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2026 BOYS GENESEO HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

Pictured is most of the team

IHSA GENESEO 2A REGIONAL

WHEN:  Saturday, October 24th
WHERE:  Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park

TEAMS
Dunlap, Galesburg, Geneseo, LaSalle-Peru, Metamora, Morris,
Ottawa, Peoria Richwoods, Plano, Streator, Washington

MEET SCHEDULE
10:00 a.m.:  Girls Race
11:00 a.m.:  Boys Race

COME ON OUT AND “BACK da LEAFS”

SENIOR JACOB BERRY “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Senior Jacob Berry who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for
the Sterling 09/JV Inv. (J.V. Race)

Senior Jacob Berry was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  The meet was held on Monday, October 19th and held at Sterling’s Hoover Park and Jacob ran in the J.V. only race.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

MORE TO COME.

FRESHMAN KELLAN COURTRIGHT “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Freshman Kellan Courtright who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for
the Sterling 09/JV Inv. (09 Race)

Freshman Kellan Courtright was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  The meet was held on Monday, October 19th and held at Sterling’s Hoover Park and Kellan ran in the Freshman only race.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

MORE TO COME.

LEAFS RACE AT STERLING 09/JV INVITATIONAL

Pictured are 15 of the Maple Leafs

On Monday, October 19th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Hoover Park to participate in the annual Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  The meet is for athletes that will not be racing in this Saturday’s IHSA Regional meets.  The meet offers one final competitive opportunity for the athletes.  We greatly appreciate Sterling hosting this meet.  The field has been getting smaller over the last couple of years.  This year only 6 teams attended.  Those teams included:  Geneseo, LaSalle-Peru, Princeton, Rochelle, Rock Falls, & Sterling.  The weatherman provided near perfect conditions to race in.  66˚ with a light wind and solid ground.  It was a wonderful day to race. 

The combined Freshman girls and boys race started at 4:30 p.m. sharp.  Kellan Courtright took the lead early and never looked back.  He “Roared” through the first mile in 5:49 and just kept going.  He has never looked better and won the first race of his life.  He was timed in 20:11 for the 5k course.  Great Job, Kellan.  What a great way to end your competitive season.  He won the race by almost a minute, even though he rolled his ankle on a root during the race.  He ran 20:04 on the same course back in September (Rock River Run Inv.) and was well on his way to destroying that time before the ankle roll.  Now it’s time to help the GHS “Hype Squad” inspire the Varsity Top 7 in the IHSA Post-Season.

Hunter Olson was the next Leaf to “Break the Tape” as he sprinted across the finish line in 5th place.  He was timed in 21:21 for the 5k distance.  Ironically, his time was exactly the same time that he ran in the Sterling Rock River Run Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 26th.  That is pretty remarkable considering that he had someone step on his heal and ended up losing one of his spikes in the first half mile of the race.  SERIOUSLY, way to tough it out, Hunter.  Great Stuff.  Hunter had an impressive Freshman season.  We hope to see more of him on “da oval” (Track) and then back with us next fall.  We are also hoping for some high quality Geneseo “Hype Squad” duty.  Together We CAN!

The Leafs’ reining “Bell Ringer” was the next man up for the team.  Ian sprinted “Home” in 6th place and was timed in 24:12 for the 5k.  He was just off his time from earlier in the season when he ran 23:47 at the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 26th.  Great Job, Ian.  He has had a very strong season and it is going to be a lot of fun watching him continue to develop over the coming seasons.  The next assignment for Ian “And da Boys” will be to become key members of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The purpose of the “Hype Squad” is to help inspire their teammates during the IHSA Post-Season (Each team is limited to only 7 runners.)

The final man up for the Leafs in this race was Adler VanOpdorp who ran a great race himself.  Adler placed 7th in the race and was timed in 24:14 for the 5k course.  He barely missed his personal best for the course which was 24:08 and set during the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 25th.  Adler has had a strong “Freshman Campaign”.  Hopefully, Track and Field season will be on his “To Do List” before next year’s Cross Country season rolls around.  Up next, will be important team duty as a key member of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The team has some big post-season goals and the “Hype Squad” can help those dreams come true.

There were no team scores for the race since on teams had 5 scoring runners.  However, if the meet management had used “Ghost Runners” (used fill in incomplete scoring teams) the Leafs would have won by a ton.  They placed 4 runners in the top seven.  GREAT STUFF, MEN!

Next up was the J.V. Race which started at approximately 5:10 p.m.  The Maple Leafs were led by Junior Fritz Bolme who ran a great race.  He was in the “Lead Pack” until the last half mile but still held on to finish 2nd overall.  He was timed in 19:49 for the 5k course.  He just missed his personal best of 19:04 for the course which was set at the Rock River Run Inv. back in September.  It should be noted that “Fritzie” was wearing a knee sleeve on his left knee.  He ran a gutsy race anyway, almost winning the whole thing.  We are very proud of you, Fritz.  Hang in there and be ready as the first alternate.  If you don’t race Saturday help lead the GHS “Hype Squad” efforts.  MAKE SOME NOISE.

Senior Co-Captain Connor Runty was the next Maple Leaf to sprint across the finish line.  He placed 8th overall and was timed in 21:50 for the 5k course.  He was the only team member to better his personal best for the course.  Great effort, Connor.  He beat his personal best by ONE second from the time he ran at the Sterling Rock River Run Invite contested back in October.  Connor has enjoyed a strong senior campaign.  He has been getting the job done in races, practices, and in his leadership role all season long.  Now that his competitive season has ended it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad” during the IHSA Post-Season.  Try and help the Varsity Top 7 NAIL IT!  Together We CAN!

The next man up for the Leafs was fellow Senior Co-Captain Jacob Berry who “Broke the Tape” in 21:58 for the 5k distance and placed 10th overall in the race.  Jacob just missed his personal best time on the course by a mere 23 seconds.  He was timed in 21:35 back in September during the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational.  What a great way to end your competitive season.  As we have shared…the most effective way to lead is via example and you have done that each and every day.  Now it’s time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad” into the IHSA Post-Season.  The team has some big goals still out there and they need your help.  We have complete confidence in you.

Sophomore James MacKenzie was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  He sprinted across the finish line in 23:10 for the 5k course and placed 15th overall in the JV race.  Since he has never raced at Hoover Park previously in high school this was his debut over the 5k distance.  James has been hampered with some nagging injuries all season long but came back and raced late in the season anyway.  He put forth a highly spirited effort in this race and we are very proud of him.  We hope that he will be ready for Geneseo “Hype Squad” duty as the Varsity Top 7 in the IHSA Post-Season.  The team is limited to racing only 7 men.  The goal of the “Hype Squad” is to help inspire them.  GO LEAFS!

The next man up for the Maple Leafs was Junior Cole Henson who crossed the finish line in 23:18 and placed 17th overall in the race.  He was just off his personal best for the Hoover Park 5k course set at the Rock River Run Invitational back in late September.  That time was 22:47.  Great effort, Cole.  It is hard to not be a little “Flat” following the Conference meet which was just held last Friday.  This field was very small (only 22 runners in your race).  Thank you for hanging in there this season.  We know you had a lot of conflicts.  All the best when Wrestling season rolls around.  Hopefully, your huge endurance base will aid you.  Get “On Board” the Geneseo “Hype Squad Train”.  Lets make SOME NOISE!

The final Maple Leaf in the JV race was Sophomore Phoenix Sottos who sprinted across the finish line in 27:26 which was a bit off his time of 25:01 set back in September at the Rock River Run Invitational.  Phoenix placed 22nd in the race overall and unfortunately didn’t have anyone to run with.  He was literally all by himself and that is a tough assignment.  Great effort, Phoenix.  You can’t run a personal best every time out.  Phoenix has had a  strong sophomore campaign.  Way to go, Dude!  Now that your competitive season has concluded it is time to join your teammates as a part of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  You are in a great position to help inspire your teammates that get to race!

Only Geneseo and Sterling were able to “field” scoring teams (at least 5 runners).  When the points had been tabulated, the Leafs had come out on top 27 to 28 (low score wins).  Coach Ehlert has always referred to this meet as “J.V, State”.  I LOVE THAT.  Thus, you guys are the J.V. State Champions (not really…..but just saying.)

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN HENRY WOODWARD “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Freshman Henry Woodward who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the WB-6 Conference meet.

Freshman Henry Woodward was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Augustana College Brissman-Lindeen Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, October 3rd.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

MORE TO COME.

FIRST TEAM WIB-6 CONFERENCE RUNNERS

Pictured are the follwoing “First Team” All-Conference Runners:  L-R:  Elliot Batz (Rock Island), Henley Bourne (Geneseo), Charles Ray (Quincy), Mahamoud Abdeldjabar (UTHS), Kale Moore (Moline), Greyson Clearhout (Geneseo), Cedrik Iradukunda (Moline), Emad Abaker (UTHS), Grant Siee (Quincy), & Owen Triplett (Quincy)

LEAFS GRAB 2ND IN WIB-6 CONFERENCE

On Thursday, October 1th, the Maple Leafs traveled to Hampton’s Empire Park to participate in the Western Big 6 Cross Country Conference Championship.  The field included teams from all eight of the WB-6 members.  Those schools included entries from:  East Moline ((UTHS), Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Sterlng, Rock Island, & Rock Island (Alleman).

The runners were given pretty great racing conditions compared to the hot weather they have battled, thus far, during the 2026 harrier campaign.  The race time temperature was 64˚ with a refreshing 10 mph SE wind.  A steady light rain started at the end of the girls race and continued for the duration of the boys race.  The course is flat as a pancake but does have a lot of 90 degree turns.  With the rain, it did get a bit muddy but with all factors considered is wasn’t too bad.

Going into the meet, it appeared to be a 4-team battle, based off of Athletic.net which uses each athlete’s season best time the site is able to generate a hypothetical meet.  Moline was predicted to win with 66 points, followed by Rock Island in 2nd with 67 points, then Quincy scoring 73 points, and then the Maple Leafs in 4th with 78 points.  Due to the variances in cross country courses difficulties, this was far from a perfect prediction.  Still, it did provide an interesting pre-race picture.  I would also like to point out the huge disparity in school enrollments in the WB-6:  1.)  Moline 2,207;  2.)  Quincy 1,828;  3.)  UTHS  1,786;  4.)  Rock Island 1,731;  5.)  Galesburg 1,102;  6.)  Sterling  922;  7.)  Geneseo  773;  8.)  Rock Island Alleman 312.  Alleman is the smallest school but is also the only conference member that doesn’t have an enforced border.  They can recruit from anywhere, including Iowa.  Ultimately, enrollment does play a huge role in all conference competitions and the larger schools have a significant advantage.  Oh well, it is always fun to be the underdog.  

The boys race began at 4:40 p.m. sharp.  The rain was coming down and the pace was “Hot” from from starter’s gun.  Ten of the competing Maple Leafs ran lifetime bests for the 3 mile distance despite the rain and mud.  Thus, the course ran faster than we thought it would, given the conditions.  However, it was far from perfect.  It was evident, early on, that the Maple Leafs came to race and it was a lot of fun to watch it all come to life.

Junior Henely Bourne led the way for the Leafs via his 2nd place finish.  He demonstrated tremendous racing tactics and only lost to Elliot Batz from Rocky who ran 4:12 for the 1600 last spring.  He also bested Charles Ray from Quincy who ran 9:25 for the 3200 last spring.  WOW!!!  Henley’s time was 15:42 which is the 2nd fastest time for a GHS runner on the Empire Park Course.  Only his own 15:28 earlier this season is ahead of it.  The “Big 3” ran a bit tactical with the last mile really rolling.  Henley is in a great position to make a deep run in the IHSA post-season.  Hopefully, all the way to Detweiller and a possible All-State Medal.  All the best, Henely.  You have a special talent.  God Bless.

The next man up for the Leafs was fellow Junior Greyson Clearhout who joined Henley in the top 10 via his 6th place finish.  He ran a magnificent race and also earned “First Team All-Conference Honors”.  Henley and Greyson have provided the team a powerful 1-2 punch all season long.  Way to go, Men!  Greyson’s time of 16:07 is the 3rd fastest ever for a GHS runner on the Empire Park Course.  He also moved into the number two spot on the Junior Top 25 List (only behind Henley).  Greyson is “All In” and has really paid is dues over the last 12 months.  His development (Henely too) has been “Jaw-Dropping”.  All the best in the coming races.  “Detweiller Fever”…..CATCH IT!  Keep Dreaming BIG!

Freshman Will Ehlert sprinted home in 14th place, earning 2nd Team All-Conference Honors (11th through 20th places).  He was timed in 16:38 which destroyed the GHS Freshman record for the course.  The time also moved him into 7th on the All-Time Top 25 List for the course (any grade level).  All of this is amazing but when you factor in that Will has been battling a knee injury for the last couple of weeks he suffered in a soccer match and severely limited his ability to train during that time….HOLY MOLEY.  He has been coming on like crazy and appears ready for more.  All the best in the remaining season.  You are having a fabulous Freshman season.  We hope to see you “Dancing at Detweiller” in November.

Fellow Freshman Henry Woodward was the next Geneseo runner to “Break the Tape”.  He placed 24th and was timed in 17:03.  He was the team’s 4th man and his time makes him the 3rd fastest GHS Freshman ever on the Empire Park Course (11th All-Time Individual too…..any grade).  Henry has been battling a nagging ankle injury for quite a while now and is far from 100%.  Despite that fact, he unleashed a tremendous race that helped the team in a major way.  Way to go, Henry.  We are Very Proud of you.  You are a special talent and it is going to be a Lot of fun watching you continue to develop over the coming seasons.  All the best in the coming races.  Keep “Dreaming Big”  “Detweiller Fever”!!!

Junior Kael McCord was the 5th Maple Leaf to cross the finish line as he sprinted home in 25th place.  He was also timed in 17:03 (same time as Henry).  His time moved him into 6th on the GHS Junior Top 25 list for the course.  He also moved into 12th on the All-Time Top 25 list (any grade level).  Kael has been in the Maple Leafs’ Top 5 all season long.  He has a plethora of experience which will come in handy in the coming weeks as the team makes their push to qualify for the IHSA State Finals and keep “da Streak” alive.  All the best, Keel.  He has been providing the team with strong leadership all season long.  Very impressive considering he is only a Junior.  Keep “Dreaming Big”. 

The Maple Leafs’ 6th man on the day was Freshman Ephraim Mueller who ran a lifetime best of 17:29 and placed 33rd in the impressive field.  His time makes him the 4th fastest GHS Freshman on the course.  He also climbed into 16th on the GHS All-Time Top 25 (any grade level) for the Empire Park Course.  Great Stuff, Ephraim.  He has been enjoying a strong Freshman harrier (XC) campaign.  He has locked up a Top 7 position for the IHSA post-season.  All the best, Ephraim.  The team’s number one stated goal at the beginning of the season is “Still on the Table”.  Qualifying for the IHSA State Meet.  We hope to see you “Dancing at Detweiller” when November 8th rolls around.  God Bless!!!

Junior Rylan Carlson ran a “Monster” race that saw him “Crack” the eighteen minute barrier as he “Roared” to a lifetime best.  He was timed in 17:48 and was the Maple Leafs’ 7th man and may have earned himself a Top 7 IHSA post-season spot.  He placed 38th overall in the talented field.  His time made him the 7th fastest GHS Junior in school history for the Empire Park Course.  He also, is now the 18th fastest GHS runner ever (any grade level).  He was wearing a HUGE smile after the race.  Rylan is one of the most dedicated members of the GHS XC team and it was great to see all of his hard work be rewarded with an awesome race.  Stay tuned……there hopefully, will be more to come.  Way to go, Dude!!!

Fritz Bolme was the 8th Maple Leaf to cross the finish line.  The Junior was timed in 18:30 and he placed 52nd overall in the talented field.  “Fritzie” is now the 8th fastest Geneseo High School Junior to EVER race on the course.  He has really come on the 2nd half of the season and we are VERY proud of him.  Fritz’s next race will come in Sterling at their 09/JV Invite.  We like to refer to the meet as “JV STATE”.  It really isn’t but who cares?  Firtz will have a chance to go after a Top 10 finisher medal.  After that, he will need to stand ready as the Maple Leafs’ first alternate for the IHSA post-seaosn.  If he isn’t needed, he will then need to help lead the GHS “Hype Squad”.  Either way, he will “Get it Done”.

Speaking or “Running Wild”….Freshman Kellan Courtright ran a lifetime best himself.  He has been coming on like CRAZY and was timed in 18:58 (yup…sub 19:00).  He placed 64th in the talented field (14th fastest Freshman).  His time makes him the 8th fastest Geneseo High School Freshman to EVER race the course.  Keep your eyes on him.  His improvement curve is scary good.  He races one more time (he will be the 2nd alternate) at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  He will race in the Freshman race and will have an excellent chance to grab a top 10 finisher medal.  After that, it will be time to jump “On Board” with the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Congratulations on a wonderful season, Kellan.

Senior Jacob Berry “Cracked” the Maple Leaf Top 10, once again, as he sprinted “Home” in a lifetime best of 20:39.  Jacob placed 87th in the talented field.  Great stuff, Dude.  His time made him the 13th fastest Geneseo High School Senior to EVER race the course.  He is also one of the Maple Leafs’ two senior captains.  He and Connor Runtry have done a great job of helping to provide the team with valuable leadership each and every day.  Jacob will also be “Toeing da Line” in Sterling at their annual 09/JV Invitational.  He will be chasing a Top 10 finisher medal at the “JV State” meet.  After that, it will be time to jump “On Board” the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Make “Some Noise” and inspire the Varsity!

Only 4 seconds back of Jacob was Freshman Hunter Olson who also ran a lifetime best for 3 miles.  He was timed in 20:43 and placed 88th in the talented field.  He ended up as the 19th fastest freshman in the WB-6 Conference Meet.  Great Job, Hunter.  His time also made him the 11th fastest Geneseo High School Freshman EVER on the Empire Park Course.  Hunter joined the team after the season had begun and hadn’t trained during the summer since he didn’t plan on going out for XC.  We sure are glad he changed his mind.  He is a great guy and has a huge competitive spirit.  All the best in Sterling.  After that it’s time to help “Make Some Noise” as a member of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.

Senior Co-Captain Connor Runty was the Leafs’ 12th man on the day.  He was timed in a lifetime best of 21:46 for the 3 mile distance.  He placed 99th in the competitive field. His time made him the 16th fastest Geneseo High School Senior to EVER at Hampton’s Empire Park course.  It has been a lot of fun to watch Connor develop over the last 4 years in Cross Country.  He is a great guy and has provided the team with wonderful leadership along with his “Wingman” and fellow Senior, Jacob Berry.  He will race one final time at “JV State” (The Sterling 09/JV Invitational) before helping to lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Their goal will be to help inspire the Varsity during the IHSA Post-Season.

Sophomore James MacKenzie returned to competition after being forced to miss several meets due to a chronic knee issue.  He didn’t just return to action….he ended up running a lifetime best for the 3 mile distance.  He was timed in 22:01 and placed 104th overall in the talented field  His time also moved him into 21st place on the Geneseo High School Top 25 list for Juniors on the Empire Park course.  Great Job, “Jimmy Mac”.  He was also an addition to the team after the season had begun and has been playing “Catch Up” ever since.  We sure are glad he chose to become a member of the team.  He is a great guy.  Run strong at Sterling and then get ready to join the “GHS Hype Squad”!

Freshman Ian McCord continued his impressive season by “Roaring” to a lifetime best for the 3 mile distance.  Ian was timed in 22:29 and placed 107th in the talented field.  The “Reining Bell Ringer” also moved into 14th place on the Geneseo High School Top 25 List for Freshman on the Empire Park Course.  Great Stuff, Ian.  He will race one more time in Sterling at “JV State” in the Freshman race.  He has really been on a roll and we are glad that he will have one more chance to race.  After that it will be time to become a key member of the GHS “Hype Squad”.  Their goal will be to try and help the Varsity Top 7 (we are limited to only 7 runners) run their best.  LOTS of Cheering.  “Together We CAN”

The next man to “Break the Tape” for the Maple Leafs was Junior Cole Henson.  He sprinted across the finish line in a time of 22:45 and placed 109th in the competitive field.  Cole just missed his personal best on the course of 22:00 which he set earlier this season.  That time has places him 15th on the Geneseo High School Top 25 List for Juniors on the Empire Park Course.  Cole will also “Toe da Line” in Sterling for the “JV State” for one final race this season.  After that the team will be counting on him to become a key member of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Their goal will be to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 to run their very best races as the team competes in the IHSA post-season.  LEADERSHIP!

Freshman Adler VanOpdorp continued the “Personal Best” onslaught with another great race by him.  He ran a lifetime best time of 23:14 and placed 110th overall in the highly competitive field.  Adler’s time made him the 16th fastest Geneseo High School Freshman to EVER race on the Empire Park course.  Great Job, Adler.  He will race one final time in Sterling when the Leafs compete in their 09/JV Invitational (“JV State”).    After that he will hopefully, join his teammates and “Jump on Board” the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of the “Hype Squad” is the be EVERYWHERE on the courses that the Leaf Top 7 will race on during the IHSA Post-Season.  The State Finals are the Goal and every yell will help.

The final man for the Leafs on the day was Sophomore Phoenix Sottos.  Phoenix just missed his personal best on the Empire Park Course of 24:42.  He was timed in 25:35 and placed 116th in the highly competitive field.  Phoenix has improved dramatically from last year and has been a lot of fun watching him “Bust Loose”.  He will “Lace’em Up” on final time at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational (JV State).  After that it will be time to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad” during the team’s IHSA Post-Season run.  The team is limited to only racing 7 runners during this part of the season.  Too bad they don’t have open races…  Anyway, the team goal of qualifying for the State Finals needs every team member on board. 

After the “dust had settled”….well maybe the raindrops fell…..and the team points were tabulated, the Leafs found themselves in a solid 2nd place (they were predicted to place 4th) just behind Quincy.  Quincy scored 55 points while the Leafs scored 71.  Moline and Rock Island placed 3d and 4th scoring 80 and 88 points each.  Our guys ran awesome and really couldn’t have done any better.  Quincy ran great races also.  This is their 3rd straight Conference championship.  Both teams return their entire Top 7’s next year.  It will is going to be a challenge to catch and pass them in the following year.  If each member of this team is willing to pay the price that excellence demands it isn’t just possible.  It is probable.  “Dream Big” men and then back those dreams up with the hard work and dedication that are needed.  Together you CAN.  We are very proud of each and every one of you.

EMPIRE PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN IAN MCCORD “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Freshman Ian McCord who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Metamora H.S. Invite

Freshman Ian McCord was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Metamora Gene Jones “Runnin’ Red” Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, October 10th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

Ian popped another great race at the Gene Jones Metamora “Runnin’ Red” XC Invite that saw him end up as the Maple Leafs’ 4th man in the F/S race and 8th man on the day (when combining both races).  Those are both personal bests for Ian.  He was timed in 22:22 for the 2.94 mile course and placed 204th in the talented field.  He ended up averaging 7:36 per mile.  Way to Go, Ian.  We are very proud of you.

Ian has a great attitude.  He always shows up to practices and meets with a big smile on his face.  He is one of those individual who literally “Lights Up” a room as soon as they walk in.  He also always says, “Hello”.  Those may seem like two simple things to do but they are not as common as one would expect.  It has been a LOT of fun to watch Ian’s improvement curve during the course of the season.  The dude is “On Fire” and just continues to improve.  The fact that he has worked hard to accomplish this feat makes it even better.  Ian possesses a wonderful amount of both passion and purpose.  We are very lucky he decided to become a member of this team.

Another cool fact is that Ian followed his brother, Kael who was selected by “da committee” last week.  Thus, they set a “School Record” by becoming the first sibling to go “Back-to-Back”, winning the award.  Other brothers have won the award but not in successive weeks.

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

9th Grade:  “This year I am currently doing Cross Country and plan to do Pole Vault, Discus, maybe High Jump, and try a running event in Track and Field. The only reason why I might not do High Jump is because I want to try a running event“.

8th Grade:  “In 8th grade I did Track and Field and did the same events as the year before. However, I didn’t really enjoy Long Jump and I was really just doing it so I would have an extra event that I was doing, so this year I tried High Jump again and I began to enjoy it and I started doing High Jump that season“.

7th Grade:  “In 7th grade I tried out a few different events in Track and Field. The events that I did were: Pole Vault, Long Jump and Discus. I also tried High Jump and Shot Put but I didn’t really enjoy doing those events“.

Prior to 7th grade:  “Prior to 7th grade, I tried a few different spots in elementary school like Soccer and Baseball but after 2020, I stopped doing sports. The same year, my dad, my brothers, and I started running but since then I haven’t been in a good running routine until the Cross Country season“.

Ian is the proud son of Steve and Amanda McCord.  He is also the Proud “Baby Bro” of Kael (11th grader.)  He also the Proud “Big Bro” of Colin (7th grader).

Here are Ian’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “My grandpa has always called me Jimmy and during a Land Use competition for FFA someone said that I look like a Joe, when we were talking about peoples nicknames. Other that that no one else calls me anything different”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “The only club that I am doing and have ever done is FFA”;  Favorite Food:  “My favorite food is a seafood boil“;  Favorite Movie:  “Out of all the movies I have watched my favorite is probably Forrest Gump”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “I listen to a lot of rock songs and a little bit of metal, country, and folk but it really just depends on the song”.;  Athletic Hero:  “I don’t really watch much sports, but look at people like Michael Jordan and Mondo Duplantis. They have done their sports all their lives and they have practiced and worked on their skills. With all their work and dedication they have become one of if not the best at their sport“;  Favorite Quote:  “God will tear you down to build you into something beautiful.”  -Connor Runty ”;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:   “I joined Cross Country because I thought it looked fun doing stuff with your friends and just having a good time, and I wanted to get in better shape so I can get better at Track and Field”.  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  —

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Jacob Berry, Henley Bourne, Rylan Carlson, Greyson Clearhout, Kellan Courtright, Kael McCord, James MacKenzie, Ephraim Mueller, Phoenix Sottos, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Ian has come a long way.  He has worked incredbily hard since middle school and has made some huge gains.  He has a lot of potential and having a big brother on the team should help him out.  We are excited to see how much he can improve in the next 3 years.  Great Job, Ian“.

GHS MEDALISTS

Pictured are Freshman Henry Woodward & Junior Henley Bouren
Each man earned a highly coveted individual finisher medal

LEAFS COMPETE IN
50th GENE JONES RUNNIN’ RED XC INV.

On Saturday, October 10th, the Leafs traveled to Metamora’s Black Partridge Park to participate in the 50th annual Gene Jones Runnin’ Red Cross Country Invitational.  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, Normal Community, Normal University, Notre Dame (Peoria), Normal West, Ottawa, Oswego East, Peoria Christian, Pekiin, Rantoul, Richwoods (Peoria), Rochester, Rock Island, Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield), Springfield HS, Springfield Lamphier, Tolono Unity, & Washington.  There were a plethora of “State Ranked” teams and individuals ready to roll.  This meet is a great way to end the “Regular Season” which leads into “Championship Meet Season” which starts with the WB-6 Conference meet next Thursday.  The Leafs hope to be back here on Saturday, October 31st when Metamora plays host to the IHSA Sectional that we feed into.  The team will need to qualify for that racing opportunity at the Geneseo Regional which will be held the week before.  Thus, gaining some valuable experience on the Black Partridge course was omnipotent.

The GHS team numbers were down for the meet due to a marching band competition conflict.  Several members of the team had the conflict (actually, two competitions on the day).  We knew about the conflict and Coach Ehlert always works with conflicts.  We all want the student/athletes to be involved in as many activities as they can handle.  The end result is learning life skills along the way and finding out what areas they are interested in and also have talent in.  The Maple Leafs raced 6 men in the F/S race and 4 in the Varsity race.  The racing temperature was in the low 70’s with enough humidity to make it feel warmer.  Hang in there, Men….cooler days are coming.  It should also be noted that the mile pace average was calculated for the 2.94 course (not a 3 mile).

The F/S Boys  got the action started for the Maple Leafs at 10:00 a.m. sharp.  The team was led by Freshman Henry Woodward who was clocked in 16:56 and placed 18th overall in the race.  He has been battling a nagging ankle injury but really popped a tremendous race.  His time moved him into the 8th fastest time in GHS history for a freshman on the Black Partridge Park course.  Way to Go, Henry.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team enters “Championship Meet Season”.  You are in a great position to help the team nail the pre-season goals that were selected.  It all start on Thursday in the WB-6 Conference Meet.  You are a special talent and the “secret” is about to “Run Wild”.  Dream Big!

The second man for the GHS F/S squad was Ephraim Mueller who cranked out a time of 17:43  Ephraim placed 38th in the talented field and was the Maple Leafs’ 2nd man in the race (5th overall on the day…combining both races).  His time moved him into 15th place on the Geneseo High School Top 25 Freshman list for the course.  Way to Go, Ephraim.  All the best as the team enters “Championship Meet Season”.  He has run in Geneseo’s Top 7 all season long.  It is going to be a LOT of FUN watching this youngster chase his potential over the next 4 years.  The meets that matter the most are at the end of the season.  All of you hard work will pay huge dividends, Ephraim.  Stay hungry and keep racing smart.

Freshman Kellan Courtright was the Maple Leafs’ 3rd man in the F/S race.  He placed 137th in the talented field and was timed in a quick 19:48.  Great stuff, Kellan.  He was also the team’s 7th man overall after the F/S race and Varsity race results were combined.  All the best as the team enters “Championship Meet Season”.  For you, that means running in the WB-6 Conference Championship on Thursday, October 15th.  After that, you will “Toe da Line” one final time at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational on Monday, October 19th.  Then, we will be counting on you to become a key member of the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal will be to help inspire the Varsity Top 7 in the IHSA post-season.  Get ready to FLY!.

The next man up for the Geneseo High School F/S team was Freshman Ian McCord.  He continued his impressive season with another big race that saw him “Stop the Clock” at 22:22.  He placed 204th overall in the talented field and was the 4th runner for the Leaf F/S squad.  When both races were combined, Ian ended up as the Maple Leafs’ 8th man overall.  Way to Go, Dude!  Great stuff.  Next up is “Championship Meet Season” which will being in Hampton’s Empire Park for the WB-6 Conference Meet this coming Thursday.  Then, you will race one more time at the Sterling 09/JV Invite on Monday, October 19th.  After that, it will be time for you to join the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Together we can!

Sophomore James MacKenzie returned to action after missing some time due to a chronic knee issue.  It was great to see him racing again.  He placed 226 in the talented field and was the Maple Leafs’ 5th man on the day (9th overall when combining both races).  Great Job, “Jimmy Mac”.  All the best as the team enters “Championship Meet Season”.  The WIB-6 Conference meet is Thursday, October 15th.  Following that, you will race one more time at “JV State” (The Sterling 09.JV Invitational).  After that, the team is counting on you to help lead the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The goal of that “Hype Squad” is be EVERYWHERE on the course cheering on the Varsity Top 7 during the IHSA post-season.

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos was the Maple Leafs’ 6th and final man in the F/S race.  He placed 234th in the talented field and was timed in a quick 24:23.  Way to go, Phoenix.  He was the 10th fastest Maple Leaf of the day (combining both races).  That is a personal best and very impressive.  Way to Go, Phoenix.  All the best as the team rolls into “Championship Meet Season”.  You have two races left this season.  Get ready to fly in the WB-6 Conference Meet and at the Sterling 09/JV Invite (JV State.)  After that it will be time to help lead the GHS “Hype Squad” during the IHSA post-season.  Keep up the great job, Phoenix.  Your improvement from last year is “Jaw Dropping”.

When the “Dust had Settled” and the points were added, the Leafs found themselves in 17th place.  That is out of 30 teams and missing some key guys due to conflicts.  Way to Roll Men!

There were only 4 Junior and Senior Maple Leafs available to race in the Varsity race so the team didn’t officially field a full team (you need a least 5 scorers).  No worries……the team had a plethora of unavoidable conflicts and everyone raced that could.  We are very proud of all of you (those that raced and those who couldn’t).

Junior Henley Bourne continued is amazing Junior season with quite a race.  The field was truly “Loaded” with a plethora of “All-Staters”.  Henley placed 12th overall running the 2nd fastest time for a GHS Runner EVER on the Black Partridge Park course.  He was timed in 15:18.  Way to go, Henley.  Man, are you ever ready for “Championship Meet Season”.  All the best!  Henley has run as the Maple Leafs #1 man each and every time he has “Toed da Line” this season.  Get ready for the part of the season that matters the most.  Have confidence in all the hard work that you have invested and get ready to reap the benefits.  Please don’t forget to enjoy the experience.  Intelligent race strategies are omnipotent.

Fellow Junior Greyson Clearhout was the next man up for the Maple Leafs.  The “Greyhound” placed 57th overall in the talented field and was timed in 16:16.  His time makes him the 12th fastest GHS Runner EVER on the course (any grade level).  He also became the 9th fastest GHS Junior.  Greyson has run as the Maple Leafs’ #2 man each and every race this season.  The combination of Greyson and Henley give the Maple Leafs a potent 1-2 punch.  Other team members are working to join that “Punch”.  All the best in “Championship Meet Season”.  You are a very inspirational young man.  It’s time to “Cash a Few Checks” as you and your teammates chase you potential.  Keep “Dreaming Big”!

Junior Kael McCord (the reining GHS Bell Ringer” was the next man up for “da Leafs”.  Keal placed 106th in the talented field and was timed in a quick 17:07.  That time moved him into 21st on the GHS Junior Top 25 list for the Black Partridge Park course.  Way to Go, Kael.  Now, as the team moves into “Championship Meet Season”, get ready to roll.  You and your teammates have a LOT of momentum and are truly ready to “turn some heads” in the coming weeks.  All the best, Kael.  The team is in great hands with the leadership of “GHS Big 5”.  The team set some lofty preseason goals.  It’s time to try and attain those goals.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.  Keep Dreaming Big!

The final man in the Varsity race for the Maple Leafs was Junior Rylan Carlson who ran another great race.  He placed 152nd in the elite field and was timed in a quick 18:12.  Rylan is one of the most dedicated men on the team and it has been a lot of fun watching him “Bust Loose”.  All the best as the team rolls into “Championship Meet Season”.  It all starts on Thursday, October 15th at the WB-6 Conference Meet.  After that, the IHSA post-season.  Try and rest up a bit and then get ready to “Unleash the Beast”.  We are Very proud of you, Rylan.  Keep up the good work and keep leading via example.  Also, keep “Dreaming  Big”! 

All the best at Conference and beyond, Men.  You are a special group.  .

BLACK PARTRIDGE PARK TOP 25’s 

RESULTS

JUNIOR KAEL MCCORD “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Junior Kael McCord who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Augie H.S. Invite

Junior Kael McCord was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Augustana College Brissman-Lindeen Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, October 3rd.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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 has been enjoying a tremendous Junior year campaign.  He has run as one of the Maple Leafs’ Top Runners in each and every meet.  He has also provided a strong dose of leadership to the team, both in practices and in meet competition.  Kael is a quiet leader but strongly effective. 

Kael placed 33rd overall in the Augustana College Brissman-Lunceen Cross Country in the high school race and was the Maple Leafs’ 4th man on the day.  His effort helped the Leafs place 2nd as a team.  The Leafs were only bested by a very strong Pleasant Valley squad.  Kael dipped under the 17:00 minute barrier with his 16:58 clocking.  Way to Go, Kael.  We are very proud of you.  Keep up the good work.  You are reaping the benefits from it.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team moves into “Championship Meet Season”.

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

11th Grade:  “So far I’ve just been building back up to where I was last season. I came in rather unprepared, so I started with an 18:02 and have slowly whittled that down to a 16:58 (only 7 seconds from my PR!). I also ran a new mile PR during Metamora which was a 5:15. Not as fast as I know I could run a mile by any means, but it still happened during a race with some mediocre conditions to say the least“.

10th Grade:  “Sophomore year went insanely well for me when it comes to sports. For XC, I started with an 18:03 at the beginning of the season. I then jumped around in times eventually settling around a 17:30. Come Sectionals, I got a huge PR on Richmond hill (at least 30 seconds faster than conference). Jump forward to State and I was able to run a 16:51 which was absolutely huge for me. I was the 7th guy on the team meaning we had the whole top 7 under 17 minutes. Aside from just times, I absolutely loved this team. The seniors made everything super fun and pushed us to work hard.

9th Grade:  “XC during freshman year was completely different from middle school. The training schedule was much harder (but also allowed me to actually improve) and the coaches were much more active in the coaching. My first race was a 19:56, which was pretty good for my first 3 mile race. Over the course of the season, I slowly cut it down, ending in the low 18s (which I ran a 17:45 at Metamora so my actual time would’ve been somewhere in the low 18s). There was also Conference which I was sick for, making it one of the most miserable experiences in my life to date. I ran the first mile like any other race, then I died and got passed by at least 3 teammates. The whole race my goal was to just finish, which I was able to do. I didn’t horrible with a time of 19:19 (or something like that) but it sucked nonetheless.

8th Grade:  “8th grade felt like I was burnt out for the most part. Both XC and Track felt like the same as 7th grade with some minor improvements to time or height. For XC I ended up as the 2nd guy on the team and took my time down to an 11:58 from the 12:26 I ended on. Pole Vault went similarly with my height improving by a foot to 8’9”. I did actually start Triple Jump and Long Jump this year which were both really fun. Long Jump I did okay at, but didn’t improve much over the season, whereas Triple Jump I kept improving and enjoyed it quite a bit. Overall a really boring year“.

7th Grade:  “This is where all the sports I currently do started. I joined XC because I had a few friends doing it, as well as already having some experience running with my dad. I started off decent with a 2 mile time of 14:36. I took that and moved it down to a 14:01 on the Hampton course. It stayed there until the Dunlap invite (hosted at Detweiller Park) where I ran around 13:15, which also moved me into the top 7. At the next meet (aka Conference), I ran with Micah Nicke since he was lagging behind where he was normally at. Most of the team then clumped together so we had 4 or 5 if us running together. All of that led me to run a 12:26 which was a huge PR. State and Sectionals went fine, but I didn’t run nearly as well as I did at Conference.

Prior to 7th grade:  “I played Soccer when I was 3, but I don’t remember much about it. I also played Baseball in 3rd and 4th grade and ended up stopping after COVID hit“.

Kael is the proud son of Steve and Amanda McCord.  He is also the Proud “Big Bro” of Ian (9th grader) & Colin (7th grader).

Here are Kael’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “KP (used by some family members on my mom’s side)”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I don’t have any clubs but I do welding and band.”;  Favorite Food:  “Chicken Pot Pie”;  Favorite Movie:  “The Truman Show”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “I listen to whatever I feel like so there isn’t really a specific genre. I’m also not loyal to any one artist very much”.;  Athletic Hero:  “none”;  Favorite Quote:  “none”;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “A combination of previous running experience and having some friends that were doing it”.;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Learn to control your mind during races and workouts. It’s the hardest part of xc and I’m still working on it myself”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Jacob Berry, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, Kellan Courtright, Will Ehlert, Ian McCord, Ephraim Mueller, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Kael had improved a ton from last year.  He had a great year last year being our 7th man.  He has worked really hard to move into the Top 4-5 this year. 

Kael has been a great leader this year.  We are excited to see what the future of this year and next year will be.  Keep dreaming big and continue with the great work ethic”.

WEARING HIS AWARD

Pictured is GHS Junior Henley Bourne who won a “Top 10 Finisher” T-Shirt
Those were the only awards

LEAFS CLAIM AUGUSTANA COLLEGE BRISSMAN-LINDEEN
CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL SILVER

On Saturday, October 3rd, the Leafs traveled to Rock Island’s Saukie Golf Course to participate in the 6th Annual Augustana College Brissman-Lindeen Cross Country Invitational.  The field included teams from the following schools:  Aledo (Mercer County), Bettendorf, Davenport West, East Moline (UT), Erie/Prophetstown, Geneseo, Kewanee-Wethersfield, Moline, Orion, Pleasant Valley, Port Byron (Riverdale), ROWVA (Wiilliamsville), Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), Sterling (Newman), & Taylor Ridge (Rockridge).

There has been a Rock Island Cross Country Invitational for many years.  Geneseo attended several of those meets several times.  The host sites have rotated over the years.  Credit Island in Davenport and Camden Park in Milan come to mind.  The meet moved to Saukie Golf Course in 2010.  Geneseo participated in the meet through 2013 before choosing to take an “Off Weekend” before Championship Meet Season began.  When current head coach, Todd Ehlert, took over the program in the fall of 2018, he chose to take team to Freeport for the Pretzel XC Invite.  This is the first year for GHS to rejoin this meet.  He asked me to create a Top 25 history for the meet.  Saukie Golf Course has hosted the Western Big 6 Conference Meet twice since Geneseo joined the Conference in the fall of 2019 (2020 & 2023).  Those meets have been included.  Thus, they added up to seven meets.  Saukie has hosted an IHSA Regional Meet multiple times back in the two class system (both Rock Island & Moline hosted).  The course was different and Coach Ehlert chose not to include those meets in the Top 25’s. Understandable.  Sorry, Alums.

The area received a pretty heavy rain for a couple days.  It was related from Hurricane Polo and anywhere from 6-12 inches fell in the area.  The rain ended Friday morning but it will take several days for the ground to dry up.  Thus, the Saukie course was a bit wet in spots.  However, it is still a gold course with wonderful turf.  In my opinion, golf courses offer the runners an incredible racing experience.  The cost of renting the facility isn’t cheap (they have to cover the cost of all of the “Green Fees” lost during the duration of the meet.  That’s why it’s rare to get the chance to race on a golf course.  On to the racing.

All of the high school boys raced together and followed the girls race that started at 10:00 a.m.  The boys race started at 10:45 a.m. and the field contained over 200 runners.  Most of the QCA was represented in the 16-team field.  Evidently, the meet that several schools were planning to attend was canceled to the course being too wet.  It was a golf course and they were afraid the runners would “Rip it Up”.  Next year’s field will probably not be as big.  The Top 10 runners were awarded a “T-Shirt”.  Cool idea. 

Junior Henley Bourne continued his impressive season.  He placed 4th overall and was timed in a quick (for the conditions) 15:46 and he earned a highly coveted “Top 10 Finisher” T-Shirt.  His time moved him into 4th place on the All-Time Top 25 Individual list (any grade level).  He also is now the 3rd fastest Junior EVER to race the course.  Great Job, Henley.  The meets that truly matter are almost here (Championship Meet Season).  All the best in the coming weeks.  You are enjoying a historic junior campaign. 

Fellow Junior Greyson Clearhout wasn’t far behind as he “Roared Home” in 16:05 and placed 12th in the talented field.  Greyson has been closing the gap on Henley and man, does that help our team.  They form a powerful 1-2 punch that most teams can only dream about.  Greyson’s time moved him into 6th on the All-Time Top 25 List for Geneseo athletes of any grade level.  He also moved into 4th place on the GHS Junior Top 25 list.  Great Stuff, Greyson.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.  You are really on a roll.  Keep up the great work.  All the best.

Speaking about improving…..Freshman Will Ehlert is also on a tear.  Will ran a tremendous race himself and ended up in 21st place.  That’s AWESOME!  Will’s time of 16:26 is the fastest time that a Geneseo Freshman has EVER run on this Saukie Golf Course Cross Country course.  He also moved into the 9th fastest GHS Top 25 Individual position.  Will is still playing soccer for the Geneseo High School Team in addition to running great for the XC Team.  The dude is extremely impressive and a LOT of fun to watch.  He is closing the gap on Greyson.  Keep up the great job, Will.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  All the best.

Next up for the Maple Leafs was Junior Kael McCord who has been running in the team’s Top 5 all season long.  He ended up 4th man on the day and placed 33rd.  He “cracked” the 17:00 minute barrier with his 16:58.  That time made him the 16th fastest GHS runner EVER on the course (any grade level).  He also became the 7th fastest GHS Junior to ever on the course.  Great Stuff, Kael.  Keep up the great work.  The team’s pre-season goals are all in reach.  It’s time to “Carpe-Diem” Championship Meet Season.  All the best.  Keep it Rolling.

Freshman Henry Woodward was the team’s 5th man on the day.  He was racing with a sore ankle (rolled it).  He still managed to “Throw Down” a time of 17:22 and place 46th overall in the race.  Not bad for someone so young.  His time was also the 4th fastest time EVER for a Geneseo High School Freshman.  Way to go, Henry.  The goal for Championship Meet Season will be for you to re-group with Kael.  It is always easier to run with a teammate.  The team is in a great position to “Make Some Noise”.  All the best to you and “da boys”. 

Fellow Freshman Ephraim Mueller continued his great season as he maintained his grip on the Maple Leafs’ number six man position.  He was timed in 17:51 and placed 68th overall in the race.  His time is the 7th fastest EVER for a Geneseo High School Freshman.  Way to Go, Ephraim.  The duel sport athlete (yup…he is also a strong swimmer too) has really been enjoying a great harrier (XC) season.  Get ready to chase some Championship Meet Season Accolades.  All the best, Ephraim.  Thanks for always being such a great team man.

Junior “Ace” (he is currently chasing his pilot’s license) Fritz Bolme sprinted home as the Maple Leafs’ 7th man.  He was timed in 18:10 and placed 80th overall in the talented field.  His time made him the 16th fastest GHS Junior in school history on the course.  Way to go, “Fritzie”.  You have really broken through to a new level of performance.  Great Stuff.  Both you and Rylan give the team much needed depth.  All the best as the season moves into Championship Meet time.  Keep Dreaming Big.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

The 8th man on the day for the Maple Leafs was Junior Rylan Carlson who is also enjoying a tremendous season.  Rylan was timed in 18:28 on the wet course and placed 89th overall, just behind his “Racing Twinkie” (Fritz Bolme) (they are usually side-by-side.)  Rylan just missed “cracking” the Junior GHS Top 25 List (he is on a plethora of other lists).  Great racing, Rylan.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team moves into “Championship Meet Season”.  Also, great job on the headlights.  TY!

Freshman Kellan Courtright was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  He was timed in 20:34 and placed 162nd overall in the talented field.  Kellan’s time moved him into 21st place on the Geneseo High School Freshman Top 25 list.  Great Job, Kellan.  It has been a Lot of Fun watching him continue to improve as the season has progressed.  It’s almost time for “Championship Meet Season” to roll around (starts with the WB-6 Conference Meet).  After that you will have one more race when you “Toe da Line” at the Sterling 09/JV Invitational.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.  It’s Time to FLY!

Ian McCord continued his strong Freshman season by placing 198th in the talented field.  He was timed in 22:34.  It is pretty awesome how much Ian has improved this season.  The reason….he has worked his tail off.  He has also worn a proud smile each and every step of his journey.  Great stuff, Ian.  “Championship Meet Season” is upon us so get ready to FLY.  You are a true inspiration to each of your teammates through your work ethic and racing efforts.  Keep up the great job.  It is going to be a lot of of fun to watch you chase your potential in the coming season.

Junior Cole Henson was the Maple Leafs’ 11th man on the day.  Cole “Stopped da Clock” at 23:05 and placed 207th in the highly competitive field.  Cole has a lot “on his plate” these days.  A few conflicts have forced him to miss a few practices lately.  Hang in there, Cole.  “Championship Meet Season” is here and it’s time to “Bring It”.  You only have a few races left.  After that the IHSA post-season will be upon us and only “da Top 7” will have the opportunity to race.  Everyone else on the team will become the “Hype Squad”.  We hope you will help lead It.  Thanks for always being such a great guy.

Adler VanOpdorp sprinted across the finish line in 23:29 and was the Maple Leafs’ 12th man on the day.  The Freshman placed 211th in the highly competitive field.  He has been on a roll all season long.  His just keeps improving each and every race.  Keep up the good work, Adler.  “Championship Meet Season” has arrived and it’s time to “Let it Rip”.  All the best in your final races of the season.  Don’t be afraid to take a few chances and keep moving up from there.  Then, after your competitive season has concluded, help the “Hype Squad” inspire “da Top 7” during the IHSA post-season.

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos was the 13th man on Varsity and was timed in 23:56.  He placed 219th overall in the highly competitive field.  His improvement from last fall is “Jaw-Dropping”.  Great Stuff, Phoenix.  All the best in your final races of the season.  Take a chance and “Drop the Hammer”…..(that means try and run faster).  We are already VERY proud of You.  After your racing for the season has concluded……jump on board with the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  The lofty team goals are still there but the Varsity Top 7 will need help to achieve them.  TOGETHER WE CAN!

When the team points were tabulated, the Maple Leafs found themselves in 2nd place (16 teams).  Only Iowa state powerhouse Pleasant Valley (3 times our school’s size) beat you.  Rock Island was only one point back.   Expect a highly spirited competion from them at the WB-6 Conference meet a week from Thursday.  Quincy and Moline hope to “Make some Noise”.  All the best, Men.  The opportunity is there for the taking. 

SAUKIE GOLF COURSE TOP 25’s

RESULTS

CHAMPION QCA MARATHON RELAY

Pictured are (L-R) Kyle Sellers, Jeff Brown, Megan Miller, Aaron Skopec, & Todd Ehlert

FIVE GENESEO DISTANCE COACHES
WIN OVERALL 26.2 MILE RELAY RACE

The “Geneseo TF/XC Coaches” team of Jeff Brown, Todd Ehlert, Megan Miller, Kyle Sellers, and Aaron Skopec completed the marathon relay in a chip time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 46 seconds, averaging a 6:21-per-mile pace. The performance earned the group both first place overall and first place in the Open Coed division, according to the race results.

The idea for an all-coaches team began after several members competed on separate relay teams during last year’s marathon.  “After the Marathon last year, we discussed having an all coaches relay,” the group said. “We all thought it would be a great idea.”

This year’s race marked the first time all five had competed together on the same relay team.  The coaches approached the race much as they might approach putting together a lineup for their own athletes. They discussed the different sections of the course and matched runners with legs that suited their individual strengths. “We knew that we could do well in each leg to put us in a spot to have a competitive time,” they said. And they weren’t simply hoping to finish.

The group reviewed results from previous years and estimated the kind of time they believed they could run. Based on those numbers, they knew a victory was possible, although they also recognized that another strong relay team could show up unexpectedly.

“We were hoping for the win, but knew there could be a surprise team we did not know about,” they said. “We looked at previous years’ times and guessed what time we might finish in, so we knew we had a strong shot.” The competitive nature that comes with coaching carried over to race day.

Team members were stationed at different points along the marathon route, but technology allowed them to follow one another’s progress. They tracked each runner through the race app and exchanged text messages with updates and encouragement as the relay unfolded.

“A mixture of both,” the group said when asked whether being coaches made the experience more competitive or more fun. “We are all very competitive people, so we wanted to go out there and do well.”
The finish provided one of the day’s highlights: “The whole race was exciting for everyone, and crossing the finish line together with smiles on our faces was memorable!”

All five coaches are part of Geneseo’s Cross Country or Track programs. Ehlert is the Geneseo High School head boys Cross Country coach and Geneseo Middle School head boys Track and Field coach. Skopec is the GHS head girls Cross Country coach, while Miller is an assistant girls Cross Country coach. Brown serves as an assistant boys Cross Country coach at GHS, and Sellers is an assistant coach for both GHS boys Cross Country and boys Track and Field.
For one weekend, though, the coaches weren’t watching the clock for their athletes.
They were racing it themselves..

JUNIOR GREYSON CLEARHOUT “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Junior Greyson Clearhout who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling Rock River Run Inv.

Junior Greyson Clearhout was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 26th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

Greyson has been “On Fire” the entire season.  He has just kept iimproving each and every season since he has entered high school.  He has excelled in both Cross Country and Track and Field.  By the way, he hasn’t been getting “Lucky” along the way.  He has invested a plethora of effort.  Both his “Passion & Purpose” are on display on a daily basis. 

At the Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational, he placed 14th overall in the talented field.  He was timed in 16:37 for the 5k course.  He passed the 3 mile mark in a lifetime best of 16:03  His time moved him into 4th place on the Geneseo High School All-Time Top 25 Individual list.  He also became the 3rd fasted GHS Junior EVER on the course.  Great Stuff, Greyson. 

Championship Meet Season is just around the corner.  Your continued improvement has been impressive and you are in an omnipotent position to be a significant “Difference Maker” for the GHS team.  Greyson has run as the Leafs’ number two man all season long.  He and fellow junior Henley Bourne give the Maple Leafs a powerful 1-2 punch that most teams can only dream about.  All the best in the coming weeks, Greyson.  You are a true pleasure to work with.  You aren’t just a talented, hard-working athlete.  You are also a great person with strong moral ethics.  That is a wonderful “Skill Set” to possess.  Take care and God Bless.

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

11th Grade: “This year has been great so far by starting out with a 16:40 3 mile at the Moline invite, and I knew that it was going to be a great season compared to last year. Getting to know the group is amazing and I love every ounce of effort from the practices going into a meet. This season, I was at a plateau in the early stages but recently I’ve been able to make great progress especially at the Sterling Rock River Run when I ran 16:03. The next week, I then repeated with another 16:05 beating both Rock Island kids once more. I’m sure there is more to come as this season continues and I believe that we can win Conference and go to State. My goals for Track are big and I’m hoping to run more 800s and 400s while keeping up with the mile every now and then.”

10th Grade:  “Sophomore year is my favorite year and I’m not sure if you can beat how connected the team was. I started the season sick with a hurt back running a 19:30ish first meet, but was able to recover for the next week taking place for Adain who was sick and wasn’t able to run. My running a PR in the 2nd meet of the season was fantastic. The next meet got better because running another PR means that I’m able to improve more throughout the season and not run a fast time just once. First to the Finish was great and I was able to stick with Kaden even more, running another PR by 10 seconds. As the season continued, the times got lower and lower with every week. Dropping from 17:28 to 16:57 in just 3 weeks. The next week was Metamora having a great pack to go with, I was able to run a great time of 16:33, but with it being a short course it would become more of a 16:50. Next week was Conference at Geneseo so we obviously had a home team advantage and were trying to win the thing by taking down Quincy. However, we just came up short and lost by only 20 points. Bartonville Limestone must be a top 5 course to run on because it’s fast and goes through some great parts of the woods. Only slight hills made us able to run some great times and get us where we needed to be going into Sectionals. Sectionals was hosted by Geneseo at our home course which was once again a home course advantage. These were the great times, the times that I remember the greatest. We needed to run our best and the best we did. It is still funny to this day how mad the lemony coach was and how we were able to beat them by only a few points which made us make it to State. Me thinking that we didn’t make it because I didn’t get the guy Ehlert told me to get by only a few seconds. But overall we made it. State may have been the best of all, the memories of us running and the greatness of how proud we all were just here to get a chance of a lifetime. My greatest memory that I’ll never forget is when I was racing to the finish only 200m away and catching Graysen Carlson. As I passed him we looked at each other and both had the same idea of racing until we were dead. But he was not able to run 100% because he had shin problems at the time. The way home was very different from every other one in the season. Jaxson was almost high off of a Monster drink he had and the Olive Garden. Blasting music that may possibly be non-school appropriate but still the greatest bus ride of all.

Over the winter I took a few weeks off until running again before Track. When Track came, it was different from last year. Like we all had a large idea that we all shared, making a monster 4x800m relay to go to State. Mrs McSweeny had been planning this since last year. She had written notes about what we would do each day throughout the season. In the first week, we did a test to find out what was predicted 800m times by the end of the season. When I saw the results I was shocked and couldn’t wrap my head around it. I was predicted 2:04, something I never thought of. We started working all week. The first meet we had Indoor Track, I ran the 4×8 and was timed 2:11, a PR for the first meet. We never were fresh for any of the indoor meets and never cared about any of the meets. Two we were actually fresh for and both we did phenomenal for what we had done last year. Indoor was never the greatest. I ended the season with a 2:08 800m and a 4:45 1600m. Something I was proud of. Outdoor was a rough time early in the season with few injuries and Jaxson pulling his a muscle in his groin. Week after week, we practiced until we were dead. Put in 100% for each workout and every day. Nothing too large but a few PRs every now and then happened until championship season. Conference we put our best people for the job of 4×8. Jaxson, me, Graysen, then Henley. We all were able to complete our goal of sub 8:20, running 8:19. Then on to Sectionals, the time we all were waiting for. Jaxson started off hot. Running a perfect 2:04 just under the requirement. With perfect placement for me to take the baton I was surprisingly able to run a blistering 2:02 making us perfect and confident for us to go to State. Graysen started hot and continued to push through “the wall” running a 2:06. Henley needed to do his best and that he did. Able to run a 2:03 making us qualify for State. We all shouted and yelled at the top of our lungs crying to each other realizing we did it. A few days before we left for State I heard bad news, very bad news. I personally disagree to this day with what the coaches decided. Graysen wasn’t going to run at state in the 4×8. That same day Aidan ran the open 800 and was able to run a 2:04, just faster than Graysen. ‘Til this day I argue that Aidan didn’t qualify but Graysen did. The Q is next to Graysen’s name, not Aidan’s. But we couldn’t do anything about it. All of State were amazing. From the bus ride there to the depressing goodbyes. The day that we ran wanted the greatest. All of us were just wanting to run but it was very hot with no breeze to keep us cool. We all went out way too fast and died in the first 300. Watching the races was great and is where I got my inspiration. Once we arrived back home we said our goodbyes and as I got into my car I cried very deeply knowing that the best friend group I’ll ever have is done.”

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 freshmen. 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 PR for this year was 13:08 in the 3000m race from the Rust Buste. That was an okay 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 Prezel race where I ran a 19:08 getting me 7th in the race but 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 in how his first mile was a 5:35 and mine was a 5:45. How he went out so much faster with me still being able to catch him in the end. Overall, 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. Kael was sick so I needed to kinda 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 me 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 the 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.”

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 some 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 too 3 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 meet 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:  “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 started playing 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.”

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 k 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 and Jaci Claerhout.  He is also the Proud “Baby Bro” of Morgan (Current Junior in College).

Here are Greyson’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Greyhound or Pistol”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in: XC,  Track and Field”;  Favorite Food:  “Sloppy Joe or Chicken Alfredo”;  Favorite Movie:  “How to Train your Dragon”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Eric Church is my favorite artist”;  Athletic Hero:  “Dan Chenoweth (GHS 1600 & 3200 Meter Runs School Record Holder, Nick Shwartzendruber (GHS 400 Meter Dash & 800 Meter Run School Record Holder”;  Favorite Quote:  ““Less is more” – Mark Claerhout;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “Ella Taylor and I used to run the walk/jog track together and she said that I should try XC”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Listen to the coaches because you know less than them. Trust the process and don’t give up because your not the #1 in the world.”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Jacob Berry, Fritz Bolme, Henley Bourne, Kellan Courtright, Will Ehlert, Ian McCord, Kael McCord, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  Greyson is having an awesome year.  He worked his butt off in Track in the spring and all that hard work is paying off.  He has been a great leader this season.  We are excited to see how the season will play out for him.  Keep “Dreaming Big, Greyson.”

TOP 15 INDIVIDUAL FINISHER MEDALISTS

Pictured are Henry Woodward, Ephraim, Mueller, Greyson Clearhout, Henley Bourne, & Will Ehlert.
Each man placed in the top15 in their race to earn a highly coveted Top 15 Fiisher Medal

LEAFS COMPETE IN STERLING’S ROCK RIVER RUN INVITE

On Saturday, September 26th, the Leafs traveled to Sterling’s Hoover Park to participate in the annual Sterling Rock River Run Cross Country Invitational.  The 23-team field contained squads from the following schools:  Belvidere, Belvidere North, Cambridge, Dixon, Eastland, Freeport, Geneseo, Geneva, Kaneland, LaSalle-Peru, Morrison, Ottawa, Princeton, Peoria Richwoods, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Rock Island, Sandwich, Sterling, Sterling Newman, Sycamore, West Carroll, & Yorkvile.  The teams were treated to magnificent weather conditions.  The course was hard and fast and the race time temperatures were in the low 60’s with light winds.

The course was converted from 3 miles to 5k in the fall of 2024 when Mark Johnson took over the boys head  Cross Country position at Sterling High School.  He is a great guy.  Thus, this is the 3rd year for the new course.  The “Hoover Park” Top 25’s are still a work in progress.  Every Maple Leaf that raced “Cracked” the a Top 25 list.  Pretty cool.  Also, Head Boys coach Todd Ehlert continued a long held Geneseo philosophy to run all of the G.H.S. Freshmen and Sophomores in the F/S race while all of the Junior and Senior Maple Leafs ran in the Varsity race.  We feel it is a “Win-Win” allowing more guys to be put into “scoring” spots and also giving the F/S squad a better chance to develop their racing skills.

The Varsity Boys race started at 9:35 a.m. sharp.  Junior Henley Bourne went right with the “Big Dogs” and hung with them for most of the race.  He ended up placing 5th overall and was timed in 16:12 for 5k (15:43 3 mile split).  His time moved him into 2nd place for any GHS runner on the course and is a new Junior Class Record for the Leafs.  Way to Go, Henley.  Championship Meet Season is just around the corner.  Henley has run as the Geneseo #1 runner each and every race this season.  Great Stuff.

Not far behind Henley was Junior Greyson Clearhout who is having a tremendous season of his own.  The “Greyhound” placed 14th overall to earn a Top 15 finisher medal.  He was timed in 16:37 for the challenging 5k course (16:03 3 mile).  His time moved him into 4th place on the All-Time GHS Individual top 25 List.  He is also sitting in the number three sport EVER for a GHS Junior on the course.  Greyson has been the Leafs #2 man all season long.  Keep up the great job, Greyson. 

Junior Kael McCord was the next Maple Leaf to cross the finish line and placed 54th, overall, in the race.  He was timed in 17:47 for the 5k course (17:11 3 mile).  Kael has been a steady performer for the Leafs all season long and provides the team with tremendous depth.  His time moved him into 8th place on the All-Time Top 25 Individual List (any grade) and into 5th on the Junior Only list.  Great Stuff, Kael.  All the best in the coming weeks.  Championship meet season is just around the corner.

Junior Fritz Bolme was the Maple Leafs’ #4 man in the race (7th man overall for the team on the day).  He has been running great and “Popped” another one on Saturday.  He place 97th overall in the talented field and was timed in 19:04 for the 5k (18:34 3 mile).  His time moved him into 12th place on the GHS All-Time Top 25 List (any grade) while he also became the 8th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course.  Keep up the great job, “Fritzie”.  We are Very Proud of You. 

Next up was Junior Rylan Carlson who finished a mere 2 seconds behind Fritz and was the Leafs’ 5th and final scorer in the race.  He was timed in 19:06 (18:34 at 3 miles).  Rylan has a great work ethic and it is a lot of fun to watch him push himself.  He is an inspiration to each and every teammate.  His time made him the 14th fastest GHS Runner EVER on the course (any grade level) while he also became the 9th fastest GHS Junior.  All the best in the coming weeks Rylan.  Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Keep Dreaming BIG!!!

Senior Leader Jacob Berry ran another tremendous race himself.  The best way to lead is via example and he keeps doing exactly that.  He was timed in 21:35 (21:51 for 3 miles) and placed 157th overall in the race.  Jacob became the 14th fastest GHS Senior to ever compete on the Hoover Park 5k course.  Great Stuff, Jacob.  Keep up the great job.  This team is really coming on and is going to keep on improving.  Great job of leadership.

Fellow Senior Leader Connor Runty was close behind Jacob and finished the race in 21:51 which placed him 163rd overall in the highly competitive field.  His time moved him into 15th place on the GHS Top 25 list for Geneseo High School Seniors on the course.  Great Job, Connor.  Ditto on the leadership comments I made about Jacob.  The two of you are doing a tremendous job of “Driving the Big Green Bus”.  Championship Meet Season is rapidly approaching.  EVERYONE is going to be flying in the in the coming weeks.  Keep Dreaming BIG. 

Junior Cole Henson was the final man in the race and was Geneseo High School’s 8th man in the race.  Great Job, Cole.  He was timed in 22:47 for the 5k course (22:11 at 3 miles).  Cole was also Geneseo’s 13th man overall when combining both races.  Great Stuff, Cole.  Your season is winding down….get ready to FLY.  Have confidence to take a few chances out there and go out a bit harder.  All the best in the coming weeks.  Also, thanks for alwys being such a great guy.  You are a total team man. 

When the team points were added up, the Varsity Maple Leafs found themselves in 7th place (out of 23 teams) without any of the F/S guys.  That is VERY Impressive, Men.  All of the pre-season team goals that you stated are still out there waiting to be claimed.  Together you CAN!  All the best, Men!

GHS F/S PLACES 4TH

The Maple Leaf F/S boys left the the starting line at 10:45 a.m.  They were flying and just keep going the entire race.  The Sterling Rock River Run Invitational included teams from 23 schools.  The GHS F/S boys ran tough races and ended up placing 4th overall.  Great Job, Men.  There were a plethora of State-Ranked teams in the field.  To say that the future looks good would a gross understatement.  You have a chance develop into a very special team.  Each of you will have to decide how much you are willing to invest in that opportunity.

On to the racing.  Freshman Will Ehlert took the lead early and never looked back.  He “Roared” to a winning time of 17:10 for 5k (16:37 at 3 miles).  His time is a new GHS Freshman school record for the course and moved him into 5th on the All-Time GHS Top 25 for the course (Any Grade Level).  Way to go, Will.  Very impressive racing.  Will is also playing soccer for GHS (he is the first athlete to be allowed to do both sports…..this is the first year it has been allowed by our soccer staff.)  Will was the only athlete to accept the challenge this season….hopefully, next year will bring others.  All the best in the coming weeks, Will.  You are having an amazing season.

Freshman Henry Woodward was the next man up for the Leafs.  Henry was racing with a sore ankle but still managed a great effort that saw him end up in 4th place overall in the F/S race.  Great racing, Henry.  He was timed in 17:48 for the 5k distance (rolled through 3 miles in 17:10).  His time is 2nd on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list to his teammate, Will Ehlert.  He also moved into 9th place on the All-Time Top 25 Individual List (any grade).  Henry has been in the Maple Leafs’ Top 5 all season long (he was 5th man when combining the races today).  Get ready for Championship Meet Season, Henry.  The team still has some big goals and you are in a great position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  All the best.

Freshman Ephraim Mueller joined in the fun by busting out another great race.  Ephraim ended up “Cracking” the Top 10 in the race to earn a Top 15 Finisher Medal.  Great Stuff!  He was timed in 18:21 for the 5k (17:43 3 mile) and placed 8th in the race.  He moved into 3rd on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list (behind Will & Henry).  He is also now the 11th fastest Maple Leaf (any grade) EVER on the course.  Ephraim is having a wonderful season.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team moves closer to “Championship Meet Season”.  Keep Dreaming Big and then backing it all up with the dedication and hard work that excellence demands.  You are a special young man. 

Freshman Kellen Courtright kept the great efforts rolling by running 20:04 for the 5k distance (19:31 at 3 miles).  Kellen ended up placing 31st overall in the F/S race.  His time moved him into the number 7 spot on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list.  He also is now sitting in 19th on the All-Time (any grade) Top 25 list.  Great stuff, Kellen.  He was the Leafs’ 4th man in the F/S race and 9th overall when combining both races.  All the best in the coming weeks.  Get ready to FLY.  Don’t be afraid to start trying to hand with Fritz and Rylan.  You just might surprise yourself.  BELIEVE!

Freshman Hunter Olson ended up being the Maple Leafs’ 5th scorer in the race and helped the team place 4th out of 23 teams.  Great Job, Hunter.  He was timed in 22:21 for the 5k distance (rolled through 3 miles in 21:41).  He placed 60th overall in the strong F/S field.  His time moved him into 10th place on the Geneseo High School Freshman Top 25 list.  Impressive stuff, Hunter.  Keep up the great work.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team moves closer to “Championship Meet Season”.  Get ready to run your fastest races of the season in the coming weeks.  All the best.

The next man up for the Leafs was Freshman Ian McCord who continued his impressive season.  The dude just keeps on getting faster.  He was the Leafs’ 6th man in the race and placed 67th overall in the talented F/S race.  He was timed in 23:47 for the 5k distance.  Ian ended up being the Maple Leafs’ 14th man overall (when combining both races).  Congratulations on a great job, Ian.  All the best in the coming weeks.  The season is winding down and Championship Meet Season is almost here.  Keep making smart choices about sleep, hydration, nutrition, etc….and you will continue to Destroy your personal bests.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

The Maple Leafs’ reigning “Bell Ringer” was the next man for the Maple Leafs to “Break the Tape”.  Freshman Adler VanOpdorp placed 72nd in the talented field and was timed in 24:08 for the 5k distance (23:29 at 3 miles).  He was the Maple Leafs’ 7th man in the F/S race and 15th man overall (when combining both races).  Great Stuff, Adler.  All the best in the coming weeks as the team rolls into “Championship Meet Season”.  Just keep doing what Coach Ehert asks you to do and then get ready to FLY.  It is called “Peaking” and you are going to Destroy your personal bests.  Don’t be afraid to take a few chances and go out a little faster.  You will probably LOVE the results. 

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos was just behind Adler and ran another strong race himself.  Phoenix placed 78th in the talented F/S field and was timed in 25:01 for the 5k distance (3 mile split in 24:09).  Phoenix was the Maple Leafs’ 8th man in the F/S race and 16th overall on the team (when combining both races).  Way to Go, Dude.  You are running Great.  Get ready for Championship Meet Season…..it’s just around the corner.  You are a veteran now and we need you to help lead the freshmen.  We have nothing but confidence in you.  All the best in the coming weeks.  Get ready to FLY!  Thanks for always being such a great guy.  Carpe Diem!

HOOVER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

FRESHMAN ADLER VANOPDORP “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Freshman Adler VanOpdorp who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Geneseo Inv.

Freshman Adler VanOpdorp was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Geneseo Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 19th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

Adler has been on a roll all season long.  He simply shows up every day (almost) and does whatever Coach Ehlert asks him to do.  He has also been putting in great race efforts every time out.  He has been steadily improving each and every week.  What he accomplished literally “Dropped some Jaws” of his teammates and coaches when “The Committee” met to decide this week’s “Bell Ringer”.  Adler had run a lifetime best by over TWO MINUTES in the Geneseo Cross Country Invitational.  He was timed in 24:54 and placed 35th overall in the Freshmen Race.  The Leafs host their meets on the challenging Richmond Hill Park course.  It is rare for ANYONE to run a lifetime best on this course.  Add in the fact that the weather conditions (Lots of Rain) left the course MUDDY and extremely SLIPPERY.  How he ran a lifetime best in those conditions is a “Head Scratcher”.  A lifetime best by over two minutes is simply AMAZING.  Great Job, Adler.

It is going to be a Lot of Fun watching you chase your potential in the coming weeks of this season and beyond.  Don’t be afraid to “Dream Big” and then back those dreams up with the dedication and hard work that excellence Demands.  You really opened some eyes each and every time you race.  Keep up the good work.  All the best.  Thanks for always being such a great guy.  Your smile is contagious and we are very glad you chose to be a member of this team.  You are a key member of a very talented group of Freshmen who are going to “Make Some Noise” at the State Level before you graduate.  You are also in a great position to help inspire your teammates through your efforts in both workouts and races.  After your competitive season ends (Sterling 09/JV Invitational), the team will be counting on you and your teammates to make a LOT of Noise supporting your teammates who will be racing (Top 7 only) when the IHSA post-season rolls around (Regional, Sectional, & State).

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

9th Grade:  “Cross Country”.

8th Grade:  “Soccer, cross country, and Track”.

7th Grade:  “Soccer, Cross Country, and Track”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “Soccer”.

Adler is the proud son of Jordan and Kristy VanOpdorp.  He is also the Proud “Baby Bro” of Eden (16.)

Here are Adler’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “None”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  None”;  Favorite Food:  “Sushi”;  Favorite Movie:  “All Quiet on the Western Front”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Green Day”;  Athletic Hero:  “None”;  Favorite Quote:  “The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing”i:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “My mom told me to do it ”:  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Enjoy the long runs”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Elijah Coppejans, Greyson Clearhout, Kellen Courtright, Will Ehlert, Ian McCord, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  Adler has come a long way this year.  He ran for the middle school team and did well there.  He is getting better each and every week.  He set a personal best at out invitational (in the mud) and we are hoping to see more PR’s out of him for the rest of the season.  Keep working hard, Adler”.

SENIOR DAY

Pictured are Geneseo Seniors Connor Runty and Jacob Berry

LEAFS CLAIM GENESEO XC INVITE BRONZE

On Saturday, September 19th, the Leafs placed host to their annual cross country invitational.  The meet was held at
Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park.  The field included teams from:  Bloomington, Davenport West, Geneseo, Lemont, Macomb, Moline, Morton, Princeton, Rivermont Collegiate, Rock Island, Riverdale, Sterling, Tinley Park, and United Township.  Lemont and Morton did not have their Top 7 runners compete.  Lemont sent them to Peoria (Richard Spring Inv.) and Morton rested them.

The Leafs have hosted a Cross Country Invitational for over 60 years.  The date has changed a few times over the years.  Hall of Fame Coach John McCormick got things rolling many years ago.  The team used to race at the Geneseo Country Club.  I changed the meet format to class races early in my career here.  I copied the idea from Crystal Lake Central Hall of Fame Coach Dick Kloepfer.  A race in which each athlere is competing against individuals who are the same grade.  Each division awards a team championship plaque (girls & boys).  Then, all of the boys points are added up and an overall boys team champion is awarded.  Then, both the girls and boys points are added together to crown an overall combined champion.  Coach Ehlert shortened the meet’s length by starting the Freshmen & Sophomores and Junior & Senior races together.  They are separated by the computer scoring when they finish the race.  The coaches seem to like the change. The only negative is the runners don’t truly know what place they are in.  Oh well, the same is certainly true in road races.

A couple other things I love about Coach Kloepfer’s meet design are that the meet scoring uses “Unlimited Pushers” so every single athlete affects the team scoring (usually only the top 7 runners do).  Also, if a team can’t field a full scoring team (a least five runners) then “Ghost Runners” are utilized.  For example, if there were 50 runners in one of the races “Ghost Runner Scoring” would a 51 for a team with only 4 runners.  If a team had only one runner they would still get a team score by adding that athlete’s place plus 51, 52, 53, 54.  Every team receives a team score in each race.  There have actually been times in the meet’s history where a team won a race division without having a full team and had to use a “Ghost Runner.)  Well Done, Coach Kloepfer.

The weather was also a significant factor in the races.  At approximately 7:15 a.m. a strong thunderstorm rolled through and dropped over an inch of rain.  Amazingly, the weather only delayed the meet 15 minutes.  It did leave the already soaked ground (several days of rain leading up to the meet)  even wetter.  I will add that most Cross Country runners LOVE to race in the mud.  Sure, it is tricky and the times will be slower.  However, IT’S FUN.  Later, when evening rolled around, another 3 inches of rain fell.  To put it lightly, things are a bit wet in Geneseo and the surrounding area.

On to the racing.  The combined Freshmen & Sophomore races started at 9:15 a.m.  I will discuss each race separately.  The girls races started 3 minutes after the boys to create separation. 

09 RACE

In the Freshman race, the Leafs put up a strong fight and were only beaten by Illinois State Powerhouse the Morton Potters.  They scored 38 points with the Leafs being the only other team in the 14-team field to break 100 points (52). 

Leading the way for the Leafs was Will Ehlert who placed 6th overall in the combined race but was the first Freshman to cross the finish line.  He was timed in 17:47 on the slippery course.  That moved him into 3rd place on the Richmond Hill Park Top 25 list for Freshmen.  Great Job, Will.  He also “Cracked” the overall (any grade level) list and is currently the 19 fastest Maple Leaf EVER on the course.  He will, hopefully, have one more chance to race on the course when the Leafs host one of the IHSA Regional Meets.  

Not far behind was Henry Woodward who has been having a tremendous season himself.  Henry, also earned a Top 20 finisher medal.   Henry place 13th overall in the combined race and ended up as the 3rd fastest Freshman.  Great Job, Henry.  His time of 18:26 moves him into the number ten spot on the GHS Top 25 list for Freshmen.  He had the 4th fastest time on the day for the Maple Leafs (factoring in the the Junior/Senior race).  Henry will also have an other opportunity to destroy his personal best time from today when the Geneseo IHSA Regional rolls around on Saturday, October 24th.

Ephraim Mueller joined in the fun and cranked out a great race himself.  Ephraim placed 19th overall in the combined race and was the 6th place finisher amongst the Freshmen.  His time of 19:13 moves him into 15th place on the Geneseo High School Richmond Hill Park Top 25 list for Freshmen.  He is also in a great position to get another chance to race on the course in late October when the Maple Leafs will host an IHSA Regional Meet.  He was the 6th fastest Maple Leaf on the day when all the races were combined.  He has been a steady Top 7 man all season long.  Keep up the great job, Ephraim.

Kellen Courtright placed 35th overall in the combined race and recorded an excellent time of 20:58 on the muddy course.  He ended up placing 12th overall in the Freshmen Division.  Yup, that’s right…..four Maple Leafs in the Top 12.  Great racing, Kellen.  It is great to have you back healthy.  You are running great and really helped the team out with your great race.  Kellen ended up being the Maple Leafs 9th fastest man on the day when all the races were combined.  All the best int he coming weeks, Kellen.

Hunter Olson was the Maple Leafs’ 5th man in the Freshman Division and helped lead the to a strong 2nd place finish.  He ended up placing 76th in the combined Freshman and Sophomore race and was timed in 24:13 with a LOT of slipping and sliding on the messy course.  Hunter ended up placing 30th in the Freshman Division.  Great racing, Hunter.  He ended up being the 12th fastest Maple Leaf on the day.  Great Stuff, Hunter.  We are VERY Proud of you.  Keep up the great work, Hunter…you have a LOT of racing opportunities ahead of you.  Keep “Dreaming Big”.

Ian McCord finished a mere 5 seconds behind Hunter and simply ran a magnificant race.  He has really been improving by leaps and bounds.  Ian was timed in 24:18 and placed 77th overall in the combined Freshman and Sophomore race.  When the Sophomore were pulled out of the results, Ian found himself sitting in 31st place.  He was the 6th man for the Freshman team and ended up as the 13th fastest Maple Leaf on the day.  Great Racing, Ian.  Keep working hard and developing your racing skills.  The best is yet to come.

The final man for the Maple Leafs in the Freshman race was Adler VanOpdorp who also ran a brave race.  He finished closely behind Hunter and Ian and was timed in 24:54.  That’s very impressive considering just how challenigng the course conditions were.  He ended up placing 82nd overall and was the 35th Freshman to “break the tape”.  Great Stuff, Adler.  He possesses a wonderful personality that usually includes a big smile when he greets teammates.  We are lucky to have him on our team.  It is going to be a Lot of fun watching him continue to improve in the coming weeks of this season and beyond.  All the best, Adler.

10 RACE

The 2026 Maple Leafs have two Sophomores on the roster.  Unfortunately, one of them (James MacKenzie) was unable to race due to a chronic knee injury.  That meant that Phoenix Sottos “Toed” the Starting Line by himself.  Phoenix ran a gutsy race over a muddy course and had a big smile on his face for the entire race.  I guess we can call him “A Mudder”.  Phoenix placed 89th overall in the combined race.  When the Freshmen were pulled out of the results he found himself in 51st place overall in the Sophomore Division.  Great Job, Phoenix.  His efforts helped the Maple Leafs place 13th in the Sophomore team Division.  He beat another team all by himself.  Way to Go, Phoenix.

The Junior and Senior combined races started at approximately 10:00 a.m.  The already wet course was “Torn Apart” from the previous athletes racing.  There was mud EVERYWHERE and Coach Ehlert told me that he saw at least 40 runners go down (they all got back up and no one was hurt).  There were a few spikes that came off during the race (keep going if that happens).

With the Juniors and Seniors, I will, once again, discuss each race separately.

11 RACE

JUNIOR DIVISON TEAM CHAMPIONS

Pictured are Rylan Carlson, Kael McCord, Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, & Elijah Coppejans
(missing from the photo is Fritz Bolme & Cole Henson)

With Morton not racing their Top 7, the Maple Leafs knew that they had a chance to battle for the win in this race.  And that they did.  When the points were added following the race, the Maple Leafs had come out on top scoring a mere 59 points.  Rock Island placed 2nd with 75 with Morton close behind scoring 78.

Leading the way was Henley Bourne who has been the Maple Leafs’ top runner all season long.  He ended up placing 2nd overall in the combined race but knew that the Senior winner, Elliiott Batz, was the only runner ahead of him so we was winning the Junior Division.  Henley “kissed the ground” at least once (fell) but got up and still ended up clocking an impressive time of 16:37.  His time moved him into 3rd place EVER for a GHS athlete on the course for the Junior Top 25 list.  He is already “sitting” 3rd on the All-Time Individual List (any grade level) via his IHSA Sectional meet time from last year (16:08).  Great Stuf,f Henley.  Hopefully, the racing conditions will be a LOT better the next time you race at Richmond Hill Park when the Leafs host an IHSA Regional meet on Saturday, October 24th.  You are having a tremendous season.  All the best in the coming weeks (and years) as you continue to chase your potential.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Greyson Clearhout was the next man up for the Maple Leafs.  He is having a tremendous season of his own.  He has run as the team’s number two man in each and every meet.  He placed 7th overall in the combined Junior/Senior race.  When the Seniors were pulled out he found himself in 4th pace in the Junior race.  He was timed in a tremendous time of 17:16.  That time moved him into the 6th fastest Junior on the course in GHS history.  His personal best on the course of 17:00 which was run at the IHSA Sectional meet last Falll already has him ranked as the 10th fastest Maple Leaf to ever run the course.  Hopefully, that will change in a Big way when Geneseo hosts a IHSA Regional on Saturday, October 24th.  Keep up the great job, Greyson.  Passion and Purpose are on display with every step you take.  Keep Dreaming Big and backing it up with the commitment that excellence demands.

Kael McCord was timed in an impressive 18:54 on the “Chewed Up” course.  He ended up placing 24th overall in the combined Jr/Sr. race.  When the Seniors were pulled out of the results, he found himself earning a 12th place medal (top 20 finishers earned medals).  Kael has run in the Maple Leaf Top 5 all season long (5th man overall for GHS today) and is a HUGE part of the team’s success.  His time moved him into the 17th place on the Geneseo High School Junior list for the Geneseo Richmond Hill Park Course.  Look for that change when Kael and his teammates “toe the line” on Saturday, October, 24th when GHS plays host to one of the 2A IHSA Regional Meets.  All the best in the coming weeks of this season and beyond, Kael.  It is a true pleasure to watch you train and race.  Keep Dreaming Big.

Fritz Bolme kept up his amazing racing as he “Threw Down” a time of 20:02 on a VERY slippery course.  That time saw him placed 35th overall in the combined Jr./Sr. race.  When the seniors were pulled out of the results, Fritz found himself earning a Top 20 Finisher Medal with his 19th place finish.  Fritz ended up being the 4th scorer for the Junior team and 7th man overall for the entire team.  WOW!  Great stuff, Fritz.  You have put yourself in a position to battle for a Top 7 spot.  Keep working hard and make the correct choices.  The team has some HUGE goals and you have put yourself in a position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  All the best in the remaining weeks of this season and beyond,

The fifth and final “Scorer” for the Junior squad was Rylan Carlson.  Rylan ran a tough race and finished only 11 seconds behind Fritz.  He was timed in 20:13 and placed 40th overall in the combined Jr./Sr. race.  When the Seniors were pulled out, Rylan  found himself barely missing a “Top 20 Finisher Medal”.  He placed 23rd and his efforts helped his team win the Junior Division.  Fritz and Rylan really stepped up.  Rylan has been paying his dues ever since he entered high school.  That’s why every race matters so much to him.  He was the Leafs’ 8th man on the day (combining all the races).   Great Job, Rylan.  Keep fighting to earn a Top 7 spot for “Championship Meet Season”.  All the best.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

Cole Henson was the Maple Leafs’ 6th Junior on the day and placed 77th overall in the combined Jr./Sr. races.  He was timed in 24:54.  When the Senior runners were removed from the results, Cole had placed 44th in the Junior only race.  Great Job, Cole.  The conditions were extremely challenging, to put it mildly.  Cole was the 14th fastest Maple Leaf when combining all the races.  Cole’s main sport is wrestling and he is building a strong endurance base that will help carry him through the “Grappling” season.  Keep doing what you can on this end too.  The team still has some HUGE goals and everyone needs to be “On Board” to help make those dreams come to fruition.  “Together We Can”.  All the best in the coming weeks.  Also, thanks for always being such a kind and considerate young man.

“Rookie” Elijiah Coppejans was the Maple Leafs’ 7th Junior on the day and helped the team field a full team.  Most of the teams were unable to do that.  Elijiah placed 84th in the combined Jr./Sr. race and was timed in 27:16.  He was covered in mud and had a big smile on his face when the race was over.  He is a “Mudder” too.  He placed 49th in the Junior only race and we are VERY proud of his effort.  This is his first year of running high school Cross Country and he has been doing a great job of building a base, developing a sense of pace, and working on racing tactics.  Keep up the good work, Elijiah.  Hopefully, amazing weather is just around the corner.  Congratulations on helping the Junior Boys team bring home the title.

12 RACE

The Maple Leafs’ only have two Seniors on the team and they both ran hard races which will be discussed below.  Their efforts helped the team place 11th even though they had to add three “Ghost Runners” to their team score.  They beat 3 teams by themselves.  There efforts helped the team hang on to 3rd place in the Overall Boys Combined scoring and the Overall Boys & Girls Combined scoring.  Like we told each team member….it all matters.  It all added up.  Way to go, Men!  There is NO better way to Lead then via example.  We are Very Proud of both of you.

Jacob Berry placed 73rd in the combined Jr./Sr. race and was timed in 22:43.  When the Juniors were pulled out of the results, Jacob found himself in 30th place.  Yup, he barely missed a  Top 20 Finisher Medal.  He was the Leafs’ top man in the Senior Race and ended up as the 10th fastest Maple Leaf on the day (all races considered).  Jacob has been doing a great job of simply putting forth his best efforts each and every day.  That is simply the best way to lead.  He is “nailing it”.  Keep up the good work.  Championship Meet Season is just around the corner and the team has set some Lofty Goals.  Keep chasing your potential in your racing opportunities and then get ready to help lead the Geneseo High School Cross Country Teams “Hype Squad”.  You are in a great position to be a “Difference Maker”.  We have nothing but confidence in you helping make those dreams come to fruition.  All the best, Senior Leader.

Fellow Senior Connor Runty finished in 72nd place in the combined Jr./Sr. race and was timed in 23:53.  When the Juniors were pulled from the results, Connor found himself in 32nd place in the Senior boys division.  Great Job, Connor.  He was the Maple Leafs’ number two man in the race and ended up as the team’s 11th fastest man on the day.  He was wearing quite a bit of mud after the race was over but did have a HUGE smile on his face.  Yup, the team found another “Mudder”.  Connor has really been on a roll this fall.  Drum Major in Marching Band, Homecoming KING, Bell Ringer in Cross Country, etc……..  Way to go, Connor.  We are all Very Proud of you.  Please keep up the great work.  Keep chasing your potential and also helping to lead the team.  You have numerous race opportunities waiting for you.  Also, as I mentioned with Jacob…..the “Geneseo Hype Squad” awaits your leadership.  We have nothing but confidence in you two.  Don’t forget to enjoy the experience. 

RICHMOND HILL PARK TOP 25’S

RESULTS

SENIOR CONNOR RUNTY & FRESHMAN WILL EHLERT
“RING da Bell”

Pictured are Senior Connor Runty & Freshman Will Ehlert  who were selected as
the team’s “Co-Bell Ringers” for the First to the Finish Cross Country Invitational

Senior Connor Runty and Freshman Will Ehlert were selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Co-Bell Ringers” for the First to the Finish Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 12th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

It is both ironic and appropriate that these two teammates were selected to share the “Bell Ringer” Honor.  They both had extremely busy weeks leading up to the meet.  Congratulations to both Connor and Will.  I will write up their stories separately.

SENIOR CONNOR RUNTY

Connor along with his fellow Senior Jacob Berry have both done a great job providing the Maple Leafs with Leadership.  The fact that neither of them is in the team’s Top 7 makes that job more challenging.  Not to worry.  They both get A+’s for their efforts.

The First to the Finish Invite fell on the same day as Geneseo High School’s 2026 Homecoming.  Connor is the Maple Leaf Marching Band’s “Drum Major”.  That is a huge honor and leadership role.  He is extremely busy with those duties each and every week.  Add to that honor the fact that he was elected as the Geneseo Homecoming KING by the student body of GHS.  That is also a HUGE Honor.  Way to go, Connor.  His teammates thought so much of it that they selected him as the Co-Bell Ringer even though he didn’t run in the race.  In fact, he was unable to even attend the meet.  That is understandable, given the responsibilities that go with being selected as “da King”.  We are VERY proud of you, Connor.  Connor is having a great Senior Season and been running personal records all season long.  You can expect that trend to continue.

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

12th Grade:  “My senior year of Cross Country has been amazing, I have gotten to become closer with all of my friends and teammates.  I have gotten a lot closer to finally breaking 20, this year is the year!!!  Cross Country has been an amazing experience and it has helped turn me into the person I am today.  It helped change the mentality of how I get things done or do things and you meet so many great people.  I also plan on running Track this year as a sprinter and am hoping to make the varsity squad again this year.  That would mean I have been on varsity all four years of high school for Track.  But otherwise, it has been a great start to my senior year and I can really see how much I have improved in all aspects since my freshman year. Cross Country truly is special.”

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 freshman 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 attitude 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 did Track in the spring where I was a varsity sprinter and participated in all of the varsity meets in a lot of relays and open events.  I also started doing the 300m hurdles which was a fun experience.“.

10th Grade:  “Throughout my sophomore year 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 would stick with.  But throughout the year, I discover 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 of 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 played Baseball on a travel team all the way up to freshmen year, I was pretty good at it, I loved playing in the outfield or at second, and ended up batting second in the line up when I wasn’t first.  The highlight of my baseball career is getting to hit numerous doubles and triples to scores runs for the team”.

Connor is the proud son of Catherine and Thomas Runty.  He is also the Proud  “Big Bro” Violet (Sophomore), Simon (8th Grade), and Amelia (6th Grade).

Here are Connor’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “ConnorMan or Runty”;  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:  “Lasagna”;  Favorite Movie:  “Star Wars, Especially Revenge of the Sith, Marvel, or Fantastic Mr. Fox”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “80’s Rock or Linkin Park or Christian music”;  Athletic Hero:  “Michael Jordan or Lebron James, because… they’re the GOATS”;  Favorite Quote:  “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you” ….because it’s awesome and I love using that quote whenever I can.;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I decided to join the Cross Country team back in middle school because a friend asked me to, and it wasn’t until I joined Cross Country that I found out that I actually enjoy running.  So when the opportunity came to me in high school to continue that and I saw the personality of the team, I decided that this was something I really wanted 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 that’s new to the sport, here’s my advice.  Never give up.  There are going to be times where it feels like the hardest thing you’ve ever done, and there’s going to be times where you question why you’re doing this sport in the first place.  But stick with it, it truly is so much and the friends and memories you make along the way will make you realize that this team is more like a family than you think.  So never give up.  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.  Also, 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:  Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, Ian McCord, Kael McCord, & Henry Woodward,

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Connor has been great for us.  He is a great leader and this year’s team is showing promise again.  He is balancing both Band and Cross Country very well.  Congratulations on being Homecoming King and keep up the great attitude!”

FRESHMAN WILL EHLERT

Will is the first Geneseo athlete ever to participate in both Cross Country AND Soccer competing for Geneseo High School, at the same time.  There have been XC team members who played on club teams but no one was ever allowed to be on the high school soccer team and run XC (not our choice).  That all changed when current Geneseo High School Head Boys Soccer Coach Adam Lorenz said YES when GHS Head Boys Harrier Coach Todd Ehlert asked him if he would consider it.  He thought it over and said sure.  Both coaches worked out a plan to make it work.  Soccer is a running game already so it makes a lot of sense to us.  More endurance for the soccer team and it sure is a teat to watch Will run.  Will Ehlert is the first athlete in GHS History to take on this challenge. 

Thus far he has been “On Fire”.  He has climbed the Maple Leaf “Top 7” Ladder.  He has been the team’s #3 man on VARSITY several times this season and you can see his confidence building.  That was the case for the Leafs at the HUGE First to the Finish Invitational on Saturday, September 12th.  Will ran a great race and placed 128th overall in the 51 Team field.  Included in those teams were a plethora of the best 2A teams in the State of Illinois.  Will’s time of 17:08 in very warm conditions moved him into 18th place on the Geneseo High School Detweiller Top 25 list for Freshmen.  Great Stuff, Will.  Hopefully, he will get another chance to race on the course when November rolls around.  That opportunity will be the IHSA State Finals.  All you have to do to help make that dream come to fruition is just keep doing exactly what you are.  

It should also be noted that in the 8 days that concluded with the First to the Finish Invitational, Will participate in two Cross Country invitationals and also played in three high school Soccer games.  He raced in the Galesburg Silver Streak XC Invite on Saturday, September 5th (3rd man on the team again).  Then, he played in a home Soccer game against Streator on Monday, September 8th.  He followed that up with another Soccer game against the Rock Island Rocks on Tuesday, September 9th.  He ended his Soccer competition for the week with a game against Depue/Hall on Thursday, September 11th.  He scored 3 goals in the game.  This was also Homecoming week so he also had to balance all of the activities that go along with that.  He is a Very Impressive young man.  Great Stuff, Will.

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

9th Grade:  “Bellringer, 3rd Place Galesburg Invitational, Soccer”.

8th Grade: “Cross Country – 3rd Place Team Trophy IESA State Championships, Basketball, Club Soccer, Track and Field – 8th Place Pole Vault IESA State, 3 rd Place 4 x 400 Meter Relay, Distance Medley Qualifier and High Jump Qualifier IESA State Championships, 7th Place Pole Vault AAU Nationals (All American), 11th Place High Jump AAU Nationals, 400 Meter Dash and 800 Meter Dash Qualifier AAU Nationals”.

7th Grade:  “Cross Country – 19th Place Team Finish IESA State Championships, Basketball, Track and Field – 4th Place Pole Vault IESA State Championships, 4 x 400 Qualifier IESA State Championships, Youth Football, Club Baseball, Club Soccer”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “Played Club Soccer, Club Baseball, Club Basketball, Youth Football, Ran Road Races”.

Will is the proud son of Rachel and Todd Ehlert.  He is also the Proud “Baby Bro” of Megan (GHS 11th grader).

Here are Will’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “None, just Will”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in“.;  Favorite Food:  “Steak and Fried Rice at Kyoto’s Japanese Steak House (Kansas City)”;  Favorite Movie:  “I don’t have one”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “I listen to all types of music”;  Athletic Hero:  “Steph Curry….here is what a quick Google search had to say about Steph (Wardell Stephen Curry II, also known as Steph Curry, is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association, where he plays as a point guard);  Favorite Quote:  “The only thing you have to fear, is fear itself” – FDR;  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I was forced to.  My dad made me do it”.:  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Do the workouts. The team is a lot of fun”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, Ian McCord, Kael McCord, & Henry Woodward,

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Will is having a great start to the year.  He has been making a great transition from middle school to high school.  He is balancing Soccer and Cross Country very well.  We are hoping for great things in the future.  Keep working hard, Will”.

HISTORIC DETWEILLER PARK

Pictured is the sign at the entrance to Detweiller Park in Peoira. 
The park hosts the IHSA State Finals every year in early November

LEAFS PLACE 18TH AT THE 1ST TO THE FINISH INVITE

On Saturday, Septermber 12th, the Leafs traveled to Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park to participate in the 39th Annual First to the Finish Cross Country Invitational.  The meet offers an early season opportunity to race on the State Meet Course.  The meet is divided into 3 Classes (girls & boys each) plus they have an Open Race for each gender that contains all of the Class 2A and 3A schools’ non-top 10 runners.  The Class A race is unlimited (everyone races in the same race). 

Thus, the math for the meet is literally “Jaw-Dropping”.  On the Boys side there were 67 Class 1A Teams, 51 Class 2A Teams, and 35 Class 3A Teams.  That adds up to 153 Boys Teams alone.  On the Girls side there were 53 Class 1A teams, 39 Class 2A Teams, and 35 Class 3A Teams.  The girls team total is 127 teams.  Individually, the numbers really get crazy high.  On the boys side there were 777 (1A), 460 (2A), 303 (3A), and 946 (Open Race).  In the girls races there were 513 (1A), 342 (2A), 283 (3A), and 615 (Open Race).  The final totals add up to 153 boys teams and 127 girls teams.  That totals out at 280 teams.  Individually, there were 2,613 male race finishers and 1,753 female.  Total finishers added up to 4,366.  Many runners never finished so they are not included in the totals.  WOW!!! 

On to the boys 2A race.  Once again, there were 51 boys teams in the field.  That included 11 of Illinois Running New’s Top 25.  Certainly, an elite field to put it mildly for an Invitational.  The field included the 5th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 19th, 20th, and 23rd rated Class 2A teams.  Obviously, there were also a plethora of elite, state ranked individuals in the field too.  The weather conditions were deceptively warm.  The race time temperature was only 75˚ which sounds great.  However, add in almost zero wind (3 mph) and a Dew Point temperature of 69˚ and the end result were Very Warm Conditions.  Hang in there, Men…..better days are coming.

I would also like to mention the Detweiller Park Top 25 Lists.  Detweiller Park has hosted the IHSA Cross Country State Meet since the fall of 1971.  That is 55 years of history.  Every other course GHS races on has changed significantly since Coach Todd Ehlert took over.  Thus, the Detweiller Park lists are the closest thing we have to “School Records”. 

On to the racing.  The 2A boys took off at 10:00 a.m. sharp with the “crack” of the starter’s pistol.  Each team was limited to racing only 10 men in the race.  Coach Ehlert chose to only run 9 on the day.  When one of those 9 ended up having a conflict the number dropped to 8.  Several additional teammates made the trip to help provide support as the Geneseo “Hype Squad”.  Team trophies were awarded to the top 5 teams and individual medals to the top 50 runners in each race.  It should also be pointed out the the team members who took the splits were accidentally in the wrong spot.  The mile is correct but Coach Ehlert had to do a bit of guessing as he adjusted the 2nd and 3rd miles.  Sorry guys…there were close to 10,000 people in the park and it got a bit crazy running around.

TOP 50 MEDAL

Pictured is Junior Henley Bourne who was awarded a Top 50 Finisher Medal via his 13th Place Finish

Leading the way, was Maple Leaf Phenom, Henley Bourne who continued his amazing Junior Harrier campaign with a tremendous race.  Henley has been the Leafs’ number one runner every single race thus far.  He went out hard (4:54 mile) but was well back (tons of runners go out too fast on this course).  He kept moving up and ended up placing a “Jaw-Dropping” 13th place overall and earned the Leafs’ lone Medal on the day (Top 50 Finisher).  His time of 15:20 was a lifetime best and moved him all the way to #7 on the GHS Junior Top 25 list for the course (14th on the All-Time Individual list).  Great Stuff, Henley.    All but two of the Individuals ahead of you (13) on the All-time and Junior List (7) were run in the State Finals when the athletes were in peak shape.  That is the plan for you too.  You will return to Detweiller in early November to take another “Big Chunk” of time off of your personal best on the course and chase “All-State” Honors.

Junior Greyson Clearhout was up next for the Maple Leafs.  He has run as the Leafs’ number two man each and every race this season.  He wasn’t feeling the best but still cranked out a personal best time of 16:31.  Greyson “cracked” the Top 100 via his 82nd place finish.  He rolled though the mile in a quick 5:10.  Keep up the great work, “Greyhound”.  The team is looking great and still has some big post-season goals.  YOU are a HUGE part of those goals.  “Toeing da Line” in the State Finals is the top goal.  Keep doing everything you can to help make that dream come to fruition.  You are having a tremendous season. 

Next up was Freshman Will Ehlert who ran a tremendous race.  He was timed in a lifetime best of 17:08 which placed him 128th overall in the talented field.  His time moved him into 18th place on the GHS Freshman Top 25 List.  All this after playing in three soccer games for GHS earlier in the week.  Simply Amazing Stuff.  Will is an amazing athlete who is also wiling to pay the price that excellence demands in practice.  All the best in the coming weeks, Will.  Hopefully, you will get one more chance to improve you Detweiller Park time in the STATE FINALS.  Keep making smart choices about everything (sleep, diet, hydration, etc…)  Thank you for choosing to play soccer AND run XC.  You Rock!

Junior Kael McCord finished a mere 8 seconds behind Will and placed 142nd overall in the race.  He was timed in 17:16 which was also a lifetime best for him.  The Maple Leafs are a very young team (no seniors in the top 7) and to say that the future looks GREAT would be an accurate statement.  Kael has been doing a great job of helping to lead his teammates in both races and practices.  Keep up the great work, Kael.  Championship Meet Season isn’t that far away.  The goal for the team is to be at its best when it matters the most.  We also hope to see you “Dancing at Deweiller” in November (STATE FINALS).  All the best.  Keep Dreaming BIG!

Freshman Henry Woodward was the next Maple Leaf to “break the tape”.  Henry was timed in 17:25 and finished only 9 seconds behind Kael.  Henry barely missed his lifetime best for 3 miles by a mere 9 seconds.  Fear not, you will have another chance when the STATE FINALS roll around if you and your teammates keep up the good work.  This team is very special and you are a big part of that.  Your work ethic is impressive and so is your smile.  You provide the team with a critical dose of “The It Factor”.  It is going to be a LOT of Fun watching you develop over the coming years.  For now….just keep doing what you are doing.  Also, don’t forget to enjoy the journey….after all…..that’s the best part.

The next Leaf to cross the finish line was Freshman Ephraim Mueller.  Ephraim placed 227th in the elite field and was the Maple Leafs’ number six man on the day.  He has been having a great season and has been a solid Top 7 Runner for the Leafs all season long.  That is very impressive considering that Ephraim is only a Freshman.  He is also doubling up on sports and is an accomplished swimmer.  Ephraim’s time for the race was a lifetime best of 18:02.  Great Stuff.  We love his work ethic and he is another one to keep your eyes on over the coming years.  All the best with the remaining 2026 season.  The entire team needs to catch some “Detweiller Fever” (STATE FINALS IN NOVEMBER).  All the best this season and beyond.

Junior Rylan Carlson pushed harder and dug deeper than he ever has in a race.  The end result was a lifetime best time of 18:55 (in HOT conditions).  He also placed 314th overall in the race.  Rylan has moved into the Maple Leafs’ Top 7.  Way to go, Rylan.  Keep up the good work.  Championship Meet Season is just around the corner and the Maple Leafs have some BIG Team Goals.  Everything you do and say will have an effect on the team.  You have always done a great job of making those opportunities positive.  Hopefully, you and your teammates will be back in Peoria’s Historic Detweiller Park in early November for the IHSA STATE FINALS.  All the best, Rylan.  You are a great dude.  Keep Leading.

‘the final man for the Leafs on the day was Junior Fritz Bolme.  Fritz is the team’s “Reining Bell Ringer’ (Man of the Meet) from last weekend’s Galesburg Silver Streak Invite.  Fritz also ran a lifetime best.  Did I say it was HOT.  He ran an impressive 19:01 and placed 319th overall in the race.  All this after having to sit out over 2 weeks with a broken arm which resulted in a HUGE cast on NO Running during that time.  How he could bounce back from that and run a lifetime best in the heat was Very Impressive.  Keep that momentum rolling, Fritzie.  In addition to your running it will also be contagious to your teammates.  We are Very Proud of you.  Keep doing what you can do to improve and also inspire your teammates.  Championship Meet Season is the Goal.  Also, thanks for always being such a great person.  It matters.

So, the Maple Leafs gained some additional “Big Meet” experience.  On the home of the State Finals no less.  Great efforts, Men.  It was a busy week to put it mildly.  The good thing is Homecoming is now in the review mirror.  Onto bigger and better challenges.  Next up is our Geneseo Cross Country Invitational.  All the best racing on your home course.  We will return there later in the season when GHS hosts a IHSA Regional.  Try and encourage a plethora of your friends and family to attend Saturday’s races.  All the best, Men.  Keep Dreaming Big and backing those dreams up with the hard work and dedication the excellence Demands. 

DETWEILLER PARK TOP 25’s

RESULTS

CONNOR RUNTY NAMED GHS HOMECOMING KING

Pictured is GHS Senior XC Leader Connor Runty who was elected as the Homecoming King.

JUNIOR FRITZ BOLME “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Junior Fritz Bolme who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Galesburg Inv.

Junior Fritz Bolme was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Galesburg “Silver Streak” Cross Country Invitational which was held on Saturday, September 5th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

Fritz has been on the “I.R.” (Injured Reserve) list for the last two weeks.  He was injured during one of the team’s scavenger hunts when he fell HARD.  He landed on his arm and the end result was having a cast from his wrist all the way past his bicep.  It was set at a 90 degree angle.  A bummer for sure but at lease it was only two weeks and not for 6-8 weeks.  He was NOT allowed to run during that time. 

Fritz was finally cleared to race when the cast came off.  Coach Ehlert and Fritz talked over when he would “return to action”.  They decided to race right away.  What was the worst thing that could happen?  A bad race.  Not worries.  The goal was to run a conservative race.  Well, Fritz, decided to go for it anyway, despite not having run for two weeks.  The weather was HOT and the course was challenging (lots of sharp turns and rolling hills).  Fritz ended up placing 100th overall in the Varsity Race.  He was the Maple Leafs’ 4th man in the race and ended up with the 8th fastest Geneseo time on the day (Varsity Race & F/S Races combined).  He was timed in 21:37.  His splits for the distance were 6:15 – 7:24 – 7:58.  We are pretty sure the 2nd mile was long and the course has always run like it was a 5k.  The end result was Fritz ran an AWESOME RACE.  His teammates noticed and selected him as the “Man of the Meet”.  Way to Go, Fritzie.

The team has some lofty season goals and Fritz is in a great position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  Either by “Cracking the Top  7” or being a critical member of the post-season “Hype Squad” are the options.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those dreams up with the hard work and dedication that Excellence Demands.  Also, thanks for always being such a great dude.  Your smile is infectious.  God Bless You.

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

11th Grade:  “I think it’s safe to say that I have started out with a pretty exciting season. Within the first two weeks of practice I tripped on one of my comrades and fractured my arm. However, since then I ran a 21:40 at the Galesburg invite, and one week later I ran 19:03 at Detweiler. We’re still not at where I’d like to be, but there is still plenty left”.

10th Grade:  “Throughout all of sophomore year of Cross Country,  I ran under 20 minutes, but towards the end, I ran my PR of around 18:15. However, with a few meets left I started to slow down and had some issues with some side cramps”.

9th Grade:  “I 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.  From16:44 at a Prophetstown golf course, to a 13:23 at Empire Park in Hampton, IL 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”.

Prior to 7th grade:  “My mom was super big into 5ks and 4 mile races. We probably did at least 5 or 6 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 Greta (GHS Graduate).  He is also the Proud “Big Bro” to Lenna (7th Grade) and Shae (5th Grad).

Here are Fritz’s’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Fritzie”;  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 6 other high schoolers, and I am the section leader of them. Next semester I will be in the Geneseo honors band and I am 2nd 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 raced in every meet I could make, and mainly competed in sprinting events.  I swam either a 24 or 26 second 50 yd and I don’t remember my 100 free or my 100 breast stroke.  I do plan to swim again and I will be swimming for Geneseo, 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 am also a member of the Geneseo aviation club. (From that I received a scholarship to get my pilots license which  I have been doing since July).  I also work at the car wash by Danny boys on the weekends as well as lifeguard on Sundays.”;  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 upbeat Christian music but I do normally enjoy all music EXCEPT for country.”;  Athletic Hero:  “Louis Zamperini”…this is what a quick Google search had to say about him (Louis Silvie Zamperini was an American World War II veteran, Olympic distance runner, and Christian evangelist. He began running in high school and qualified for the United States in the 5,000 m event at the 1936 Summer Olympics, where he finished eighth and set a new lap record.);  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’s 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:  Jacob Berry, Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, Kellen Courtright, Will Ehlert, James MacKenzie, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  “Fritz Bolme has had a really good career with the Geneseo Cross Country program. Every year he gets better. Fritz had an injury at the beginning of this year and had to take 2 weeks off. He has bounced back well. Galesburg was a great meet to come back to. We are seeing great things in his future. Keep working hard and dream big, Fritz!”

AWARD WINNERS

Pictured are Row 1:  Ephraim Mueller, Will Ehlert, Henry Woodward
Row 2:  Greyson Clearhout & Henley Bourne

49TH ANNUAL GALESBURG SILVER STREAK XC INVITE

On Saturday, September 5th, the Leafs traveled to Galesburg’s Lake Storey Park to participate in the annual Galesburg Silver Streak Invite.  The 20 team field included squads from:  Abingdon-Avon, Annawan-Wethersfield, Cambridge, Dunlap, East Peoria, Ft. Madison, Galesburg, Geneseo, Knoxvillek, Macomb, Metamora, Monmouth-Roseville, Morton, Normal West, Peoria Notre Dame, Peoria Richwoods, Rockridge, ROWVA-W.Field, United (Monmouth), & UTHS.  It should be noted that three of the teams in the meet are currently ranked in the 2A Top 25 according to Illinois Running News.  Those teams were:  Morton (#2), Peoria Notre Dame (#3), and Metamora (#20).

Due to extreme heat and humidity, the meet administration decided to move up the start time an hour.  They also decided to combine the girls and boys F/S race.  Those were brilliant moves.  Team trophies were awarded to the top 3 teams in each race.  Individual medals were also awarded to the top 30 individual finishers in the Varsity races and Top 20 in the F/S races. 

The Maple Leafs have chosen to run all of the teams’ F/S runners in the F/S race.  Only the Juniors and Seniors ran in the Varsity Race.  This certainly weakens the Varsity team but we feel the decision is warranted.  The F/S team members are given the chance to better develop their racing tactics and experience greater success by running against athletes that are their age.  The Varsity roster also benefits by putting team members in scoring position (Top 5 for the team).  The bottom line is every meet matters but the meets that matter the most in this sport are the ones that occur during “Championship Meet Season”.  We define that as the Conference, Sterling 09/JV Inv.,, Regional, Sectional, & State Meets.

I have one more important fact for the team before I discuss each race and individuals.  When you look at the split page the 2nd mile is going to look like it was slow.  We believe that who ever marked the course had the two mile mark about 50 meters too long.  Thus, a “Slow….LONG” 2nd mile.  The course has always run closer to a 5K anyway.  There a lot of little hills (some not so little) and a ton of tight turns that mess with the rhythm and tempo of each runner.

The Varsity Boys race began at approximately 8:40 am following the Varsity Girls race.  We estimate the temperature to be around 85˚ with a “Feels Like” temperature close to 100˚.  Geneseo’s  top runner (Junior Henley Bourne) went right to the front of the race stayed their for the duration of the race.  The guys who he was running with have already earned All-State Honors.  Henley’s improvement has been significant and his confidence and racing strategy demonstrate that he has clearly moved to a new level.  He ended up placing 4th overall and was timed in 16:29 on the challenging course in nasty conditions.  His time moved ranks him 4th All-Time on the GHS Top 25 list for any grade level on the course.  He also slid into the #3 Junior spot.  Great Job, Henley.

Junior Greyson Clearhout also ran a strong race and ended up placing 18th overall in the strong field.  His time of 17:10 moved him into 15th All-Time on the GHS Top 25 list.  He also is now the 11th fastest Junior from GHS to every run the course.  Great Stuff, Greyson.  Second ranked Morton ran a controlled race and he was in the middle of their pace for the first two miles.  He was sitting in 10th place after the two mile.  They finished strong and he held on well to place in the top 20 and join Henley by earning a highly prized Top 30 Finisher Medal.  

Next up for the Leafs was Junior Rylan Carlson who ran a strong race himself.  He took off 27 seconds from his previous personal best for the course (run last year in perfect conditions).  Rylan was timed in 19:40 and he had the 6th fastest time on the day (both races combined on time) for the Maple Leafs.  Great Job, Rylan.  He was also the Leafs’ #3 Varsity runner on the day.

Making his return to action was Junior Fritz Bolme who was racing for the first time since injuring his left arm.  He “went down” during the team’s “Scavenger Hunt” and ended up wearing a large cast for several weeks.  He was not allowed to run during that time.  Has he lost a bit of fitness?  YES.  He fought bravely, anyway, and placed 100th overall.  He was timed in 21:37 and was the Maple Leafs’ 4th Scorer on Varsity.  He was also the team’s 8th man overall when combining both races.  Way to Go, Fritz.

Junior Cole Henson was the next man up for the Leafs.  He ended up as the team’s 5th man on Varsity (Team Scorer).  Way to Go, Cole.  He placed 130th overall and was timed in 23:31.  Cole was the 9th fastest Leaf on the day.  Cole’s number one sport is Wrestling and we are glad to have him with us as he continues to help our team and build his endurance for the upcoming Wrestling season.  Great Job, Cole.

Senior Leader Connor Runty was the 6th Varsity Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  Connor was timed in 24:05 in the challenging conditions and placed 137th overall.  He “Packed it Up” with Fritz for quite a while.  It is always great to see the guys working together in practices and races.  There is “Strength in Numbers”.  “Together We Can”.  Connor was the 6th man of Varsity and the 10th fastest Maple Leaf (combining both races) on the day.  Great Job, Connor.

Junior Elijah Coppejans was the final Varsity Maple Leaf on the day.  The high dew point and temperature made racing hard for him.  We asked him to start slower than normal and try and “Move at the Mile”.  He followed those instructions and put forth a great effort.  Hang in there Elijah….cooler days are coming.  He ended up placing 162nd overall and was timed in 28:52.  Elijah was the 7th man on Varsity for GHS and the 14th man overall (combining both races).  We are very proud of your perseverance.

When the team scores were tabulated, the GHS Varsity Boys ended up in 11th place.  If all of the young guys had run “UP” the team would have placed 4th.  Great Efforts, Men.

The combined F/S races began at approximately 9:20 am.  The actual temperature was around 90˚ and the “Feels Like” temperature was “North” of 100˚.  OUCH.  When I asked Head Coach Todd Ehlert if he knew what the temperature was he told me to say it was “Hot as Hell”.  I’m not sure how hot Hell is (I hope to NEVER Know) but we can agree that it was extremely oppressive.  Thank God they chose to move the meet up an hour and run the F/S races together.  Normally, the F/S boys race starts at approximately 11:00 a.m. 

The goal for the GHS F/S team was to try and put 3 men in Top 20 (earning Individual Finisher Medals).  Mission accomplished.  The team also hoped to contend for a Top 3 Team Trophy.  Mission accomplished.  (4th overall missing a team trophy by a mere 5 points.) 

Freshmen Will Ehlert & Henry Woodward ran together for most of the race and ended up sprinting home in 3rd and 4th places.  That is AMAZING.  Great races in tough conditions.  They ended running 17:52 and 17:54 as they both kicked down the PND runner they had been battling for most of the race.  They were FLYING!.  Their times moved them into 4th and 5th places on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list for the Lake Storey Course.  They also ended up as the Leafs’ 3rd and 4th fastest runners (combining the races) on the day.  Great Job, Men. 

Reining “Bell Ringer” Ephraim Mueller wasn’t too far behind Will & Henry and was racing to earn a Top 20 F/S Individual Finisher Medal.  He sprinted home in 13th place and was timed in 19:06 in the nasty weather.  His time moved him into 17th spot on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list.  Great Job, Ephraim.  It is always a lot of fun to watch you run….be it in training or racing.  Keep up the great work.

Freshman Kellen Courtrright made his long awaited season debut.  He has battled both injury and illness to date.  He ran AWESOME and barely missed an individual medal as he placed 24th.  He was timed in 20:35 and ended up as the Leafs’ 4th man in the race.  Four runners in the Top 24 is impressive.  Kellen also ended up as the Maple Leafs’ 7th fastest runner on the day (combining both races).  Great Stuff.

The next man up for the Leafs was Freshman Hunter Olson who sprinted home in 65th place.  He was timed in 24:55 in the challenging conditions.  Hunter was the 5th Maple Leaf to cross the finish line in the race.  He was also the 11th fastest Leaf (combining both races) on the day.  Great Stuff, Hunter. 

Adler VanOpdorp was the next Maple Leaf to “Break the Tape”.  The Freshman was timed in 26:56 and placed 79th overall in the race.  He was the 6th man for the F/S team and was the 12th man overall (combining both races).  Great Job, Adler.  Cooler days are coming.  Keep up the great work.  Your commitment to your teammates has not gone unnoticed.

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos was the next Maple Leaf across the finish line.  Phoenix placed 86th overall in the race and was timed in 28:37.  He was the 6th Maple Leaf in the F/S race and had the 13th fastest time on the day (combining both races) on the day.  Keep up the great work, Phoenix.  Also, keep that wonderful smile of yours beaming.  You brighten everyone’s day that is fortunate enough to see it.

Sophomore James MacKenzie also “Toed the Line” and rolled through the mile in 8:12.  “Jimmy Mac” was forced to pull off the course due leg pain and the extreme heat.  Hang in there.  We are very glad that you joined the team.  You help to make this a better team.  Be Smart and tell Coach Ehlert how your knees are doing.

When the “Dust had Settled” and the team points had been counted, the Leafs found themselves in 4th place behind 3 state powerhouses.  Metamora, Morton, and PND placed 1-2-3.  The Leafs ended up a mere 5 points behind Peoria Notre Dame.  Great Job, Men. 

Next up will be Peoria’s 1st to the Finish Invitational next Saturday.  The meet is held at Historic Detweiller Park.  That is where the State Finals are held every year early in November.  Get ready to gain some valuable experience on the course.  You have had to deal with an extended weather system that has been throwing 100˚ heat indices (feels like) temperatures for the last couple of weeks.  Cooler weather is coming.  Way to stay positive anyway.  This team has some BIG goals.  Those goals are all “Alive and Kicking” and waiting to come to fruition.  Keep the momentum rolling, Men. 

LAKE STOREY TOP 25

RESULTS

FRESHMAN EPHRAIM MUELLER “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Freshman Ephraim Mueller who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the A-W Titan Inv.

Freshman Ephraim Mueller was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan Invitational which was held on Monday, August 31st.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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.

Ephraim ran a great race at the Annawan-Wethersfield Titan XC Invitational.  He ended up placing 23rd overall which earned him an impressive Top 25 Finisher Medal.  Hardware for a Freshman is VERY Impressive.  He was timed in 11:55.  In case that time seems amazing for 3 miles (yup…that would be a World Record), take a deep breath and relax.  That would have been sub 4 minute mile pace for 3 miles.  The racing distance was reduced to 2 miles due to the oppressive heat and humidity.  Ephraim showed a LOT of guts by pushing the pace with teammates Kael McCord (junior) and Henry Woodward (fellow freshman).  In fact, all three men were in the Top 10 at the mile (Henley & Greyson were too….2nd and 3rd).  That was a pretty cool moment.  FIVE Maple Leafs in the Top 10 in an Invitational.  That is Very Rare.  Ephraim, eventually, paid for his aggressiveness and drifted back to 23rd place.  Being passed by that many runners isn’t fun and he fought HARD to hang with each man that moved past him.  He ran a very brave race. 

Ephraim has demonstrated that same kind of attitude each and every day at practice.  He almost always can be found trying to “hang” with the Leafs top 2 runners, Junior Henley Bourne & Greyson Clearhout.  That is a decision that he has been making on a daily basis.  Coaches can help to develop fitness and race strategies, etc….  Desire is another topic.  Each and every athlete will decide how bad they “want it”.  I love the simple quote “Ya Gotta Wanna”.  Ephraim has A LOT of that in him.  It is going to be a lot of fun to watch him develop over the coming years as he chases his potential.  It isn’t easy to be a leader on a Varsity team as a Freshman.  It can’t really be done verbally.  However, it can be done via example and Ephraim has been doing exactly that.  Great Job, Ephraim.  All the best with the rest of this season and beyond.  The team has some big goals and you are in a unique position to help make those dreams come to fruition.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and backing those dreams up with the hard work and dedication that excellence demands.

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

9th Grade:  “I’m currently swimming competitively alongside running. I have been swimming for multiple years now and have really enjoyed it. I qualified in multiple events and went to State as an individual during the summer. This was a huge goal of mine, and I had set it a year ago. I am looking forward to getting better in both sports.”

8th Grade:  “This was the year that I started running XC competitively. My fastest 2 mile was an 11:35, but I feel as though I could have done better. Nevertheless, Geneseo made it to State and, as a team, we were in third place, a followup to a win at Sectionals. I had lots of fun running, and as I pushed myself, my running got better and better. I also swam during this time, competitively.“

7th Grade:  Nothing Listed

Prior to 7th grade:  Nothing Listed

Ephraim is the proud son of Marifaith & Stephen Mueller.  He is also the Proud “Big Bro” of Anyssa (6th Grade), Michaiah (4th Grade), Gideon (3rd Grade), Shepherd (2nd Grade), & Thea (Preschool).

Here are Ephraim’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Ephraim”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Homeschooled”;  Favorite Movie:  “McFarland USA”;  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “My favorite genre is 90’s music”;  Athletic Hero:  “Michael Phelps”…this is what a quick Google search had to say about him (Michael Fred Phelps II is an American former competitive swimmer. He won more Olympic medals than any other athlete, a total of 28 medals across four Olympic Games. Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals, Olympic gold medals in individual events, and Olympic medals in individual events.  ;  Favorite Quote:  “The sorer you are after practice, the stronger you will become.” -Stephen Mueller:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I ran XC in 8th grade, and really enjoyed it. I also decided to join the team because running will also benefit my swimming.“;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “You may think that running isn’t good, and that football is the Geneseo sport, but it’s actually XC and Track. These sports give amazing athleticism and endurance to anyone, and also help the person out in other sports they choose to do.“.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Henley Bourne, Greyson Clearhout, Elijah Coppejans, James MacKenzie, Ian McCord, Kael McCord, Hunter Olson, Adler VanOpdorp, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  Ephraim has had a great start to the year.  He was a big part of the middle school success last year.  We are looking for great things this season from him.  He is a hard worker and a future leader of the team.  He has been pulling double duties with swimming and XC and is doing an incredible job.  Keep working hard, Ephraim.

“DA CHAMPS”

Pictured are a dozen of the Leafs who were still around when the results were announced.

LEAFS CLAIM A-W TITAN INVITE GOLD IN EXTREME HEAT

On Monday, August 31st, the Leafs traveled to Kewanee’s Midland Golf Club (aka…The Kewanee Dunes.)  The field consisted of squads from:  Aledo (Mercer County), Cambridge, Galva, Geneseo, Kewanee, Kewanee-Wethersfield, Monmouth-Roseville, Orion, Princeville, Rock Island (Alleman), ROWVA Willamsfield,, Taylor Ridge (Rockridge), & Toulon (Stark County).  The teams were met with some Nasty “Dog Days of Summer”.  The daytime high was 93˚ with a race time  temperature of 91˚.  The dew point was a lofty 74˚ making the “feels like” temperature near 100˚.  The head A-W coach (Creston Fenn) along with his athletic director made the decision to reduce the racing distance from 3 miles to 2 miles the before last week even ended.  They also moved the starting times back to 5:30 pm for the Varsity Girls Race and 6:00 pm for the Varsity Boys.  GREAT MOVE!

Racing on a golf course is a rare high school opportunity and AWESOME.  The footing was great. The gold course also made gold carts available for spectators who couldn’t run around.  That was very kind of them.  The Leafs have been coming to this meet ever since Head Boys Coach Todd Ehlert took over the program in the fall of 2018.  The Leafs have responded with 7 straight wins (no meet in 2020 due to COVID.)  incidentally, that first year the race was shortened to 2 miles due to extreme heat.  We used that data to make a Top 25 list for the 2 mile races too.  That link will appear at the bottom of this story.

On to the racing.  Last year’s champion (Evan Knobloch) from Toulon (Stark County) is the real deal.  He is currently ranked as the favorite to win the 1A State Meet. (he placed 2nd last year as a Sophomore.).  It was a lot of fun to watch Geneseo’s “Dynamic Duo” of Junior Henley Bourne and Junior Greyson Clearhout go right with him when the gun fired.  Evan and Henley “Roared” through the mile in 4:54 (very fast for the conditions) with Greyson all alone in 3rd place in 5:08. Henley responded to MANY surges thrown in by Evan and eventually was forced to settle for 2nd place in a very fast 10:22 which took almost a minute off William Plumley’s time of 11:16 set in 2018.  Greyson also broke the 11:00 minute barrier with a time of 10:57.  They now rank 1-2 in school history for a GHS Runner on the 2-mile course.  Great Job, Men.  What a great start to the team score.

Not far behind were:  Junior Kael McCord, Freshman Henry Woodward, and Freshman Ephraim Mueller who all ran together for much of the race.  They were still tightly paced together through the mile and were all in the Top 10 at that point.  Yup, that’s right….the Leafs had 5 runners in the Top 10 at the mile.  Way to roll, Men. Kael held on for 6th overall and was timed in 11:23.  He is now the 4th fastest Leaf EVER on the 2-mile course.  Henry finished only 1 second behind Kael and “Stopped the Clock” in 11:24 and placed 8th overall.  He is now the 5th fastest Leaf EVER on the 2-mile course and new Freshman GHS Record Holder.  Ephraim paid for his aggressive racing and ended up placing 23rd overall. His time was 11:55 which ranks him as the 11th fastest GHS Runner of any grade of the course and 4th fastest Freshman.  By the way, individual medals were awarded to the Top 25 Finishers.  All 5 of the GHS “Scorers” earned a medal.  Great Job, Men.

Next up for the Leafs was Freshman Will Ehlert who ended up in “No Man’s Land” running without team support.  That is a tough spot to be in.  He gave it his best effort anyway and ended up placing 32nd overall and just missed “hardware”.  His time of 12:20 moved him into 15th place on the GHS Top 25 Individual List (any grade) and into 6th on the GHS Freshman List.  Junior Rylan Carlson was the next man up for the Leafs and he sprinted home in a time of 13:27 which placed him 62nd overall in the race.  His time also “Cracked” the GHS Top 25 Individual List as he moved into 20th place.  Hie is also, now, the 8th Fastest GHS Junior over the 2-mile distance.  Great Job, Men.

The next four Leafs worked together, at times, during the two mile race.  They all “cracked” the 15 minute barrier.  Freshman Hunter Olson (timed in 14:30 and placed 79th), Junior Cole Henson (timed in 14:40 and placed 84th), Senior Leader Connor Runty (timed in 14:43 and placed 85th), and Senior Leader Jacob Berry (timed in 14:55 and placed 86th) all ran tough all the way across the finish line.  Each man joined the Kewanee Dunes 2 mile Top 25 Class Lists.  Hunter is now the 10th fastest Freshman.  Cole moved into 13th on the Junior GHS List.  Connor and Jacob are now “Sitting” in the 5th and 6th spots.  Solid efforts in tough conditions.

Next up for “da Leafs” were:  Freshman Ian McCord (91st place and timed in 16:37), Freshman Adler VanOpdorp (93rd place and timed in 17:01), Sophomore James MacKenzie (94th place and timed in 17:02), Sophomore Phoenix Sottos (102nd place and timed in 18:53), and Junior Elijah Coppejans (103rd place and timed in 19:30).  Each man also “cracked” the GHS Class top 25 Lists.  Ian and Adler moved into 11th & 13th places on the Freshman GHS List for the course.  Phoenix is now “sitting” in 6th place on the GHS top 25 Sophomore list for the course.  James MacKenzie and Elijah Coppejans moved into 15th and 16th places on the GHS Junior list.  Great Stuff, Men!!!

Everyone found the conditions to be challenging.  Some individuals struggle more in high heat than others.  Conditioning helps but isn’t a cure.  Lastly, “Newbies” who are racing without summer base mileage most likely found the race to be a true test.  All we can say it that we are VERY PROUD of EVERYONE OF YOU.  This isn’t a sport for the faint of heart.  If it was easy anyone could do it.  Hang in there and keep building up your endurance.  Cooler weather is coming with the humidity going away.  Stay the course and keep up the good work.  Keep taking pride in what you are accomplishing.  We have NO WEAK LINKS.  The team has some big goals for the season.  Each of you will have an effect on “that process”.  This team will Peak when Championship Season rolls around.  All the best on Saturday at Galesburg.  .

TITAN INVITE TOP 25 (2 MILE)

RESULTS

SOPHOMORE PHOENIX SOTTOS “RINGS da Bell”

Pictured is Sophomore Phoenix Sottos who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Moline Season Opener

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Moline Early Season Opener Invitational which was held on Monday, August 24th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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 simply ran the race of his life.  He was timed in 24:42 and ended up as the Maple Leafs #12 man.  Both of those are HUGE personal bests for him.  Phoenix took over THREE MINUTES off his personal best on the course (he ran 27:44 last year on the Empire Park course).  His time is also a lifetime best on any course.  Way to Go, Phoenix.

Phoenix has really improved a ton and is racing with a plethora of confidence.  He also took almost two minutes off his “Rust Buster” time trail held at Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Park last week.  Phoenix is usually on the quiet side when I’m around (not sure if this is always the case).  He is also a powerful leader via example.  He always puts forth his best effort and never shies away from a challenging workout.  He embraces the opportunities to get better.  It is a true honor to serve as one of his coaches.  He is a classy young man with impeccable moral values.  All the best this season and beyond, Phoenix.  Thanks for always being such a great guy.

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

10th Grade:  “I am doing Cross Country currently and will do Tennis in the spring. During the summer, I won a Pickleball tournament too.”

9th Grade:  “I did Cross Country and Tennis freshman year too, and while in Cross Country I won the scavenger hunt . . .  FAIRLY.”

8th Grade:  Nothing Listed

7th Grade:  Nothing Listed

Prior to 7th grade:  Nothing Listed

Phoenix is the proud son of Monica and Zack Sottos.  He is also the proud “Baby Bro” of Alex 27, Max 23, Grace 20, & Jaxson 18. He is also the proud “Big Bro” of Hendrix 13.

Here are Phoenix’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Phoen”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “Anything at Panda Express, or really any Chinese, Korean, or Japanese food”;  Favorite Movie:  “Howl’s Moving Castle”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “My favorite genre is indie rock”;  Athletic Hero:  “St. Giorgio Frassati”.  Here is what a Google search had to say about him:  Pier Giorgio Frassati (6 April 1901 – 4 July 1925) was an Italian Catholic activist and a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. He was dedicated to social justice issues and joined several charitable organizations, including Catholic Action and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to better aid the poor and less fortunate living in his hometown of Turin.  Frassati’s cause for canonization opened in 1932 after the Turin poor made several pleas for such a cause to open. Pope Pius XII suspended the cause in 1941 due to a range of allegations later proven to be false, which allowed for the cause to resume.  Pope John Paul II beatified Frassati in May 1990 and dubbed him the “Man of the Eight Beatitudes”.   On 7 September 2025, Frassati was canonized along with Carlo Acutis by Pope Leo XIV.  Frassati was known for his motto, “verso l’alto.”;  Favorite Quote:  “A tiger never loses sleep over the opinions of sheep.” Sahir Zag:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “My siblings have all done Cross Country, so I decided to join and was satisfied”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Running may hurt, but getting a PR is one of the most satisfying things you can do”.

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Greyson Clearhout, Will Ehlert, Ephraim Mueller, Hunter Olson, Kyle Wirth, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  Phoenix is in his 2nd year of Cross Country (He did not run in middle school.)  Last year, he did a great job. This year, he has had a great start to the year. He learned a lot from last year and continues to improve. We are excited to see how much he can improve. Keep up the great work, Phoenix.

HANGING OUT ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Pictured are a dozen of the “da Leafs” hanging out by the “Big Muddy”

LEAFS NAB SECOND PLACE AT
THE MOLINE CROSS COUNTRY SEASON OPENER INVITE

On Monday, August 24th, the Leafs traveled to Hampton’s Empire Park to participate in the annual Moline “Season Opener”.  The meet is held at a park on the banks of the Mississippi River.  The course is flat as a pancake and the panorama was spectacular.  The course was a bit on the rough side.  There is a construction project underway to put in a disc golf course.  There were numerous, unmarked holes all over the place.  In addition, the grass was approximately 10 inches high.  Why it hadn’t been cut and the holes guarded is anyone’s guess. 

The field included 7 of the 8 “Western BIg 6” Conference teams (Sterling chooses not to attend).  In addition, Riverdale, and Rockridge attended.  The Big 6 schools included:  Galesburg, Geneseo, Moline, Quincy, Rock Island, Rock Island (Alleman), and United Township.  Individual medals were awarded to the top 15 finishers and a championship plaque was awarded to the winning team.  The girls raced at 4:30 pm with the boys racing at 5:10 pm.  Only one race was run for each gender.  The weather was perfect.  A race time temperature of 78˚ with a minuscule breeze of 2 miles per hour. 

On to to the racing.  There were a few problems experienced by the timing company.  All of the official times are one second to slow.  Luckily, Coach Ehlert was allowed to view the official results and took a picture of them.  We’re not sure why the results are posted online one second slower.  Oh well, we are using the official times for the Empire Park “Top 25’s”, etc.

HARDWARE

Pictured are Juniors Greyson Clearhout and Henley Bourne who each earned individual awards

The “Dynamic Duo” of Juniors Henley Bourne and Greyson Cearhout led the way.  Each man placed in the Top 15 to earn “Hardware” (medals were awarded to the Top 15 finishers).  Henley placed 3rd overall and was timed in 15:28.  Henley’s time destroyed Dylan’s Gehls time of 15:58.  He took 30 seconds off the All-Stater’s GHS course record.  Great job, Henley.  Greyson Clearhout joined in the fun and “Cracked” the Top 10.  Greyson placed a strong 8th and was timed in 16:39.  That is now the 6th fastest time EVER for a GHS runner on the course and 3rd fastest time for a GHS Junior.  Greyson previous best time on the course was 19:12.  WOW!!!  That’s an improvement by over 2 1/2 minutes. 

Next up dropped more than a few jaws at the meet.  The Leafs’ Will Ehlert, Henry Woodward, and Kyle Wirth placed 16th, 17th, and 28th respectfully.  What makes it even sweater is the fact that they are all FRESHMEN.  Will and Henry barely missed Top 15 medals.  Will was timed in 17:12 which makes him the 2nd fastest GHS Freshman EVER on the course (11th overall).  Henry followed closely in 17:16 and is now the 3rd fastest GHS Freshman EVER on the course (12th overall).  Over half the team was running with a bad head cold and few had it any worse than Kyle.  He fought bravely and still ran 18:00.  His time makes him the 5th fastest GHS Freshman EVER on the course (17th overall).

Junior Kael McCord sprinted across the finish line in 18:01 (only 1 second behind Kyle) and placed 30th overall in the race.  His time moved him into 6th on the GHS Junior Top 25 list for the course (18th overall).  Freshman Ephraim Mueller also “Cracked” the 19 minute barrier as he placed 40th overall and was the Maple Leafs 7th man.  His time of 18:47 moved him into the 7th fastest Freshman spot in GHS history on the course (25th overall).   In case you’re not counting, that makes 3 Juniors and 4 Freshmen in the GHS Top 7.  That is both rare and special.  Keep up the great job, Men.  You have the chance to become a very special team.

Next up for the Leafs were:  Junior Rylan Carlson, Freshman Hunter Olson,Junior Cole Henson, and Senior Connor Runty.  Each man “Cracked” the 23:00 minute barrier and placed in the Top 90.  Rylan was timed in 21:11 and placed 65th overall.  His time moved him into the 11th spot on the GHS Junior Top 25 for the course.  That is amazing considering how bad his head cold is.  Hunter placed 77th and was timed in 21:52 (good for 10th on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list).  Cole was timed in 22:00 and place 78th overall.  His time moved him into the #14 Junior position on the GHS Top 25 list.  Connor placed 86th and was timed in 22:58 (good for 18th on the GHS Senior Top 25 lis).)  GREAT JOB, MEN.

Sophomore Phoenix Sottos, Freshman Ian McCord, and Freshman Adler VanOpdorp were the next Maple Leafs to “Break the Tape”  Phoenix placed 96th overall and took over 3 minutes off his personal best of the course.  He was timed in 24:42 and is now the 25th fastest GHS Sophomore EVER on the course.  Ian and Adler weren’t far behind him and placed 98th and 108th overall.  They were timed in 25:09 and 28:47.  They both “Moved Into” the GHS Top 25 Freshman list and currently sit 14th and 16th overall.  GREAT STUFF MEN.

When the “Dust had Settled” and the points were counted the Leafs found themselves in 2nd place.  Only a strong Rock Island team was ahead.  The Western Big Six Conference Cross Country Championship will be held at Empire Park later in the season so everyone will get another chance to race the course and improve their personal best on the course.  It will also be a lot of fun to see just how much this young Maple Leaf team can improve from now until then.  Our team goal is always to be running the best races of the season when “Championship Meet Season” rolls around.  That “Season” begins with the Conference Meet.  Keep working hard and making smart choices (sleep, hydration, nutrition, etc….)  All the best, Men.  TOGETHER YOU CAN.

EMPIRE PARK “TOP 25’s”

RESULTS

JUNIOR RYLAN CARLSON SELECTED
AS “BELL RINGER”

Pictured is Junior Rylan Carlson who was selected as the team’s “Bell Ringer” for the Geneseo Rust Buster

JUNIOR RYLAN CARLSON “RINGS da Bell”

Junior Rylan Carlson was selected as the Geneseo Boys Cross Country “Bell Ringer” for the Geneseo Rust Buster which was held on Tuesday, August 18th.  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, the selected team captains (non-seniors),  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 and placed 10th overall in the race.  He was the Leafs’ #8 Man.  Great Stuff.  Rylan was timed in 12:18 which took off a whopping 44 seconds from his personal best on the course which he ran last year.  His time is 2:10 faster than what he ran his freshman year.  His improvement has been steady and impressive.

Rylan has really been on a roll and and it has been a LOT of fun watching him improve.  What makes it even better it how hard he works.  The more effort a person puts into a pursuit, the greater the intrinsic rewards.  Example of extrinsic rewards are medals and trophies, etc.  They are great but it is the intrinsic rewards that offer the most personal satisfaction.  He is also a tremendous role model via his hard work.  Keep up the great job, Rylan.  We are VERY proud of you.  The season is just starting and the 2026 team has some lofty goals.  You are in a great position to be a “difference maker” this season and beyond.  The best way to lead is by example.  Keep “Dreaming Big” and then backing those dreams up with the hard work and dedication than excellence DEMANDS.   

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

10th Grade:  “Sophomore year was extremely fun and first of all I have to give a huge shout out to the 4 seniors who graduated this year that made me enjoy running and helped me become a better person. Thank you: Aidan Bries, Kaden Elmer, Jaxson Sottos, and Graysen Carlson. This year was my best year and my favorite year so far. I had some issues starting out this season because I couldn’t break 20 and kept having nosebleeds that made my jersey look like a murder scene every race. It made it very hard to breathe and made me slow down a lot with side stitches.  But then came the Historic Detwiller Park where Aidan Bries was sick and I was struggling to PR. What happened next was one of my favorite memories of Cross Country, because Aidan caught up to me with about 600-700m to go and told me it’s time to kick it in and finish but my body kept telling me no, but anyway after a little more encouragement I started to speed up and started to catch up to Fritz.  Aidan yelled go with Fritz and after racing Fritz to the end I finished with a time of about 19:07 marking a huge goal in my running journey. Other memorable moments from this year were when Fritz and I went 6th and 7th in a JV meet and I got my first medal in Cross Country. And at Detwiller at Dark where Ehlert became Jaxson’s wingman when he tried to hit up two girls through a bus window while they were walking to the race starting line. I ended the year with a PR of 18:30. Then in the spring came rack season where I was able to medal multiple times and run at sectionals in the 2 mile and ended the season with a 11:15 2 mile and a 5:18 mile.”

9th Grade:  “This year was my first year of high school Cross Country and I loved it. It was a lot of fun being able to party and get to know my teammates during meets and practices. The courses were much more fun than middle school and the training in high school helped me run a lot faster than I thought I could. I ended this year with a PR of 21:30. This was also the first year I ran high school Track and it was also fun and the training was very beneficial. I ended this year with a PR of 12:15 in the 2 mile and 5:35 in the mile.”

8th Grade:  “This year was probably my least favorite year of school but I did still enjoy Cross Country and Track where I ran a PR of 16:30 and I continued to participate in Long Jump and the 200”.

7th Grade:  “This was the first time I ever ran Cross Country and Track and I enjoyed it a lot but I also enjoyed Soccer and that was my main sport in middle school where I played midfield. I ran a PR of 18:00 this year and I did Long Jump and the 200 in Track.”  

Prior to 7th grade:  “I played Rec Soccer, did karate and placed 2nd in the state semi-final in sparring. I also had an Anxiety Induced Seizure on Christmas day of 2021 where I was in the hospital for a little under 24 hours where I was transferred from Illni in Silvis to Iowa city hospital for more testing. The next year when I went to go get a physical for Cross Country they told me I couldn’t run Cross Country because i recently had a seizure, then we got a good physical which we may or may not have lied on from a different doctors office and I was able to run Cross Country.”

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), 31, he is a quarry welder (he is a Geneseo XC Alum), Summer Vanhoutte (Step sister), 28, she is a veterinarian tech at the University of Illinois Animal Hospital.  He is also the proud “Big Bro” of Savannah Carlson (Sister) 10h grade.

Here are Rylan’s answers to his “Bell Ringer Questions:  Nickname:  “Fancy”;  School Clubs or other Organizations you have taken part in:  “I have taken part in Band, Cross Country, Track and Field, Boy Scouts of America, FCA, SLAM student outreach, and I am in the interviewing process to join the Geneseo Junior Firefighter Program”.;  Favorite Food:  “Medium cooked Filet Mignon, with a baked potato, and some sort of steamed vegetables”;  Favorite Movie:  “Saving Private Ryan or Hacksaw Ridge”  Favorite Music (Genre or Group):  “Hip Hop and Rap music”;  Athletic Hero:  “DJ Moore and Devin Hester who both played for the Chicago Bears”  Favorite Quote:  “Nothing in life is free (My Dad)”:  How Did You Decide to Join the XC Team?:  “I joined Cross Country in 7th grade originally to help condition myself for Soccer but as I kept doing Soccer and Cross Country in middle school, I realized I liked the aspect of running more than Soccer so when it came to high school I decided to stick with Cross Country”;  What Advice Do You Have for Anyone New to the Sport?:  “Keep doing it and working hard. It may suck sometimes and it may hurt but, that’s when you need to push harder because that’s how you achieve things in this sport”

Other team members who were nominated and discussed for this week’s “Bell Ringer Award” were:  Jacob Berry, Fritz Bolme, Greyson Clearhout, Elijah Coppejans, Kellen Courtright, Will Ehlert, Cole Henson, Ian McCord, Kael McCord, Ephraim Mueller, Hunter Olson, Connor Runty, Phoenix Sottos, Adler VanOpdorp, Kyle Wirth, & Henry Woodward.

Comment from Head Coach Todd Ehlert:  I am excited for Rylan to earn this award this week. Rylan has really been working hard during the year. He was really improved from last year. He had a great summer and has an awesome attitude every day. Keep working hard Rylan and set your goals high. 

TOP 7 FINISHERS

Pictured are (Row 1):  Will Ehlert, Kyle Wirth, Henry Woodward, Ephraim Mueller;
Row 2:  Kael McCord, Greyson Clearhout, & Henley Bourne

LEAFS OPEN SEASON AT ANNUAL “RUST BUSTER” TIME TRIAL

On Tuesday, August 18th, the Leafs hosted their traditional season opener.  The meet started in 1986 and continues to this day.  The format of the meet has changed over the years due to I.H.S.A. rules and regulations.  The meet has gone from a handicapped race in which anyone could run and choose to race in the Geneseo Boys or Girls High School only race.  (The GMS also races against themselves in a separate race.)  The new format which included a course change occurred when Head GHS Boys Coach Todd Ehlert took over the reins in the fall of 2018.

Due to heavy rains in the proceeding week, the course was adjusted a bit due to fallen trees and standing water in spots.  The distance still ended up being close enough to allow for the “Rust Buster” top 25 lists to be “In Play”.  The weather was perfect with a race-time temperature of 78 degrees with a very light SSW breeze of 4 mph.  The course was certainly not hard and fast but the grounds crew did a great job of cutting the grass and moving fallen branches where they could.  They always do a great job of helping us out and will certainly have the park in great shape by the time the Geneseo Cross Country Invitational arrives on Saturday, September 19th.

The race started at 6 pm sharp.  Graduation claimed 4 of last year’s Top 7 for the Maple Leafs.  They certainly left some big shoes to fill.  It will be a lot of fun watching this group of young men develop into a true team as the season progresses.  The racing distance was 3,000 meters.  On to the racing.

Juniors Henley Bourne and Greyson Clearhout led the way by claiming the top two spots.  Henley was timed in 10:03 which is the 2nd fastest time EVER on the course.  He looked great and has some pretty big goals for both himself and his teammates during the 2026 season.  His time was also the 2nd fastest time for a GHS Junior (only Dylan Gehl’s 9:56 from 2023 is faster).  Great Job, Henley.  Teammate and close friend Greyson Clearhout ran a tremendous race himself.  Greyson “stopped the clock” at 10:23 which was the 4th fastest time EVER on the course.  Amazingly, all of the top 4 times were turned by juniors.  Greyson is now the 4th fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course.  Weather permitting, next year will change that fact.

Freshman Henry Woodward and Junior Kael McCord also “Cracked” the elusive 11 minute barrier for the challenging Richmond Hill Park Course.  Henry’s time of 10:52 smashed Jack Kreiss’ freshman course record of 11:16 by a whopping 24 seconds.  Henry’s time also moved him into 12th place on the All-Time individual list (any grade).  Great Stuff, Henry.  He was pushed every step of the way by GHS Junior Kael McCord who finished just behind Henry in an outstanding time of 10:57.  Kael’s time moved him into the number 13 spot on the All-Time list and he is now the 10th Fastest GHS Junior EVER on the course. 

Next up were Freshmen Will Ehlert, Kyle Wirth, and Ephraim Mueller who grabbed places 5-6-7.  In case you weren’t counting, that’s FOUR Freshmen in the GHS Top 7.  AMAZING STUFF.  They were timed in 11:04, 11:12, and 11:26.  Those times rank them 2nd, 3rd, and 5th EVER on the course for a GHS Freshman.  Great Stuff, Men.  Their times also ranked them 16th, 18th, and 20th on the All-Time Lists (any grade level).  WOW….  Each man looked GREAT.  Will and Kyle are “Breaking New Ground” as duel sport athletes.  Our new soccer coach is allowing them to play GHS soccer and also run GHS cross country.  No previous coach allowed this to happen.  Thanks Coach Adam Lorenz.  All the best to you and your soccer team this fall and beyond.

The next Maple Leafs to “Break the Tape” were Junior Rylan Carlson, Freshman Kellen Courtright, and Junior Fritz Bolme.  They sprinted across the finish line in 10th, 11th, and 12th places.  They were timed in 12:18, 12:35, and 12:54.  Rylan’s time ranks him 21st on the GHS Junior list.  Kellen’s time moved him into the #16 spot on the GHS Freshman Top 25 list.  Great Job, Guys.  Way to work together during the race. 

Next up for the Maple Leafs were Senior Jacob Berry and Junior Cole Henson who both “Cracked” the 14 minute barrier.  They placed 14th and 15th overall in the race and were timed in 13:32 and 13:43 respectfully.  The were the 11th and 12th men for the Maple Leafs in the meet.  Great season opener, Men. 

Breaking the 15 minute barrier for the Maple Leafs were Freshman Hunter Olson, Senior Connor Runty, and Freshman Ian McCord.  Hunter was timed in 14:17 while Connor and Ian sprinted across the finish line with identical times of 14:52.  They were the 13th, 14th, and 15th men for the GHS Harriers in the meet.  Great Job, Men.  Keep up the good work.

Rounding out the team were Freshman Adler VanOpdorp, Sophomore Phoenix Sottos, and Junior Elijah Coppejans.  They were the Maple Leafs’ 16th, 17th, and 18th men in the meet.  They placed 22nd, 24th, and 26th overall in the race.  They were timed in 15:31, 16:18, and 16:45.  Phoenix’s time was a personal best on the course by almost 2 minutes. Simply Amazing.  Great Races by all three of you, Men.

So, the season racing has begun.  It was GREAT to see every single member of the team “Toe the Line” and RACE.  Keep up the good work, Men.  Obviously, keep running but also work on the other key topics that Coach Ehlert has addressed such as sleep (8-9 hours per night), proper hydration (no carbonation), proper diets (including fruits and vegetables, etc….  All the best to each of you.  It is going to be a LOT of fun watching this team come together.  Every single one of you matters.  Believe it because it is THE TRUTH.  Thank you for choosing to become a member of this team.  We need YOU!.  Take care and God Bless. 

RUST BUSTER TOP 25’S

RESULTS

RECRUITING PUSH

Pictured are Seniors Jacob Berry (far left) and Connor Runty (far right) along with their new recruits.
Elijah Coppejans & Hunter Olson

The team is still looking for a few more team members.  An added incentive is a large sports drink given to the recruiter.  The deal is the new team man needs to show up at least twice.  It’s pretty cool that the only team members to add to the roster are the team’s only two Seniors.  Way to Go, Men.  The best way to lead is via example.

PHOENIX SOTTOS SELLING TICKETS

Pictured is Sophomore Phoenix Sottos selling Rust Buster raffle tickets to Coach Freddy

“Rust Buster” Time Trial Raffle Tickets, ETC.

The team’s annual “Rust Buster” 3k Time Trial will be held on Tuesday, August 18th.  The race will start at 6:00 PM Sharp.  Both the GHS Boys and Girls teams will “Toe the Line”.  Both GMS squads will also participate in a separate race.  IHSA Rules prohibit the races to be run together like we used to do before Coach Ehlert took over the program.

Team members need to bring a “Six Pack” of appropriate beverages.  The girls team members will be bring “Goodies”.  In addition, each team member is asked to bring AT LEAST 3 canned goods to be donated to the Geneseo Food Pantry for those in need.  We also ask that all participants in the race bring a T-Shirt to placed on “da Table”.  After the race is over, the shirts will be used as “Trophies” and all finishers will receive one. 

Please remember to bring each of the requested items.  All the best to each of you as the team enters competition for the first time.  The goal is to run intelligent races and keep getting better as the season progresses.  The goal is for each team member to be running their best races of the season at the end (during “Championship Meet Season”).  Remember our creed “No Excuses, No Retreats, and No Regrets”.  Dream Big and then back those Dreams up with the hard work and dedication that excellence DEMANDS.  GO LEAFS!

RUST BUSTER TOP 25’S

2026 Seniors Ready to Lead

Pictured are the Maple Leafs’ 2026 Seniors:  Connor Runty and Jacob Berry

Connor is the proud son of Cathy & Thomas Runty and is currently leaning towards a career as an athletic trainer.  He is currently undecided about his college choice but has a plethora of possibilities.

Jacob is the proud son of Amy Barber & Richard Berry.  He is planning on a career that will include a major in electical engineering and a minor in music.  He has narrowed his college choices and is still working on it.

The Leafs have some big goals for the 2026 season and all of those goals will be led by these two men.  The team is in good hands.  All the best to Connor and Jacob and their leadership skills.  Also, good luck to the rest of the Maple Leafs.  “Dream Big” and then back those dreams up with the hard work and dedication that excellence demands.  GO LEAFS!