RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES
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2025 BOYS TEAM
Pictured are the 2025 Geneseo High School Boys Cross Country Team (minus a few) |
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GENESEO XC INVITE
more info coming soon |
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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”
more coming soon |
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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.
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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!”.
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“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.
BRAIN FOOD
PASSION & PURPOSE ARE OMNIPOTENT
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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.
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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!
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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”.
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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.
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SOPHOMORE RYLAN CARSLON 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”.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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
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