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Men's Cross Country—Archive

2008 Season

All-Region IV team: Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard)
All-Conference team: Abrahamsen, Wes Sewell (Shepard) and Connor Williams (Andrew)

Nov. 20, 2008
Trip to NJCAA championship highlights 2008 men’s season

The 2008 Cyclones became the third men’s team to compete at the NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championship, but the team accomplished more than that this season. The men claimed second place in two other championship races and garnered All-Conference and All-Region honors as well. And that’s not all. Their greatest accomplishment was coming together as a team.

The Cyclones finished October on a strong note taking the runner-up spot at the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Division I Region IV championships. Sophomores Wes Sewell (Shepard) and Connor Williams (Andrew) and freshman Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) were named to the All-Conference team, and Abrahamsen earned All-Region honors. Sewell and Williams were named All-Conference for the second straight year. The Cyclones then capped their season with a 31st place showing at the national championship November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“This team by far was the most cohesive we have ever had at Moraine Valley,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “They are a model of what true team spirit is all about. I couldn’t be prouder of a group of young men as I am of these nine guys. I will miss the sophomores a lot and am thrilled with having all of our freshmen coming back next fall.”

As they did last year, Sewell and Williams led the way this fall. “Without their leadership we would not have had the kind of season we had. From the first day of practice they took charge. Each race you could see it—keeping everyone together and being there at the finish line encouraging them after they finished. Their future no matter what they pursue will be very bright. I wish them well,” Horstmeyer said.

Also providing sophomore experience was Bruce Lockett (Argo), who was a major contributor to the team’s success this year after battling most of last year with an injured knee. “Bruce was a steady contributor and a mainstay to our team this season,” Horstmeyer said. “He has a lot of determination and dedication, and I know he set his sights on doing whatever he could to help the team qualify for nationals.” Tony Manjarrez (Argo) was hobbled most of the year by back problems and was not able to accomplish all he set out to do this year. “Tony has a lot of grit, and he’s stubborn. He refuses to quit even when the pain got the best of him. I really admired his determination.”

First-year runners were led by Abrahamsen, who also struggled with back pain off and on throughout the season, but when the race was on the line, according to his coach, he was battling every step of the way. “Kyle emerged as our number one runner, and he certainly mixed it up with the other front-runners. I was really pleased at the season he had. I just think he will get better and better,” Horstmeyer said.

Also contributing greatly to the team’s success was Pablo Herrejon (Bremen). “I’m really counting on Pablo to step it up even more next year. He has all the tools to be outstanding—speed, endurance and determination. He was a definite asset to the team,” his coach said. Another first-year runner, although a sophomore, was David Kierys (Argo). “I wish I had him for another year. He certainly came on strong for us. I think he even surprised himself at what he could accomplish,” Horstmeyer said. Freshmen Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) and Felipe Flores (Bremen) will also be counted on a lot next fall. Both improved greatly over the season. “Tyler kept dropping his times and had his best race at nationals where he finished third for us. I was really pleased how he came on and kept plugging away. He will really help us next year,” his coach said. “Felipe will be very good next year. I think he learned a lot about running at this level, and I know he will put the time in to raise his game.”

Depending on what takes place during the off-season, the Cyclones are poised to make another strong run at winning championships and competing on the national stage again. The expectation will be nothing less.

Nov. 14, 2008
Cyclones finish 31st in nation

Selflessness and true team spirit highlighted an outstanding finale for the Cyclones at the NJCAA Men’s Division I Cross Country Championship on November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Led by Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) with a 114th-place finish in 27:52 over the rolling 8K course, the Cyclones claimed 31st place. Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) finished in 198th in 29:32 followed by Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 220th in 30:31, Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 230th in 30:53, David Kierys (Argo) in 234th in 31:12 and Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 242nd in 32:58. Tony Manjarrez (Argo) suffered back spasms during the early part of the race and was not able to finish. There were 253 runners in the field.

“I am so proud of this team, especially my two outstanding sophomore leaders Wes Sewell (Shepard) and Connor Williams (Andrew),” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “We found out Friday night that we would be only able to run seven of our guys even though we have nine on our team. The team was really disappointed, and we talked about a lot of options—none with a satisfactory outcome. So I told them that we would sleep on it, and I would make a decision before the race.

“Wes and Connor made the decision for me. They told me Saturday morning that because they had run at nationals last year they would not race so the other guys could have the experience of competing in the championship race. I have never been prouder of two young men as I am of Wes and Connor. They are simply outstanding. We have taken three men’s teams and two women’s teams and a number of individuals to nationals for eight straight years, and I’m proud of each of their efforts, but the highlight was this year,” Horstmeyer said. “This men’s team has truly been a team from top to bottom. They competed week in and week out, worked hard to improve and achieved much. You can ask nothing more. They personify the meaning of team. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to coach these guys.”

Oct. 27, 2008
Cyclones advance to national championship

The men’s team took second place in the 2008 National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV, Division I Championship on Saturday, October 25, at Sauk Valley College, and will compete in the national championship.

Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) led the Cyclones with a fourth-place finish in 28:44 over the wind-blown 5-mile course. He was named to the All-Region IV team.

Wes Sewell (Shepard) was next in 15th in 30:07; Connor Williams (Andrew) was right behind him in 16th in 30:15 followed by Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) in 21st in 30:32 and Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 22nd in 30:43. David Kierys (Argo) finished in 28th in 31:58 and Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) was in 31st in 32:39. Felipe Flores (Bremen) placed 40th in 34:17 and Tony Manjarrez finished 46th in 37:19.

“I’m very proud of the team. We kept talking all week that if they ran the way they did at conference and just kept after it, they would succeed. They did. Congratulations to them—well deserved and well earned,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “Because of the strong winds and course conditions, it was all a matter of place—not time. They came through. Kyle had an outstanding race. I’m really proud of the job he did.”

This championship for Sewell and Williams will be their second as they competed last year at Rend Lake College. “I’m excited for all the guys, that they have this opportunity few athletes at either the two-year or four-year level ever have and that’s to compete against an outstanding international field of junior college runners,” Horstmeyer said. “This will be something they will always remember.”

The Cyclones will compete November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “This was one of our goals—to compete at nationals as a team. The guys should be proud of themselves for their achievement. They will represent Moraine Valley very well,” Horstmeyer said.

Oct. 20, 2008
Cyclones take second at conference championship

The men’s team claimed the runner-up spot in the 2008 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Championship on Saturday, October 18, at Moraine Valley and placed three runners on the All-Conference team.

Waubonsee Community College won the men’s title. Morton College finished third, followed by Prairie State College, College of Lake County, and Elgin.

Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) led the Cyclones with a fifth-place finish in 27:52; Wes Sewell (Shepard) was next in seventh in 28:20; and Connor Williams (Andrew) finished in tenth in 28:40. All three were named All-Conference—Sewell and Williams for the second straight year. Rounding out the scoring were Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 16th in 30:07 and David Kierys (Argo) in 19th in 30:32. Finishing right behind Kierys were Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 20th in 30:44, Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) in 21st in 31:15, and Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 30th in 33:02. There were 41 runners in the 8K race.

“I’m really proud of the job the guys did. Kyle, Wes, Connor, Bruce, David, and Tyler all had their best races of the season. It was a good time to step up. We were very solid one through eight,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “We talked all week that if they ran what they are capable of doing, they would be fine, and they were.”

Their work, however, isn’t over. Their next challenge comes October 25 when they travel to Sauk Valley College, Dixon, to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV Division I championship with a chance to qualify for the national race November 8 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Full conference championship results

Oct. 13, 2008
Men tune up for conference, regional championships

The Cyclones had their work cut out for them Saturday, October 11, at the Lucian Rosa Invitational at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside when they ran up against some of the toughest competition of the year so far. Twenty-eight teams and 283 runners from across the nation toed the starting line on one of the premier 8K (4.96 miles) cross country courses in the U.S. with Moraine Valley, the only community college team in the field, finishing 27th.

Moraine was led by Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) in 167th, 29:26; followed by Wes Sewell (Shepard), 178th, 29:38; Bruce Lockett (Argo), 188th, 30:01; Connor Williams (Andrew), 196th, 30:13; Pablo Herrejon (Bremen), 201st, 30:18; David Kierys (Argo), 233rd, 31:20; Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg), 268th, 34:20; Felipe Flores (Bremen), 272nd, 35:05; and Tony Manjarrez (Argo), 280th. 40:29.

“The field was fast on a really tough course. The guys weren’t satisfied with our times nor was I, but I was satisfied with how our top five finished fairly close together,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “This will be very important as we get ready for conference this coming Saturday.” Moraine Valley will host the men’s and women’s Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championships on its campus course October 18.

“The more they continue to work together, the more success they will have Saturday and the following Saturday at Region IV. I think they are coming together at the right time,” he said.

Oct. 6, 2008
Cyclones one point shy at Wisconsin Lutheran Invite

The men’s team started the second half of the cross country season on a high note with their best finish of the season—one point out of third place. The Cyclones, the only two-year college in the 10-team field, placed fourth with 105 points edged out by host Wisconsin Lutheran College with 104 points.

As a team, the Cyclones turned in a very good performance. The top three men finished 15th, 17th, and 21st while the fourth and fifth runners were 34th and 42nd. Connor Williams (Andrew) with a 29:14 finish—his best time so far—led the Cyclones followed by Wes Sewell (Shepard) in 29:18, Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) in 29:31, Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) in 30:37, and Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 30:57. David Kierys (Argo) was next in 53rd in 31:54, Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 55th in 32:16—also a best for him, Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 70th in 35:16, and Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 75th in 37:50. Seventy-seven runners finished the rolling 8K course in Greenfield Park, West Allis, Wisconsin.

“I know some of the guys were disappointed with their individual performance, but I think some of the unhappiness was eased with our team finish. That showed what they can do collectively even when individually they have an off-day,” coach Mark Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 29, 2008
Men turn in best performances yet

The men’s team enjoyed its best outing of the season September 27 at the Forester Invitational, finishing in sixth place and turning in the fastest times of the season.

The Cyclones missed finishing in fourth place by a scant six points in the eight-team field and all nine runners turned in their best performances over the 8K course in Half-Day Forest Preserve in Vernon Hills. “The guys were excited. I know they were disappointed in last week’s effort at the Illinois Intercollegiate race, but they certainly made up for it Saturday morning. I was really pleased,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “We are about half-way through our season, and I told the guys that they should just go out and see what they could do. They certainly did.”

Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) led the way with his 26th place finish in a time of 28:33. Right behind him was Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) in 27th place in 28:37, followed by Wes Sewell (Shepard) in 32nd in 29:06, Connor Williams (Andrew) in 43rd in 29:53, Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 47th in 30:21, David Kierys (Argo) in 49th in 30:43, Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 62nd in 32:59, Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 67th in 34:24, and Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 73rd in 37:21. There were 81 competitors in the race.

“What I found enjoyable was the fact that I didn’t stress pack running and yet they were bunched together. We have a lot of work left to do, but they are heading in the direction they want to be,” Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 24, 2008
Men finish as top Region IV team at Illinois Intercollegiate Race

Although the Cyclones did not turn in their best overall performance of the season, it was good enough to be the top placing NJCAA Region IV team at the Illinois Intercollegiate Championships on Sept. 19, at Illinois State University’s golf course.

Individual efforts highlighted the race with Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) leading the way with his 147^th place. He finished in his best time of the year to date. Following him across the line were Wes Sewell (Shepard) in 190^th place, Connor Williams (Andrew) in 192^nd place, David Kierys (Argo) in 198^th place, Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) 205^th, Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 214^th place, Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 236^th place, Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 238^th place, and Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 246^th place. There were 250 runners in the field. The Cyclones finished 21^st of 26 teams.

“I was pleased with Kyle’s and Connor’s effort, and David improved his time over last week. Even though it was an off-day for most of the guys, they still battled and ended up in pretty good shape. Sometimes it takes a race like that to kind of get the juices flowing for the rest of the year,” coach Mark Horstmeyer said.

Sept. 17, 2008
Men run to 10th place at Aurora University’s invite

The men’s team must love mud and rain if the Cyclones performance at a rainy, muddy Spartan XC Classic is any indication. Nine runners crossed the finish line Friday, September 12, to help the team finish in 10th place among 12 teams.

Aurora University hosted the invitational at a rainy, muddy Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, where the Cyclones turned in their best performance to date. “The guys hung together and finished strong. Given the conditions, they really did a great job. Our top three runners broke the 30-minute mark for the 8K course which is really good considering the conditions. Two more of our guys were a few ticks away,” said coach Mark Horstmeyer. “I think some of them surprised themselves.”

Pablo Herrejon (Bremen) led the way in 53rd place followed by Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard) in 59th, Wes Sewell (Shepard)in 66th, David Kierys (Argo)in 86th, Bruce Lockett (Argo) in 89th, Connor Williams (Andrew) in 94th, Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg) in 111th, newcomer Felipe Flores (Bremen) in 116th, and Tony Manjarrez (Argo) in 129th. There were 135 runners in the field. “Each of them is fulfilling his role very well,” Horstmeyer said. “They encourage each other and rely on each other. They know they have a lot of work left to do, and they’re determined to get it done.”

Sept. 9, 2008
Cyclones coming together

If you look at the results of the men’s two races—the Elmhurst College Earlybird and North Park University’s Ted Hedstrand Invite — you would think that the men are in for a long season…but not to them nor their coach.

“We are right where we want to be,” said Coach Mark Horstmeyer. “I cannot be more pleased with what the guys have accomplished. They are doing exactly what we have talked about from the start of the season.”

The men finished eleventh of twelve teams at the Earlybird on August 29 and seventh of eight teams at North Park’s invite on September 6. “We are really stressing the team concept and the guys have bought into it. Wes Sewell and Connor Williams, both of whom earned individual accolades a year ago, are showing tremendous leadership to our first-year runners. They really want team success this year.”

August 29, 2008
Cyclones set sights on championship season

The Cyclones could very well have found the right formula for winning conference and region titles this fall—blend four returnees with four experienced newcomers.

The Cyclones will be led by Wes Sewell (Shepard) and Connor Williams (Andrew), both of whom competed at the national championships in 2007. Second-year runners Bruce Lockett (Argo) and Tony Manjarrez (Argo) also will provide experience. They are joined by newcomers Kyle Abrahamsen (Shepard), Tyler Blaha-Gruszka (Stagg), Pablo Herrejon (Bremen), and David Kierys (Argo).

“We already have good chemistry on this year’s team,” said Mark Horstmeyer, who has coached the men’s team since its inception nine years ago. “One of the things we look for early on is whether the kids will work together, and so far I have seen this from the very beginning. We’re all excited about our team’s potential.”

Sewell and Williams will provide the leadership for this year’s team. Sewell won the 2007 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference individual title and was named the conference Most Valuable Runner. He also was named to all-National Junior College Athletic Association Region IV team and turned in his best time of the fall at the NJCAA championships. Williams also was named to the all-conference team.

“One of the reasons for their success last fall is that they are smart runners. They understood what they had to do in the off-season, what has to be accomplished every day during the season, and what they need to do in competition. I look for them to have an even better year this fall,” said Horstmeyer.

If Lockett stays healthy this year after having to deal with a knee injury most of last season, he will be an important factor in the Cyclones’ success. “Bruce is highly motivated. He wants to make up for what he couldn’t get done a year ago. Bruce will have to contribute this year and I think he’s up to the task,” his coach said.

Manjarrez also is determined to excel but is nursing a sore back. “If we can get Tony healthy, he’ll help us. He has the determination to do well,” Horstmeyer said.

The new runners are veteran cross country runners. Abrahamsen, Blaha-Gruszka, Herrejon, and Kierys all ran in high school. “Kyle was a top runner at Shepard as was Pablo at Bremen. David contributed for several years at Argo, and Tyler was a multi-sport participant at Stagg which will help him,” Horstmeyer said. “Initially they will be challenged as they have to step up to race five miles rather than three miles. What I have seen in practice they are ready to do so.”

Horstmeyer will be assisted by two former Cyclones this year—Andrea Zylius and Matt Swiatkowski—both of whom are marathoners. Zylius is focusing on strength and conditioning and Swiatkowski is leading the workouts. “Matt was a two-time all-conference and all-region selection. Andrea actually started her running career with us. Both have been a great help in getting our kids ready and will contribute greatly to our success this fall,” Horstmeyer said.

“There is a lot of potential for this season to be very successful for the guys. It will depend on how well they work together in practice and support each other and whether they can carry that over into races. I think they can. They will be fun to watch,” Horstmeyer said.

2007 Season