Track Guys Running Cross Country
400 meter runner Ajay Joseph(so) is expected to be one of the leaders for Von Steuben.
Von Steuben's number one runner for most of the last two years was Michael Gulan- an all-city and state meet qualifier 400 meter runner. Gulan is one of those type of runners I consider a track runner first and then a cross coutnry runner second. Gulan has graduated but it appears that the trend of track runners leading Von Steuben will continue.
Most of the top returnees are track athletes first. Anthony Hudson(sr) made the varsity finals in the long jump. Alcides Diaz(sr) is a strong 400 meter runner that ran on the very good Von Steuben 4x400 team that nearly qualified for the CPS finals, and AJ Joseph(so) ran one of the fastest open 400 times last year for a freshman.
All three are expected to play a big role in Von Steuben's cross country team this year.
"We are getting better as program. We were one of only 7 schools that fielded complete scoring teams in the freshman, sophomore, and varsity levels at the city meet. Of course, the usual suspects Lane, Jones, Mather, Northside, and Whitney Young had full teams. But us and believe it or not Urban Prep Bronzeville had complete teams.
Look out for new school Solario in the next few years. They had complete freshman and sophomore teams. Curie will be strong next year but after their seniors graduate, Solario may sneak up there.
We finished 11th at the varsity level last year. Our goal is to make the top 10, but it will be tough. Curie, Hubbard, and Steinmetz are always there," said Von Steuben coach Eli Yurich.
Losses:
Michael Gulan, Dwayne Ford, Roberto Cervantes, Noel Valdivia
Key Returnees:
Anthony Hudson(sr-70th last year @ varsity city)
Hameed Weaver(sr- 87th @ varsity city)
Alcides Diaz(sr-97th at varsity city)
Ajay Joseph(18th at freshman city)
William Pawelko(27th at freshman city)
Nicholas Rodriguez (50th at soph city)
Stephen Schintgen(52nd at soph city)
Manuel Meneses(60th at soph city)
Do previews on all top 10 cross country teams!
Posted by: Yes! | June 29, 2012 at 03:53 PM
Von Steuben is trying. At the same time, when you lose a guy like Gulan and your top 3 guys were 87th at city, 70th at city, and 18th at freshman level, it is difficult to imagine a situation where VS will not struggle.
To be realistic, VS will have 4-5 runners running in the 18's.
Posted by: Realist | June 29, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Von Stuben Realisticly wont get top 10. They'll need to get passed Hard working and Training Curie & Hubbard
Posted by: 11th place again | June 29, 2012 at 04:24 PM