RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

2025 BOYS TEAM

Pictured are the 2025 Geneseo High School Boys Cross Country Team (minus a few)

GENESEO SECTIONAL MEET

WHEN:  Saturday, November 1st
WHERE:  Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park

TEAMS

Blooomington, Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Dunlap, Geneseo, Harvey (Thornton), Lemont,
Metamora, Midlothian (Bremen), Morris, Morton, New Lenox (Providence Catholic), Normal (U-High),
Normal (West), Oak Forest, Ottawa, Peoria (Notre Dame), Tinley Park, Washington

MEET SCHEDULE
11:00 AM:  Girls Race
NOON:  Boys Race

COME ON OUT AND “BACK da LEAFS”

SENIOR AIDAN BRIES SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Senior Aidan Bries who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for
the IHSA Bartonville (Limestone) Regional Meet

SENIOR AIDAN BRIES “RINGS da Bell”

Senior Aidan Bries was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the IHSA Bartonville (Limestone) Regional Meet held on Saturday, October 25th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Aidan has been a key member for the team each and every season of his high school athletic career.  He has excelled in both Cross Country & Track and Field.  He has been a key member of the Maple Leafs’ Varsity “Top 7” for the last four years and is certainly not a stranger at Peoria’s “Historic” Detweiller Park.  In Saturday’s IHSA Bartonville (Limestone) Regional Meet, Aidan nailed another great performance.  In fact, he “Threw Down” a “Lifetime” best time of 16:43.  That is his fastest full three mile race EVER.  He was the Leafs’ 5th man and placed 32nd.  The race was pretty “Stacked” with several of Illinois’ top ranked 2A teams in this meet.  He did a great job of working together with teammates (especially, Sophomore Greyson Claerhout) and helped the team qualify for next Saturday’s Geneseo IHSA Sectional Meet. 

The team’s goal of qualifying for the IHSA State Finals is Alive and Kicking  You and your fellow Seniors have done a tremendous job of providing the team with strong leadership all season long.  The “Four Horsemen” are still leading the way.  All the best on Saturday in the GHS Sectional Meet.  It is going to be a Lot of Fun watching you guys race on your home course and try and qualify for the State Finals.  All the best, Aidan.  You are a hardworking young man with a very bright future.  Thanks for also being such a kind and caring person. 

Here is what Aidan had to say about his athletic history:

12th Grade:  “I have gotten my time down to 16:43 this season and fingers crossed I can make state for Cross Country in a few days. I have also gotten second team All-Conference honors so far”.

11th Grade:  “Participated in Cross Country and Track and Field. I ran 16:47 as a PR and qualified for state for the third year in a row, as well as getting second team All-Conference honors. In Track, I ran 4:51 in the mile and 2:06 in the 800. I got 3rd in the 4 by 800 at sections to just miss out on going to State”.

10th Grade:  “Ran Track and Cross Country. My PR got down to 17:06 for Cross Country and I qualified for State. I also got second team All-Conference honors. In Track I ran 10:26 in the two mile and went All-Conference”.

9th Grade:  “Participated in Track and Cross Country. Ran 17:24 as a PR in Cross and qualified for State for the first time in anything. In Track I focused on the mile and ran 4:54”.

8th Grade:  “My first year of Cross Country and second year of Track. I ran 13:30 in the 2 mile and won a lot of open races because I was 8th on the team. In Track I started long distance events for the first time and I ran 2:25 in the 800 meter run”.

7th Grade:  “Track and Field and Travel Soccer. I ran the 200 in Track and my time was 30 seconds’’.

Prior to 7th grade:  “I mostly played Travel Soccer.”

Aidan is the son of Jessica & Jeremy Bries.  He is also the proud  “Big Bro” to Leila – freshman, Chris – 4th grade, Kai – 1st grade, Kyra – kindergarten.

Here are Aidan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Old Soccer coach used to call me “Breezer”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Cross Country & Track and Field”;  Favorite Food:  “Shrimp Alfredo”;  Favorite Movie:  “Lord of the Rings”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Country”.;  Athletic Hero:  “Anthony Rizzo when I was a kid (here is what a quick Google search had to say about him):  Anthony Vincent Rizzo (born August 8, 1989) is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 14 seasons, primarily for the Chicago Cubs and was pivotal in the team’s 2016 World Series victory. Rizzo is a 3-time All-Star, and is the recipient of a Silver Slugger Award, 4 Gold Glove Awards, and a Roberto Clemente Award. A survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Rizzo is also notable for his philanthropic endeavors, having started the Anthony Rizzo Foundation which partners with Lurie Children’s Hospital. Rizzo won the Heart & Hustle Award in 2015. .;  Favorite Quote:  “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I will do what others can’t (Jerry Rice)”.;  How did you decide to join the Cross Country team?  “I always enjoyed Soccer, but as I got older I didn’t like the physicality of it. I decided to join Cross Country and realized it was running I liked so much, and that was why I liked Soccer so much in the first place”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Running always sucks at the beginning, and there is no way around that. But after a few weeks, if you trust the process, running will get so much more enjoyable and easier. So my advice would be to just be strong the first couple weeks of running and see where it takes you, because you might find something you thought you would never be passionate about for the rest of your life”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Kaden Elmer, Kael McCord & Jaxson Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Aidan has been a huge part of the Geneseo XC program the past four years.  He has had the pleasure of running in the top 7 all four years of his career.  That is an incredible accomplishment.  Aidan is peaking at the right time.  His performance at Regional was awesome!  He is a snake in the grass with his running and has been a huge leader for the team.  His sneak attack on the runners has been a huge success and with his leadership, combined with the other seniors, we are having another great year”.

TOUGH GUYS

Pictured are most of Geneseo’s “Varsity Top 7” with a couple of extra men.
It takes a real man to wear pink.  Good Job, Connor!

LEAFS “PUNCH” SECTIONAL TICKET AT
BARTONVILLE (LIMESTONE) REGIONAL

On Saturday, October 25th, the Leafs traveled to Alpha Park in Bartonville to participate in their assigned IHSA regional.  Geneseo has been assigned to the 2A classification (3 classes for Cross Country).  In the 2A regional meets, the top 6 teams from 3 Regionals feed into a Sectional Meet that will be held next Saturday (November 1st….we are hosting.)  From that meet, the top 7 teams will advance to the State Finals which will be held at Peoria’s “Historic” Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8th.  The field for the Regional meet included teams from:  Bartonville (Limestone), Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central), Dunlap, East Peoria, Galesburg, Geneseo, Macomb, Morton, Peoria H.S., Peoria (Notre Dame), Quincy (Notre Dame), & Washington.

The teams were treated to delightful weather.  It has been very warm this fall but race time conditions saw the temperature reading 51˚ with minimal winds.  The course was hard and fast and the Leafs were ready to race.  Numerous highly state-ranked teams were in the field.  The number one goal for the day was to qualify for next Saturday’s Sectional Meet.  Individual medals were awarded to the top 5 finishers and a championship team plaque was also awarded.  “On Paper” Athletic.Net projected Geneseo to place 6th in the 12-team field.  Also, as I discuss their times please be aware that the Metamora Black Partridge Park course isn’t a full 3 miles in length.  Most of the guys ran their fastest times there but the course is only 2.94 miles.

The boys race started at 11:00 a.m. sharp  Leading the Maple Leafs was Super-Soph Henley Bourne.  He ran another great race and placed 8th in the highly competitive field.  He was timed in a lifetime best time of 15:49.  Henley was projected by Athletic.Net to place 22nd in the race.  He finished 14 places better than that.  Way to roll, Henley.  What a great start for the Leafs.  All the best in next Saturday’s IHSA Geneseo Sectional Meet.  It is going to be a LOT of Fun hosting the meet.  Remember, “It’s only a hill….get over it”.  Go Leafs!

Not far behind was Senior Leader Jaxson Sottos who sprinted across the finish line in a season best time of 15:55, barely, missing his lifetime best.  Jaxson placed 13th in the race.  Athletic.Net projected Jaxson to place 26th overall in the race.  He bettered that by 13 places.  Great stuff, Jaxson.  Jaxson has been racing with a LOT of confidence.  All the best next Saturday in the Geneseo IHSA Sectional Meet.  “Detweiller Fever”…..CATCH IT!!!  Thank you for all that you have done.  Keep up the great job.

The next man up for the Leafs was Senior Leader Graysen Carlson.  Graysen “Broke the Tape” in a lifetime best time of 16:20.  Graysen placed 23rd overall in the race.  Athletic.Net projected him to place 38th.  He bettered that by 15 positions.  Great stuff, Graysen.  All the best to you at next Saturday’s IHSA Geneseo Sectional Meet.  The team’s number one goal all season long has been to qualify for the State Finals.  That dream is ALIVE and WELL.  You have provided the team great leadership all season long.  We hope to see you and “da boys” “Dancing at Detweiller” on Saturday, November 8th.  STATE.

Super-Soph Graysen Claerhout was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  He was timed in a lifetime best of 16:40 and placed 31st overall in the race.  Athletic.Net projected him to place 50th.  He bettered that by 19 places.  WOW!!!  Head Maple Leaf Boys Coach Todd Ehlert instructed him to be a “Snake hiding in the Grass”.  He NAILED IT.  He is still “Flying Under the Radar”.  All the best in Saturday’s IHSA Geneseo Sectional.  Graysen has provided the Maple Leafs with critical team depth.  Relax and just keep on having fun.  What a season you’re having.  Keep up the great work.  State Fever!!!

Senior Leader Aidan Bries was the next man up for the Leafs and completed the team’s “Scoring 5”.  Aidan ran a lifetime best of 16:43 and placed 32nd.  Athletic.Net projected him to place 42nd.  He bettered that by 10 places and helped lead the Leafs to qualify for Sectional.  All the best next Saturday where we get to play hosts for the 2nd time.  Do you remember how that turned out last time?  No pressure….just confidence.  You have had a stellar career and provide a plethora of critical leadership.  The team’s stated season goal of qualifying for State is still Alive and Kicking.  Keep Dreaming Big.  TY.

Fellow Senior Leader Kaden Elmer was the Leafs’ 6th man on the day and ran a season best time of 17:09 which barely missed his lifetime best.  Kaden placed 43rd overall in the race.  Athletic.Net projected him to place 42nd so he nailed that.  Kaden has also had a tremendous GHS career and he is going to leave some huge shoes to fill.  All the best next Saturday in the IHSA Geneseo Sectional Meet.  The “Four Horsemen” are looking great.  The hope for every team at the beginning of the season is to line up at the sectional meet healthy.  Few are able to accomplish that.  Your Maple Leafs are healthy ready to roll.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Super-Soph Kael McCord was the Maple Leafs’ 7th man on the day.  Kael grabbed a top 7 position on the team early on the season and never let go.  He was timed in a lifetime best 17:27 and placed 50th overall.  Athletic.Net projected him to place 48th so he also nailed it.  All the best on Saturday as the Maple Leafs host one of 4 IHSA Sectional Meets.  The Top 7 teams will qualify for “The Big Dance”.  It is going to be a LOT of Fun running on our home course.  Most athletes never get that chance during the IHSA post-season.  Thanks to Coach Ehlert for grabbing the meet.  Please continue to trust “The Process”.  Just relax and keep doing what you’ve been doing.  GO LEAFS!

When the “Dust had Settled”, the Leafs had scored 104 points and placed 5th (only 2 points out of 4th).  Athletic.Net projected their team score to be 149 and place 6th.  The team is truly on a roll.  The Athletic.Net projections are fun because we haven’t raced on any fast courses other than Detweiller in the First to the Finish Invite in September.  It was HOT (90’s) and no one ran fast.  GHS has been “Flying Under the Radar” all season long.  That is a great strategy.  You are ready, Men.  All the best to each of you on Saturday in the Sectional Meet.  To the “Hype Squad”….BE EVERYWHERE.  Remember, if you run alongside a teammate that teammate can be disqualified…so don’t do that.  Just help to inspire them.  GO LEAFS!  ALL THE BEST.  Congratulations on a remarkable season.  You are a Very Special Group.  God Bless Each of You.

RESULTS

JUNIOR CONNOR RUNTY SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Junior Conner Runty who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Sterling 09/JV Cross Country Invitational

JUNIOR CONNOR RUNTY “RINGS da Bell”

Junior Connor Runty was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling 09/JV Cross Country Invitational held on Tuesday, October 21st.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Connor picked a great time to run one of the best races of his life.  He “Roared” to a time of 21:46 on Sterling’s Hoover Park Cross Country course.  He placed 18th overall in the field.  His time moved him into 8th place on the GHS Junior Top 25 list EVER for the course.  Remember, the course was changed last season to 5K (3.10 miles).  Connor and “da boys” also faced pretty challenging conditions during the race.  It was cold, raining, and WINDY.  Challenging conditions make races more memorable.  45 mph wind gusts helped to make that happen.  Great Job, Connor.  It was very cool to see your teammates select you for this honor. 

So what’s up next?  The season has entered the IHSA Post-Season.  Every team will be limited to entering only 7 runners moving forward.  Thus, the racing season for Connor and most of the GHS team has concluded.  How can they still help?  By “Jumping On” the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of this group is to help inspire their teammates during the races.  Try and help lead this group, Connor.  Try and cover as much ground as you can and get to spots where no one else it.  Each of you can become “A Difference Maker”.  Carpe Diem.  Hopefully, your efforts will help to lead the Geneseo Harriers back to the State Finals.  The Leafs’ main goal for the season has been to be “Dancing at Detweiller” on Saturday, November 8th.  That Dream is Still Alive and Well.  After that, it will be time to transition into a team leader for your Senior Year.  We have complete confidence in you and your fellow “Senior to Be”.  Congratulations on a tremendous season.

Here is what Connor had to say about his athletic history:

11th Grade:  “My junior year of Cross Country was a great season, I have started to put on a lot of muscle compared to my freshmen year and I can feel myself getting stronger (even flexing on my teammates). But this year was truly special as I got to run with all of my friends and create new stronger bonds with the team. I had a new mental atitude this year to never give up and it paid off as I saw my times getting better and better each week and I am truly amazed at how far I have come since my first year of Cross Country. I plan to do Track in the spring as well as a varsity sprinter and hope it will bring me further in my running career and help my improve myself as well as my speed and times of the track.

10th Grade:  “Throughout my sophomore I really started to take it up a notch in my sports, I got huge PR’s in Cross Country during the fall and got so close to breaking 20 minutes with a time of 20:03! I had so much fun that year and improved a lot, even earning a medal at JV State for 7th place! During the spring of this year I also did Track, I was absolutely working my butt off and was one of their top varsity runner for the 100 meter dash all the way up to the 400 meter race.  I was also on some relay teams and went to all the meets this year as part of the Varsity team“.

9th Grade:  “I was kind of nervous for my first season of high school Cross Country because I knew it was a longer race of 3 miles! But throughout the course of the season I got continuously better, starting at a time of like 24 minutes, I worked my way all the way up to a time of 20:32 , which became my PR for the season! I also ran that time at JV state where I won third place and a medal which is one of my proudest moments. I also ran track this year, and I went with the team to all of the varsity meets, I was improving a lot and even got to run some Varsity races and relays with the team at some pretty big meets. This is where the drive for wanting to improve my running ability really developed in high school and this made it a very memorable freshmen year for me.”.

8th Grade:  “This was my very first year in Cross Country and honestly, I had no clue if this was going to be something I’d stick with. But throughout the year I discovered how much I love it and I even got to be in the top ten on the team even when it was my first year!! My fastest time was about 13 minutes which was a huge improvement for myself and I had so much fun doing it, this experience was what made me decide that I was going to do high school cross country. I also did track this year, and this year I started to figure out what I was good at. I began doing sprints and was one fo their top guys for all of the meets. I got be in some relays as well that I got to run with at sectionals which was truly one the best times of my life because I realized that this was the type of sport I wanted to do. This year was where I fell in love with running and I will never forget it.”.

7th Grade:  “This was the first year I started running in Track, to be honest I wasn’t very good, in fact not at all. But this is where my love for running began and it was honestly so much fun to get to be part of an actual team and experience races and the adrenaline rush of being in a fast paced sport”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “I did Soccer and Baseball.  I Soccer, I was whatever was needed but i liked playing Goalie and in Baseball I was Catcher, and played Second Base, and Center Field.”

Connor is the son of Cathy & Thomas Runty.  He is also the proud  “Big Bro” to Violet (15, freshmen), Simon (12, 7th grade), & Amelia (10, 5th grade.)

Here are Connor’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “My friends and family call me Runty or Connorman (sometimes CRUNTY), or as Coach Freddy may say… The Fastest Drum Major in the State!!”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I have taken part in Marching Band in which I am the Drum Major which is the highest position, Honors Band where I am first chair tenor saxophone, Jazz Band I also play tenor saxophone but get a lot of cool jazz solos, ILMEA which is almost like State for band, Boy Scouts, Track and Field, Baseball which I played until high school and I loved it, and I volunteer all around town when I can which helped me become who I am today.“;  Favorite Food:  “Definitely. Lasagna”;  Favorite Movie:  “Any Marvel movie or Fantastic Mr. Fox”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “The FUNK or Christian music”.;  Athletic Hero:  “Micheal Jordan because he never gave up and always tried his best even when he was unsure or not at 100 percent”.;  Favorite Quote:  ““Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that”(MLK), because it shows the importance of always showing love to people, and why sometimes when you think hating someone will make them hate you less, the only way to reach through to someone is through love. I also love the quote “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you!” because it’s awesome”.;  How did you decide to join the Cross Country team?  “I decided to join the Cross Country team mainly because at the time I wanted to try something new, I had no idea that running was going to be something that I stuck with throughout my high school career. I did have some of my friends convincing me to join, but it wasn’t until I saw the team atmosphere and all the fun that they were having that I really decided that this was going to be the sport that I chose to do. Since then it has made me into the best version of myself teaching me valuable life lessons like never giving up, and truly helped me get to where I am today.”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “For anyone new to the sport my advice to you is to not give up at the beginning of the season and to leave it all out on the course. Even if you don’t see your times where you want them to be at the beginning of the season, keep practicing because I promise you they will get better. I’ve seen it. And make sure you give it all you got because if you truly give it your best, you will feel like you’ve accomplished so much, and truly you have”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Calvin Bell, Fritz Bolme, Rylan Carlson, Jameson Coppejans, & Micah Johnson.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Connor is on his third year of Cross Country.  He had an awesome run at the JV State meet in Sterling.  He was very excited to have a season best run on Tuesday night.  PR for a 5k for him.  He has done a great job balancing marching band and cross country.  This is his first Bell Ringer award of his career.  Congrats, Connor.

GHS MEDAL WINNERS

Pictured are Rylan Carlson, Jameson Coppejans,  Fritz Bolme

LEAFS ROLL AT “JV STATE”

On Tuesday, October 21st, The Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Hoover Park to participate in the annual Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  Head Maple Leaf Boys Coach Todd Ehlert “Nicknamed” the meet “JV State” and that has stuck.  The meet is the last meet of the season before the team enters the IHSA Series.  During that portion of the season, each team is limited to only 7 runners.  Luckily, Sterling offers this meet which gives athletes one final opportunity at the peak of their fitness.

The weatherman made it a bit challenging to put it mildly.  The winds were blasting from the west at 25-30 mph.  Winds gusts were predicted to climb to 45 mph.  A daytime high of 53˚ with racing conditions having a 37˚ “feels like” wind chill made the day one not to be forgotten soon.  It was a true test of will and the Leafs passed with flying colors.  It should also be pointed out that the course was changed last year and the racing distance moved from 3 miles to 3.1 (5k).

The field included teams from:  Dixon, Geneseo, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rochelle, and Sterling.  I’ve never been able to figure out why more teams don’t choose to participate in this meet.  The meet format has 4 races.  Freshmen only first (girls and boys together in separate races) and then the JV race (everyone else)….ditto on the genders.  “Hardware” was awarded to the top 5 finishers in the Freshman Race and to the top 10 in the JV Race. 

The Freshman Race took off at 4:30 p.m. sharp.  The 14 runner field also contained 6 girls.  Thus, 20 runners responded to the IHSA starter’s “Crack” of the pistol.  The Leafs only Freshman this season has been Phoenix Sottos.  He very hard worker and has a tremendously positive attitude.  The Hoover Park course is very cool and winds though a wooded area numerous times.  There are quite a few trails and it can be a bit confusing.  Unfortunately, for Phoenix, he found himself in “no man’s land”.  He was all by himself for much of the race.  He still put forth a strong effort.  He was timed in 18:23  which was a bit off from his Sterling Rock River Run Invite time of 26:35.  That time has Phoenix “Sitting” as the 7th Fastest Freshman EVER for a GHS athlete on the course.  Great Season, Phoenix.  Time for the GHS “Hype Squad”.  Be a difference maker. 

Next up was the JV Race which started around 4:45 p.m.  Dixon is currently ranked #1 in all of the 2A and their depth is impressive.  They ended up taking the top 5 spots and also grabbed 9th and 11th places.  Their 3rd and 4th place finishers were only freshmen.  Impressive stuff.  There were 24 male finishers who were joined by 18 females.  A special thanks to the Sterling coaches and runners for putting on a great event under trying weather conditions.

The Leafs were led by Sophomore Rylan Carlson.  His improvement from last season is remarkable.  He ran a very intelligent race and just kept moving up.  He placed 6th overall and was timed in 19:30.  Remember, the racing conditions were TERRIBLE.  That is Flying.  He now has the 12th fastest time EVER in GHS history on the course.  He also moved into 6th spot on the GHS Sophomore list.  He shared that this was the first medal he has ever won.  Great Stuff, Rylan!  It won’t be your last.  It is going to be a lot of tun watching you continue to improve over the coming seasons.  Stand ready to action if any of the Varsity gets sick or hurt.  If you don’t “toe the line” on Saturday, then help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad” to try and inspire the Leafs to qualify for the Geneseo Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 1st.

Sophomore Fritz Bolme was the top Maple Leaf for much of the race until he caught a nasty side stitch late in the race.  He fought bravely and still placed 7th overall.  His time of 19:46 just missed his personal best on the course of 19:42 set at the Rock River Run XC Invite back in September.  That time has Fritz in the #14 GHS spot All-Time (any grade level) and in the #8 Sophomore position.  Great Stuff, Fritz.  You possess a wonderful mixture of both Passion & Purpose.  The GHS “Super-Sophs” are going to make some major noise at the State Level before you graduate.  Stand ready in case you are needed in during the IHSA Series (illnesses & injuries do happen.)  If not, then try and cover as much ground as can during the IHSA Series Meets and help to inspire your teammates.  Thanks for being such a great kid.

The next man up for the Leafs was “Rookie” Senior Leader Jameson Coppejans.  “Jamo” found himself in 10th place for most of the race and held that spot to the end.  The top 10 earned highly prized medals.  Well done, Jameson.  He shared that this was the first medal that he has ever won.  AWESOME STUFF.  Try and nail some more next spring during Track season.  Jameson was timed in 20:21 which placed him 19th on the All-Time Top 25 Individual list for GHS athletes (any grade level).  He also moved into 11th place on the Senior list.  Way to roll and lead via example.  Now it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  You learned first hand last night just how much having teammates cheer for you can help.  The way the you held on to that 10 place spot was impressive.  Carpe Diem.  We are sure glad you joined the team.

Sophomore Cole Henson was up next and concluded his debut season with another great race.  Earlier this season, Cole was timed in 23:31 for this course in pretty great weather.  In this race, he competed in very challenging conditions and took OVER 2 MINUTES. off that time.  He was “Clocked” in 21:06 and placed 14th overall in the race.  His time moved him into 21st place on the GHS All-Time Top 25 Individual List.  It also moved him into 9th place on the GHS Sophomore list.  Great Stuff, Cole.  Next will be to “Jump on Board” the Geneseo “Hype Squad” and help to inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post-Season.  The Regional Meet is up first.  The top 6 teams will then qualify for the Geneseo Sectional.  There, the Top 7 teams will qualify for the STATE MEET.  That is our teams goal.  Do your best to help make that dream come to fruition.

Junior Jacob Berry was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  He placed 15th overall  in the race and was timed in 21:23.  That time places him in 22nd place on the All-Time GHS Top 25 Individual List (any grade level.)  It also moved him into the #6 spot for a GHS Junior.  All that in nasty weather.  Great racing Jacob.  Next up will be some duty with the Geneseo “Hype Squad” in trying to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 in the IHSA Post-Season.  The team’s pre-season stated goal of qualifying for the STATE FINAL is on the line.  Do your best to help make that happen.  After that, it will be time to start planning on the leadership from next year’s seniors (That’s YOU & your fellow Juniors)  We have complete faith in the leadership that your class will provide strong leadership.  All the best.

Senior Leader Calvin Bell was up next for “da Leafs”.  Calvin concluded his Geneseo High School “Harrier” (XC) career in style.  He sprinted across the finish line in 21:34 to place 16th overall in the race.  He was just off his personal best on the course which was set last year (21:02).  That time already had him “holding down” the #20 spot on the GHS All-Time Top 25 list.  His 21:34 time moved him into 12th place on the Senior GHS Top 25 list.  Great effort, Calvin.  The weather was pretty nasty to put it lightly.  Now it will be your chance to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.   The opportunity to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA post-season.  The team’s pre-season goal of returning to the IHSA State Finals is “Still in Play”.  Do your best to help make that dream come true.  All the best to you in the future.  Thanks for all of your efforts.

The “Little Johannson” was up next.  That is Junior Micah Johnson.  He sprinted home in a time of 21:37 and placed 17 overall in the nasty weather.  His previous best time of 19:30 from last year already has him ranked as the 13th fastest individual Maple Leaf (any grade) EVER on the course.  His 21:37 moved him into 7th on the GHS Junior Top 25 List.  So what’s next?  We hope that you will help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad” during the IHSA post-season.  Inspiring the Varsity Top 7 is the goal.  Every single second will matter.  Carpe Diem!  “Detweiller Fever”…..CATCH IT.  Then, it will be time to start planning with your fellow juniors for next year.  The leadership of this team will be in your hands.  We have complete faith.  Keep Dreaming BIG!  Thanks for always being such a great guy.

Junior Connor Runty was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.   He was timed in 21:46 and placed 18th overall in the race.  He was just off of his personal best for the course (last year he ran 21:30 in great weather).  That time ranks him as the 23rd fastest GHS Runner on the All-Time Top 25 List (any grade).  His 21:46 moved him into 8th on the GHS Junior List.  Great Stuff, Connor.  You ran an AWESOME Race.  We know that you have marching band conflicts and understand.  Try and give the team whatever support that you can as the Varsity Top 7 “Gets after it” in the IHSA post-season.  Hopefully, that will include a “Date at State”.  We are also confident in the leadership you and your fellow juniors will supply the team next season when you are SENIORS.  We are very proud of you.  Congratulations on a great season.

Next up for the Geneseo Maple Leafs will be the Bartonville (Limestone) IHSA Regional on Saturday, October 25th.  The top 6 teams in the meet will advance to the Geneseo IHSA Sectional Meet to be held on Saturday, November 1st.  At that meet, the top 7 finishing teams will qualify for the IHSA State Finals to be held at Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park on Saturday, November 8th.  Come on out and “Back da Leafs”. 

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE HENLEY BOURNE SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Henley Bourne who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Western Big 6 (WB-6) Conference Cross Country Championship

SOPHOMORE HENLEY BOURNE “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Henley Bourne was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Western Big 6 Conference Cross Country Championshp held on Thursday, October 16th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Henley has enjoyed a tremendous sophomore season to date.  He has been the Maple Leafs’ number one runner in 7 of the 11 meets that the Varsity has competed in.  He has set sophomore class records on 3 of those courses and recorded the 2nd fastest time ever on 5 other occasions.  Henley has remained the same humble dude that he is anyway.  That isn’t always the case.  Over the years, we have observed a few “Big Ego’s” emerge.  Not to worry with this youngster.

Henley could have been selected as the GHS “Bell Ringer” any week in the season to date.  The “Committee” made a conscious decision to “Save” some of the “Big Dogs” for late in the season.  That is the case with Henley.  On Thursday, October 16th, the Leafs hosted the Western Big 6 Conference Championship.  Henley was seeded 11th (Athletic.Net) and blew that away with his 6th place overall finish.  Both he and senior teammate, Jaxson Sottos (7th), earned “First Team All Conference” Honors (Top 10 Finishers).  That is a BIG DEAL.  To accomplish that feat as a Sophomore is extremely impressive.  

Henely and Jaxson “Packed it Up” for much of the race.  It was awesome to watch the Leafs’ top two runners working together.  That strategy ended up helping them both.  It also helped the Leafs move up from their projected 4th place team finish into 2ND.  Henley’s time of 16:25 established a new GHS Sophomore Class Record the challenging Richmond Hill Park Course.  It also moved him into the #4 spot on the GHS All-Time Individual Top 25 List.  Great Stuff, Henley.  He rolled through the mile in 5:20.  He followed that up with a 5:37 2nd mile.  He then “closed” with a 5:27 final mile.  He ended up averaging 5:28.  All the best in the coming weeks, Henley.  Only the IHSA Post-Season remains.  “State Meet Fever”…..”Catch It”.  We are Very Proud of You.  Keep up the great job!

Here is what Henley had to say about his athletic history. 

10th Grade:  “So far just Cross Country but I plan on doing Track in the spring.  I’m really proud of this season, I have won 2 individual races, Metamora and Sterling. And I also have taken three GHS sophomore course records, Geneseo, Sterling and the Kewanee Dunes.  So far I have all top ten finishes except for First to the Finish, I got 76th”.

9th Grade:  “XC, I was the number three runner to finish the year after beating Grayson Carlson by 0.5 of a second at seconds then ran a PR by a minute at state (17:14 to 16:14). I won 1 JV race that year which was JV state where I set the freshman Geneseo record (18:21) . I also took the Metamora / Geneseso freshman record twice. Once at 16:31 once at 16:10. Track and field, Track season i ran the 1600, the 800, and a couple 4×400 +4×800 with one 4×200. For field events I did the Pole Vault which I love and High Jump. For the mile I ran a PR of 4:48 at the ABC McCormick invite where I won beating the second place guy by a tenth of a second. I ran my PR (unofficial) during the 4×800 at the Geneseo JV invite at 2:10 on our anchor leg, we got 5th. I raced to 4×400 a couple times during the season but it was always after the mile so the fastest time I have recorded was a 60 second. And the one 4×200 I ran was at Stillman Valley where I ran a 28 after running 800 meter thresholds and the 4×800″.

“For field events I did Pole Vault with my PR being 11’’ 9’, that is a 1’ 9’’ PR from 8th grade. I also fell a couple times while pole vaulting during indoor season. My worst 2 happened at Sterling once when I fell off the pole and landed in the box. I hit my head, arm, and knee and had to run the rest of the meet with a bloody nose. (but i ran a PR in the mile 5:10). The second time I fell I forgot to let go of the pole and it snapped me in the nuts. In High Jump I jumped 4’ 11’’ indoor“.

8th Grade:  “XC, I was the 3rd man on the GMS team that qualified for the state meet. My PR was 12:28. I did not medal at any meet in 8th grade for XC.  In Track and Field, I got 7th at state for Pole Vault jumping 10’’ I also tried the mile and I ran 5:15 and got 4th at Sectionals for it. I got second place at the Conference Meet, the person who beat me? It was my rival, Carter Castell, from Wilson, I ended up beating him at Sectionals and haven’t had him beat me yet. Carter runs for Moline now and he and I still have a very competitive relationship”.

7th Grade:  “I was the 8th man on the state team and my PR was 13:45 Track and Field, i was a sprinter but I was never that good and I tried Pole Vault and I fell in love with it. My first time touching the pole I jumped 5’ 6’’ that was taller than I was and still am. I also did the Long Jump where i jumped 13’ 3’’ M season PR for Pole Vault was 6’ 6’’”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “I did Soccer and Baseball.  I Soccer, I was whatever was needed but i liked playing Goalie and in Baseball I was Catcher, and played Second Base, and Center Field.”

Henley is the son of Jenn and Jeff Bourne.  He is also the proud  “Big Bro” to Abigail who is age 12 and in 6th grade.

Here are Henley’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Bluegail, or H2”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Cross Country, Track and field, Marching Band, and FCA”;  Favorite Food:  “Hashbrowns and Salsa”;  Favorite Movie:  “McFarland, USA or Harry Potter”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Country & Soft Pop”.;  Athletic Hero:  “Armand Duplantice (here is what a quick Google search had to say about “Mondo):  Armand Gustav “Mondo” Duplantis (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈɑ̌rman(d) ˈɡɵ̂sːtav dɵˈplânːtɪs]; born 10 November 1999) is a Swedish-American pole vaulter holding both Swedish and U.S. Citizenships but competes for Sweden. Duplantis holds the pole vaulting world record (6.30 m; 20 ft 8 in) and is the winner of eight senior global titles. He is a two-time Olympic (2020 and 2024) champion, a three-time World outdoor (2022, 2023 and 2025) champion and a three-time World indoor (2022, 2024 and 2025) champion., Julia Poel who I spent a lot of time with in the summers of elementary school (Former GHS Star Runner), and my cousin Brooklyn who was a sprinter at Illinois state university.;  Favorite Quote:  “I have two, No matter how hard you train, somebody will train harder. No matter how hard you run, somebody will run harder. No matter how much you want it, somebody will want it more. I am somebody. Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it. Steve Prefinaine”.;  How did you decide to join the Cross Country team?  “My friend Keal said he was going to join so I decided to give it a try”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “You get what you give, this is a challenging sport the harder you work the faster you will get, just don’t listen to the Little Man”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Aidan Bries, Graysen Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Cole Henson, Connor Runty, & Jaxson Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Henley has had an amazing two years with the high school program.  As a freshman, he ended up being our third runner on the year.  This year he stepped right back into a lead role and is one of the top two runners on the team as a sophomore.  He is smashing the top 25 lists and won two Fresh/Soph Invites this year. It’s amazing it took this long for him to win the Bell Ringer this season.  Keep up the hard work and keep dreaming big, Henley!”.

1ST TEAM ALL CONFERENCE WB-6 RUNNERS

L-R:  1.)  Elliott Batz (Rock Island), 2.) Malik Gbadamassi (UT), 3.) Charles Ray (Quincy), 4.) Gavin  Slee (Quincy),
5.) Cedrick Iradukunda (Moline), 6.) Henley Bourne (Geneseo), 7.) Jaxson Sottos (Geneseo),
8.) Caden Jenulis (Alleman), 9.) Charles Johnson (Sterling), 10.) Owen Triplett (Quincy).

LEAFS CLAIM WESTERN BIG 6 CONFERENCE SILVER

On Thursday, October 16th, Geneseo hosted the Western Big 6 Conference Cross Country Championship for the first time in school history.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park and the field included teams from:  Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), Sterling, & United Township.  The weather for the meet was on the warm side.  The daytime high was 75˚ which is well above the normal high for this time of year.  There was a SE wind at 10 mph which helped a bit.  The course was hard and fast after only one inch of rain in the last 6 weeks.  The WB-6 only runs a one girls race and one boys race with unlimited roster sizes.  The conference meet marks the beginning of “Championship Meet Season”.  This is the time of the season that matters the most.

The Lady Leafs raced at 4:00 p.m. and entered the meet as the defending conference champions.  They won their race and 3rd straight WB-6 Title.  Congratulations to the Lady Leafs and Coaching Staff.  Head Lady Leafs Coach Aaron Skopek is THREE FOR THREE.  Impressive stuff.  Good luck in the coming weeks, Ladies.  Also, congratulations to Junior Brooklyn Smith who won the race by over a minute. 

On to the boys race which started at 4:45 p.m.  The Athletic.Net hypothetical meet prediction (based on season best times for 3 miles) had Quincy winning the meet with 53 points.  It predicted Rock Island to place 2nd scoring 65 points.  Moline and Geneseo were predicted to place 3rd and 4th scoring 79 and 86 points respectfully.  The Geneseo coaching staff believed that any of those 4 teams had a chance to win the meet.  Racing at Richmond Hill Park rewards an intelligent and patient racing strategy.  Disappointment and pain await those who don’t respect “da Hills”.  That is exactly what happened during each race.

Leading the Maple Leaf attack was Super-Soph Henley Bourne who sprinted across the finish line in 6th place.  Athletic.Net predicted him to place 11th.  He ran a tremendous race and was timed in 16:25 which is a new GHS Sophomore Record for the course.  It also moved him into 4th on the All-Time Individual List for a GHS Runner of any grade level.  Henley earned First-Team All Conference Honors (Top 10 Individuals).  All the best in the IHSA post-season, Henley.  You are an inspiration to us all.  It is hard to believe that you are only a Sophomore.  Can you say, “ALL-STATE”?!!!  That’s the goal before you graduate.

Senior Leader Jaxson Sottos finished only two seconds behind Henley.  They ran most of the race together.  Jaxson placed 7th overall in the race to also earn First-Team All Conference Honors.  Athletic.Net predicted him to place 13th.  His time of 16:27 moved him into #3 for GHS Seniors on the course.  He was just off his personal best of 16:22 but that will change when he races here again in the IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 1st.  Jaxson now has 5 of the top 11 times ever run by a GHS Runner on the course.  He is running great and is “Drooling” with anticipation for the IHSA post-season.  Way to Lead, Jaxson.  Keep up the good work.  You know what the main team goal is……STATE!!!  All the best as you try your best to make that happen.

Graysen Carlson was the next Leaf to cross the finish line.  The Senior Leader “Stopped the Clock” in 16:52 and placed 12th overall to earn 2nd Team All-Conference Honors (11th-20th).  Athletic.Net predicted him to place 17th.  His time moved him into #5 on the GHS Senior Top 25 List for the course and 7th on the All-Time List (any grade level).  Great Stuff, Graysen.  The team has entered “Championship Meet Season”.  All the best as you and your teammates move into the IHSA Post-Season.  The “Detweiller Park Fever” dream is alive and kicking.  Keep up the great job of leadership.  It is omnipotent. 

Fellow Senior Leader Aidan Bries was the next Maple Leaf to cross “da line” and also earned 2nd Team All-Conference Honors with his 15th place finish (Athletic.Net predicted him to place 20th).  He was timed in 17:16 which moved him into the #7 spot for a GHS Senior on the course.  He just missed his personal best on the course by 3 seconds.  That time has him currently ranked 9th on the GHS All-Time List (any grade level).  Look for that to change when Aidan and “da boys” are back for one more race at Richmond Hill Park on Saturday, November 1st when GHS hosts the IHSA Sectional Meet.  All the best in the IHSA Post-Season, Aidan.  Keep up the great job of leading the Leafs.  Detweiller Fever is “In the Air”.  DREAM BIG!

Sophomore Graysen Claerhout ran a great race and finished as the Maple Leafs’ 5th man and placed 21st overall.  He missed 2nd Team All-Conference Honors by only one place.  Great Job, Graysen.  Athletic.Net predicted him to place 27th.  His time of 17:31 makes him the 13th fastest Maple Leaf EVER on the course (All-Time List).  It also moved him into the #7 spot for a GHS Sophomore.  Great Stuff, “Greyhound”.  His improvement has been HUGE and has given the Leafs important depth to an already talented roster.  What’s next….hopefully, a DEEP Run in the IHSA Post-Season that will see the Leafs on the staring line of the IHSA STATE MEET on Saturday, November 8th at Historic Detweiller Park.  GO GET IT!

Kaden Elmer was up next for the Leafs and sprinted home in 33rd place.  He was hoping for more but gave it everything that he had on the day.  He was timed in 18:14.  He ran 17:39 at this year’s Geneseo XC Invite and currently sits in the 16th spot on the GHS All-Time List with that time.  That time also has him in the #8 spot on the GHS Senior Top 25 list.  Look for Kaden to move up on those lists when the team races in the Geneseo IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 1st.  All the best in the coming weeks, Kaden as the Leafs enter the IHSA Post-Season.  Keep up the great job of leadership and try your best to help lead the Leafs back to the STATE FINALS and a return trip to “Historic Detweiller Park”. 

Sophomore Kael McCord sprinted across the finish line as the Maple Leafs’ #7 man.  Kael has run the the GHS Top 7 all season long.  Great Stuff, Kael.  He placed 35th and was timed in 18:19.  That time moved him into 24th on the GHS All-Time List (any grade level) and into 13th on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 List.  All the best as the Varsity Top 7 move into the IHSA Post-Season.  The team’s number one goal all season long has been to qualify for the State Finals on Saturday, November 8th.  You are in a position to make that dream come to fruition.  Keep up the good work and get “Ready to Roll”.  “Detweiller Fever”…..CATCH IT.  We are Very Proud of YOU.

Rylan Carlson continued his amazing season by finishing as the Maple Leafs’ 8th man.  He was timed in 19:26 and moved into 20th place on the GHS Sophomore list for the course.  Rylan’s improvement from last season is truly “Jaw-Dropping”.  How did he get there?  A lot of “Passion & Purpose” backed up with the dedication that excellence Demands.  All the best at the Sterling 09/JV Invite on Tuesday.  Remember, medals are awarded to the Top 10 Finishers.  After that, you will have the opportunity to be a key member of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal will be to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post-Season (only 7 runners are allowed to race from each team). 

Up next was Sophomore Fritz Bolme who crossed the finish line in 78th place and was timed in 20:18 and was the Leafs’ 9th man.  He was just off his personal best on the course of 19:39 which he ran at the Geneseo XC Invite earlier in the season.  That time has him sitting in the #22 spot for a GHS Sophomore EVER on the course.  Great Stuff, Fritz.  No one on the team has a better attitude than you do (several are tied with you).  All the best at the Sterling 09/JV Invite on Tuesday, October 21st.  Try and win some “Hardware”….medals to the Top 10 Finishers.  After that get ready to help lead the GHS “Hype Squad” during the IHSA Post-Season.  The Varsity Top 7 will greatly appreciate the support.  The goal is be EVERYWHERE on the courses.  TEAM!!!

Junior Micah Johnson crossed the finish line as the Maple Leafs’ 10th man.  He was timed in 20:33 and placed 82nd overall in the race.  The “Little Johanson” ran a strong race despite the challenges that the Richmond Hill Park course presents.  All the best on Tuesday, October 21st at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  Individual medals will be awarded to the Top 10 finishers.  After that, it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of the group is to help inspire Geneseo’s Varsity Top 7 as they race in the IHSA’s Post-Season.  Each member of “da Squad” has the opportunity to “be in the right spot at the right time” and say the “right thing and the right time”.  Do your best to try and help your teammates “Bring It” all the way to the finish line.  Next year, this will be YOUR TEAM.  We are confident that the team will be in Good Hands.

Senior Leader Jameson Coppejans was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape” as he placed 87th overall in the race.  The “Rookie” (first XC season) was timed in 20:42 which moved him into 22nd place on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the course.  Jameson was the Leafs’ 11th man and continued his great season.  He will have one more chance to race for the team at the Sterling 09/JV Invite on Tuesday, October 21st.  Try and grab a Top 10 finisher medal if you can.  After that, get ready to drive the “Big Green Bus” that will metaphorically be carrying the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of the “Hype Squad” is to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post-Season.  We are sure glad that you decided to become a “Harrier”.  Thank you for all of your contributions to the team this season.

Next up was Junior Jacob Berry who sprinted across the finish line in 94th place.  He was timed in 21:28.  Great stuff, Jacob.  Next up will be a trip to Sterling to race in their 09/JV Invitational.  Remember, they are awarding medals to the Top 10 finishers.  After that, it will be time to join the Geneseo “Hype Squad” and try and be a “Difference Maker” during the IHSA Post-Season for the Varsity Top 7.  The team still has its omnipotent season goal of qualifying for the IHSA State Meet “On the Table”.  Do your best to help to make that happen.  Next year this team will be in your hands.  We have complete confidence in you and your fellow “Soon to be Seniors”.  All the best.

Sophomore “Rookie” Cole Henson was the next man up for “da Leafs”.  Cole sprinted across the finish line in 98th place and was timed in 21:32.  He ended up as the Maple Leafs’ 13th man on the day.  Great stuff, Cole.  All of the endurance that you have developed is going to pay Huge Dividends this winter on “da Mat”.  Get ready to “Lac’em Up” one more time on Tuesday, October 21st at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  Following that meet your role will be to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post-Season as a part of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Try and get to spots on the course where no one else is.  It really does make a difference.  Try to Inspire your teammates to greatness.  We sure are glad that you decided to join the team and become a “Harrier”.

The next Leaf to “Break the Tape” was Junior Connor Runty.  Connor sprinted across the finish line in 103rd place and was timed in 21:59.  Great race, Connor.  Get ready to “Get after It” on Tuesday, October 21st when the Leafs travel to Sterling to participate in “JV State”….aka…The Sterling 09/JV Invite.  After that it will be time to help the Geneseo “Hype Squad” during the IHSA Post-Season.  Only the Varsity Top 7 will be racing so the goal for the “Hype Squad” is to help inspire their teammates to greatness.  Find the right spots on the course where no one else is and say the “Magic Words”.  Try and be a difference maker for the team.  Next year this will be your team.  We have complete confidence in your leadership skills.  Keep Dreaming Big!

Senior Leader Calvin Bell was the next man up for “da Leafs”.  He sprinted “home” in a time of 22:05 and was placed 104th overall in the race.  Calvin has one more race in his GHS Harrier career.  That will occur on Tuesday, October 21st when he races in the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  Head Maple Leaf Boy’s Coach Ehlert has “Nicknamed” this meet “JV STATE”.  After that it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of the “Hype Squad” is to try and help inspire the Varsity Top during the IHSA Post-Season.  The support that this group provides the team is OMNIPOTENT.  The team still has one huge goal  on the table….Qualify for the IHSA State Finals.  Do your best to help make that happen.  Thanks for your efforts.

The final Maple Leaf on the day was Freshman Phoenix Sottos.  Phoenix “Stopped da Clock” at 29:10 and placed 127th overall in the race.  Phoenix will be the Maple Leafs’ lone entry in the Sterling 09/JV Invitational’s Freshman race on Tuesday, October 21st.  “Hardware” in that race will be awarded to the Top 5 finishers.  All the best.  After that it will be time to jump on board with the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Hopefully, each member of the group will help to inspire each of the Varsity Top 7 during the Maple Leafs’ IHSA Post-Season run.  Try and find a few spots on the course where no one else is.  Then, cheer your teammates on with massive enthusiasm.  You Rock, Phoneix.  Thanks for always being such a great guy. 

When the “Dust had Settled”, the Leafs found themselves in 2nd place.  They were predicted by Athletic.Net to place 4th and score 86 points.  They ended up scoring 25 points less than that.  They had a HUGE Race.  Only a very talented Quicny team was able to hold them off.  There was quite a bit of carnage on the course also.  Rock Island’s #2 man broke his foot while Moline’s #1 man barely finished after leading the race for over two miles.  He just “Hit the Wall” and tied up badly.  We wish both men the best in the future.  We are also Very Proud of every single Maple Leaf.

Congratulations to Coach Ehlert.  The “Dude” has the “Midas Touch”.  This is his 8th year as the Head Coach of the GHS Boys XC Team.  Every year the team has finished in the top half of the conference or better.  2018:  6th Place;  2019:  3rd Place;  2020:  1st Place;  2021:  2nd Place;  2022:  3rd Place;  2023:  1st Place;  2024:  2nd Place.  Great Stuff, Coach.  Geneseo is Very Lucky to have you.  Ditto to your “Right Hand Man”, Coach Jeff Brown.  All the best in the coming weeks.

RICHMOND HILL PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE COLE HENSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Cole Henson who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Metamora Gene Jones Runnin’ Red XC Invitational

SOPHOMORE COLE HENSON “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Cole Henson was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Gene Jones Runnin’ Red Metamora Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, October 11th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Cole had a HUGE Race in Metamora.  His time of 19:49 took over a minute off of his best Cross Country time EVER.  Great Stuff, Cole.  Cole ended up as the Maple Leafs’ 6th man in the F/S race.  The team placed an impressive 5th overall in the talented field.  Cole placed 121st overall.  Not too bad for the “Rookie Harrier” that was an early season addition to the team to condition himself in preparation for Wrestling season.  Cole has been a wonderful addition to the team.  He has a great work ethic and magnetic personality.  He rolled through the first mile 6:39.  He covered his 2nd mile in 6:56 and “Closed” in 6:15 on the Metamora’s Black Partridge Park course.  The racing distance was 2.94 miles so the course is a tad short.  However, there a ton of turns and other challenges that make the course run like it is the full 3.00 mile distance.  Great Job Cole.  We are Very Proud of YOU.

Here is what Cole had to say about his athletic history. 

10th Grade:  “I joined Cross Country this year“.

9th Grade:  “I played Football and Wrestling this year. I got 5th place at one of our Wrestling Tournaments in Amboy IL”.

8th Grade:  “I broke my leg right when Football started so I didn’t participate in Football but I did Wrestling and I did Track in the spring”.

7th Grade:  “I played Football, Basketball and I wrestled and later ran Track”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “In 6th grade I did Football, and in fifth grade I played Soccer which I played up to this point since I was about 5 or 6. 4th grade was my last year of Travel Baseball which I had done for about 2 or 3 years”.

Cole is the son of Melissa and Scott Henson.  He is also the proud  “Big Bro” to Owen Henson who is a current GMS 7th Grader.

Here are Cole’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Chole”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Sports & Band”;  Favorite Food:  “Rare steak with over easy eggs, salmon and a sweet potato with cheesecake for dessert”;  Favorite Movie:  “Band of Brothers or Interstellar”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Rock/grunge, Red Hot Chilli Peppers is one of my favorite bands”.;  Athletic Hero:  “Cayden Henschel”…..(Here is what a Computer Search had to say:  2024-25 – Redshirt Senior Season:  (Went 31-3 overall, Went 5-0 at the Findlay Open, winning the championship, Went 4-0 at the Jim Koch Wisconsin Open , winning the championship, Went 5-0 at the Midwest Classic, winning the championship, Went 2-2 at the NCAA Super Region V Championships finishing fifth, Spent numerous weeks as the number one ranked wrestler at 141lbs., Had seven ranked wins, Had one win by fall, six wins by tech fall and five wins by major decision.  2023-24 – Redshirt Junior Season:  Went 22-5 overall, 2023-24 Scholar All-American, Earned five wins in major and five in technical fall decision, Went 5-0 at Findlay Open (11/18/23), Went 5-1 at Midwest Classic (12/16-17/23), Went 2-1 at NCAA Super Region V (03/02/24), Went 1-2 at NCAA Championships (03/15-16/24).  2022-23 – Redshirt Sophomore Season:  (Finished 27-5 overall, Earned two wins by fall, and five wins by major decision, Went 3-0 at the NCAA Super Regional, Went 1-2 at NCAA Championship, Recognized with Scholar All-American Honors.)  2021-22 – Redshirt Freshman Season:  (2021-22 Scholar All-American, Went 13-12 overall, Earned one win in major decision, Wrestled in two matches at the NCAA Super Regionals, GLIAC Academic All-Excellence Team.)  High School:  (2020 State Campion, Placed twice at State Championships, 2020 Team Regional Champions, Three-time Conference Champion, Four-time Team MVP, & Three-time Team Captain.);  Favorite Quote:  ““I’d rather be hated for who I am, than be loved for who I am not” – Kurt
Cobain”.;  How did you decide to join the cross country team?  “A teammate convinced me to join and I wasn’t doing any other sports and it’s a great endurance builder to later help with Wrestling”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Make sure to stretch and work on lower leg muscles so they can absorb some of the impact.  Don’t eat 2 cinnamon rolls right before you run”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Noah Arnold, Aidan Bries, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Jameson Coppejans, Micah Johnson, Jaxson Sottos & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Cole Henson has been another great addition to our program.  This is his first year of Cross Country.  He has had a really good year.  He has an awesome work ethic and attitude.  He will continue to improve and learn how to be a better runner.  Breaking 20 minutes at Metamora was a huge accomplishment.  Keep up the hard work, Cole!”

“SUPER-SOPHS” LEAD LEAFS

Pictured are Sophomores Greyson Claerhout & Henley Bourne who both earned highly prized individual medals

LEAFS ROLL IN 49th GENE JONES METAMORA
“RUNNIN RED” CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL

On Saturday, October 11th, the Leafs traveled to Metamora’s Black Partridge Park to participate in the 49th Gene Jones Runnin’ Red Cross Country Invitational. The meet is the final regular season meet before the team enters “Championship Meet Season”.  The Leafs will host the Western Big Six Conference Championship on Thursday, October 16th.  The Maple Leafs have had a busy week that included homecoming activities.  They also had their last heavy week of training.  They entered the meet a bit tired but ready for the challenge.

The 30-team field included teams from:  Bloomington, Canton, Deer Creek / Mackinaw, Dunlap, East Peoria, Eureka, Geneseo, Glenbard South, Lincoln, Macomb, Mahomet-Seymour, Metamora, Moline, Morton, Normal Community, Normal (U-High), Ottawa, Oswego (East), Peoria (Christian), Peoria (Notre Dame), Peoria (RIchwoods), Pekin, Rantoul, Rochester, Rock Island, Springfield, Springfield (Lincoln), Springfield (Sacred Heart Griffin), Tolono (Unity), & Washington.  Numberous teams were ranked high in the Illinois Running News State Rankings. 

The teams were treated to near perfect racing conditions.  The dew point was in the 20’s and the race time temperatures were in the low 60’s.  The course was hard and fast.  Team trophies were awarded to the Top 3 teams and Individual Medals went to the Top 30 Finishers.  No easy feat in this field. 

Before I get to the races I would like to share a little bit about the man this meet is named after.  Gene Jones.  He started this Invite 49 years ago.

HALL OF FAME COACH GENE JONES

For 52 years, Gene Jones prowled Illinois cross country courses at Metamora High School, leading the Redbirds to state prominence and inspiring generations of students to set goals, push themselves and have a great time doing it. His boys teams won 32 conference titles, eight regionals, four sectionals and made 16 state-meet appearances, finishing in the Top 10 eight times. Eighteen boys earned All-State honors, including 1987 champion Mark Scheirer. Jones started the girls program in 1976 and won 19 conference titles, 13 regionals, three sectionals and qualified for 14 state meets. He coached 12 All-State girls. Combined, Jones’s teams posted a dual-meet record of 697-144. He was named the Illinois Coach of the Year for girls in 2005 and for the boys in 2013, and he was one of eight finalists for National Coach of the Year in 2006.  He is both a colleague and a friend.  It was awesome to see him honored this way.  He deserved it.  He is still “In the Game” working as an IHSA Official.  He was at the meet.

On to the racing.  The F/S Boys “Toed d Line” first.  Their race started at 10:00 a.m. sharp.  The Leafs continued their tradition of racing all of the freshmen and sophomores in this race.  Sophomore Henley Bourne has been the Leafs’ number one man for much of the season and raced with a plethora of confidence.  He was amongst the leaders the entire race until he “Dropped the Hammer” and spurted away for the win.  He was timed in a quick 15:50 which is the 6th fastest time for a GHS runner of any grade EVER on the course.  He moved into the number 3 Sophomore position.  Great Stuff, Henley.  All the best in “Championship Meet Season.  He is on a roll and will be a force to be dealt with.

Not far behind him was fellow Sophomore Greyson Claerhout who ran a tremendous race himself.  Greyson ended up placing 7th overall and was timed in 16:33 (4th fastest Leaf on the day).  His time is the 18th fastest time ever for a Maple Leaf on the course and 7th best time for a GHS Sophomore.  That was over a minute off his best time on the course from last year.  Greyson has “Been on Fire” and really gives the Maple Leafs a plethora of depth.  All the best in “Championship Meet Season”.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and don’t listen to the “Little Man”.  Both Greyson and Henley earned Top 30 Individual Finisher Medals.  Great Job, Men. 

Next up for the Leafs was Sophomore Kael McCord who just missed an individual medal.  He ended up placing 34th and was timed in 17:30.  That time moved him into 24th on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 list for the course.  Great Job, Kael.  The field was HUGE and he was on his own with no teammates to work with.  That won’t be the case in the next couple of meets, with smaller fields and his Junior and Senior teammates will be in the same race (only 1 race).  All the best, Kael.  The team is really on a roll an so are you.  Keep racing with confidence and pride. 

Sophomores Fritz Bolme and Rylan Carlson finished as the Maple Leafs’ 4th and 5th men and helped lead the team to a tremendous 5th place team finish.  They placed 70th and 76th overall and were timed in 18:26 and 18:33.  Fritz took 33 seconds off his best time on the course from last year.  Rylan dropped his time by a “Jaw-Dropping” 2 and half minutes.  Simply Amazing.  All the best at the WB-6 Conference Meet, Men and then get ready to run for some “Hardware” at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational on Tuesday, October 21st.  After that, it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  We are Very Proud of both of you. Thanks for being such great guys too.

Closing out the Leaf action on the day were Sophomore Cole Henson (121st place and timed in 19:49), Sophomore Noah Arnold (169th Place timed in 21:10), and Freshman Phoenix Sottos (200th place timed in 25:20).  Each man raced Metamora’s Black Partridge Park for the first time.  Great Job, Men.  Each of you have progressed nicely during the course of the season.  All the best at the WB-6 Conference Meet on Thursday.  That meet should be a LOT of Fun.  Pretty cool that GHS is hosting the meet.  After that you will have one more race to run.  The Sterling 09/JV Invitational on Tuesday, October 21st.  After that we hope that you will jump on board the “Geneseo Hype Squad” and help inspire the GHS Varsity Top 7 to great success during the IHSA Series.  We hope that all three of you will plan to be with us again in the fall of ’26.  Well Done, Men.

The Varsity Boys Race was the final race on the day and what a race it was.  The Starter’s postol fired at 11:25 a.m. sharp.  Senior Leader Jaxson Sottos led the Leafs.  He barely missed an individual “Top 30” spot with his 34th place finish.  He was timed in a quick 15:50 (tying Henley’s time.)  His time moved him into the #5 GHS Senior position.  He is already sitting in 3rd All-Time for any grade level with his 15:26 run at the Sectional Meet last fall.  Jaxson is running a plethora of “Senior Pride” and appears ready lead the Leafs into “Championship Meet Season”.  The team has some lofty goals and appears ready to attack them.  All the best.  Carpe diem!!!

Fellow Senior Leader Graysen Carlson was the next man up for the Leafs and really went out HARD.  He paid dearly for that experiment but now knows what happends when you cross the “Red Line”.  He still ended up running 16:28. and placed 65th overall in a strong Varstiy field.  His time moved him into the 12th fastest GHS Senior EVER on the course.  His personal best on the course of 16:11 run at last year’s Sectional meet has him placed in 11th All-Time.  Great Stuff Graysen.  Omnipotent levels of both Passion and Purpose are visibile in you on a daily basis.  Keep up the good work.  The best way to lead is via example and no one does it better.  Get ready to move into “Championship Meet Season”.  All the best.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

Next up for the Maple Leafs was Senior Leader Aidan Bries.  Aidan ran a great race and was “clocked” in 16:41.  That time moved him into 13th place on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the course.  He placed 85th in the loaded field.  Aidan just missed his personal best on the course (16:30 set at last falls Sectional Meet.)  Next up will be the Western Big 6 Conference Championship which will be held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park on Thursday, October 16th.  All the best in the Conference meet and beyond Aidan.  You are a special young man and we greatly appreciate everything that you have given this team.  Keep “Driving the Bus”.  “State Meet Fever”…..CATCH IT!!!

Senior Leader Kaden Elmer was the 4th Maple Leaf to cross the finish line.  He placed 146th in the talented field and was timed in 17:41.  He didn’t have his best race of the season but fear not….Kaden is always at his best when it matters the most.  That is “Championship Meet Season”.  Kaden’s time was still good enough to place him #24 on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the course.  His personal best of 16:40 (Sectional meet last year) currently sits in 22nd place.  Kaden has had an impressive GHS career and it is going to be a LOT of fun watching him chase his potential in the coming weeks.  All the best Kaden.  It has been a true honor to serve as one or your coaches.  Thank you for always being such a great guy.  God Bless.

Junior Micah Johnson was the 5th and final “scorer” for the Maple Leafs  He placed 227th in the talented field and was timed in in 19:24 which was just off of his persoanl best of 18:58 on the course.  Next up will be the WB-6 Conference Meet on Thursday, October 16th.  The Leafs are hosting the meet at Richmond Hill Park and are hoping to be in the hunt for the conference title.  After that, Micah will have one final race this season at Sterling 09/JV Invitational on Tuesday, October 21st.  Coach Ehlert has nicknamed that meet “JV STATE”. It is a great way to end the season.  After that it will be time to jump on board the GHS “Hype Squad” and help to inspire the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post-Season.  Next year you will be one of the team’s Senior Leaders.  Don’t wait until then to start leading.  Keep Dreaming BIG!!!

First year man Jameson Coppejans was the next Leaf to cross the finish line.  The Senior Leader placed 237th and was timed in 19:35.  He was the Varstiy’s 6th Man.  Great Stuff “Jamo”.  It has been a LOT of Fun watching you improve during the course of the season.  The WB-6 Conference meet is up next (Thursday) at Home.  Hopefully, the Leafs are going to be in the middle of the team battle.  The “Right” words or actions just might make the difference.  After that you will also be racing at “JV State” in the Sterling 09/JV Invite on Tuesday, October 21st.  After that YOU will be helping to drive the GHS “Hype Squad”.  We feel confident that the ‘”Hype Squad” is in great hands.  Thanks for joining the team.  It has been a true honor to serve as one of you coaches. 

Next up for the Maple Leafs was Senior Leader Cavin Bell.  The 4-Year Harrier was “Clocked” in 20:31 and placed 264th in the talented field.  Calvin has two more competitive efforts “on deck” for the Maple Leafs.  He will toe the line on Thursday, October 16th at Richmond Hill Park when the team plays host to the WB-6 Conference Meet.  After that his final race as a GHS Harrier will be on Tuesday, October 21st in the Sterling JV Invite (JV State.)  After that, we hope that you will an active member (leader) of the GHS “Hype Squad”.  The group attends all of the IHSA Meets (Regional, Sectional, State) and helps to inspire their teammates who are racing (Top 7 only.)  It has been a Lot of fun watching you mature over the last 4 years.  All the best in your remaining meets and beyond.

The final two Maple Leafs on the day were GHS Juniors Jacob Berry and Connor Runty who sprinted home in 20:46 and 20:51 respectfully.  They placed 272nd and 276th overall in the talented field.  They will also be racing in the WB-6 Conference Championship this Thursday (October 16th) at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park.  GO LEAFS.  After that, their final race of the season will take place the following Tuesday (October 21st) at Sterling in their annual 09/JV Invite.  After that, get ready to make some noise with the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Try and be a “Difference Maker”.  After that it will be time to start moving into the roll of Senior Leader for the 2026 season.  We have complete confidence in each of you.  Remember, the best way to lead is via example.  Thanks for being such great guys.  All the best men.

When the “Dust had Settled” the Varsity Team found themselves in 16th place.  When you factor in that all of the GHS freshmen and sophomores ran in the F/S race that is pretty dang impressive.  Athletic.Net predicted Geneseo to place 15th in the Varsity race with the entire Maple Leaf roster running in the race.  To place 16th without 3 of team’s Top 7 is simply amazing.  The team had a GREAT DAY.  Add to that the fact that it was Homecoming Week and the team had a heavy week of training.  You are peaking at the right time men.  CHAMPIONSHIP MEET SEASON IS HERE.  Get Ready to FLY.  All the best on Thursday and beyond.  Remember, you can’t control how the other teams are running.  Focus on taking care of your own race plans and everything will work out well.  NO EXCUSES…..NO RETREATS……NO REGRETS.  Good luck to all of you.

METAMORA TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN PHOENIX SOTTOS SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Freshman Phoenix Sottos who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Freeport Pretzel Invitational

FRESHMAN PHOENIX SOTTOS “RINGS da Bell”

Freshman Phoenix Sottos was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Freeport Pretzel Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, October 4th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Phoenix “Popped” a great race on the Highland Community College course in Freeport.  The racing conditions were warm and windy but that didn’t stop Phoenix from running another great race.  He has been “In the discussion” for “Bell Ringer” each and every race.  Phoenix “Cracked” the 27 minute barrier again with his 26:59 clocking.  He placed 70th in the “Open Race” and ended up with the Maple Leafs 13th OVERALL man on the day (that includes the Varstiy race.)  Great Job Phoenix.  His first mile took just 8:33.  We think the 2nd mile was a tad long and he covered that distance in 10:17.  He then cranked out a 8:09 final mile.  His mile pace average was 8:59.  Great Race Phoenix.

This is Phoenix’s first year of running on a Cross Country team.  We are sure glad that he decided to join the team.  It isn’t an easy sport to begin with and add to that fact that Phoenix is the ONLY freshman on this year’s team makes it even more challenging.  This year’s team is unusually small (only 17 guys).  It is however, a very strong team with a plethora of potential.  The team is hoping to contend for the Western Big 6 Conference Title next Thursday in addition to making a deep run during the IHSA series.  The end result is to race in the IHSA State Finals on Saturday, November 8th.  What does this have to do with Phoenix?  Every member of the team has an effect on the team.  The only effective way for a freshmen to lead is via example.  That is exactly what Phoenix provides on a daily basis.  He is an extremely hard worker and an even better person.  All the best with the remaining race opportunities this season, Phoenix.  Carpe Diem!  Then, get ready to jump on the “Hype Squad” and help the Varsity Squad during the IHSA Series.  You are going to be EVERYWHERE on those courses.  We hope that you will be with us next fall for your sophomore season.  Keep up the good work and please don’t lose that amazing smile.  It is infectious and raises the spirits of everyone who sees it.  

Here is what Phoenix had to say about his athletic history. 

9th Grade:  “Cross Country and I hope to be on the tennis team in 2026“.

8th Grade:  Nothing Listed

7th Grade:  “Swim Team.”

Prior to 7th grade:  “Swim Team.”

Phoenix is the son of Monica and Zack Sottos.  He is also the proud  “Baby Bro” to Alex 26, Max 22, Grace 19, & Jaxson 17.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Hendrix 12.

Here are Phoenix’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Phoen”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “None…just XC”;  Favorite Food:  “French Fries”;  Favorite Movie:  “Howl’s Moving Castle“.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Post Malone“.  (Here is what a Google Search had to say:  Austin Richard Post who uses the stage name Post Malone, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. His music blends genres like hip-hop, pop, R&B, trap, and country. He generated his stage name using a rap name generator. Malone has sold out arena tours and hosted his own Posty Fest in 2018 and 2019.);  Athletic Hero:  “Roman Reigns the G.O.A.T of WWE“…..(Here is what a Google Search had to say:  Leati Joseph Anoaʻi, better known by his ring name Roman Reigns, is an American professional wrestler and former football player and actor. As a wrestler, he has been signed to WWE since 2010, where he performs on the SmackDown brand.);  Favorite Quote:  “Pray, hope, and don’t worry”  Saint Padre Pio;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “All of my brothers, and even my dad, have done Cross Country at some point. It’s sort of a legacy thing. Jaxson wanted me to do it too. I never liked running before, but I am starting to enjoy it, and I am really glad that I joined the team“.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “At first it’s really hard. Cross Country is the hardest sport I’ve done, but you build your endurance and get faster. Getting a PR makes me feel very accomplished and satisfied too. The experience is great too. The people on the team are very funny and are always cheering you on in a race“.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Noah Arnold, Aidan Bries, Fritz Bolme, Kaden Elmer, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Micah Johnson, Kael McCord, & Jaxson Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Pheonix has been a blast to have on the team.  This is his first year of cross country ever.  He worked really hard this summer and he has had some great improvements this fall.  Pheonix always has a positive attitude and is always wanting to get better.  His hard work and great attitude took down the seniors in the last scavenger hunt.  With a little help from the coaches he took home the scavenger hunt title.  Keep working hard Pheonix!“. 

“PRETZEL INVITE MEDALISTS”

Pictured is Henley Bourne being supported by Jaxson Sottos, Graysen Carlson, & Frtiz Bolme
Each man earned a “Top 15” Individual Finisher Medal

LEAFS RUN STRONG IN FREEPORT PRETZEL XC INVITE

On Saturday, October 4th, the Leafs traveled to Freeport’s Highland Community College to participate in the annual Freeport Pretzel Cross Country Invitational.  The meet included teams from:  Dakota, Durand, East Dubuque, Eastland, Forreston, Freeport, Geneseo, Machesney Park Harlem, Oregon, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rockford Boylan, Rockford East, Rockford Jefferson, Rockford Our Lady Sacred Heart, Savanna West Carroll, Schaumburg, Sterling, Stockton, Sycamore, & Winnabago.  The meet has a good mixture of 1A, 2A, and 3A schools.  It is also nice to face some different competition. 

After nearly a month of no rain the ground was rock-hard.  The extended heat wave also continued with a daytime high of nearly 90˚.  The dew point climbed to 60˚ which is pretty nasty for October.  Luckily, the winds kicked up.  They were blowing from the SSW between 15-20 miles per hour.  The racing conditions were far from perfect and due to conflicts, the Leafs were only able to field 13 runners.  Each race offered a Championship Trophy for the victorious team and individual medals to the Top 15 finishers.

The Varsity Boys took off at 9:45 a.m. with the temperature in the mid 70’s and climbing rapidly.  Using the Athletic.Net hypothetical race calculator (based on 3 mile season best times), the Leafs were “Seeded” to place 4th behind 1A state powers East Dubuque & Winnebago along with 2A perennial power, Sycamore.  The Leafs got out well and competed well.  When the “Dust had settled”, they were narrowly defeated by East Dubuque by a mere 4 points.  They were disappointed but really stepped up.  Hopefully, the taste of being so close will help to motivate them to even higher levels of performance in the coming weeks. 

Leading the way for the Maple Leafs was Sophomore Henley Bourne who placed 7th overall in the race with a time of 16:19.  His time moved him into the #4 All-Time Spot for GHS runners and 2nd on the Sophomore list for the course.  Henley dropped his personal best on the course by 1:35 from last year.  Great Stuff, Henley.  Get ready for “Championship Meet Season.  It is just around the corner.  All the best.

Next up was Senior Leader Graysen Carlson who sprinted home in a time of 16:39 which placed him 12th.  Yup, he was GHS’s 2nd man.  The dude is “On Fire”.  His time moved him into 11th on the GHS Al-Time List and 5th on the Senior Top 25 list.  Graysen dropped his personal best on the course by 26 seconds.  Way to roll, Graysen.  Keep up the good work.  The meets that really matter on almost here.  Keep providing omnipotent leadership. 

Senior leader Jaxson Sottos was the next Maple Leaf to “Roar” across the finish line.  He sprinted home in 16:41 and placed 13th in the field.  Jaxson joined Henley & Graysen in the Top 15 to earn “Individual Hardware”.  He has run faster on the course (15:52 last year in perfect weather).  This 16:41 moved him into the #6 Senior spot on the All-Time GHS List.  Championship meet season is almost here, Jaxson.  The team really took a step forward on Saturday.  With your continued leadership, the team in in position to nail it’s pre-season goals.  It’s “Go Time”.

Continuing his “Meteoric Rise” was Sophomore Greyson Claerhout who “Cracked” 17:00 for the first time.  He was clocked in 16:57 and barely missed a medal with his 17th place finish.  His time moved him into the 16th spot on the GHS All-Time Top 25 list for the course.  He is also the new number 6 Sophomore EVER on the course.  Great Stuff, Greyson.  Keep up the hard work and great racing.  Strong amounts of both Passion and Purpose are on display every time you “Toe the Line”.  Greyson took off over TWO MINUTES off of his personal best on the course.  That’s Amazing.  Championship Meet Fever….Catch It.

Senior Leader Kaden Elmer was the next Leaf in.  He sprinted across the finish line in 22nd place to just miss earning an individual medal.  He was timed in 17:10 which was a personal best for him on the course even though it was hot out.  He now owns the 22nd fastest GHS time for any grade level EVER on the course.  He also moved into the 9th spot on the GHS Senior list.  Keep up the great job, Kaden.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Keep providing strong leadership for the team.  All the best in the coming weeks!!!

Fellow Senior Leader Aidan Bries was close behind and also clocked a personal best on the course.  Aidan was timed in 17:30 which moved him into the 12th best Senior on the course for a GHS Runner EVER.  Aidan placed 29th in the race.  Aidan is a critical member of the Strong GHS Senior Class that has done a wonderful job of leading the 2025 Maple Leafs Squad.  Keep up the good work, Aidan.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Get ready to “Go for the Gold”.  All the best for you and the team in the coming weeks.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

Sophomore Kael McCord closed out the Varsity Race’s Maple Leaf action.  He sprinted home in 17:30 which destroyed his personal best on the course by over a minute.  He placed 30th overall in race (All 7 Leafs in the Top 30……AWESOME STUFF.)  Kael’s time moved him into the #10 GHS Sophomore Top 25 spot on the course.  Great Race, Kael.  The dude is on a serious roll.  (So it the whole team.)  Keep up the great work.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Sharpen your spikes and get ready to “ROLL”.

The rest of the team raced in the J.V. Race.  That race started at 11:15 a.m. and it had really warmed up by then.  The Leafs were missing a few guys due to conflicts but still were able to place 5th overall in the team standings (over 20 total teams).  The team did race 6 men.

Sophomore Fritz Bolme was the lead Maple Leaf.  He raced hard, trying to hang in the Top 15 and earn an individual medal.  Mission accomplished.  Fritz placed 14th overall in the race and was timed in 19:00.  That is OVER 90 seconds faster than his previous best time on the course.  Fritz is now the 25th fastest GHS Sophomore EVER on the course.  Great Job, Fritz.  Get ready to hammer at Metamora before “Toeing the Line” at the WB-6 Conference Meet at HOME.  Then, it will be time to race at the “JV STATE” meet when the team heads to Sterling for their 09 & JV Invite.  Keep up the great work.  You are “On Fire”.

The next man up was Sophomore Rylan Carlson who sprinted home in 19:18 which placed him 18th overall, just missing an individual medal.  Rylan’s improvement from last year is “Jaw-Dropping”.  He took off almost TWO MINUTES from his previous personal best time on the course.  He was the Maple Leafs’ 9th Man on the day.  Great Stuff, Rylan.  Get ready to finish your season strong.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Nail Metamora and then get ready to Fly at Home for the WB-6 Conference Meet.  Then, “JV STATE” awaits in Sterling.  All the best.  Passion & Purpose are a powerful force.

Next up was “da Little Johannson”.  Junior Micah Johnson sprinted across the finish line in 39th place and was timed in 20:35.  He was a bit off of his personal best on the course but ran a gutsy race in very warm conditions.  Great Effort.  Keep up the good job as Championship Meet Season is just around the corner.  Hammer the Metamora Invite and then get ready for GHS to play host for the WB-6 Conference Meet.  After that, the team will travel to Sterling for their annual 09/JV Invite (we call it JV STATE).  Then, help lead the “Hype Squad”.  Thanks for being such a great guy!

“Rookie” Cole Henson was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  The Sophomore was timed in 22:18 and placed 51st overall in the race.  It has been a lot of fun watching Cole figure out how to train and race.  His improvement during the course of this season, has been dramatic.  Great Stuff, Cole.  Finish your season Strong.  Attack the Metamora course before the Leafs play host to the WB-6 Conference Meet.  After that, your racing season will end at the Sterling 09/JV Invite (JV STATE).  Following that, we hope that you will join the GHS “Hype Squad” to support the team during the IHSA Series.  Thanks for joining the team.  We hope you will be back next fall.  You helped make this team better.

Fellow “Rookie” Noah Arnold “Cracked” the tape in 60th place and was timed in 23:07.  The Sophomore has been battling a few aches and pains.  Sadly, some of this just comes with being an athlete.  Noah has a great attitude and had battled on anyway.  He has been a great addition to the team.  All the best on Saturday in Metamora.  Then get ready to have some fun as the Maple Leafs host the WB-6 Conference Meet.  After that you will conclude your racing season at the Sterling 09/JV Invite (JV STATE).  After that, we hope that you will also join the GHS Harrier “Hype Squad” to support the Varsity Team during the IHSA Series.  We also hope that you will be with us again next fall.  Thanks for being such a great guy.

Freshman Phoenix Sottos was the next man up for the Maple Leafs.  Phoenix was timed in 26:59 and placed 70th overall in the race.  Phoenix gives it his all each and every time he races and we are extremely proud of him.  He is extremely inspirational to watch.  He is also a total team man that cares deeply about his teammates.  All the best in your remaining races.  Metamora, the WB-6 Conference Meet, & the Sterling 09/JV Invite are all that remains.  THEN, we hope that you will become a key member of the GHS “HYPE SQUAD”.  Their purpose is to provide support the the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA Post Season.   Keep up the Great Job.

FREEPORT INV. TOP  25’s

RESULTS

SENIOR JAMESON COPPEJANS SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Senior Jameson Coppejans who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Sterling Rock River Invitational

SENIOR JAMESON COPPEJANS “RINGS da Bell”

Senior Jameson Coppejans was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 27th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Jameson ran the best race of his career on in Sterlng’s Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational.  He was timed in 20:39 (first time breaking 21:00.)  That’s pretty amazing considering that this is Jameson’s first year as a harrier (cross country runner.)  He placed 119th in the Varsity Race that contained a plethora of high quality runners.  Jameson ended up being the Maple Leafs 10th man overall (including the F/S Race.)  He was the 5th man for the Leafs in the Varsity Race and helped the team place 9th overall.  His rolled throught the first mile in a quick 6:11.  He hit his 2nd mile in 6:45 and was feeling the effect of going out so fast.  He held on nicely and “closed” his race with a 6:58 3rd mile.  Great Stuff Jameson. 

This is Jameson’s first year with the team.  I remember Coach Ehlert speaking about him last summer.  He was very excited about Jameson’s decision to join the team.  There is certainly a significant learning curve to this sport.  Knowledge is gained during each and every practice and race.  It is especially rewarding to watch each man figure out how to get the most out of their races.  Jameson had a BIG DAY on Saturday when he DESTROYED his personal best by a ton.  He dipped below 21:00 minutes for the first time (7:00 minute pace).  He ran 20:39.  Keep your eyes on him.  He isn’t done there.  He just “Kicked the Door Down” to a new found level of performance.  We sure are glad that Jameson decided to “Give it a Try”.  He has been a great addition to the team.  He brings a positive attitude and endless energy to practice on a daily basis.  He has also make his impact as a “Senior Leader”.  Keep up the good job, Jameson.  All the best in the coming weeks.  We are Very Proud of You.

Here is what Jameson had to say about his athletic history. 

12th Grade:  “I joined Cross Country after a year of saying I would join, and boy let me tell you, I’m glad I did. It’s a scary leap between 800m to 3 miles but it is one competition I strive to thrive in. Lastly, if you are on the edge of joining Cross Country do it. I love getting to know this sport and push past my limits (for example, a minute PR).”.

11th Grade:  “I did Track again and realized I like the competitive and social aspects”.

10th Grade:  “I finally started running long distances to socialize with friends and realized fast that it was hard and a fun challenge I wanted to do”.

9th Grade:  “I wrestled again in high school and found out I didn’t like to hurt others”.

8th Grade:  “I thought my life would be nothing more than wrestling, I started dominating the mat and I got a crazy growth spurt.”

7th Grade:  “I was a sloppy runner in Track and Field. I sadly chose sprinting and failed.”

Prior to 7th grade:  “I wrestled in 6th grade and broke my arm in a dramatic match, I later wrestled in another match
pushing through the pain, before my last match my coach realized that something was wrong then subbed me out.  I sadly didn’t wrestle another match that day.”

Jameson is the proud son of Katie and Patrick Coppejans.  He is also the proud  “Big Bro” to Elijah Coppejans who is a current Sophomore in High School.

Here are Jameson’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Jamo”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I am in the Marching Band and going into my third year of Track. Things I have done and led me to now, I was pretty active in the student council and in wrestling however I sought out an environment fit for me and honestly I tried a little bit of everything too much to say but I made a great family at cross country.”;  Favorite Food:  “Nutter Butters”;  Favorite Movie:  “Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them.”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “I may not look like it but I like white girl music and 2010s club music.”;  Athletic Hero:  “Jakob Ingerbrigtsen”.  Here is what a Google Search had to say about Jakob (Jakob Asserson Ingebrigtsen is a Norwegian middle- and long-distance runner who is the world record holder in the short track 1500 meters, short track mile, 2000 meters, 3000 meters, and two miles. He won gold medals in the 1500 metes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and in the 5000 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics):   Favorite Quote:  “I swear everyday I will strive be better, and encourage others to do the same (Me)”.;  ”How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “Self pressure and to stay fit, honestly I think I just told many people I would do Cross Country and now I pressured myself into one of the greatest teams of my life”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “When you step out of your comfort zone in practice and push yourself past your limits the race is the easiest day of the week. Know this once you race, you have no limits, because your hard work will pay off and you can take what you want. All you have to do after all that is make your
wish and take it.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Aidan Bries, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos, & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Jameson has been a great addition to the team this year.  This is his first year of Cross Country.  He is having a great year.  He has a ton of potential and is a really hard worker and it is showing on the course.  He had a huge minute PR last week and hopefully will continue to get better.”

LEAFS F/S CLAIM TEAM SILVER

Pictured is the 2nd place Geneseo F/S Team.  Front row:  Cole Henson, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Rylan Carlson,
Kael McCord, Row 2:  Jaxson Sottos (medalist in the Varsity Race), Noah Arnold, & Greyson Claerhout

VARSITY PLACES 9TH

On Saturday, September 27th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Hoover Park to participate in the annual Rock River Cross Country Invitational.  The meet included teams from:  Belvidere, Belvidere North, Cambridge (Co-Op), Dixon, Eastland, Freeport, Geneseo, Geneva, Kaneland, LaSalle-Peru, Morrison, Ottawa, Peoria Richwoods, Princeton, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rock Island, Sandwich, Sterling, Sterling (Newman) Sycamore, & Yorkville.  The teams were treated to an amazing day weather-wise.  The daytime high was in the 80’s with the Varsity race time temperature in the 60’s.  The course was hard and fast and the dew point was in the 50’s. 

Several of the Leafs Top 7 were competing in the F/S Division later in the meet.  Thus, the Varsity team wasn’t full-strength.  The Maple Leafs are still “Flying under the radar” as far as the Illinois State XC media is concerned.  It should also be pointed out that the course for this meet was changed last year from 3 miles to 5k.  Thus, all of the Top 25 lists had to be scrapped and we had to start over.  Bummer.  On a positive note, the individual medals number returned to 30 after dropping to 15 last year.

On to the racing.  The Varsity Boys race took off at 9:35 sharp.  Senior Leader Jaxson Sottos led the way and ran as the firstmGHS Senior for the course (he already has the 2nd fastest time ever for a Maple Leaf of any grade from last year…16:24.)  He placed 19th overall and earned a highly prized “Top 30 Finisher Medal”.  Great stuff, Jaxson.  Championship meet season is just around the corner.  Get ready to FLY!.

Next up was Senior Leader Graysen Carlson who sprinted across the finish line in 36th place, barely missing “Hardware”.  He was timed in 17:26 which moved him into 4th on the All-Time GHS Top 25 list and into 3rd for GHS Seniors.  Great Racing, Graysen. Your desire is on display every time you “Lace em up”.  Keep up the great job.  Championship Meet Fever….”Catch It”.

Senior Leader Aidan Bries continued his bounce back after battling illness and injury for the last several weeks.  He placed 48th overall and was timed in 17:39.  That time moved him into the #5 All-Time spot on the GHS Top 25 list for the course and #4 Senior.  Great Stuff, Aidan.  It will be a lot of fun to put our full-strength varsity squad next weekend in Freeport.  Get ready for the Championship Meet Season to arrive.  Keep Leading Us.  Time to FLY!!!

Next up was Senior Leader Kaden Elmer who “Stopped the Watch” at 17:57 which was just off his personal best on the course of 17:55.  Kaden placed 59th overall in the race.  He “Owns” the #7 All-Time spot for the course (any grade level) and moved into the #5 Senior spot.  Kaden has been a key member of the team ever since he joined the squad as a Freshman.  Expect nothing less from this seasoned veteran.  All the best, Kaden.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.

Junior Drum Major Connor Runty was the final Maple Leaf to sprint across the finish line.  He was timed in 22:18 and placed 150th overall in the race.  Connor will be racing on this course one more time when the Leafs return for the Sterling 09/JV Invitational on Tuesday, October 21st.  Before then, get ready to “Drop the Hammer” at  Freeport and Metamora before “Toeing da Line” at home for the WB-6 Conference Meet.  All the best, Connor.

When the team scores had been tabulated, the Leafs found themselves in 9th place out of 22 teams.  Great job, Men.  If you had the F/S crew racing with you….well, you get the idea.  Fear not…..the correct choice was made.

F/S SQUAD CLAIMS ROCK RIVER SILVER

The F/S boys race was the final high school race on the day (there were middle school races that followed).  By the time that the F/S race started at 10:45 a.m. the temperature had climbed well into the 70’s.  Surprisingly, only 10 of the 22 teams in the field were able to field at least 5 F/S runners to field a scoring team.  The Leafs didn’t let any of that bother them.  They got out well and raced to win.  Only 3A powerhouse Geneva was able to best the Maple Leafs.  Their Varsity team wasn’t even at the meet.  They ran their JV team and only placed 16th as a team.  Their F/S team ran way faster than their Varsity team.  Oh well.

Sophomore Henley Bourne was a part of the lead pack for every step of the race and ended up winning the race.  He was timed in 17:25 and ended up winning by over 6 seconds after a close battle for most of the race.  His time of 17:25 is a new Sophomore GHS school record for the course.  His time also moves him into the #3 All-Time slot.  Great racing, Henley.  Henley is enjoying a strong season and it is going to be a LOT of fun to see what he and his teammates can accomplish in the coming weeks.  Passion & Purpose.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.  Ready, Set, GO!!!

Not too far behind was Sophomore Greyson Claerhout who ROARED on the day.  He led for a bit and was in the lead pack for most of the race.  Cool Stuff.  Greyson’s time of 17:42 moved him into the #6 All-Time sport for a GHS Runner.  He is also the new #2 Sophomore.  Greyson has really been on a roll lately and has provided the Leafs with omnipotent depth.  Keep believing in yourself and breaking through to new levels.  Don’t forget to enjoy the ride.  “Championship Meet Fever”.  In the words of one of my all-time favorite songs…..”I believe it’s time for me to fly” by REO Speedwagon.  “Just Do It”.  All the Best.

Next up was fellow “Super-Soph” Kael McCord who joined Henley & Greyson in the TOP TEN.  Kael placed 6th overall in the race and was timed in 17:57 and really closed HARD.  He moved himself into 8th on the GHS All-Time list and #3 Sophomore.  Great Stuff, Kael.  It has been awesome to watch these “Super-Sophs” just keep improving.  Championship Meet Season is going to be a LOT of FUN.  Enjoy running with the “Big Dogs” in Freeport.  F/S action in Metamora will follow before the WB-6 at home and then the IHSA State Series.  Keep “Dreaming Big”  All the Best.

Sophomore Fritz Bolme was one of the biggest surprises of the day as he “Ran Wild”.  Fritz sprinted home in 19:42 and placed 29th overall…..Yup….Top 30 Medals to the Maple Leafs Top FOUR.  That’s amazing. Men.  Fritz is now sitting in the #13 All-Time spot and is now the #7 Sophomore EVER on the course.  The dude is simply “On Fire”.  He inspired the whole team.  Get ready to race for a “Pretzel” in Freeport (Top 5 Finishers) in the JV race.  Keep up the great work, Dude.  The Geneseo “Super-Sophs” are for Real.  You are a critical member of that group.  Also, thanks for being such a great guy.  Team First Always!

Not far behind was Sophomore Rylan Carlson who was running a great race himself.  Rylan finished in 38th place and barely missed a Top 30 medal himself.  Rylan was timed in 20:08.  He is now the 15th fastest Maple Leaf EVER on the course (All-Tme List) while climbing into #8 on the Sophomore list.  Rylan’s improvement from last year is truly “Jaw-Dropping”.  He has demonstrated powerful levels of both Passion and Purpose on a daily basis.  Keep up the great work, Rylan.  All the best in the coming weeks as you roll into Peak Form.  Don’t be afraid to “GO FOR IT!”

Next up for the Leafs was “Rookie” Noah Arnold who sprinted across the finish line in 23:03 and placed 74th overall in the race.  Noah moved himself into the number 11 spot on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 List.  Great Stuff, Noah.  Noah has battled a nasty case of shin splints for several weeks now.  He has been a tremendous addition to the team.  His work ethic and dedication level are both impressive.  All the best in your remaining races as the season begins to wind down.  Keep leading by example….it is simply the most effective way to do it.  Do as I do…..not just as I say.  TEAM!

Not far behind was fellow “Rookie” Super-Soph member Cole Henson.  Cole placed 80th overall in the field and was timed in 23:31.  Cole’s time moved him into the #12 Sophomore spot on the GHS Top 25 List for the course.  Pretty impressive stuff for a first year man.  Cole has been a true pleasure to have on the team.  His smile is infectious.  It has also been a lot of fun watching him improve during the course of the season.  Keep up the good work, Cole.  Thanks for being such a great guy.  You have helped make the 2025 Geneseo Maple Leaf Cross Country Team a BETTER Team.  Thank You. 

Freshman Phoenix Sottos has also been “On Fire”.  He has been improving by meteoric levels.  He sprinted across the finish line in 99th place and was timed in 26:35.  Remember, this was a 5K…..not a 3 mile race (significantly LONGER.)  Yet, he still, almost, nailed a personal best time.  He barely missed his time from Galesburg…but this course was LONGER.  Personal Best for sure.  I also had the pleasure of being near several of his siblings as he sprinted home.  The Sottos Family simply does it right….  Lots of love and support for all.  Keep up the great work, Phoenix.  You are an inspiration to us all.

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SENIOR KADEN ELMER SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Senior Kaden Elmer who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Geneseo Cross Country Invitational

SENIOR KADEN ELMER “RINGS da Bell”

Senior Kaden Elmer was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Geneseos Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 20th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

The meet was held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park.  Later in the season, the Leafs will host the Western Big 6 Conference Meet on Thursday, October 16th and the IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday November 1st.  Gaining as much experience on the course is omnipotent.  The Leafs have the luxury of being able to train on the course whenever they choose.  However, racing on it is a bit trickier and hosting so many meets is a true plus for this year’s team. 

Kaden ran a tremendous race in the Senior Class Division and ended up placing 12th overall in the race.  He was timed in a quick 17:39 for the challenging course.  His efforts not only earned him another Geneseo High School Cross Country Top 20 Finisher Medal (I believe he has earned one all four years) but it also helped the Leafs Senior Class claim GOLD.  That’s right, they won the Senior Division.  That is a tremendous feat.  The field for the Invite has gotten tougher each year.  The fact that Coach Ehlert was able to get Geneseo put into the Sectional & Regional rotation for host sites is the reason.  Anyway, this year’s field was very strong and included Morton for the first time.  They are ranked near the very top in 2A and won every single class division EXCEPT the Senior Race.  Way to Go!!!

Kaden’s ran a solid race and was timed in 17:39.  He covered the first mile in 5:44 which included climbing the “Barn Hill”.  He rolled through mile two in 5:58 and then closed his race with a 5:55.  He averaged 5:53 for the challenging course.  His time of 17:39 moved him into the number 15 spot on the GHS All-Time top 25 list for the Richmond Hill Park Course.  It also moved him into the number 7 Senior spot.  Look for him to climb even higher as he will still have two more chances to race on the course.  Kaden has been a key member of the team ever since he joined us his Freshman year.  He has earned Varsity Letters in both XC and Track & Field each and every year.  He is also a great guy and our team is extremely fortunate to have him on the squad.  The team has stated some lofty season goals.  Those goals include winning the WB-6 Conference Crown at home and advancing to the State Finals via the Geneseo IHSA Sectional.  All the best, Kaden.  We hope that you and your teammates can make those dreams come to fruition. 

Here is what Kaden had to say about his athletic history. 

12th Grade:  “PR so far has been 17:17 at Moline.”

11th Grade:  “A somewhat disappointing year with yet another mile time of 4:57 and another 17:00 for XC. While somewhat disappointing, it was also the most fun and encouraging year as the 4-horsemen were mere seconds away from qualifying in the 4×800. I ran a 2:10. Went to State again for Cross with a low 17:00 time”.

10th Grade:  “Had a pretty solid improvement from freshman year with a time of 17:00 for XC. Track stayed the exact same in the mile with another 4:57 and a 2:12 in the 800.  Went to State again for Cross where I ran 17:00 in beautiful weather”.

9th Grade:  “Finally broke 5:00 in the mile with a 4:57 and ran a 2:11 800 at Sectionals. Jaxson Sottos came out of nowhere in XC beating me at the Rustbuster. That was the year most people seemed to catch up to me. I ran 17:40s for a PR that year. I went to State for XC but only because of the “hitman” I hired, Aidan Bries, taking out Sam Mosbarger for me during basketball”.

8th Grade:  “Some people say I peaked in middle school with a mile time of 5:09. Cross Country I ran 12:10 for 2 miles going to State with Jack Mickley. The team did not qualify”.

7th Grade:  “Ran something like 5:50 for the mile. Nothing too crazy and something like mid 12 for Cross country. Dylan Gehl and I qualified for State, but due to Covid we didn’t go”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “Played rec league Baseball for 3 years when I was in grade school. Then played more rec league for Soccer in 5th and 6th. Wasn’t very good but enjoyed them both”.

Kaden is the proud son of Josh and Kari Elmer.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of Anthony 26 and Hope, 24.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Gabrielle, 21, Reese 14, Hallie 12.

Here are Kaden’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Elmberg”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I can’t think of hardly any.  Maybe a couple bible studies but that’s about it”.;  Favorite Food:  “Spicy chicken sandwiches”;  Favorite Movie:  “3:10 To Yuma (Western)”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “The Offspring”.  Here is what a Google Search had to share:  “The Offspring is an American rock band formed in Garden Grove, California, in 1984. Originally formed under the name Manic Subsidal, the band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Bryan “Dexter” Holland, lead guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, bassist Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy, and drummer Brandon Pertzborn. The Offspring is often credited (alongside fellow California punk bands Green Day, NOFX, Bad Religion, Rancid, and Pennywise) for reviving mainstream interest in punk rock during the mid-1990s.   During their 41-year career, the Offspring has released eleven studio albums and sold more than 45 million records,^[5][6] making them one of the best-selling punk rock bands”.;  Athletic Hero:  “My athletic hero is my Geneseo Assistant Coach Jeff Brown”.  (Coach Brown has been a MAJOR force on the road racing scene in the QCA and Midwest for decades.  He has earned numerous All-American Honors.);  Favorite Quote:  “There’s a reason other sports punish their athletes with ours”.;  ”How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “Eric States convinced me to do it, and as a bored 7th grader, I did. I had always known I had a thing for running however, as I enjoyed casual road races and did quite well in them for my age.”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Running’s not for everyone. It’s hard and you don’t get a lot of credit. You’re probably gonna be skinny and it’s for sure gonna hurt.  It’s different from other sports though. You can have the most fun running, whether it’s finding various bodies of water and screaming into a cam recorder or playing “Crossy Road” as you go to find lunch. Cross Country’s hard but it’s definitely worth it. Make sure to put in effort at practices and always find another level during the meets. Down that milkshake, kill the “little man”, and remember to always drink water”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Aidan Bries, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Micah Johnson, Cole Henson, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos, & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Kaden Elmer has had an awesome career at GHS.  We are excited to see how his senior year turns out.  He has been fortunate to run at state his first three years.  His first year at state was a memorable one.  Running in 3-6 inches of mud in spots, he lost a shoe and continued to run with one shoe for 2 and 3/4 miles.  Kaden has been a huge part of the program and continues to give it his all this year.  Keep working hard and Dreaming Big, Kaden!“.

SENIOR DAY AT GENESEO XC INVITE

Pictured are (Front Row) Kaden Elmer & Graysen Carlson.
2nd Row:  Jameson Coppejans, Calvin Bell, Aidan Bries, Jaxson Sottos

SENIORS WIN GOLD AS LEAFS 5TH OVERALL

On Saturday, September 20th, the Leafs played host to their annual Geneseo Cross Country Invitational.  The meet was held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park.  The meet format offers competition for each grade level (girls & boys).  Individual medals were awarded to the top 20 finishers.  In addition, the team champion in each division (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) was also awarded a team championship plaque.  Then, all of the gender team scores were added up and a girls and boys combined championship plaque was also awarded.  Then, the girls overall combined score was added to the boys overall combined score to result in the overall combined champion.  Plaques were awarded to the top 3 teams.  The idea for the meet came from Coach Dick Kloepfer (ITCCCA Hall of Famer) at Crystal Lake Central High School in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago (closer to Wisconsin actually). 

The field included teams from:  Davenport (West), Dixon (Girls Only), Geneseo, Lemont, Macomb, Moline, Morton, Princeton, Rivermont Collegiate (Boys Only), Rock Falls, Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), Sterling, Tinley Park, United Township, & Wheaton (W-Warrenville) South (Girls Only).  The teams were treated to near-perfect conditions.  There was no wind and the course was hard and fast (despite a bit of rain the night before).  The race time temperature was in the mid 60’s.  What a difference from last Saturday (daytime high of 97˚).  Maple Leaf Head Boys Coach Todd Ehlert “tweaked” the meet when he took over the program in the fall of 2018.  He combined the Freshman and Sophomore race starts and did the same thing with the Junior and Senior races.  The girls started a few minutes after the boys to have separation in the races.  The move cut the meet’s duration in half.  Good Move, Coach.  Also, since Coach Ehlert achieved putting Geneseo on the Regional & Sectional Meet rotation a LOT of teams wanted the get into this meet.  Racing on a championship meet site early in the season provides a plethora of positives and is certainly adventageous.

FRESHMAN RACE:  On to the races.  I will discuss the races by class.  First up was the Freshman Boys race.  The Freshmen and Sophomores started at 9:00 a.m. sharp.  The Leafs only have one Freshman on the team.  We are proud to have him.  Phoenix Sottos placed 46th overall and was timed in 27:55 for the challenging Richmond Hill Park course.  The way that Cross Country meets are scored is to add up the each team’s top 5 runners places.  Each team’s 6th and 7th runners are also factored into the scoring as they are “pushers” and add points to other teams totals.  Low score wins.  For this meet we used “Unlimited Pushers” (EVERY RUNNER) effects the team score.  We also utilized “Ghost Runners” to fill out a scoring 5.  Thus, for the Freshmen, the Leafs had to use 4 “Ghost Runners”.  There were 48 runners in the race so the Leafs added 49, 50, 51, & 52 to get a team score.  The Leafs placed 14th overall in the Freshman Division. 

SOPHOMORE RACE:  Henley Bourne led the GHS Sophomores with a strong 2nd place finish.  He was timed in 16:58 which is the new #2 time on the course for a GHS Runner EVER.  He, and his teammates will have two more opportunities to race at home (Conference & SECTIONAL….if we qualify for the Sectional meet).  Next up was Greyson Claerhout who sprinted home in 7th place.  He was timed in 17:54 and now ranks #11 on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 list.  Kael McCord wasn’t far behind as he sprinted home in 13th place and was timed in 18:30.  His time moved him into 14th place on the GHS Sophomore Top 25 List for the course.  All three men earned a highly coveted Top 20 Finisher Medal.  Way to roll. Men.

Fritz Bolme and Rylan Carlson sprinted home next for the Maple Leafs.  They placed 28th and 31st overall and were timed in 19:39 and 19:55 respectively.  They now rank as the 21st and 22nd fastest Sophomores EVER on the Richmond Hill Park Course.  Great Stuff, Men.  The Leafs’ “Super-Sophs” are living up to their reputation.  Joining in on the fun were Cole Henson and Noah Arnold who placed 41st and 47th overall.  They were timed in 21:40 and 23:10 respectively.  Great Races, Men.  When the “Dust had Settled” and the team points were tabulated, the GHS Sophomores had placed 2nd to State Powerhouse Morton.  The Leafs scored 81 points to beat ton of great teams.  Morton won with 46 points.

JUNIOR RACE:  The Junior & Senior Race started at 9:45 a.m. sharp.  Leading the Maple Leaf Junior Team was Micah Johnson who “Stopped the Clock” at 21:03.  He placed 30th overall in the race.  Jacob Berry wasn’t far behind as he sprinted across the finish line in 35th place and was timed in 21:44.  Connor Runty was the final Junior for the Maple Leafs.  He placed 39th overall and was timed in 23:25.  The Leafs had to add two “Ghost Runners” to their team score which ended up placing them in 9th place.  Their team score was 208.  Way to Race, Men.

SENIOR RACE:  State Power Morton was 3 for 3 and hoping to win the final division.  They gave it everything they had but the Maple Leafs pulled off the upset and beat Morton 71-78.  The Leafs were led by Jaxson Sottos who placed 3rd overall in the race and was timed in 16:40.  That moved Jaxson into the #3 Senior EVER on the Richmond Hill Park course.  Next up Graysen Carlson who placed 11th overall in the race and was timed in 17:36.  His time placed him in 6th place on the Richmond Hill Park Top 25 Senior List.  Not far behind was Kaden Elmer who sprinted home in 12th place and was timed in 17:39.  That time moved Kaden into the #7 spot on the Richmond Hill Park Top 25 Senior List.  Joining in on the fun was Aidan Bries who “Stopped the Clock” at 18:01 and placed 16th overall in the race.  In case you’re not counting, that is 4 Maple Leafs in the Top 20 (Earning Individual Medals)  Way to Go, Men.  Aidan’s time was 18:01 and moved him into the #10 spot on the GHS Senior Top 25 list for the course. 

“Rookie” Jameson Coppejans was the Leafs’ 5th man on the day and sprinted home in 29th place. He was timed in 21:17.  Calvin Bell wasn’t far behind and placed 31st overall.  He was timed in 22:25.  Great Racing, Men.  How cool was it to win the Senior Division on SENIOR DAY!  We are VERY PROUD of Each of You.

When all of the boys team scores were added together the Leafs found themselves in 5th place.  Then, when the overall boys and girls points were tabulated, Geneseo placed 5th overall there too.  The field of teams was impressive and you should be very proud of your efforts.

Hats off to Coach Ehlert with all of the meet preparation.  The meet went off with zero issues.  The course was in great shape and Shazam Timing did a tremendous job with the results.  The 1 mile and 2 mile split pads were AWESOME.  Also, a “Shout Out” to all of the individuals who volunteered to help with the meet.  It literally takes an Army to put on an Invitational.  We will need more of the same as the Leafs will host the WB-6 Conference Meet on Thursday, October 16th and the IHSA Sectional Meet on Saturday, November 1st. 

Next up for the Maple Leafs is a trip to Sterling for the annual Sterling Rock River Run Invitational.  The meet offers a great mix of entries and the Hoover Park course is a great venue.  All the best in the coming weeks, Men.  Keep up the great work.  Take care and God Bless.

RICHMOND HILL PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SENIOR GRAYSEN CARLSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Senior Graysen Carlson who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
First to the Finish Cross Country Invitational

SENIOR GRAYSEN CARLSON “RINGS da Bell”

Senior Graysen Carlson was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the 1st to the Finish Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 13th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

The meet was held at Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park.  The IHSA hosts the STATE FINALS there later in season.  21 of the Top 25 ranked 2A schools were in the huge field.  On the day there were 4,512 finishers in all of the races.  In the 2A Boys race there were 554 finishers.  Graysen has been “On Fire” all season long.  Not all seniors embrace the opportunity to be a team leader.  Graysen is “All In” in both practices and races.  He has already decided on his collegiate choice and plans on competing at the “Next Level”.  He has been running as the Leafs’ #3 man for most of the season.  His emergence has really helped provide the Maple Leaf line-up with critical depth.  The Maple Leafs have stated some lofty team goals.  Competing for the conference championship and making a return trip the the State Finals top that list.  Graysen is in a great position to help make those dreams come to fruition.

Graysen and the rest of the 2A field raced in the warmest conditions on the day.  The clouds went away for the 2A races and man did it warm up.  The daytime high was 97˚.  There also hadn’t been any significant rain for weeks and the course was rock hard and fast.  It was also extremely dusty.  You could actually see the dust cloud hanging in the air.  Oh well, everyone raced in the same conditions.  Graysen got out nicely and rolled through the first mile in a quick 5:12. He then “threw down” a 5:54 second mile as the temperature rose.  I witnessed his big left turn to parallel Illinois Route 29 for the final time.  He was flying but caught a spike and took one of the hardest falls in a race that I have EVER seen.  He twisted in the air and actually landed on his right shoulder (hard to do when you take a Left Turn).  He tucked and rolled and popped right back up.  He experienced an adrenaline rush from the fall but paid for the experience dearly in the final 600 meters of the race.  He fought bravely and hit a 6:17 for his final mile.  He was timed in 17:24 and averaged 5:47 per mile.  Hopefully, you will get another chance to race at Detweiller, Graysen.  The only way for that to happen will be for the team to qualify for the State Meet.  Make It Happen.

Here is what Graysen had to say about his athletic history. 

12th Grade:  “Some sports accomplishments that I have done for my senior year so far are medaling in 3 out of the 4 races so far this season, and my goal is to medal in at least 80 percent of my races. Another accomplishment that I have done is growing closer with my fellow teammates, hanging out all the time, and making each other better. That is one of my biggest accomplishments this year.”

11th Grade:  “Some sports accomplishments that I did in my 11th grade year in Cross Country were running at State in general and getting a PR of 16:30. Also, getting 2nd All-Conference and placing 14th out of 142 guys that ran, and also getting second at Conference as a team were big accomplishments for me. Then, breaking the 17-minute barrier only 2 times in a 3-mile race, but that’s okay, I’m just happy that I broke it. Then I played Basketball, and in the first varsity game, I hit a half-court shot in the last couple of seconds of the game. And I got my varsity letter. And during Basketball season, I was still putting in 25-mile weeks (running) so I could stay in shape for Track and Field because I wanted to be the best that I could be. Then it was Track season!!!!! I finally broke 5 minutes in the mile during a race I ran, 4:58.92. And then I was just hungry for more. But by the end of the year, I ran 4:51.26 in the mile in 30 mph winds!! It was really bad. Also, I really loved the 2 miles, which is probably one of my favorite things to do in Track. I ran 10:18.27, which was huge for me. I medaled in a ton of races that season, and then I got hurt, which I was out for 2 weeks, and then we had Sectional, which I ran the 4×800 meter relay, and we needed the top 2 to go to State, and we got 3rd and lost by 6 seconds, and I had a 2:05.35 split, BUT!!! We still got 3rd at Sectionals and medaled”.

10th Grade:  “This was my first year of Cross Country, and some of my accomplishments were just joining in general and winning my first race at the Freeport invite. And my PR at the time was 17:33 that season, which was not good but was really good for me, and for my first season was awesome. I medaled a ton and just tried to stay with the top guys at the time. Also, I broke the 18-minute barrier, which was awesome for me, and we did go to State, but I did not run; it was awesome to just be there and watch our fellow runners and friends run and cheer them on. And we also won Conference this year. Then I played Basketball, I got Most Inspirational and a Varsity Letter, and I think I had a very successful year for Basketball even though we only won 2 to 3 games, but that’s okay, I still had fun and scored lots of points for my team. Then there was Track and Field, which was really fun, and I ran the mile a ton and the 800-meter run. My times were:  5:02.56, in the mile a 11:17.56 in the 2 mile, and 2:14.0 in the 800 meter run.”

9th Grade:  “I played Basketball, where I had my first 20-point game ever, and we won because of me, and we went 12 for 21 games for Fresh/Sofh. I did Track and Field, I did Long Jump and 200m, and 100m run. My best Long Jump was 17ft and 4in, and I did that in Sectionals. My 200m was 26.22, and my 100-meter best was 12.75 my freshman year. I was more into sprints than long distance”.

8th Grade:  “I do not really remember a lot from 8th grade. I know I played Basketball, but I did not play a lot because I was not that good. But I did do Track, and I ran the mile like 3 times, and I ran a 5:40 mile, which was super surprising for me back in the day.”

7th Grade:  Nothing Listed

Prior to 7th grade:  Nothing Listed

Graysen is the proud son of Brandon and Adrianne Carlson.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of brother Aiden who is a GHS graduate who is 21.  (He cuts hair and gives tattoos.)  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Aliyah, who is 14 and a freshman in high school. Braylee, who is 9 and a 4th grader in elementary school.

Here are Graysen’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Grayhound”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I don’t do any, sorry”.;  Favorite Food:  “My favorite food is spaghetti sandwiches because the way my mom makes them, they are so good!! “;  Favorite Movie:  “My favorite movie/TV show is The Walking Dead. I used to watch it as a kid, and then I forgot about it, and then I re-watched it for like 4 weeks straight and watched all the seasons and episodes. Best TV show created”.;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “My favorite music is rap or Christian rap because it just interests me, and it’s a good vibe”.;  Athletic Hero:  My athletic hero is my Grandpa, John Thompson. He is my athletic hero because he is the one who always wanted me to run and would take me to races, and would encourage me to run at my full potential. Also, he would correct my form and check my heart rate and just everything so that I can be the best that I can be. Thank you”.  (Johnny Thompson has been a MAJOR force in the QCA in both Triathlons & Road Racing for DECADES.):  Favorite Quote:  You don’t have to be special. You just have to be what most people aren’t. “Tom Brady”.  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I decided to join the Cross Country team because I loved to run, and I wanted to pursue running, and I just wanted to make friends”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Have fun, it goes by fast. Love every second of it and be engaged in everything during the season. And if you put in the work during the off-season, you will get a lot better”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Aidan Bries, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Kaden Elmer, Micah Johnson, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Graysen Carlson has been a huge part of our team the last three years.  He was a great addition his sophomore year for our program.  He has big goals this year and has really improved from last year.  His leadership this summer was perfect and all the seniors have been working great together to focus this team on a positive year.  He is a tough kid, as shown by his crash at Detweiller and finishing the race.  With his hard work and incredible attitude, we see awesome things happening for Graysen“.

FIRST TO FINISH CROSS COUNTRY INVITE

Pictured is the entrance sign to historic Detweiller Park.

LEAFS 27th IN 64 TEAM 2A RACE

On Saturday, September 13th, the Leafs traveled to Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park to participate in the HUGE First to the Finish Invitational.  The field included 64 scoring teams (at least 5 runners on a team) and saw 554 finishers in the 2A Boys Race.  The numbers on the day for the meet are simply “Jaw Dropping”.  Over 300 teams competed in the 3 Divisions (1A, 2A, & 3A.)  There were 4,512 race finishers (many more started but not all finished the race).  The main reason for that was the unseasonably warm weather.  The daytime high reached 97˚ with a dew point close to 70˚.  The 2A boys race saw a the thermometer reach 86˚.  The wind was light but the conditions were extremely hot.  Adding to the challenge was the fact that Illinois has seen hardly any rain for weeks.  Thus, the “Dust Bowl” was in effect as the runners created literal clouds of dust.  Why does the team put up with all of the challenges that this meet presents?  The chance to run on the course in September.  We feel strongly, that this opportunity is omnipotent.  The main goal of each season is to “Toe the Line” when early November rolls around for the IHSA STATE FINALS.  The Leafs have qualified 5 straight years and hope to make it 6.  They will host an IHSA Sectional which should be a HUGE plus.

The pre-meet article by  Illinois Running News mentioned that 21 of the top 25 ranked 2A boys were in the field.  The team competition was pretty loaded also.  There were a large number of ranked teams in all of the divisions.  Well over 10,000 spectators also were in attendance.  What a great day to be a Cross Country runner.  Once again, the weather conditions were far from ideal but the everything else was awesome.  Team trophies were awarded to the Top 5 Teams while Individual Finisher Medals were awarded to the Top 50.  Not an easy assignment considering the impressive depth in each race.  The 1A Division allowed unlimited entries.  Thus, their entire team was allowed to race.  In the 2A and 3A Divisions, only the Top 10 runners for each team was allowed to race in the Varsity Race.  All additional athletes had to run in the Open (Junior Varsity) races.  The girls race started at 10:40 a.m. while the boys race took off at 11:20 a.m.  The girls Open race had 648 finishers while the boys race saw 1104 runners “Break the Tape”.  Coach Ehlert decided a few years ago to only race the Leafs’ Top10.  The rest of the team had the weekend off from racing but were invited to attend anyway.  Several guys did just that.  Way to go, Men!

On to the race.  The 2A boys race started at 10:00 a.m. sharp.  Sophomore Henley Bourne, once again, led the Leafs.  He has been the team’s number one man in every race to date.  Henley placed 76th (554 total finishers) and was timed in 16:13.  The Detweiller Park Top 25 Lists go back to the early 70’s and are the closest thing we have to a school record listing.  The lists are Hard to “Crack”.  Henley’s time moved him into the 14th Fastest Sophomore EVER on the course.  Hopefully, he will have another opportunity to better his time on Saturday, November 8th in the IHSA State Finals.  Keep it rolling, Henley.

Next up for the Leafs was Senior Leader Jaxson Sottos who finished a mere 6 seconds behind Henley.  Jaxson has been the Leafs’ number two man all season long and has run side by side with Henley in every race to date.  He was timed in 16:19 on the warm day and placed 79th overall.  That gave the Leafs two men in the top 100 and was a great start to the team scoring in the huge field.  Expect this Senior to be on the move in the coming weeks as the Leafs inch closer to “Championship Meet Season”.  Jaxson is a “Gamer”.  Ready, Set, GO!!!

With about 1200 meters to go I witnessed Senior Leader Graysen Carlson take one of the hardest falls that I have EVER seen in a race.  He was turning left to parallel Route 29 for the final time when his spike caught a root and tripped him.  He spun in air and fell heavily on his right shoulder.  Amazingly, he rolled and bounced back up instantly.  Pretty amazing stuff.  The intense adrenaline surge helped him rebound but cost him in the final 400 meters.  He was timed in 17:23 and placed 194th overall.  Gutsy Race, Graysen.  Way to lead via example.

Fellow “Greyhound” Greyson Claerhout was the next man up for the Leafs and sprinted home as the Leafs’ 4th man.  His time was 17:28 and he placed 205th overall in the race.  This Sophomore has provided the team valuable depth and continues to improve by leaps and bounds.  The team has some lofty season goals and Greyson is in a position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  Keep up the good work.

Fellow Sophomore Kael McCord sprinted home as the Maple Leafs’ 5th man and “Stopped da Clock” at 17:41.  He placed 232 in the race.  Kael also has provided the Leafs with a plethora of critical team depth.  We know that Kaden and Aidan will rebound from injuries and illness.  When they do, LOOK OUT!  By the way, Kael took off almost 3 minutes from his previous best of 20:32 on the Detweiller 3 mile course.  That is AMAZING!  Keep up the great job, Kael.

Senior Kaden Elmer was the Leafs’ 6th man on the day and was bouncing back from a nasty case of poison ivy and a sore hip.  He looked a lot more like himself and “Broke the Tape” in 17:44 to place 242nd overall in the race.  Kaden has been a key member of the Leafs’ Top 7 for his entire career.  The experience that he has “Under his Belt” is priceless.  Look for him to be one of the key factors in the Leafs making a DEEP Post Season Run.  The dude is 100% team.  Keep leading, Kaden, and get ready for cooler weather to roll in.  You are gonna FLY!

The Leafs’ reining “Bell Ringer” was the next man to cross the finish line.  Sophomore Fritz Bolme ended up being the number 7 man on the VARSITY TEAM.  Way to Roll, Fritz.  He was timed in 19:09 and placed 398th in the race.  Not too bad for his first time EVER on the 3 mile course.  Fritz is one of the hardest workers on the team and it is extremely rewarding all of his hard work paying dividends.  Keep up the good work, Fritzy.

Sophomore Rylan Carlson was the next man up for the Maple Leafs and sprinted across the finish line in 401st place.  He was timed in 19:11.  Rylan’s improvement from last year is simply “Jaw-Dropping”.  What has he done to accomplish his meteoric rise?  The answer is simple.  He has simply dedicated himself to “Stacking” week after week of consistent training and not listening to “The Little Man”.  Great Job, Rylan.  You are an inspiration to us all.  It is going to be a Lot of Fun to see just how fast you can run by the end of the season.  GHS’s Super-Sophs are FOR REAL.

Senior Leader Aidan Bries was the next man to cross the finish line.  He was timed in 19:26 and placed 410th overall in the race.  He has been battling illness and was under strict instructions from Head GHS Boys XC Coach Todd Ehlert to run “Tempo” the race at 6:30 pace.  He “owed” 1 pushup for every second he was off 19:30 at the end.  When the race was over Aidan “owed” 4 pushups and had a ginormous smile on his face.  Mission accomplished.  If the Leafs are going to accomplish all of their stated team championship meet season goals, Aidan will be one of the major factors.  The dude has a plethora of big meet experience and has the “It Factor”.  Get ready to “Lac’em Up” and ROLL.  LEADERSHIP!!!

Running in the number 10 spot for the Leafs was Junior Micah Johnson.  “da Little Yohansson” sprinted home in a time of 19:43 and placed 446 in the talented field.  Micah has really been coming on and it was great to see him run a solid race in such a competitive field.  Keep up the good work, Micah.  Cooler weather and great racing opportunities are just around the corner.  You are in a unique position to really have a HUGE impact on the outcome of the season.  Keep leading via example.  Thanks for being such a great guy.  Passion & Purpose are omnipotent.

When the “Dust had Settled”, the Leafs found themselves in 27th place as a team.  64 teams had at least 5 runners finish the race.  Several teams didn’t .  There were runners dropping out of the race left and right.  Not GHS.  All 10 men completed the race, including “Crash Carlson”.  Great Stuff, Men.  Trust the process and keep your eyes on the “Big Picture”.  That is called “Championship Meet Season”.

The Leafs will next be in action when they host their own Invitational next Saturday (September 20th) at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park.  All the best then and beyond, Men.  We are extremely proud of each and every one of you.

DETWEILLER PARK TOP 25’a

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE FRITZ BOLME SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Fritz Bolme who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
48th Annual Galesburg Silver Streak Cross Country Invitational

SOPHOMORE FRITZ BOLME “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Fritz Bolme was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the 48th Annual Galesburg Silver Streak Cross Country Invitational held on Saturday, September 6th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

The Leafs entered the meet with two of their top 5 runners ill or injured.  Senior Aidan Bries was held out due to illness and Senior Kaden Elmer was also held out of the race with a sore hip and swollen knee as a result of a nasty reaction to poison ivy.  Those men would have run the Varsity Race if they had been able.  Head Maple Leaf Coach Todd Ehlert has followed the long held Geneseo tradition of running all of the Maple Leaf freshmen and sophomores in the F/S race.  We believe that is the right move to make and allows the youngster the chance to learn how to race.  There was still a LOT of talent in the field with several state ranked programs in the race.  The Leafs were hoping to contend for a F/S Top 3 team trophy but needed some guys to “Step Up” for that to occur.  Mission accomplished.  The team placed a strong 3rd behind state ranked Morton (34 points) & state ranked Peoria Notre Dame (69 points.)  The Leafs totaled 80 points to grab the final team trophy.

The Leafs Super-Sophs simply got the job done.  Sophomores Henley Bourne (3rd), Greyson Claerhout (7th), and Kael McCord (10th) each earned a highly coveted “Top 20” F/S Finisher Medal.  Fritz ran a tremendous race himself and placed 24th overall, barely missing individual hardware.  He was a mere 5 seconds away from “Hardware”.  Great Stuff.  He was timed in 18:45 for the challenging Lake Storey Park Course.  His splits demonstrated impressive pace judgement.  His first mile was run in 6:10.  His 2nd mile was run in 6:13.  The heat of the day was rising and most of the runners 3rd mile was their slowest.  Fritz hit that mile in 6:26.  His mile pace average was an impressive 6:16.  Last year, Fritz’s best time on the course was 20:09.  That means that he dropped his time by 1:24.  Great racing, Fritz.  His improvement from last year is impressive.  Keep making wise decisions, Fritz.  They are paying HUGE dividends.  It is going to be a lot of fun watching Fritz chase his potential during the rest of this season and beyond.  By the way, Fritz had the 6th fastest time on the day for the Maple Leafs OVERALL.  Way to Roll, Fritzy.

Here is what Fritz had to say about his athletic history. 

9th Grade:  “had a lot of great races my freshman year for Cross Country, but my most memorable at the “Freshman State” meet where Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhought, Kael McCord, and myself went 1-4 in that order.

I also did Track and Field, running the mile and 800. My final mile time of the season was 5:37, and my 800 was 2:24. I also ran the 2 mile once, and placed 4th for it at that meet, running at 12:34.“

8th Grade:  “In 8th grade I ran at the state meet and was 5th on the team right behind one of my best friends, Aidan Daly. I ran a 13:13 for that meet which was the first time I improved from my 7th grade time of 13:27 for the 2 mile in Cross Country.
In 8th grade I also ran Track and Field. I ran the mile at a 6:02. I also pole vaulted and was third on the team for that, and finished with a jump of 8’3”.  However, I did not make sectionals.”

7th Grade:  “Throughout my entire 7th grade XC season, I was running personal records. From 16:44 at a Prophetstown golf course, to a 13:23 at Empire Park in Moline for Conference. I ended 11th on the team that year, one place away from making it to State. During this season I was also playing Football immediately after XC practice, but I wasn’t that good at it.
In 7th grade I did Track, but I ran only the 400 and that was a 1:11. I also did Long and Triple Jump and was 3rd on the team for Triple Jump, and 3rd for Long Jump. I also did Pole Vault and I vaulted 7’3” for my final height, only 6 inches away from state qualifying. I was second on the team for that.”

“My 7th grade Track year was amazing and I enjoyed it very much. I started off with becoming a mile, 800, 400 and hurdler. I wasn’t very good in all four but I enjoyed them. The mile was very interesting because I never broke 6 and was kind of slow even though I thought I was fast. My other events were boring, especially the hurdles because I ran a base 100m in 15 seconds. Very, very slow. I knew that I was slow and so I didn’t do it in 8th grade because of that. And even in 8th grade I ran a base 100m time of 15 seconds with no improvement. Overall, nothing really was the best in 7th grade because I didn’t know what I was doing half of the time.”

Prior to 7th grade:  “My mom was super big into 5ks and 4 mile races. We probably did at least five or six when we first moved to Geneseo when I was in 2nd grade. Since then it has slowed down because I can’t run half of the ones we’d normally do because of IHSA rules. But up until high school, I was usually placing in my age groups.”

Fritz is the proud son of Derek Bolme and Mary Pat Tubb.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of sister Greta who is a GHS Senior.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Shae (brother) 4th grade, Lenna (sister) 6th grade.

Here are Fritz’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Fritzy”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I currently run Cross Country which I have been since 7th grade. Currently, I am ranked 8th on
the team. I am also in the Geneseo Marching Band, also known as TSOG (the sound of Geneseo). I play the Mellophone which is the marching version of the French horn with eight other high schoolers. Next semester, I will be in the Geneseo Honors Band and I am 3rd chair French horn for that. Last year during the winter, I swam at United Township High School (UTHS) with
my friend, Kanon Boster. Last year I did not race, however, this year I will race at the Conference, and hopefully Regionals and Sectionals. I will be swimming for Geneseo at that point, but because Geneseo does not have a team, I will be practicing at the UTHS pool with their team. I currently attend the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) every Thursday morning, and I plan
to attend the weeklong camp at Dubuque this summer. I also work at the car wash by Danny boys on the weekends.”.;  Favorite Food:  “Because I’m a growing boy, I normally eat whatever is in front of me, but my favorite food hasto be gyros and döner (German gyros.)”;  Favorite Movie:  “I don’t have a favorite movie, but my all time favorite show has to be The Office.”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Currently I’ve been enjoying up beat Christian music but I do normally enjoy all music EXCEPT for country.”;  Athletic Hero:  “Louis Zamperini.”  For those of you have never heard of him this is what a google search shared:  (Louis Silvie Zamperini was an American World War II veteran, an Olympic distance runner, and a Christian evangelist. He took up running in high school and qualified for the United States in the 5,000 m race for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, finishing 8th while setting a new lap record in the process….Louis Zamperini was held captive as a Prisoner of War (POW) by the Japanese for over two years. After his bomber crashed and he survived 47 days adrift on a raft, he was captured and endured torture and hardship in Japanese POW camps until the end of World War II in 1945.)  Favorite Quote:  ““A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory” -Louis Zamperini.”:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “My older sister Greta was running it and she seemed like she was having a good time, and the sport didn’t require good hand eye coordination, so I thought why not? And I’ve done it ever since..”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “It going to be tough, but it’s so worth it, whether it be the time at the meets spent screwing around, digging through bucket world, or getting food afterwards, so stick with it!”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Jameson Coppejans, Greyson Claerhout, Kaden Elmer, Cole Henson, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos, & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Fritz Bolme, another incredible sophomore for our team, is this week’s winner.  Fritz has also come a long way.  We think he has grown about 12 inches from last season to this season.  Fritz has also put in some great training and has goals of getting into the top seven.  He has had huge gains this year and if he sticks with it, his awesome attitude and his phenomenal parents (who provide water for the long runs) Fritz has the potential to become one of our top runners in the future.  Congratulations, Fritz!”.

“PUT YOUR HAND ON SEVEN”

Over the weekend Illinois Cross Country and Track & Field journalist Michael Newman passed away.  He was an remarkable man who did a tremendous service for our sports.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.  Also, please read his “Put Your Hand on Seven” story that he wrote in 2016.  It is about the journey he took with his teammates that ended up with their team winning the State Championship in the fall of 1978.  That was his Junior Year.  I hope that it will inspire each of you to reach higher levels of performance and appreciation of the sport.  There are 18 Chapters.  Please read them in order.  He is the runner on the far right of the picture.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18

BRAIN FOOD

PASSION & PURPOSE ARE OMNIPOTENT

SOTTOS & CARLSON LEAD VARSITY

Pictured are GHS Seniors Jaxson Sottos and Graysen Carlson who both earned Individual Hardware

LEAFS 9TH IN VARSITY RACE

On Saturday, September 6th, the Leafs traveled to Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park to participate in the 48th Annual Galesburg Silver Streak Cross Country Invitational.  The 20-team field included squads from:  Abingdon-Avon, Annawan-Wethersfield, Cambridge (Ridgewood), Dunlap, East Peoria, Ft. Madison, Galesburg, Geneseo, Knoxville, Metamora, Macomb, Monmouth-Roseville, Monmouth (United), Morton, Normal West, Peoria (Notre Dame), Peoria (Richwoods), ROWVA/W.Field, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge), & West Central.  Several of the schools have low enrollments and were not able to field “Scoring” teams (at least 5 runners).  There were also some “Big Dogs” that are currently ranked in the Illinois Top 25 ranked teams.  Included in that grouping were Top-Ranked Morton and #5 Peoria Notre Dame.  The teams were treated to amazing weather conditions.  The race time temperature for the Varsity race was in the low 50’s with virtually no wind.  Crazy early September weather for the Midwest.

We always choose to run all of our team’s freshmen and sophomores in the F/S race.  Only the GHS Juniors & Seniors ran the “Varsity” race.  Added to low team numbers this season was the fact that two of the Leafs’ top 5 runners were held out of the meet.  Seniors Aidan Bries (illness) and Kaden Elmer (injury) didn’t race.  Thus, only 7 Varsity Maple Leafs “Toed da Line”.  The Varsity Boys race started at 9:40 sharp.  Leading the way were Seniors Jaxson Sottos and Graysen Carlson who were instructed to “Pack it Up” through two miles and then race.  Mission accomplished.  They had a lot of fun battling runners late in the race and each man scored a highly prized “Top 30 Individual Finisher” Medal.  Jaxson placed 14th and was timed in 16:44.  He has a previous best time for the course of 16:09 but today’s time ranks him as the 4th fastest GHS Senior EVER for the course.  Grayson placed 29th and was timed in 17:10  He also has run faster (17:03).  His time of 17:10 moved him into the #9 GHS Senior spot EVER on the course.  Way to lead by example, Men.

Next up was Junior Micah Johnson who placed 110th and was timed in 20:12.  He was the Maple Leafs’ 3rd man in the Varsity Race.  Great job, Micah.  Not far behind was Senior Jameson Coppejans (128th place and timed in 21:02).  This “Rookie” ran the race of his life and was the Leafs’ fourth man on the day for the Varsity squad.  Finishing only 3 seconds behind Jameson was GHS Junior Jacob Berry who placed 129th and was timed in 21:05.  He was the Leafs’ 5th man in the Varsity Race.  Senior Calvin Bell and Junior Connor Runty sprinted across the finish line in 142nd and 144th places.  They were timed in 21:53 & 21:55.  Way to Race, Men.  When the team scores were added up, the Leafs found themselves with a 9th place team finish.  Outstanding Efforts Men.

.

F/S BOYS WIN 3RD PLACE TEAM TROPHY

Pictured are GHS F/S Team Members.L-R:  Fritz Bolme, Phoenix Sottos, Cole Henson, Greyson Claerhout,
Henley Bourne, Noah Arnold, Kael McCord, & Rylan Carlson

MAPLE LEAF F/S PLACE 3 IN THE TOP 10

The F/S Boys race took off at 11:00 a.m. sharp.  It was a lot of fun to watch the boys “Mix it Up” with a strong field.  GHS Super Soph’s Henley Bourne and Greyson Claerhout  ran with the lead pack through the mile (Henley much farther).  At the finish line Henley sprinted home in 16:41 and placed a solid 3rd.  I am pretty sure that the two guys that beat him will eventually earn All-State Honors in their high school careers.  Henley?  Don’t bet against him.  His time was the 7th Fastest time for a GHS runner of any grade level.  It was also the 2nd fastest Sophomore time EVER in GHS History for the Lake Storey Course.  Not far behind him were fellow Sophomores Greyson Claerhout (7th Place timed in 17:37) and Kael McCord (10 Place timed in 17:49).  Greyson is now the 9th Fastest GHS Sophomore EVER for the course while Kael moved into the #10 slot.  Putting 3 men in the Top 10 is “Jaw-Dropping”.  Way to Roll.  Great Job, Men.

Not far behind were a couple more of the GHS “Super Sophs”.  Fritz Bolme just missed an individual medal (Top 20 in this race) via his 24th place finish while Rylan Carlson sprinted home in 50th place in a time of 20:07 (yea, he suffered another nose bleed….not as much blood as last meet…..the kid is a beast).  Fritz’s time moved him into the #25 spot on the GHS Top 25 Sophomore list for the course.  Great Job, Men. 

Rounding out the racing efforts were:  Sophomore Cole Henson (64th place timed in 20:58, Sophomore Noah Arnold (89th place timed in 22:18), and Freshman Phoenix Sottos (112th place timed in 26:26).  Each man is improving rapidly.  Keep up the good work, Men.

When then team scores had been tabulated, the Leafs found themselves earning a 3rd place team trophy.  WOW!!!  That is a tremendous accomplishment, Men.  Congratulations. 

The Leafs will next be in action on Saturday, September 13th when they participate in the HUGE “First to the Finish” Invitational.  The meet is held at Peoria’s “Historic” Detweiller Park where the Sate Finals are held at the end of the season in early November.  The Leafs hope to be there at the State Meet.  How can each man help make that “Dream” become a reality?  By doing their part.  Keep working hard and caring about your teammates.  Every man matters.  We have NO WEAK LINKS.  The team will only race their Top 10 men.  Everyone on the team is encouraged to attend.  The opportunity is there to support the team and also “Soak Up Some Detweiller Magic”.  GO LEAFS!

LAKE STOREY TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE GREYSON CLAERHOUT SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Greyson Claerhout who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the
Annawan-Wethersfied Titan Cross Country Invitational

SOPHOMORE GREYSON CLAERHOUT “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Greyson Claerhout was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Cross Country Invitational held on Tuesday, September 2nd.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

The Leafs entered the meet with two of their top 5 runners ill or injured.  Senior Aidan Bries was held out due to illness and Senior Kaden Elmer ran the race with a sore hip and knee and was given strict instructions from Head Maple Leaf Coach Todd Ehlert to hang back for the first two miles.  Then, if his hip had loosened it up, he could attack.  The Leafs needed someone else to step up if the team was going to keep its winning streak alive.  The Leafs have never not won this race (started attending in 2018.)  Greyson “Answered the Call” and ran the race of his life.  Greyson ended up as the Leafs’ 4th Runner!  He was timed in 17:46 and placed 20th overall to nail an individual award too.  His splits were 5:36, 6:05, and 6:04 for the 3-mile race.  He averaged 5:55 and was a MAJOR FACTOR in the Leafs winning the title.  They bested Sherrard by 12 points.  Way to Roll, “Greyhound”. 

Greyson enjoyed strong freshman Cross Country and Track & Gield seasons last year.  He then put in a strong summer of base training and has really been on a roll this fall.  The Leafs have a strong “Top 5” but desperately need more depth.  “Super Sophs” Greyson & Kael McCord are working hard to solve that problem.  In addition to having a great work ethic, Greyson is also a wonderful young man.  He always greets people with a big smile and a friendly hello.  The Leafs are Very Lucky to have him on their team.  Greyson, along with the rest of the GHS “Super Sophs” are going to make some Big Noise at the State Level before graduation.  It looks like it is already starting to happen.  Keep up the hard work, Greyson.  It will pay off.  God Bless.  It is going to be a lot of fun watching you develop your talents over the rest of this season and beyond.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those Dreams up with the dedication that excellence Demands. 

Here is what Greyson had to say about his athletic history. 

9th Grade:  “My freshman year of high school was really nice. I personally thought that this was going to be the best year. Apparently a lot of the seniors didn’t try and I thought they were. That was the problem in how I thought I was just really good. Still I was for my age but I never looked at any other results for freshman. Not until the end of the season did I figure out that only Dylan was trying. I still thought that this season was great because everyone was still laughing and making jokes that would stick in my mind forever. My PRs for this year was 13:08 in the 3000m race from the Rust Buster. That was an ok race and a PR overall in the 2 mile. The first ever race that we had in our season I ran a 22:03. I believe that it was the goldfish that made me have a side ache. I was hoping to go under 20 but that was achieved in the next meet at Lake Storey. This was a long and boring course. I ran 19:58 barely making it to the 19s and making it into top 14. My next race that I actually ran in was the Geneseo home meet that I really really didn’t like because my knee was hurting the whole race even with a brace on. I ran a 20:22 and still placed because they gave top 20 for each grade. The next best race was in Sterling and I was almost able to catch Micha Johnson but he beat me by 0.2 seconds. The next race this year was the Pretzel Race where I ran a 19:08 getting me 7th in the race but I was not able to catch Keal. This was a very interesting race because before we started warming up, my friends were playing frisbee and trying to scare the geese away. It was very exciting when a goose almost bit me because I got too close. Metamora was my favorite race because I got an amazing PR even though it was a short course. Keal McCord and I had so much fun racing together  His first mile was a 5:35 and mine was a 5:45. How he went out so much faster and me still being able to catch him in the end. Over an amazing experience and I hope to come back to this course again. The Western Big Six Conference was my second to last race of the season and I personally didn’t think it was the best and most fun out of the last few races. Keal was sick so I needed to kind of step up in a way so that we would possibly have a better chance of winning. But we did not win the race because of a 3A school named Quincy. We got second and for us being a 2A school we did really well in almost beating them. Dylan did amazing placing first overall running a 15:35. I hope one day I’ll be able to run like him. This season was the best that there will ever be and maybe my 10th grade year will be amazing.”

“Track season was a special season and wasn’t very fun to start out but I did like it very much. I first started off wanting to do the two mile and the mile but as the season went on I became a top 3 mile for the team and a decent 800m runner as well. We had so many people with the same time of 2:11, it was crazy. I didn’t make the 4×8 because the juniors, now seniors, took my place. I’m fine with that though because they are all great friends and almost made it to State if someone didn’t go out in a 56s first lap. Cough cough, Jaxson Sottos. But it was fine because the guys he was racing against ran a 1:57 and he ran a 2:04. My goal for the season was to break 5 in the mile but I was not sure I was going to. At the first Geneseo meet I paced with Graysen Carlson and he made Henley and I able to break 5 going 4:57, 4:58, and 4:59. The time I ran a lifetime PR of 4:50 was when I woke up at 6 to race at 1:30 in the afternoon. The day was perfect with a perfect breeze and I was in the B heat (second fastest) The guy who won the meet was in my heat as a sophomore and ran a blazing time of 4:26. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to do that this year but maybe my junior year depending on how my sophomore year goes. More towards the end of the season I started getting slower in the mile and eventually I was all of a sudden put in the 2 mile for 3 meets in a row. I had no reason to be in there for Conference, Sectionals and another meet in between. I ended with a PR of 10:41 getting 6th at Sectionals. Overall I might do it next year but maybe not.”

8th Grade:  “This year was a great year for being in 8th grade. It was my first year that I ever went to State and it was amazing watching the team run though the cold wind. I remember when we were setting up camp and all of us were in sweatshirts  and blankets. After running in 7th grade XC, it was an experience that made me feel superior and actually have my mind on what I’m doing with races. Now since we had the not so caring coaches that said go run 2 miles and we will be done for the day it was kinda boring. I think whoever won the most races was the one who had his puberty first. I was a late bloomer so I didn’t do the absolute best with whatever training we had done. Overall this was the one year that I’ve had that really disappointed me the most. Excluding the part of me going to State.”

“My 8th grade year of Track was very exiting because I was with lots of friends and was two of three in the mile. I ran a time for the mile of 5:45 and was beaten by Adian daily and Henley Bourne who as an 8th grader ran a time of 5:16. This is where Henley and I met our rival, Carter Castel. He and Henley went back and forth getting first and second for about 3 meets and even in high school for XC. My other rival is Bobby. Bobby is about the same speed as me and we will go back and forth from time to time. Overall I didn’t make it to Sectionals but it was an amazing time at Conference where there was a 7th grader running 4:50s.”

7th Grade:  “This was my first year ever doing a sport in middle school because in 6th grade they never had any good sports to participate in. This being my first year was a very unique experience. The 8th graders (now juniors) never did much to help us and so I never did the best. In my first ever race I ran a 17:58 in a 2 mile. Yes, I was very slow because I didn’t know my potential in races. By the end of the year at Galesburg, I ran a 15:33. That was from the help of Jacob Berry pacing me. I remember when Jacob and I were talking and I kept asking him how fast we would start. He just kept saying I’m not telling you. I’m not sure if that helped or not because I didn’t know what I was getting into so if I could just stay with him I would be fine. This was also the first time that I learned how to breathe correctly. In though your nose, out through your mouth. Overall, almost every time that I’ve run in a race and wanted to become better, I’ve stuck with someone the whole time.”

“My 7th grade Track year was amazing and I enjoyed it very much. I started off with becoming a mile, 800, 400 and hurdler. I wasn’t very good in all four but I enjoyed them. The mile was very interesting because I never broke 6 and was kind of slow even though I thought I was fast. My other events were boring, especially the hurdles because I ran a base 100m in 15 seconds. Very, very slow. I knew that I was slow and so I didn’t do it in 8th grade because of that. And even in 8th grade I ran a base 100m time of 15 seconds with no improvement. Overall, nothing really was the best in 7th grade because I didn’t know what I was doing half of the time.”

Prior to 7th grade:  “I first started out playing Soccer because my sister was a soccer person. I didn’t really know what I was actually doing and so my parents would say that I would not care who had the ball. I was too friendly at the time. If someone had the ball then I would just let them have the ball. I do remember one time where I was Goalie and instead of paying attention I talked to the person who was the other Goalie. At that time we would have two goalies because we were little. After 3rd grade, my parents decided to have me try different sports and so I tried Baseball. My parents never thought I would like Baseball but when they saw me practice they said that I ran to first base faster than I had ever run during  Soccer. I played Baseball until my 5th grade year because that was when Covid hit and the practices were all one big group with all the teams. My favorite year was my 3rd grade year when I had many of my friends now on that team, including Fritz Bolme. We had won every game that we played that year because the coach was the best. I’m still friends with that coach to this day. He was the best because he held an after practice session where you can try catcher and pitcher. I personally liked catcher and it was very fun to me. After that year passed it just went downhill from bad playing, including me, and bad coaches..”

Greyson is the proud son of Mark & Jacklyn Claerhout.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of Morgan Claerhout who is a Sophomore in College.

Here are Greyson’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Greyhound”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Geneseo XC, Geneseo Track & Field”.;  Favorite Food:  “I don’t have just one favorite food because I like a lot of foods. My top 3 would be salmon patties, Sloppy Joes, and chicken al-FRED-o.”;  Favorite Movie:  “My favorite movie by far is How to Train your Dragon series because they are all great movies.”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “I like to listen to country music most of the time but I’ll listen to about anything.”;  Athletic Hero:  “My athletic hero is Coach Ehlert.”  Favorite Quote:  “My favorite quote is “A little, is a lot” From my Dad.”:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I decided to join because Ella Taylor said that I was really good at running in 6th grade and I would beat her in middle school PE every time that we would run the walk jog path.”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Just because it’s the start of the season and we are not running the best doesn’t mean that we are great. I see much potential in the people around me. Many people currently aren’t running the best because they don’t have the right mindset. Many people on the team are running slower than they are used to and keep looking on the bad side. I see much more of them and I see the big picture. Lots of us are sick, coughing, having poison ivy, cough, cough Kaden Elmer. Because we are sick and not feeling well means that you will do your best and still not Place or get a PR. So look forward and see what you can have once you’re in shape and feeling great.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Jameson Coppejans, Kaden Elmer, Cole Henson, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos, & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Greyson has become a great runner for the program.  He put in a lot of work over the winter for Track and it carried over to Cross Country this year.  Stepping up in the A-W meet was HUGE.  Cracking our Top 5 for the meet was a huge help in the team win there.  He has a great attitude and he just needs to keep grinding.  We are hoping for great things this year from Greyson”.

LEAFS WIN ANNAWAN-WETHERSFIELD TITAN INVITE

Pictured is the Championship Team from Geneseo.

2025 MAPLE LEAFS KEEP “STREAK” ALIVE

On Tuesday, September 2nd, the Leafs traveled to Kewanee’s Midland Golf Course (also called The Dunes) to participate in the annual “Titan XC Invite”.  The meet is hosted by Annawan-Wethersfield head coach Creston Fenn.  The Leafs have been in attendance ever since Head Coach Todd Ehlert took over the program.  The team has never lost this meet and hoped to extend that streak.  The meet is held on a golf course (Kewanee’s Midland Golf Course) so the footing is amazing.  The 16-team field contains mostly Class 1A schools with Geneseo and Galesburg being the only 2A in the field.  Only 9 of the 16 teams had enough runners to field scoring teams (at least 5 runners).  However, there was a lot of quality in the field.  

The runners were treated to a wonderful early September day.  The daytime high was 78˚ and the winds were blowing from the northwest at 5 miles per hour.  The dew point was an amazing 54˚.  Amazing weather for September.  In Cross Country, you never know for certain how long the course is.  The posted distance is 3.00 miles but it may have been a bit longer.  There were a few rolling hills too.  The field included teams from;  Aledo (Mercer County), Annawan-Wethersfield, Cambridge, Galesburg, Galva, Geneseo, Monmouth-Roseville, Oneida (ROWVA), Orion, Princeville, Rock Island (Alleman), Sherrard, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge), & Toulon (Stark County.)  Coach Fenn offered a 1.50 miles race for runners not quite ready for the full 3 mile distance.  That race started at 4:00 p.m. sharp.  The Varsity Girls race began at 4:20.  Then it was time for the Maple Leafs to “Close the Show”.

The Varsity Boys sprinted off the starting line when they heard the Starter’s Gun go BANG!  Team hardware to the Top 3 Teams was on the line in addition to Individual Medals to the Top 25 Runners (up from top 20 previously).  The Leafs entered the meet with Senior Kaden Elmer nursing a sore hip (Coach instructed him to run conservatively) and fellow senior Aidan Bries sitting this one out with a head cold.  Other Leafs would need to “Step Up” if the team was gong to keep the winning streak alive.

Sophomore Henley Bourne, and Seniors Jaxson Sottos, and Graysen Carlson led the Leafs as each man finished in the Top 10.  Henley was timed in a NEW GHS Sophomore Class Record for course.  He placed 2nd in the race and was timed in 16:31.  That is also the 3rd fasted time for a GHS runner of any grade lever EVER.  He had a BIG KICK.  Jaxson sprinted across the finish line in 6th place and was timed in 16:45.  He ran faster last year (15:57) but his time of 16:45 moved him into 3rd place for GHS seniors on the course.  Graysen wasn’t far behind as he placed 9th overall.  He was timed in 16:53 (5th All-Time and 4th on the Senior Top 25 List.  It was awesome to watch all three men “Pack it Up” for most of the race.  Way to roll, Men.

If Aidan and Kaden had both been feeling good, I predict the Leafs would have placed 5 men in the Top 10.  Oh well, welcome to athletics and dealing with the obstacles that occur during the season.  All I know is that when the Leafs “Big 5” are all in the line-up and feeling good…..WATCH OUT!

Next up was one of the biggest surprises in the meet.  Sophomore Greyson Claerhout took a HUGE step forward and raced to 20th place overall.  Without his race, the Leafs would probably not have won the meet.  He “Stopped the Clock” at 17:46.  He now ranks as #13 on the GHS All-Time List and #6 on the Sophomore List.  Racing on a sore hip was Senior Kaden Elmer.  Coach Ehlert instructed him to hold back early and then move up IF his hip loosened up.  He was sprinting all out at the end of the race and placed 21st overall in the race.  He was timed in 17:52.  He has run faster on the course (when healthy) but his time still moved him into the #9 Senior spot on the GHS Top 25 List.  The Leafs Top 5 Runners All Earned Individual Hardware.  Each man was presented a Highly Prized “Top 25 Finisher Medal.”  Well Done, Men!

Next up for the Maple Leafs were Sophomores:  Kael McCord, Fritz Bolme, & Rylan Carlson.  Each man “Cracked the Top 60”.  Kael placed 30th and was timed in a quick 18:25.  He now ranks 18th on the GHS All-Time List for the course and 9th on the Sophomore List.  Fritz sprinted home in 44th place and was timed in 19:34.  He Looked AWESOME the whole way.  He is now the 16th fastest Sophomore on the course for a GHS Runner EVER.  Next up was the Leafs’ “Rocky Balboa” (Rylan Carlson).  Several fans were overheard yelling “Adrian” as he sprinted home COVERED IN BLOOD.  He suffered a pretty nasty bloody nose but finished the race anyway.  Tough stuff, Rylan.  He placed 59th and was timed in 20:37.  He is now the 18th Fastest GHS Sophomore EVER for the course.  Gutsy Efforts, Men!!!

Not far behind was Junior Micah Johnson who placed 67th and was timed in 20:58.  Micah’s time moved him into the #15 GHS Junior time for the course.  Next up was “Rookie” Cole Henson.  The Sophomore was timed in 21:26 an placed 74th overall in the race.  Cole is now the 24th Fastest GHS Sophomore EVER on the course.  Finishing closely behind Cole were Seniors Calvin Bell (76th Place) and Jameson Coppejans (77th Place).  Calvin was timed in 21:28 and now the 21st Fastest GHS Senior EVER on the course.  Jameson competed for the first time as a Maple Leaf Harrier.  The “Rookie” closed strong and was timed in 21:30.  His time moved him into 22nd place for a GHS Senior EVER on the course.  Great Stuff, Men.  Keep up the good work.

Rounding out the Maple Leafs efforts of the day were Junior Connor Runty, Sophomore Noah Arnold, and Freshman Phoenix Sottos.  Connor was timed in 23:08 and placed 89th overall in the race.  He is now the proud #25 fastest Junior EVER on the course.  “Rookie” Noah Arnold was up next and fought hard the whole race.  He is battling a nasty case of “Shin Splints” but raced to a fine time of 24:18 anyway and placed 93rd overall.  The Leafs Lone Freshman Phoenix Sottos finished the Leafs racing on the day in style.  I LOVE the way this young man trains and races.  Total Passion & Purpose”.  He sprinted across the finish line in 103rd place and “Stopped the Clock” at 30:23.  Great Stuff, Men.  We are proud of each of you.

The Leafs will next be in action on Saturday, September 6th when they participate in the 48th Annual Galesburg Silver Streak XC Invite.  The action will be held at Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park.  Keep up the great work, Men.  The goal is to keep improving all season long.  Make sure you are getting enough sleep and fueling your body with healthy foods and beverages. Remember that every man on the team makes a difference.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.  If it were easy, anyone would do it.  God Bless Each of You.

KEWANEE DUNES TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE RYLAN CARLSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Rylan Carlson who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Moline Invitational

SOPHOMORE RYLAN CARLSON “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Rylan Carlson was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Moline WB-6 Season Opener Invitational which was held on Monday, August 25th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Rylan ran a great race that saw him end up as the Maple Leafs’ 9th man on the day.  He was timed in 20:30 and placed 74th overall in the race.  Rylan rolled through the mile in a quick 6:31.  He followed that up with a 7:04 second mile.  He then finished strong with a 6:55 final mile.  He averaged 6:50 for Hampton’s Empire Park course.  Great race, Rylan.  He demonstrated a keen sense of pace judgement during his race.  No skill is more important than pace judgement for a distance runner.  Rylan wasn’t able to run this race last year due to the fact that the meet was cancelled due to extreme heat.  He did race the next meet which was the 2024 Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Cross Country Inviitational.  He was timed in 24:43 for that 3 miles distance.  His improvement from last year is PROFOUND.

Rylan has been “On Fire” ever since last fall’s harrier season ended.  He put in a strong winter of base training and then followed that up with a strong Track season that saw him racing in the Varsity Division for much of the season.  He then followed that up with a tremendous summer of training and has entered this season with a new level of confidence.  The “Dude” has gone “All In” and we LOVE IT.  Goals that require a high level of commitment offer the highest levels of “Intrinsic” satisfaction.  “Extrinsic” satisfactions are great.  Those are represented by awards that are obtained.  “Intrinsic” rewards are only achieved on the personal level.  They result in a deep inner satisfaction of pride.  It is the highest and most meaningful level of success.  Rylan has demonstrated high levels of both passion and purpose.  His improvement has been truly “Jaw-Dropping”.  It is going to be a lot of fun watching Rylan continue to chase his potential.  Keep “Dreaming Big”, Rylan and backing those Dreams up with the Commitment that Excellence DEMANDS.  We are Very Proud of You.

The 2025 Geneseo High School Cross Country Team has some lofty season goals.  To achieve these goals the team needs team members to lead by example.  Even though Rylan is only a Sophomore he is helping to lead the team by doing things the right way.  He makes that commitment on a daily basis.  He is a proud member of the Maple Leafs’ “Super Soph’s”.  That team depth added to the team’s strong Senior Class has placed the current team in a great position to “Turn some Heads” this season and beyond.  All the best with the rest of this season and beyond. 

Here is what Rylan had to say about his athletic history. 

9th Grade:  “This year was what solidified the aspect of running in my mind, I had so much fun and really enjoyed myself. I ran a 24:00 at the start of this year and ran a 21:30 at the end of this year. For Track this year I made Varsity and ran the 3200 in a 12:15.”

8th Grade:  “This was the year I gave up on Soccer and chose to keep running, even though I had some doubts about my abilities. I ran a 16:00 at the start of this year and ran a 15:00 at the end of this year. I also did Track this year and did LongJjump and the 800 meter run.”

7th Grade:  “This was the year I started Cross Country, and to be honest I hated it. It was extremely boring doing the same run over and over again. I ran an 18:00 at the start of this year and a 16:30 at the end of this year. I also started Track this year and did Long Jump and the 200 mete dash.”  

Prior to 7th grade:  “I did rec Soccer this year and moved up to Travel Soccer. Otherwise, I didn’t do anything else this year.This was also the same year I had a seizure on Christmas morning and was in the hospital for 12 hours.  Prior to 6th grade: I did Karate, Baseball, Golf, Basketball, cub scouts, and a few other things.”

Rylan is the proud son of Ryan Carlson (Dad), Amber Shamsie (Mom), & Julie Vanhoutte (Step Mom).  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of Marcus Vanhoutte (Step Brother), 30, he is a quarry welder (he is a Geneseo XC Alum), Summer Vanhoutte (Step sister), 27, she is a veterinarian tech at the University of Illinois Animal Hospital.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” of Savannah Carlson (Sister) 9th grade.

Here are Rylan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “I don’t have a nickname, but I’m the fourth generation in my family to have the initials RRC.”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Geneseo XC, Geneseo Track, and Wellness, Boy Scouts of America (Non-School Club)”.;  Favorite Food:  “My favorite food is steak.”;  Favorite Movie:  “My favorite Movie is Hacksaw Ridge.”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “My favorite music genre is 2000s Rap.”;  Athletic Hero:  “My athletic hero is my Great Uncle Butch who served in Vietnam.”  Favorite Quote:  “Nothing in life is free (My Dad)”:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I joined Cross Country because all of my friends were doing in it in 7th grade and I thought itt would be good conditioning for Soccer.”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “My advice for anyone new to the sport would be . . . Don’t be lazy, do the things you are told to do because it will make you better.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Noah Arnold, Jacob Berry, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Aidan Bries, Graysen Carlson, Greyson Claerhout, Kaden Elmer, Cole Henson, Micah Johnson, Kael McCord, Jaxson Sottos, & Phoenix Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Rylan has had a great start to the year. Rylan worked really hard in the off season and during track in the spring. This summer he was very dedicated to his running and it helped out at the end of the summer. He had huge PR this summer for three miles at Detweiller at Dark. He ran great this last week at the Moline Invite. He was battling a cold and still almost matched this year’s PR. Keep working hard Rylan”.

PROUDLY WEARING MEDALS BY da “BIG MUDDY”

Pictured are Jaxson Sottos, Aidan Bries, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, & Kaden Elmer. 
Each man earned a “Top 20” Finisher Medal.  They are on the bank of the Mississippi River

LEAFS CLAIM SILVER AT MOLINE’S WB-6 SEASON OPENER INVITE

On Monday, August 25th, the Leafs traveled to Hampton’s Empire Park to participate in Moline’s WB-6 Season Opener Invitational.  The meet hasn’t been held for a few years due to extreme heat two years in a row.  Welcome to the Midwest in August.  No worries this year.  The teams were treated to a race-time temperature of 70˚.  Simply amazing.  Several spectators were spotted wearing sweat tops or coats.  In August!!!  Rare indeed.  The field included teams from:  Alleman, Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Riverdale, Rock Island, & United Township.  A Championship Plaque was awarded to the winning team and individual medals were awarded to the Top 20 finishers.

The girls raced first at 5:00 pm.  The Lady Leafs ran to victory and looked great doing it.  The boys were up next and took off at 5:40 pm.  The temperature was perfect but the runners did have to negotiate long grass (slow) and a pretty stiff, northwest winds blowing at 15 mph.  The course was as flat as a pancake and Empire Park lies on the banks of the Mississippi River.  The word picturesque comes to mind.  Simply stunning.

On to the racing.  The Defending Western Big-6 Conference Champion Quincy Blue Devils were the favorites.  After them it looked like the Leafs and Rock Island Rocks would battle for second and third.  The host Moline Maroons are also a potentially dangerous team.  They didn’t run their number one man so don’t “sleep on them”, later in the season.  The race saw 124 runners complete the 3-mile course.  There was a large lead pack for quite a while.  The Leafs “Mixed It Up” well.  There were 8 teams in the field.

Leading the Maple Leaf attack were Sophomore Henley Bourne (7th place timed in 16:26), Senior Jaxson Sottos (8th place timed in 16:29), Senior Aidan Bries (13th place timed in 16:44), Senior Graysen Carlson (16th place timed in 17:09), and Senior Kaden Elmer (18th place timed in 17:17.)  Each man earned a “Highly Prized” “Top 20 Individual Finisher Medal”.  Great Stuff Men.  Each of their times “Cracked” the Empire Park Top 10 All-Time list (2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, & 10th).  Henley now ranks #2 on the Sophomore list while Jaxson broke the Senior record.  Aidan, Graysen, and Kaden now rank as 3-4-5 on the Senior list.  Way to roll, Men! 

Next up was Sophomore Kael McCord (30th place timed in 18:03……#14 All-Time and new Sophomore #6)  Greyson Claerhout wasn’t far behind (51st place timed in 19:12…..New number 22 All-Time and #9 on the Sophomore list).  Fellow sophomores Fritz Bolme and Rylan Carlson sprinted home next.  Fritz placed 60th and was timed in 19:32….24th All-Time and new #10 Sophomore.  Rylan placed 74th and was timed in 20:30….new #15 Sophomore.  Junior Jacob Berry rounded out the Maple Leafs Top 10.  He placed 81st and was timed in 21:03…..new GHS #7 Junior.)  Great racing, Men.

Not far behind was Sophomore Noah Arnold (84th place timed in 21:27…..new #19 on the GHS Sophomore list).  Next up was Junior Miach Johnson (86th place timed in 21:38…..new #8 GHS Junior).  Sophomore Cole Henson sprinted across the finish line next.  He placed 89th and was timed in 21:49…..new #20 GHS Sophomore).  Senior Calvin Bell was the next Leaf to finish.  He placed 90th and was timed in 21:50…..new GHS #15 on the Senior List.  He was closely followed by Junior Connor Runty who placed 95th and was timed in 22:07…..new #10 on the GHS Junior list.  Sprinting home next was GHS Freshman Phoenix Sottos who placed 117th and was timed in 27:44…..new GHS #9 on the GHS Freshmen list.

When the “Dust had Settled” and the team scores had been tabulated, the Leafs found themselves in 2nd place.  The Leafs scored a mere 62 points.  Quincy ended up winning the meet scoring 53 points. Rock Island was a close 3rd as they scored 67 points.  This was an “Early Season Sneak Peak” at the future.  What really matters is what happens when Championship Meet Season rolls around at the end of the season.  Who will win the WB-6 Conference Meet?  Remember, we are hosting the meet.  Keep doing the little things and try to keep improving each and every week.  You can make this happen, Men!  Rounding out the field were:  Moline (4th…96 pts), Alleman (5th…138 pts), Galesburg (6th…154 pts), Riverdale (7th…159 pts), and United Township (8th…202 pts.)

Every single team member added their name to the Empire Park Top 25 Lists.  That is REMARKABLE.  Great Job, Men!  Now the first official race is history.  Where does this team and each of you go from here?  Hopefully, each race will be used as a learning opportunity.  The hope is that every man on the team will get a little more race savvy after every race.  It is still August, Men.  Each of you can improve a ton if you are willing to pay the price that excellence Demands.  Passion and Purpose…..supplied on a daily basis.  All the best to each of you. 

A special note to our seniors.  There are “Magical Powers” available to every Senior.  Call it experience, call it maturity…call it anything you like.  It is real.  I call it SENIOR PRIDE.  Make every single day count, Men.  This is YOUR Team.  God Bless Each of You.

EMPIRE PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE KAEL MCCORD SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Sophomore Kael McCord who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the “Rust Buster”

SOPHOMORE KAEL MCCORD “RINGS da Bell”

Sophomore Kael McCord was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the annual “Rust Buster” which was held on Tuesday, August 20th.  The award was created by Head Maple Leaf Boys Cross Country Coach, Todd Ehlert, with a little help from “da Committee”.  The “Bell Ringer Award” honors a team member selected by a committee consisting of all of the senior team leaders and the coaching staff.  Each member of the committee nominates two athletes.  The committee discusses each nominee until a winner has been selected.  Considerations for nomination include both practice and competitive performances.  Possessing high levels of both Passion and Purpose are Omnipotent.  An award winner is selected after each meet.

Kael ran a great race over the challenging 3,000 meter Richmond Hill Park “Rust Buster” course and was the Maple Leafs 6th runner on the day.  This was the first time in his career that he “Cracked” the Maple Leafs “Top 7”.  He surprised quite a few teammates in doing so.  His time of 11:45 moved him into 13th place on the All-Time Top 25 GHS Sophomore Individual List.  He also “Cracked” the Top 25 All-Time Individuals List (any grade level) with his time and now sits in 22nd place.  Great start to the season, Kael.  Last season Kael’s time for this meet was 12:19 so he dropped 34 seconds off that to run 11:45.  That is a ton of time and what makes that time drop even more impressive was the fact that over an inch of rain fell on the course the night before this year’s race.  The course was wet in the low spots and thus run slow.  Compare that with the perfect weather that the runners enjoyed in the 2024 race.  The coaching staff estimated that this year’s course ran at least 30 seconds slow.  That means we can take another 30 seconds off Kael’s time (in theory).  See what I mean.  Great start to the season.  Keep up the great work, Kael.  All the best in the coming weeks and months of the season.

The Maple Leafs have set some big goals for the 2025 season.  Most of those goals involve the team running its best races when “Championship Meet Season” rolls around and the end of the season.  Included in those meets will be:  the Conference, Regional, Sectional, and State Meets.  Only the first two meets are guaranteed.  The Leafs will have to qualify for both the I.H.S.A. Sectional Meet by placing in the top 6 teams at the IHSA Regional meet.  Then, they hope to qualify for the I.H.S.A. State Finals by finishing in the Top 7 teams at the Sectional Meet.  Not an easy assignment but a team goal none the less.  Kael provides the Leafs critical depth.  It will be a lot of fun to see how much Kael will improve as the season progresses.  Keep up the solid work, Kael.  Kael is a part of the Geneseo “Super-Sophs”.  His class is “LOADED” with a ton of talent and the work ethic to take it to the highest levels.  Keep a close eye on these youngsters.  They are going to leave a long-lasting mark on the proud Geneseo Distance Running Tradition that already exists.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and then backing those Dreams up with the Commitment that Excellence DEMANDS.

Kael enjoyed a tremendous Freshman year earning Varsity Letters in both Cross Country and Track and Field.  That is extremely impressive for a Freshman.  He just kept his head down and did whatever was asked of him.  He never complains and is a great teammate.  That is a wonderful combination of traits to possess. He is also a great guy and a true pleasure to have on the team.

Here is what Kael has to say about his athletic history. 

9th Grade:  “This year I had no idea what to expect, but it also ended up being my favorite year of XC yet. My first goal was a sub 19, and since my first time was already a 19:20 (or 30 somewhere in there) it came pretty quick. There were a lot of meets where I had band conflicts, such as at the Freeport race. At Freeport, the top 5 medalists got a pretzel, and I was in the Open Race. I didn’t really expect to get a pretzel, but when I learned I was in 7th place and I passed someone in 6th I had a goal. Greyson Claerhout was the next person up, and eventually I passed him. I also think I passed another kid for 4th. The pretzel was pretty good,  but I did have to leave for marching band after finishing. At that race I did beat my goal with a 18:46. Later in the season at Metamora, I ran a 17:44 (or something like that) but it was a short course. At Conference I was actually sick while I ran, so after a mile of running good, I got hit by a brick wall. From there my pace dropped, my legs felt heavy, and my only goal was to keep moving. I did manage to finish it with around a 19:20, but I felt lightheaded, and confused kind of like when you wake up on the couch after accidentally falling asleep. At the JV State we ran with only freshmen so we were able to have only Geneseo people in the top 4 which was really cool. I ended up going to State which was really cool to see everyone run.  The course was pretty wet though.”

“Track this season was pretty interesting. I had always hated the 400, since the first (and until this season last) time running it in 7th grade for the practice meet. But since I didn’t know what running events I wanted to run in got put in for the 400 at the practice meet. My goal was to run a 60 second 400, but somehow I ran a 57.91! From then on I kept doing the 400 and actually grew to enjoy it, I even ran in some B-Level 4x4s (at A-B-C Meets)! I did Pole Vault this year the vaulters were were able to vault 1-2 times a week, so I grew from a 8’9” PR all the way up to a 10’9” PR (I barely missed out on that 11’ PR). Somehow, someway, I ended up being an alternate for the 4×4 for State, so I got to go with them for that, which was overall really fun. I got to watch amazing runners, vaulted, and I even got to help with the bar for Pole Vault! I was probably only a couple yards from the last lane while people were running!!”  

8th Grade:  “This year was out for XC I ended up becoming the number 2 on our team. My goal was a sub 12 minute 2 mile. Most of the races this year were pretty similar to the last year, except at one race I was close to Micah who usually beat me by quite a bit. He did have a side cramp though, but I’ll take my wins where I can get them. Sectionals of this year was at Richmond hill, I ended up running around a 12:10 getting me a medal for Sectionals at 10th place, but Henley was right behind me and nearly took that! During State this season I gave it everything and managed to finally get that sub 12 with a 11:58.”

This Track season I told myself that if I was in 4×2 again I wouldn’t do the mile since I didn’t feel like dealing with that again. Sure enough, I was in the 4×2 again and didn’t do the mile more than our practice meet. This year I decided to try out Long Jump and Triple Jump since I wasn’t doing the mile anymore. Pole Vault was pretty much the same as the year before, except Henley made a two foot PR before the season started so there went my number 1 spot. The 4×2 was kind of a mess this year since we kept jumping between 3-4 different people so we had to get stuff changed each time.  I enjoyed Triple Jump a lot, but Long Jump I found I didn’t like very much, but since I was in our top 3 I was stuck with the it. Overall, that season I got better at stuff, but nothing really eventful happened for me.  

7th Grade:  “This is where I started XC, which I first considered doing after I heard a friend of mine (Micah Nicke) was doing it. I started with a 14:36 (ish) for my first race and at the Moline course (the same one we are doing Monday!) I cut that done to a 14:01 which I didn’t break for a while. I finally cut it down to a 13:36 once the weather started to cool down, and eventually I think a low 13s. I believe it was then that I managed to knock Henley out of the top 7 and run Varsity for Conference which was also at the Moline course. At that race, Micah wasn’t doing so well for that first lap, so I tried to stay with him, and eventually more people from our team joined us. Our number 1 and 2 came in quick and then the final 5 of us came in all around 12-12:45. I personally got a 12:26 at that race which was my PR at that time and allowed me to run at Sectionals and State.” 

“For Track I came because I enjoyed XC so much, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to run though. Eventually, after hearing some friends were doing Pole Vault I picked that, along with the mile. I also got to run in the 4×2 which was directly after the mile, which did end up affecting things later. My main goal for the mile was to get a sub 6 minute mile, which I did eventually get and set a PR for that season at 5:45. For Pole Vault I kind of came in not knowing what to expect, but somehow managed to become our number one pole vaulter. At Sectionals I ended up dropping the mile so I wasn’t gassed for the 4×2, (which was suggested by Coach Ehlert). At that meet, we got 6th in the 4×2 which was better than we expected at least. I also qualified for Pole Vault being both the winner of our sectional, and hitting the qualifying height of 7’9”.”  

Prior to 7th grade:  I did Soccer when I was around 4, don’t remember it very well. And then I did Baseball for a couple years in elementary school, but then the pandemic hit and I never really wanted to start it again. There was also a time where I did wrestling in 4th grade for a year, but I didn’t enjoy it too much. 

Kael is the proud son of Steve McCord and Amanda McCord (previously Mierop.)   He is also the proud “Big Bro” to Ian McCord 8th, and Colin McCord 6th.

Here are Kael’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “KP (some of my family members call me that , its just my initials for my first and middle name).”  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I do youth group on Wednesdays at my church, but that’s about it “.;  Favorite Food:  “I enjoy a lot of foods, but the food I can never get enough of is a good chicken pot pie.“;  Favorite Movie:  “I watched the Truman show a couple months ago and it was really enjoyable, so probably that as of now.”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Music has kind of jumped around a bit. Not too long ago it was rock/hard rock, but right now it is just kind of just whatever puts me in a good mood.”;  Athletic Hero:  “I don’t really watch any sports, and eventually the Olympics I didn’t watch much of, so I don’t have one.”  Favorite Quote:  “My favorite quote is goes along the lines of “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” That quote just is a nice thing to be able to keep in mind when things may seem overwhelming of hard.”:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “Like I said in the athletics section, I joined because I heard my friend was joining. Eventually when he moved on to Football in high school I kept doing XC and have loved it.”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “If you ever feel like quitting or giving up on it, just give it one more season. There have been some times where I really had no desire to run and do XC, but I showed up for the season and walked out loving it“.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Aidan Bries, Graysen Carlson, Rylan Carlson, Willi Davis, Greyson Claerhout, Kaden Elmer, Cole Henson, & Jaxson Sottos.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “We are excited for Kael this year. Last year he had a break out year and was in our top 10 guys. He is an interesting combination of a distance runner and a pole vaulter. We have had a few of those in our time for cross country. He has come in a little out of shape from not running a lot in the spring, but we believe Kael has a lot of potential to be great this year. With some work, Kael could challenge the top five. It is going to be a great season”.

TOP 3 APPROACH ONE MILE

Pictured are Senior Jaxson Sottos, Sophomore Henely Bourne, and Senior Graysen Carlson

LEAFS OPEN SEASON WITH ANNUAL “RUST BUSTER”

On Tuesday, August 19th, the Leafs hosted their annual “Rust Buster” Time Trial.  This meet has existed in some form since the fall of 1986.  Back then, the meet was called the “Alumni-Open” and anyone could run.  That included parents, siblings, community members.  In fact, the boys soccer team used to participate.  The girls volleyball team jumped in a few times also.  The meet used a handicapping system that saw every class and gender start at a different time in the same race.  It was a LOT of fun but due to I.H.S.A. rules, Coach Ehlert changed the structure of the meet when he took over in the fall of 2018.  It had to be done.  He also changed the course due to construction in the park.  He also decided to change the distance for this meet which changed it from 2 miles to 3000 meters.

Anyway, the team was treated to a drastic change in temperature and humidity from earlier in the week.  On the previous day (Monday), the “Feels Like” temperature got up to 108 Degrees.  All practices were canceled.  The race time temperature was 81 degrees with a light, 9 mph northwest breeze.  The only negative was the fact that a storm blew through the night before and dropped over an inch of rain.  The end result was the course was a bit soft, especially on the lower portions of the Richmond Hill Course.  By the way, this was the first of four home meets that G.H.S. will host in 2025.  Future events will include: the Geneseo Invitational (Saturday, September 20th), The Western Big 6 Conference Meet (Thursday, October 16th), and the I.H.S.A. Sectional Meet (Saturday, November 1st).

The current race format for the “Rust Buster” has everyone start at the same time.  The boys and girls race starts at the same time….no handicap.  There was also a middle school race that ran the last mile of the 3K course.  They also start at the same time.  On to the race recap. 

The Maple Leafs were led by Senior Jaxson Sottos, Sophomore Henley Bourne, and Senior Graysen Carlson.  The three of them broke away early in the race.  Jaxson ended up winning the race in 10:27 (A NEW Senior Class Record) and just off his personal best of 10:05 for the race set last year in perfect conditions on a fast, hard course and sits as the second fastest time EVER on the course.  Sophomore Henley Bourne finished a mere once second back.  He was closing fast and his time of 10:28 is the 4th fastest time EVER for a GHS runner and second fastest Sophomore time.  Up next, was Senior Graysen Carlson who was “Clocked” in an impressive time of 10:56.  That time ranks Graysen as the 11th Fastest Maple Leaf EVER.  It also ranks him as the 7th Fastest Senior.  Great Job, Men.

Rounding out the Leafs’ “Top 5” were Seniors Aidan Bries and Kaden Elmer who placed 4th and 5th.  They both ran really smart races.  Aidan’s time of 11:01 moves him into the 13th Fastest time EVER.  It also ranks him as the 9th Fastest Senior on the course.  All this with a bad tummy on the day.  Kaden also impressed.  He “Stopped the Clock” at 11:04 which is the 10th fastest time for a Senior in the meet’s history.  Kaden already blasted a 10:42 last year in the great conditions which has him sitting 6th All-Time.  Great Stuff, Men.  In case you noticed, that’s 4 Maple Leaf Seniors in the Top 5.  This is a team that possesses a plethora of talented seniors with a tremendous leadership skills.  The season is a going to be a LOT of Fun.

Rounding out the Leafs’ Top 10 were Sophomore Greyson Claerhout who placed 7th overall and was timed in 12:09 which ranks him 19th on the Sophomore list.  Sophomore Fritz Bolme placed 9th overall in 12:44 and moved into 21st spot on the Sophomore list for the course.  Up next was rapidly improving Sophomore Rylan Carlson who placed 11th overall in the race and was timed in 13:02.  His time moves him into the 24th spot on the GHS Sophomore List.  The Leafs’ 10th Man was Junior Micah Johnson who placed 13th overall in the race and was timed in 13:38.  Great Efforts, Men.

Next up was Junior Jacob Berry who placed 14th overall in a time of 13:50.  He was the Maple Leafs’ 11th man on the day.  Close behind him was Freshman Willi Davis who placed 17th overall in the race in a time of 14:18.  His time was good enough to “Crack the Top 25 Freshmen list.  He now sits as the 23rd Fastest Freshman in GHS History for this race.  Willi was the 12th Maple Leaf to cross the finish line.  Up next was “Rookie” Cole Henson.  Cole recently joined the team and was racing with zero summer base work.  Pretty dang impressive.  In fact, he “Cracked the Top 20” overall in the race.  Cole placed 19th overall in the race in a time of 14:33.  He was the 13th Maple Leaf runner on the day.  Way to Roll, Men.

Not far behind was Senior Calvin Bell who placed 21st overall in a time of 15:02.  Calvin was the Leafs’ 14th man on the day.  He was closely followed by Junior Connor Runty who placed 22nd overall in a time of 15:10.  Connor was the Leafs’ 15th man in the race.  Up next was Sophomore Noah Arnold who placed 23rd overall in a time of 15:25.  Noah is a recent transfer to GHS from the Quad Cities.  We are glad he decided to join our team.  Noah was the 16th Maple Leaf on the day.  Next up was Freshman Phoenix Sottos who placed 27th overall in the race and was timed in 18:16.  Phoenix was the Leafs’ 17th man to “Cross da Line”.  Great Job, Men.

Senior Jameson Coppejans and Junior Jack Kreiss were unable to race.  Look for them to be “Wearing da Green” sometime soon.  They both have a plethora of potential and are a sure bet to help add more depth to the Maple Leaf Roster.

An added “Twist” to this year’s race was the sub-division of the boys team into two teams and then score the meet as a “Dual Meet”.  The senior captains selected the teams and the meet played out better than anyone could have dreamed….a 28-29 point showdown.  The team of Jacob Berry, Henley Bourne, Graysen Carlson, Jameson Coppejans, Kaden Elmer, Cole Henson Jack Kreiss, Kael McCord, Connor Runty, and Phoenix Sottos ended up winning.  That, despite two of their team members didn’t’t race.  Amazing.  They beat the team of Noah Arnold, Calvin Bell, Greyson Claerhout, Fritz Bolme, Aidan Bries, Rylan Carlson, Willi Davis, Micah Johnson, and Jaxson Sottos.  The idea for the team competition was a “Brain Child” of the Maple Leafs Dynamic Duo.  That would be coaches Todd Ehlert and Jeff Brown.  Well done, Men.  It was a Great Idea.

Great start to the season Men.  It was a LOT of fun watching each of you race.  Some of you started too fast and paid the price for that.  Others had a bit too much left “In the Tank”.  Next time.  A few of you nailed it and were “Running on Fumes” as you kicked it in.  Every race is a learning opportunity.  Every course we race on is unique and presents its own challenges.  You will also need to factor in your constantly increasing fitness level.  This team contains a unique mixture of personalities.  The key is to believe in each other and work as a collective group (called a TEAM) to chase potential.  You will be trained to PEAK when it matters the most……CHAMPIONSHIP MEET SEASON.  That is at the end of the season for our “Newbies”.  It is a true honor to have each of you on the team.  All the best in the coming weeks as you make this season come alive with excitement.  Dream Big and then back those dreams up with the commitment that excellence demands.

RUST BUSTER TOP 25’s

RESULTS

2025 SENIORS READY TO LEAD

Pictured are the 2025 GHS Senior Class.  From Left to right….Aidan Bries, Kaden Elmer,
Jaxson Sottos, Graysen Carlson, Calvin Bell, & Jameson Coppejans