By: Michael Newman

7 – Richmond-Burton

Coach – Ryan Carlson

2015 Finish – 12^th, 2A Woodstock North Sectional

Top Runners – Ryan Hommowun SR, Nick Koschak SR, Chris Williams SR, Josh Kellum SR, Thomas Koschak SO, Nicholas DeGroot JR, Chase Duncan SO, Owen Smith SR, Ethan Anderson SO, Trevor Guilfoyle SR, Zach Anderson SO, Blake Persons SO.

Preview – Things changed for Richmond-Burton in the middle of June when they found out that they would be placed in the 1A classification for the 2016 Cross Country Season. Instead of trying to survive in one of the toughest 2A sectionals in the state, survival has changed to hopes for a trophy at the 1A state cross country meet this November. “Our outlook changed a lot as a result of Richmond Burton HS being placed in single A this year,” said Coach Ryan Carlson. “We are going to continue to work hard, have fun running and volunteering, but we would like to finish the deeper into the post-season than last year.”

All seven runners are back from last year’s sectional team. Their top four are all seniors. Their desperation of being able to doing something big could help this squad. Ryan Hommowun, Chris Williams, and Nick Koshchak look to be the top three runners this season. The split on their first 5 averaged near 110 seconds at the end of 2015. That needs to come down by at least 30 seconds. Hommowun has the potential to be in the top 20 this year. It will be a matter of where Williams and Koschak can stay within 30 seconds of their teammate. Then a trophy could be in this squad’s sights.

Read more: DyeStatIL.com - News - 2016 DyeStat Illinois XC Season Previews - 1A Boys Teams