Veteran boys squad could have big season

The state cross country meet will have a new look this fall for Walther Lutheran.

The Broncos will compete in the smallest of the three classes when the regional meet arrives in October.

The IHSA expanded to three classes a year ago and Walther was placed in Class 2A.

The move could also be a plus for Walther junior Sandro Mazza, who has qualified for state in each of the last two years.

Mazza placed 56th overall a year ago at the Class 2A meet and 93rd as a freshman in Class A.

The top 25 in each class earn all-state recognition.

"I think he has a shot at it (all-state) if he stays healthy," Samayoa said. "He has more strength and is more serious about running now."

The Broncos have a solid group of runners to go along with Mazza to make a serious push to advance to State as a team.

Walther lost two individuals (Donte Davis and Martin Avila) from it's top seven of a year ago.

"I have a core group of runners who have been together for three years," Samayoa said. "I think it will be a good team if we stay injury free."

The Broncos opened the season on a high note on Saturday by winning the Concordia University Classic in Wisconsin with 32 points.

Mazza was the first runner to cross the finish line, completing the 3.15 mile course in 17 minutes, 14 seconds.

Junior Christian Sorenson was second for Walther in 17:43, followed by senior Chris Koehne (7th, 19:06), sophomore Chijioke Ezam (9th, 19:10) and senior Brian Jackson (13th, 19:21) to round out the top five.

The only new runner among the top five is Ezam.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The Walther Lutheran girls cross country team opened the season with a sixth-place finish on Saturday at the Concordia University Classic in Wisconsin.

Senior Ana Garcia was the top runner for the Broncos, placing third in 16 minutes, 6 seconds for 2.5 miles.

"She might make it (downstate) as an individual now that we are in Class A," Walther coach Luis Samayoa said.

Freshman Sondra Garcia was 48th in 19:44, freshman Deedee Kruckberg was 49th in 19:44, junior Kayleigh Evans was 62nd in 20:24 and sophomore Robin Hillert was 71st in 20:46 to complete the scoring.