Teams to watch
O'Fallon • The O'Fallon boys received some good news when front man Michael Scolarici was recently cleared to return to full training following an Achilles tendon injury that sidelined him all of last spring. Scolarici, who was seventh at state last year, will lead a team loaded with senior leadership and talent in Connor Ryan, Craig Munie and Jake Slaughter — who recently posted three of the top eight all-time O'Fallon time-trial results.
SLUH • The SLUH boys will be attempting to repeat as the Class 4 state champions, and they'll be doing it without Jim Linhares, who retired after 25 years as the Jr. Bills' head coach following last season's title run. Despite graduating key contributors from last season's title squad, the team's exceptional depth will aid in maintaining relevance. The team will take its cues from Tim Rackers, who finished eighth at state last year.
Herculaneum • Last fall, the Herculaneum girls won their fourth consecutive title as Kaitlyn Fischer, now a sophomore, was the runner-up in the Class 2 race. She followed that with state track titles in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. Add sophomore Mary Moloney, who was 10th at state, and senior Tara Chronister, who was 26th, and the Blackcats have the firepower to shoot for their 10th overall state title, which would tie the boys program.
Eureka • The Eureka girls did not seize the success they anticipated at the Class 4 state meet last fall. This year should be different with the entire top seven runners returning to the varsity lineup. Senior Alyssa Rebecca was the front-runner last season, and she paced a squad that ran well as a pack. Most of those girls grouped together to capture the 3,200-meter relay track title.
Parkway West • Parkway West got to hoist a trophy last fall as the boys captured fourth place in the Class 4 state meet. The Longhorns did lose Jake Lamke to graduation, but the next three team finishers return — Nick Ingle, Bryan Witt and Steven Shearman. The trio crossed the finish line within 20 seconds of each other.
Craig Martin
