Illinois
Loses: Seth Pilkington (13:57), Kris Cunningham
Returns: Jason Bill (14:00, 29:14, 4th Pre Nats Blue), Trent Hoerr (29:50, 4th Big Ten 10k, 17th Big Ten XC), Tim Hobbs, Jon Houseworth (8:55), Maciej Sniegorski (9:06), Eric Wallor
Brings In: No threats to be serious contributors
Outlook: Probably the most enigmatic team in the Big Ten. As Bill goes, so goes the team. If he has a strong year, they could challenge for a spot in the dance. If Bill struggles, the team will as well. It may take time to adjust to the new coach, but they could be in the hunt for a spot in the Dance in the especially weak Midwest Region.
Indiana:
Loses: Tom Burns (8:43)
Returns: Sean Jefferson (8th Big Ten XC, 3:56i, 34th XC Nats), John Jefferson (9th Big Ten XC, 3:57i.), Stephen Hass (24th Big Ten XC, 7:51, 13:43), Eric Redmen (3:47), Brian Sullivan
Brings In: Tim Mcleod (9:03)
Outlook: The only team that can even think about competing with Wisconsin up front, but depth will be a major factor. If Sullivan is as good as advertised, (and can manage running with his clothes on) they will have a strong top 4, but if their 5th gets buried in the pack, the team may suffer. Regardless, a strong bet to get back to the national meet, and probably a top 15-20 team.
Iowa:
Loses: Tony Rakaric
Returns: Micah Vandenend (14th Big Ten XC, 52nd Nats XC), Eric MacTaggert (16th Big Ten XC, 59th Nats XC, 14:04) Dan Haut (14:08), Adam Roche (27th Big Ten XC, 69th Nats XC), Matt Ecshe (18th Big Ten XC, 62nd Nats XC), Jeff Kent (14:27), Brian Rae
Brings In: Nothing in the way of possible contributors:
Outlook: My national sleeper this season. Finished in the top 15 a year ago, and return all serious contributors from that team. No real front-runner, but a solid pack that goes 6 deep. Could challenge for a top 3 spot in the Big Ten Meet.
Michigan:
Loses: Nick Willis, Nate Brannen ( We all already know their credentials), Matt Mulvaney, Johnathan, Kielscak,
Returns: Mike Woods (23rd Big Ten XC, 3:44, 7:59), Andrew Bauer (9:05), Victor Gras, Andrew Ellerton, Rondell Ruff
Brings In: Sean McNamara (NTN Champ, 9:00), Justin Switzer (MI XC Champ, FLXC Top Ten, 4:06), Lex Williams (4:09, 8:53), John Black (2nd MI XC)
Outlook: Could literally finish anywhere in the Top 8. They’re heavily relying on the phenomenal incoming class to get them back to the national meet. Other than Woods and Bauer, not a lot of proven XC runners left on the squad. Could potentially have 4 freshman in the top 7 at the end of the year.
Michigan State:
Loses: Steve Sherer (13th Big Ten XC, 3:45, 14:04), Andy Marsh (29:20)
Returns: Dustin Voss (28th Big Ten XC, 8:11, 14:20), Stephen Shay (8:19, 14:20), Matt Bartlebaugh (29:42), Nate Egger, Justin Zanotti (14:35), Adam Sprangler (14:40), Jim Pancoast (3:49)
Brings In: Nick Katsefaras (9:12), Dana Pitcock (Anchored 2 Relays at NON to victories, 4:10)
Outlook- Will look to get back to the dance after a disappointing finish last year. Struggled at the Big Ten Meet, but ran well at the regional. Consistency will be the key. Development of two young stars in the making (Voss and Shay) will be key. Drenth is a great coach, and should have them ready when it counts.
Minnesota:
Loses: Andrew Carlson (4th Big Ten XC, 13:44)
Returns: Ryan Malmin (10th Big Ten XC, XC AA), Antonio Vega (14:10, 29:44), Erik Grumstump (8:07), Justin Grunewald
Brings In: Chris Rombough (8:53)
Outlook: Another team with some quality up front that will struggle with depth. Any injuries could derail the season, but will probably battle with Illinois and a random Big 12 team to get out of the weak Midwest. Malmin always seems to come up big when it matters, and he will need to carry this team this year.
Ohio State:
Loses: Aaron Fisher (8:45), Jacob Macualey
Returns: Brian Olinger (7th Big Ten XC, 8:19 SC) Dan Glaz (14:08, 29:15) John Ealy (14:10, 15th Big Ten XC), Braden Martinez (14:15), Matt Busek, Glenn Collins
Brings In: Jeff See (4:04, Top 10 FLXC), Levi Fox (10th FLXC)
Outlook: Probably the favorite for 2nd in the Big Ten, but will be challenged. Olinger is probably the safest non Wisco bet to win the meet, but will racing so late into the summer hurt him? The unexpected departure of Fisher could hurt them with depth, but a strong freshman class will give them a boost. The development of Martinez, Collins and Busek will be key, as the top 3 (4 if you count See) is pretty well established.
Penn State
Loses: Chris Foster (26th Big Ten XC, 8:51)
Returns: Dan Mazzacco (20th Big Ten XC, 4th two years ago)…..not much beyond that.
Brings In: Nobody of note
Outlook: Could be a long year for the Nittany Lions……..Will probably battle Purdue for the basement of the loaded Big Ten
Purdue:
Trust me, it’s probably not worth the time
Wisconsin:
Loses: Matt Tegenkemp (3rd Big Ten XC, 11th XC Nats, 13:25) Josh Spiker (6th Big Ten XC, 3:41), Tim Keller (29:14)
Returns: Simon Bairu (1st Big Ten XC and XC National Champ, 13:43, 28:04), Chris Solinsky (2nd Big Ten XC, 16th XC Nats, 13:38), Tim Nelson (13th Big Ten XC, 28:45), Bobby Lockhart (11th Big Ten XC, 29:07), Antony Ford (28:55), Ben Gregory (21st Big Ten XC), Matt Withrow (13:35), Stuart Eagon (13:53), Christian Wagner (14:03)
Brings In: Brandon Bethke, Ryan Gasper
Outlook: Easily the prohibitive favorite to win the Big Ten, and a good bet to win the whole damn thing. The amount of talent is absolutely sick, but they need to come up big when it matters the most. Have at least 7 guys that should challenge for All-American status. I could go on, but I’m beginning to become cross-eyed.
Thoughts?
Team Predictions?
Top 25 Individual Predictions?