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Cyclones look to future with great expectations

It was truly a learning experience for the men's team in 2007. Loaded with first-year runners, the Cyclones gained valuable experience that already raises expectations for an excellent 2008. The season also was highlighted with outstanding individual performances, resulting in three qualifiers for the national championships and all-region and all-conference honors.

"Five of our top seven guys this year are first-year runners, and the learning curve in adjusting to racing 5 miles compared with 3 miles, can be great. We also had injuries to key runners and that slowed our progress as well," Coach Mark Horstmeyer said. "The guys learned a lot, however. That really sets us up well for next year. I am looking forward to seeing what the guys can accomplish. I think the potential is there for very successful season."

The year was filled with top performances. Leading the way was Wes Sewell (Shepard), who won the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and was named its Most Valuable Runner and all-conference, and was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association all-Region IV team. Sewell also qualified for the NJCAA national championships, where he turned in his best performance of the year. Joining him as a national qualifier was freshman Connor Williams (Andrew) who also garnered all-conference honors. The third member of the national contingent was sophomore Mark Miller, who was named to the all-region team, capping an outstanding two-year Cyclone career. He earned all-conference and all-region honors last year and also was a national qualifier.

"Wes, Connor and Mark had a terrific season. I couldn't be more pleased for them. To finish their year with excellent racing at the national level just added to it," Coach Mark Horstmeyer said. "I'm really proud of Mark and what he accomplished over the past two seasons. I can't wait for next season to see what Wes and Connor will be able to achieve."

Adding credence to a bright future are returnees Bruce Lockett (Argo), David Chavez (Jordan Baptist) and Tony Manjarrez (Argo). "Bruce was hobbled most of the season with a knee injury and that prevented him from getting to the fitness level he needed to reach. But he is a gutsy runner, and came on strong at the end of the year to show what he is capable of doing when he isn't hurt. He'll be ready next fall," Horstmeyer said. "Until this season Dave had never run competitively and showed great potential. Unfortunately, he was sidelined the last part of the year with a knee injury and that stopped him from competing at the level where we wanted him to be," Horstmeyer said. "Tony also was banged up a bit throughout the season and wasn't quite able to get to the fitness level he needed to be at. We'll work with him during the off-season to get him healthy because we'll need him to be at his best for us to be successful next fall."

Rounding out the men's team was second-year runner Juan Delfin (Eisenhower). "Juan is a natural athlete with outstanding potential as shown by what he accomplished in high school. Unfortunately, Juan struggled for a variety of reasons and couldn't quite achieve what he wanted. We wish we had him back next year because he would have been a valuable contributor to any success we have. We'll miss him," Horstmeyer said.

Cyclones turn in top performances at NJCAA championships
Three Moraine Valley runners finished off the men's 2007 season with outstanding performances at the National Junior College Athletic Association Cross Championships on November 10 at Rend Lake, Illinois.

Wes Sewell (Shepard) ran a personal best of 27:46 over the 8K course, finishing 116^th out of 261 finishers. He was followed across the line by Connor Williams (Andrew) in 28:51, placing 176^th, and Mark Miller (Oak Lawn) who finished 187^th in 29:11. Sewell's performance capped off an excellent season for the first-year Cyclone. He won the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference crown and was named its Most Valuable Runner. He also earned all-conference and all-Region IV honors. Williams was named all-conference. This was the second year Miller, who was named all-region, competed in the national championships. In 2006, he also was named all-conference and all-region.

Sewell, Williams and Miller also led the Cyclone men to a third place finish at the conference meet and a fourth-place finish at the Region IV championship.

"I am so pleased for these guys," Coach Mark Horstmeyer said. "To perform this well on the national stage of junior college cross country is just awesome. Our kids have a knack of saving their best races for nationals, and this year was no exception. Wes, Connor, and Mark really represented Moraine Valley well, and they should be proud of that." 

Sewell, Miller named All-Region IV; men tie for 4th

Freshman Wes Sewell claimed third place and sophomore Mark Miller took tenth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Division I championships on October 27 at Moraine Valley, leading the Cyclones to a fourth place tie.

Sewell (Shepard) and Miller (Oak Lawn) were named to the All-Region IV team and along with freshman Connor Williams (Andrew) qualified for the national championships on November 10 at Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois.

"Wes again ran strategically which is what it's all about in this race," said Coach Mark Horstmeyer. "He kept his poise and ran an intelligent race. As a bonus, he had his best time of the year. I'm please for him because he has worked hard for this."

This was the second year in a row Miller has gained all-regional honors and qualified for the national championships. "Mark came out of nowhere and just kept hanging and hanging with the leaders and then made his move. He did a great job—very smart racing. He also recorded his best time of the year too. He saved the best for last," Horstmeyer said.

"Connor also turned in a solid performance for us, and it paid off too. He struggled a bit, but was able to recover nicely and qualify. I'm really happy for him," his coach said.

Following the three top Cyclones across the finishing line were freshman Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 36^th place, freshman Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 45th place, and sophomore Juan Delfin in 47^th place.

"Overall, we had a good outing. I am thrilled for Wes, Mark and Connor and the opportunity they have to perform on the national stage. It's quite an accomplishment, and I couldn't be happier for them," Horstmeyer said.

Men's 8K Region IV Team Results

Sewell wins conference crown; men take third

Freshman Wes Sewell ran away with the individual Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference title with a dominating performance on October 20 in leading the Cyclones to a third-place finish in the team standings.

"Wes ran an awesome race—a smart race," said Coach Mark Horstmeyer. "He was patient, biding his time, and then he lowered the hammer. The result was a resounding win. I am really proud of him."

Sewell (Shepard) also was named Most Valuable Runner and earned all-conference honors. Joining him on the all-conference team was freshman Connor Williams (Andrew), who took fifth place. "Connor did a great job. He stayed patient and then made his move when it counted. He ran a smart race, and his patience also paid dividends. It was a terrific effort," Horstmeyer said.

Following the two top Cyclones across the finishing line were sophomore Mark Miller (Oak Lawn) in 14th place, freshman Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 26th place, freshman Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 33rd place, and freshman David Chavez (Jordan Baptist) in 34th place.

"Overall, Mark, Bruce, Tony, and David did a solid job for us. They have worked hard and helped us overachieve at conference—a great place to do so," Horstmeyer said. "We had a good outing all around."