This fall season, the BG boys cross country team took to the course  to build off from a successful 2013 season. The team will look to returning seniors Eli Hinkle, Tripp Wallner, Montana Nimerfroh, Jake Wenzel and Matt Swiszcz for guidance as they head into the new year.

According DyeStatIL’s rankings heading into this year, BG was ranked third in the state of Illinois. After finishing thirteenth in the class 3A State meet last year, the bison are expecting to take long strides this season.

According  to    head     coach  Zach  Crandall, the team has big goals for the year.

“We first want to win the MSL Conference and then set bigger goals from there,” Crandall said. “From there we would like to three–peat the Regional, and then win Sectionals for the first time in school history.”

With big expectations come big responsibilities. This past  summer, while many BG students were fast asleep, the team was up for six a.m practices Monday through Friday and was working their hardest to get stronger and faster.

“Every day we would wake up early and run,” Nimerfroh said. “We would probably run around 60 miles every week. We’re very determined to be the best we can be.”

The team has already gotten off to a fast start. So far, they have started the season 5-0 with wins against Highland Park, Stevenson, Fremd, Rolling Meadows and Elk Grove. They took second place at the Fenton Invitational, only trailing Glenbard West.

In the varsity race, junior Kevin Salvano took first place. Nimerfroh took first place in the open race and Mitchell Guittar won the freshman race.

In the First to the Finish invite in Peoria, BG took 8th place with Salvano finishing third in the men’s race. However, the team is not satisfied with their hot start yet. They’re looking to keep the momentum going and finish their season strong.

“The team definitely has what it takes to be one of the best in school history,” Crandall said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they accomplished that, so come support the team and back those Bison!”