invitational on Tuesday, September 3rd.  The meet was held at Kewanee Dunes Golf Course (also known as The Midlands).  Henley simply ran “WILD” and placed 19th OVERALL in the field to earn a Highly Coveted Top 20 Finisher Medal.  GREAT STUFF, Henley.

Henley’s time of 18:01 made him into the second fastest Geneseo High School Freshman for the course.  He was also the Leafs’ 7th man on the day.  Pretty impressive for a Freshmen.  Add into the equation that Henley just returned from a family vacation fishing trip to Northern Wisconsin.  He was gone for almost a week and was unable to run during that time.  How did he still run so well???  All I can say is WOW!  Everyone has God-Given talent but Henley might also picked up the “It Factor” too.  Very few have it.  Henley was also racing with some plaster his right wrist.  He broke it while attending a pole vaulting practice this summer (more on pole vaulting later).  Evidently, Henley tried to make an NBA move on the mat and let’s just say that it didn’t go as planned.  The cast should be coming off soon. 

Henley is an emerging talent and it is going to be a LOT of fun watching him improve during the course of the season.  He attended quite a few summer training sessions with Coach Ehlert and Coach Brown.  He told me that he had a moderate level of training this past summer.  The fact that he is already battling for a Top 7 Varsity spot is impressive.  Keep up the good work, Henley.  You have a bright future in the sport.  The current Geneseo roster is LOADED.  The team has BIG goals for the entire season and especially for “Championship Meet Season”.  Henley is in a wonderful position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  The best advice that we can give you is to “Dream Big” and then back those dreams up with the hard work that excellence demands.  It isn’t easy to be a team leader as a Freshman.  However, leadership via example is a viable path to accomplish that task.  All the best this season and beyond.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  Ultimately, that’s the best part.  Take care and God Bless.

Here is what Henley had to say about his athletic history to date.  09 Grade:  “The journey has just begun”.  08th Grade:  “I was the 3rd man on the the GMS team that qualified for the State Meet.”  ” I also participated in Track & Field where I specialized as a Pole Vaulter.  I ended up earning All-State Honors via my 7th place finish at State.  My season best jump was 10′ 00″.  07th Grade:  “I joined the Cross Country team and had a decent season.  I ended up being the alternate at the State Meet”.  7th Grade:  “I decided to try Track and Field.  I ended up being a sprinter and also tried the pole vault for the first time.  I like it a LOT”.  Prior to 7th Grade:  “I played Soccer for a while.  I like playing goalie.  I also played Baseball where I was a catcher”. 

Henley is the proud son of Jennifer and Jeff Bourne.  He has a younger sister (Abigail) who is 10.

Here are Henley’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Nothing Yet”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND / OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country, Track & Field, and Marching Band where I play the trombone “;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Hash Browns”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “”Remember the Titans”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Country……it usually tells a story”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “My cousin Brooklyn used to run Track for Illinois State University.  I think she ran the sprints including the 400 Meter and 800 Meter Relays.  I was also heavily influenced by Julia Poel who I got to spend a lot of time with her as a younger kid.  She was my inspiration to do a lot of things such as Track, Marching Band, and Cross Country”.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “If you aren’t failing you’re not trying”.  Matthew Johnson (My Marching Band Leader) or ” Play stupid games with stupid prizes”  Coach James  (GHS Strength Coach).  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM:  “I like to run and it’s fun to run FAST”.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “You get what you give.  If you run fast at practice you will run fast in meets.  When you run it’s going to hurt and it’s your choice to either listen to the Little Man inside of you telling you that you need to stop or can’t continue going through the pain or finish knowing that you DIDN’T GIVE IN TO IT.”

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Henley has been a great addition to the team this year. This spring, Henley did an awesome job for the middle school track program. He was a busy guy. Henley ran the 1600 in 5:14 and also pole vaulted on the team. Henley was “all state” in the pole vault in the spring placing 7th at the IESA State track and field finals. He has done an awesome job this year and has a lot of potential. He started the year off in a rough way breaking his arm at a pole vault practice. He will be doing better at the end of the year and has a bright future for the Maple Leafs.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Sophomore Jacob Berry, Senior Camden Baumgardner, Junior Graysen Carlson, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Tyler Holtzen, Senior Max Johnson, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Junior Jaxson Sottos.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

LEAFS CLAIM TITAN GOLD

Pictured are the 2024 Annawan-Wethersfield Team Champions

LEAFS WIN ANNAWAN-WETHERSFIELD
TITAN CROSS COUNTRY INVITE

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Leafs traveled to Kewanee’s Midland Golf Course (also called the Dunes) to compete in the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Invitational.  The field included teams from:  Aledo (Mercer County), Annawan-Wethersfield, Cambridge, Galesbug, Galva, Geneseo, Monmouth-Roseville, Oneida (Rowva), Orion, Princeville, Rock Island (Alleman), Sherrard, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge), and Toulon (Stark County).  The teams were treated to a delightful late summer day with a daytime high of 78˚ and little to no wind.  The dew point was extremely low for this time of year (51˚) .

The boys race started at 5:00 p.m. sharp.  Trophies to the top 3 teams and medals to the top 20 individual finishers were on the line.  The Leafs have been attending this meet since Head Boys Coach Todd Ehlert took over the program in 2018.  The boys appear to love the meet.  It is fun to see different teams and race on a golf course (my personal favorite racing surface).  The Leafs have won every year that the meet has been held since joining the fun.  We appreciate Annawan-Wethersfield Coach Creston Fenn allowing Geneseo to participate in the meet.  Most of the 12-team field competes at the 1A level.  Galesburg and Geneseo were the only 2A schools in the field.  There were no 3A schools.

Back to the action.  Geneseo’s “Big Two” (Junior Jaxson Sottos & Senior Dylan Gehl) took off at the gun and a lead pack of four runners pulled away from the rest of the field.  Jaxson ended up winning the race in 15:57 (2nd fastest GHS time EVER on the course) while Dylan sprinted home in 3rd place.  Dylan’s time of 16:09 was the 3rd fastest time for a Maple Leaf on the All-Time Performance List.  Dylan established a new Senior Class Record in the process.  Jaxson’s time is second to Dylan’s time of 15:24 set while winning the race last year.  Dylan is recovering nicely from a nasty knee injury that shut him down during the Track season.  What a great start to the race with the Leafs going 1-3.  GREAT JOB, MEN!!!

Up next were:  Junior Graysen Carlson (7th place in 17:16), Senior Max Johnson (11th place in 17:31), Sophomore Jack Kreiss (12th place in 17:34), and Junior Kaden Elmer (13th place in 17:37).  In case you weren’t counting, that puts all five of the Leafs’ “Scorers” in the Top 13.  They ended up winning the team title with a mere 30 points.  Great Stuff, Men.  Graysen is now the 5th fastest Maple Leaf Junior to ever run the course.  Max moved into the number 4 Senior Position.  Jack became the 4th fastest Sophomore GHS Runner on the course in school history.  Kaden became the 7th fastest Junior for a GHS Runner on the course.  Each man also ranks in the Top 10 Individual List (Any Grade.)  GREAT STUFF, MEN!!!

The next man up for the Maple Leafs was Freshman Henley Bourne who sprinted home in 19th place to earn a highly coveted Top 20 Finisher Medal.  He was timed in 18:01 (13th fastest Maple Leaf All-Time and #2 on the Freshmen List).  Closing fast was Sophomore Micah Johnson (30th place overall).  Micah moved into the number 18 All-Time Maple Position and #9 Sophomore.  Senior Rylan Lambert was up next and “Stopped the Clock” at 19:08 (10th fastest Senior in GHS History on the course).  Rounding out the Leafs’ Top 10 was Freshman Kael McCord (48th place in 19:54).  Kael moved into the #8 spot for a GHS Freshman on the course.  GREAT JOB, MEN!!!

Up next was “Rookie” Senior Tyler Holtzen  (54th place in 20:05).  Tyler’s time made him the 15th fastest GHS Senior to ever run the course.  Sophomore Alex Aleman sprinted across the finish line next (55 place in 20:08).  Alex is now the 10th fastest Sophomore to ever race the course for GHS.  Senior Jacob Taylor joined in on the fun as he crossed the line in 58th place and was timed in 20:22 (#16 Senior EVER on the course).  He was closely followed by Junior Calvin Bell (66th place in 20:24…..#14 Junior EVER on the course for a GHS Runner).  Freshman Fritz Bolme rounded out the Maple Leafs’ Top 15 as he sprinted home in 70th place and was timed in 21:14 (#10 Freshmen EVER for a GHS Runner.).  GREAT JOB, MEN!!!

Rounding out the Leafs’ efforts were:  Senior Shane Bagby (71st in 21:16…..17th Senior in GHS History on the course), Sophomore Connor Runty (75th place in 21:48…..#18 Sophomore in GHS History on the course), Freshman Greyson Claerhout (80th place in 22:03…..#15 Freshmen in GHS History on the course), Sophomore Jacob Berry (86th place in 22:57…..22nd GHS Sophomore in GHS History on the course), Senior Camden Baumgardner (93rd place in 24:31…..25 Senior in GHS History on the course), Freshman Patrick Versluis (94th place in 24:39…..21st Freshmen in GHS History on the course), and Freshman Rylan Carlson (95th place in 24:43…..22nd Freshmen in GHS History on the course).  Senior Mason Anderson also “Toed da Line” but had to withdraw after “Blowing Chow” numerous times.  Good Call, Mason.  GREAT STUFF LEAFS!!!

Solid efforts, Men.  It was nice to finally be able to race someone other then teammates.  We are proud of every team member’s race efforts.  Some of you are “Seasoned Veterans” while others are “Newbies”.  The omnipotent goal is to keep improving all season long.  Try and learn something EVERY time you race.  This team has a plethora of potential and it is going to be a LOT of Fun watching each of you “Chasing Your Potential” all season long.  Keep making good choices.  That includes hydration, nutrition, sleep, academic commitments, homecoming dates, ETC.  Also, keep up the Great Job of BEING A TEAM.  TOGETHER WE CAN.

KEWANEE DUNES TOP 25’s

RESULTS

JUNIOR GRAYSEN CARLSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Junior Graysen Carlson who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

Junior Graysen Carlson was selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday (Thursday this week.)

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the the day after the Geneseo “Rust Buster” time trial which was held on August 20th through almost the entire next week.  The team was scheduled to participate in the Moline Season Opener Invitational Cross Country Invitational on Monday, August 26th but the meet was cancelled due to extremely high temperatures (115 heat index).  We decided to still selected a “Bell Ringer” for that time period even though the team didn’t compete.  Thus, summer training commitment, the Rust Buster time trail, and the workouts during the week were all considered.  After “The dust had settled” Graysen was selected.  At the Rust Buster 3k time trial, Graysen placed 6th overall in an impressive time of 11:04.  His time was over a TWO minute improvement from the 2023 race.  It also placed him in the Maple Leafs “Top 7”.  Way to go, Graysen!

This is Graysen’s second year as a Maple Leaf Harrier (XC Runner).  We were thrilled when he joined the team and he has simply continued to improve every single week.  Last year, he not only earned a Varsity Letter but also “Cracked” the Varsity Top 7 and raced in the IHSA Regional (he was the alternate to a teammate was unable to race).  How is that possible?  The answer is pretty simple.  It just takes a commitment to excellence and then backing up that commitment up with the hard work that excellence demands.  Graysen also possesses a powerful dose of both Passion and Purpose.  His improvement curve shows no signs of slowing down so the sky is the limit for him.  The Maple Leaf XC Team has BIG Team Goals for the 2024 season and beyond.  Graysen has placed himself into a position where he can significantly make an impact on those team goals.  Keep “Dreaming Big”, Graysen.  You are a very special young man and it has been a lot of fun watching you develop your God-Given Talent.  Everyone has it but few truly ever tap into it.

I also need to mention one of Graysen’s biggest inspirations.  His grandfather is John Thompson.  I have known John ever since I moved to Geneseo back in the 80’s.  He is an elite distance runner and an ever better triathlete.  He is ranked nationally in his age group and is always ready to “Mix it Up” with the “Big Dogs”.  Graysen has been watching “Grandpa John” ever since he was born and has obviously been taking good metal notes.  Graysen, NO ONE is prouder of you than your grandpa.  Well done, Graysen.  All the best in 2024 and beyond.  Don’t forget to enjoy “The Journey”.

Here is what Graysen had to say about his athletic history to date. 11 Grade:  “I ran the Bix 7 in late July again.  I ran it in 49:48 so I really made a big jump from last year’s race.  I improved by over 10 minutes.  That was really fun and those hills were really tough.”  10 Grade:  “I ran Cross Country for the first time.  I won two XC races.  (Graysen placed first OVERALL in both the Freeport Pretzel J.V. Race and in the Sterling JV Invitational.”  I also played point guard on the Basketball team.  I hit a couple of game winning shots”.  09 Grade:  “I played Basketball for the Maple Leafs and had a decent season.  I dropped 20 points in one game.  I also hit a couple of game winning shots at the buzzer.  Then I went out for the Track and Field team.  I ran the sprints and also Long Jumped.  I placed pretty good but not far enough to qualify for the State Meet.  08th Grade:  “I was a sprinter on the Middle School Team.  We qualified for the State Finals in the 400 Meter Relay.  I went to State as an alternate but didn’t get to run even though I was faster than one of the guys that was running but that is OK.  I still got an “All-State ” medal because the team placed 7th overall.”  07th Grade:  I joined the Track and Field team and ended up as a sprinter.  I ran the 200 Meter Dash in like 40 seconds because I was NOT a runner yet.”  Prior to 7th Grade:  Nothing Listed.

Graysen is the proud son of Adrianne and Brandon Carlson.  His siblings are: Aiden 20; Aliyah 13; & Braylee 8.  We are also hosting Foreign Exchange Students Manuel 15 & Luiza 16.

Here are Graysen’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “Gray Dog”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country, Basketball, & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “My favorite food is banana bread that my Grandma makes”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “”Titanic….I LOVE History”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “Christian Rap or Rap“;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “My Grandpa because he kept me going and kept pushing me to my limits.  Without him, I wouldn’t have made it his far so THANK YOU.  I LOVE YOU GRANDPA JOHN.;  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “When you run you have to take Vitamin N.  The ability to say NO, to the “Little Man” when running.”  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM:  I decided to join the Cross Country team to become the best runner I could possibly be and I could see myself going pretty far in life with running.  But, I also joined so that I can beat my Grandpa John in a race because he would always win.  I also wanted to try something new.;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Some advice I would give to not to give up.  Also, don’t be afraid to try something new.  You just might like it.  But if you do try it out, I predict that you will fall in love with it like I did.  It is also a LOT of fun because everyone in your family will come out and watch you race.”

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Graysen Carlson – Graysen is just starting his second year with the program. He did an awesome job last year. He was our super 8th man in his first year of Cross Country. He stepped in to run during the Regional last year for Kaden (who was sick) and did a great job. He also has upped his mileage during the summer and it has really paid off. He has taken time off his time trial by over two minutes and he is on pace to be in the top 7 this year. Keep Dreaming Big!

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Christian Haney, Sophomore Micah Johnson, Senior Rylan Lambert, Sophomore Connor Runty, Junior Jaxson Sottos.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

MOLINE XC SEASON OPENER WB-6 XC INVITE

MEET CANCELED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

TEAMS
Alleman, Bettendorf, Davenport Central, Galesburg, Geneseo,
Moline, Quincy, Riverdale, Rock Island, Sterling, United Township

JUNIOR JAXSON SOTTOS SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Pictured is Junior Jaxson Sottos who was
 selected as this week’s “Bell Ringer Award Winner”

JUNIOR JAXSON SOTTOS SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER AWARD WINNER”

Junior Jaxson Sottos was selected as this season’s first “Bell Ringer Award Winner”.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Cross Country Coach Todd Ehlert with a little help from “da committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by the committee consisting of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff   Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee then discusses each nominee until a winner is selected.  A team member can be nominated every week but is eligible to win only once.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  The award winner is selected every Tuesday (Wednesday this week.)

The time frame for this week’s “Bell Ringer” ran from the beginning of the XC season through Tuesday, August 20th.  During that time, the Leafs participated in the Geneseo “Rust Buster” Team 3,000 Meter Time Trial.  This meet has existed since 1986 and used to be called the Geneseo Alumni Open.  Due to IHSA rule changes, the meet is now limited to only current Geneseo XC Athletes.  The current course has been used since Head Coach Todd Ehlert took over the program in the fall of 2018.  Changes to the park over the years was the main reason.  The old course crossed pavement that had been added over the years.  The new course is an outstanding test of cross country skill and a offers spectators a wonderful opportunity to watch a LOT of the race.  Jaxson ran an impressive race that saw him win the race by 32 seconds.  In the process, he ended up running the 2nd fastest time EVER on the current course.  Only Senior Dylan Gehl’s 9:56 which he ran last year is ahead of Jaxson.  Dylan is coming back from a nasty knee injury that saw him miss almost the entire Track season.  He is healthy now and chasing fitness.  The fact that Jaxson only missed Dylan’s Course Record by NINE seconds is extremely exciting.  Dylan enjoyed a monster Junior season that saw him place 7th in the State Finals running the 2nd fastest time in GHS History (14:48.)  Needless to say, Maple Leaf fans are VERY excited about what the upcoming season might produce.  The Leafs might have the best 1-2 “Punch” in the State of Illinois.  No pressure Men….only exciting possibilities.

What makes Jaxson’s improvement all the more impressive is the fact that he wasn’t able to run Track last winter and spring.  Jaxson is home-schooled and he lives quite a distance from the school.  Transportation has been a huge issue for his family and due to that issue, he sat out last year’s Track season and trained on his own.  That is not an easy assignment for someone so young but Jaxson isn’t the average teenager.  He is a highly dedicated individual and he ended up gradually ramping up his training with the end result being one of the biggest improvement jumps I have EVER seen for someone who was already competing at a very high level.  We are VERY proud of you Jaxson (J.J.)  and are literally “Drooling” with anticipation in regard to what you can accomplish this season and beyond.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and then backing those dreams up with the hard work and dedication that excellence DEMANDS.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  That’s the best part of the whole experience when you get right down to it.

It has been a lot of fun watching Jaxson growing up over the last several years.  I first met him when he was in middle school and he and Kaden Elmer asked if they could run with the distance guys during the winter before their Track season started.  In addition, my wife (Tessie) and I have needed a bit of help from time to time around our house.  Tessie is battling some health issues but is hard to “Hold Down” when I am out working.  I discovered that by bringing in Jaxson (and others at times) which allows us to do “the heavy lifting”.  When it’s just the two of us……..I think you get it.  Anyway, we sure appreciate Jaxson’s amazing work ethic.  He is also a strong Christian who doesn’t just “Talk the Talk”….He “Walks the Walk”.  God Bless You, Jaxson Sottos.  All the best.  Hopefully, you will be wearing an “All-State” Medal or more around your neck before you graduate from high school.  We also hope that the team can join in on the fun and “Crack the Top 15″……Top 10……Top 5……DREAM BIG!

Here is what Jaxson had to say about his athletic history to date. 11 Grade:  “Put in a ton of work this summer and so far this season and team is looking super good. Big things to come.”  10 Grade:  “Ran cross country, I had a pretty good season, my PR was 15:55 but I didn’t come close to that time on any other races. I did not run Track this year because I live far out of town and the IHSA requires home-schooled students to participate for one elective through the high school so my parents made me choose either XC or Track and I chose XC. However, I still trained an insane amount this spring by myself and that has worked miracles.”  09 Grade: “I had a really good season as a freshman. My 3 mile PR was 16:55 and in Track I ran mainly the mile and got my mile time all the way down to 4:42. That was a really proud moment. I missed state qualifying by 6 seconds.”  08 Grade: I started running every day the summer before 8th grade and my 2 mile pr for XC was 12:51. Our team narrowly missed qualifying for State. I ran every day that winter and did the mile in Track and was able to run a 5:23 mile”.  07 Grade: “I ran XC and Track and played Basketball. I really liked Basketball back then but after trying XC I knew XC was the sport for me. I wasn’t fast at all. I think my fastest mile was a 6:57 but I really enjoyed it.”  Prior to 7th grade:  “Switched off between rec leagues of Baseball, Soccer, and Basketball. Played a lot of golf too.”

Jaxson is the proud son of Zachary and Monica Sottos.  Siblings names with ages or grade levels: Alex 25; Max 20; Grace 18; Phoenix 13; and Hendrix 11.

Here are Jaxson’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Award” Questions:  NICKNAME:  “JJ and Jax”;  SCHOOL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN PART IN:  “Cross Country & Track & Field”;  FAVORITE FOOD:  “Five Guys Burgers & Fries”;  FAVORITE MOVIE:  “”Howls Moving Castle”;  FAVORITE MUSIC (Genre or Group):  “I like everything…..Rap, Country, Global…ETC”;  ATHLETIC HERO:  “Muhammad Ali”….here is a quick Google fact search on him FYI…Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed “The Greatest”, he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. He held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970.  FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Don’t be stupid” – Todd Ehlert;  HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE XC TEAM:  “I watched my brother Max run and wanted to try it out and it just kind of clicked”;  WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE NEW TO THE SPORT:  “Try your best.  Don’t hang your head if you aren’t doing as good as you would like, keep your head up”.

COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH TODD EHLERT:  Jaxson has has done a great job his first two years in the program. Running in the state meet as a freshman and sophomore has been a huge motivation for him. Winning some meets in the Fresh/Soph Division last year has really helped his confidence. He has had a great summer with running and the time he has put in is going to pay dividends later this year. He already has set his sights on trying to break Dylan’s records from last year. Keep working hard and Dream Big!

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Sophomore Alex Aleman, Junior Calvin Bell, Freshman Henley Bourne, Junior Graysen Carlson, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Dylan Gehl, Senior Tyler Holtzen, and Sophomore Micah Johnson.

SNL’S COW BELL SKIT

2024 SEASON OFF AND RUNNING

Pictured are several members of the 2024 Maple Leaf XC team in the early stages of the “Rust Buster” team time trial.

LEAFS OPEN SEASON AT ANNUAL RUST BUSTER

On Tuesday, August 20th the Leafs hosted their annual “Rust Buster” team time trial.  The meet started in 1986 and was called the “Alumni Open”.  When Head Boys Coach Todd Ehlert took over the porgram in 2018 he changed the course to the current set-up and the name was also changed.  The racing distance changed from 2 miles to 3,000 meters.  Evidently, the I.H.S.A. (Illinois High School Association) no longer  allows “Alumni Races”.

The athletes were treated to ideal race conditions.  The race time temperature was 71 degrees with a slight NE wind of 6 mph.  The dew point was only 60.  Those are rare conditions for anyone living in the “Land of Lincoln” in August.  Usually, this race battles challenging weather conditions.  The guys did tell us that the course was a bit soft in some sports so didn’t run quite as fast as we thought it might.  Geneseo has received a LOT of much needed rain over the summer.

The race started at 6:00 pm sharp.  Head Girls Coach Aaron Skopek and Coach Ehlert decided to race both teams together and not use a staggered start (let the girls have a 30-60 second head start).  The boys team ended up grabbing 16 of the top 17 places with the Lady Leafs Brooklyn Smith placing 9th overall (she tied the course record).  The entry fee for the race was a T-Shirt (used for the award ceremony) and 5-10 canned goods to be given to the Geneseo Food Pantry.  In addition, Running Wild (running specialty store) was in attendance and sold quite a few spikes and training shoes in addition to running apparel.

Leading the way for the team were Junior Jaxson Sottos, Senior Leader Dylan Gehl, Junior Kaden Elmer, Senior Max Johnson, and Sophomore Jack Kreiss.  Each man “Cracked” the elusive 11:00 minute barrier.  Jaxson won the race in 10:05 (2nd fastest time in race history)  Dylan placed 2nd and his time of 10:37 is the 2nd fastest Senior time in race history.  Dylan set the course record of 9:56 last year and is still on the “Rebound” after a nasty knee injury.  He was “Sidelined” for almost the entire Track season.  It is GREAT to see him running pain free again.  Up next was Junior Kaden Elmer who sprinted across the finish line 10:42 (5th fastest individual / 4th fastest junior ever).  Only one second back was Senior Leader Max Johnson. whose time of 10:43 was the 3rd fastest senior time in meet history.  Sophomore Jack Kreiss placed 5th overall and was also timed in 10:43 (6th fastest individual / 2nd fastest sophomore in race history.)  Wow….in case you didn’t notice that was only a :38 second spread for the Maple Leaf Top 5.  Impressive Stuff Men!

Junior Graysen Carlson placed 6th overall and was timed in 11:0.4.  That is over TWO MINUTES faster than last year for Graysen.  Amazing.  His time is the 11th fastest individual and 8th fastest junior in race history.  Next up was Junior Aidan Bries who ran the race while battling a hip injury that flaired up during the race.  He played it smart and took it easy on the downhills.  He also didn’t “Throw it Down” in the homestretch and still ran 11:25  His time was 55 seconds faster than last year and moved him into the 11th fastest junior and 14 fastest Maple Leaf EVER on the course.  Sophomore Micah Johnson sprinted home as the Leafs’ 8th man.  Micah was timed in 11:31.  He is now number 17 on the All-Time List and number 11 on the Sophomore List for the course.  The Leafs took the Top 8 spots before Lady Leaf Speedster Brooklyn Smith sprinted across the finish line tying the course record of 11:36.  Good luck to her and the Lady Leafs this season.  Things are looking great.

Freshman Henley Borne was the  next man to cross the finish line.  Henley broke his arm this summer and was racing with a plaster cast on.  His time of 11:42 is the 6th fastest performance by a Freshmen in school history for the course.  He was one of the biggest surprises of the meet for the coaching staff.  He also moved into 21st place on the All-Time Individual List.  Senior Leader Rylan Lambert was up next and sprinted home in 10th place overall.  His time of 12:06 moved him into 12th place on the Senior Top 25 list for the course.  Not far behind were Freshmen Kael McCord (12th overall in 12:19), Fritz Bolme (13th overall in 13:08), and Greyson Clearhout (14th overall in 13:08.)  Each man “Cracked” the Freshmen Top 25 List.  Kael (11th), Fritz (14th), and Greyson (15th.)  Great Job Men.

Leading the next wave of Maple Leafs was Sophomore Alex Aleman who had a Monster Race himself.  Alex was timed in 13:14 and is now the 24th fastest Sophomore to ever run the course.  He has improved a TON.  Right beihin Alex were Seniors Jacob Taylor (16th Overall in 13:16) and “Rookie” Tyler Holtzen (17th Overall in 13:25).  Their times moved them into 19th and 22nd on the All-Time Senior Top 25 Lists for the course.  Up next was Junior Calvin Bell who placed 19th Overall in 13:32.  Calvin’s time was almost a minute faster than he ran last year.  Seniors Shane Bagby (20th Overall in 13:33) and Connor Douglas (21st Overall in 13:33).  They moved into 23rd and 24th places on the All-Time Senior Top 25 Lists for the course. 

Not far behind were:  Senior Mason Anderson (25th Overall in 14:18), Sophomore Conner Runty (26th Overall in 14:22), Freshman Rylan Carlson (27th Overall in 14:28), Sophomore Jacob Berry (30th Overall in 14:39), Junior Matthew Darnall (33rd Overall in15:07), Senior Camden Baumgardner (36th Overall in 15:38), and Freshman Patrick Versluis (37th Overall in 15:41.)  Jacob and Camden took off HUGE “Chunks” of time from their previous best time for the course.  Great Job, Men.

Next up will be the Moline Cross Country Season Opener Invitational on Monday, August 26th.  The meet will be held at Hampton’s Empire Park which is located next to the Mississippi River.

RUST BUSTER TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SENIORS READY TO LEAD GENESEO XC TEAM

Pictured are the 2024 Maple Leaf Senior Leaders.
Row 1:  Dylan Gehl, Connor Douglas, Jacob Taylor, Mason Anderson
Row 2: Shane Bagby, Camden Baumgardner, Rylan Lambert, Tyler Holtzen, Christian Haney, & Max Johnson.