Kuhlman's key contribution powers Glenbard
South victory
Running is Glenbard South's specialty, but recruiting apparently is a close second.
Raiders coach Andy Preuss suggested his team might not have won Saturday at the Big Cat Inviational without Kevin Kuhlman. A year ago, Kuhlman was playing soccer.
Saturday at Phillips Park in Aurora, the junior secured a key 14th-place finish (15:49.5) ahead of teammate Bob Albertson (15:53.4). Glenbard South's Micah Vandenend won (15:50.0) and Andrew Teague was sixth (15:25.3).
"The guys kept hammering on (Kuhlman)," Preuss said. "Even up to the night before the season started, we didn't know if we'd have him. He's obviously a key. Without him we'd be in trouble (with depth)."
Glenbard South's Ahmad Rashid was 24th (16:11.9), giving the Raiders 60 points. Suburban Prairie Red rival Geneva was second (93). Neuqua Valley placed third (127), Wheaton Warrenville South fourth (162) and Glenbard West fifth (189).
"We have the strongest pack that I've ever been in," Teague said. "Everybody in our pack is just working off each other, and Micah's an animal."
Vandenend, David Mitchell of Downers Grove South and Tim Hachmeister of Illinois Math and Science separated themselves from the field early. Hachmeister led most of the way and Mitchell took over in the last mile.
The Raiders junior, who won't run in the coming week because of tendinitis, drafted off the leaders until making his move in the last 400 meters.
"Last year, I came in second here, so I wanted to win," Vandenend said. "Our team was to win and put 5 in the top 15."
Mitchell was ready for a test, and felt like he passed. The Mustangs senior captured second (14:58.0) and Elmhurst resident Hachmeister was third (15:20.1).
"I wanted to go against some of the best," Mitchell said. "I found out I can run with those guys."
"In track, I was in the best shape of my life, but that doesn't compare with how I feel now."
Senior Dave Lyons was a surprise in fourth (15:24.0). He pushed Hilltoppers teammate Dave Watson to a ninth-place finish (15:30.3).
"I gave it all I had to stay up there with the top three," Lyons said. "It was a great feeling, staying with guys who are top 10 runners in the state."
Brandon Todd of WW South was 10th (15:35.5). The Tigers improved significantly from last Saturday at the Hornet-Red Devil Invitational.
"The kids are making some great progress," WW South coach Greta Havey said. "They're doing the things we want them to do."
Neuqua Valley's Jeff Goode (15:38.6) and Matt Bailey (15:47.0) were 11th and 12th.
"We want to improve in every race," Wildcats coach Paul Vandersteen said. "Not only do we have more experience, but we have a much more positive work ethic."