Moraine Valley men’s cross country eyes historic repeat behind veteran core

The freshman contingent that helped lead the Moraine Valley Community College men’s cross country team to a Region 4 championship and to nationals last year is back with even higher goals and expectations.

Until last season, the Cyclones had not secured a region crown since 2017, doing so with eight of their 10 runners earning All-Region honors.

“Having won regionals last year with seven runners back and six of them were All-Regions, that alone set the expectations high ever since last season,” said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas in his 11^th season leading the men’s and women’s cross country programs. “Any success will come from the sophomores, which they know. The freshmen know what’s expected, however. I want them to learn as much as possible to help us reach our goals.”

This fall, the Cyclones want to earn a second consecutive region championship – something not yet accomplished in the men’s program – and place higher at the national tournament. Among the All-Region runners returning are Matthew Busch (Stagg), Angelo Esparza (Argo), Andrew Leon (Oak Lawn), Juan Macias (Oak Lawn), Gavin Rybicki (Oak Lawn) and David Santiago (Bremen). Jacob Silva (Argo) also is back and aiming to become an All-Region runner.

Rybicki took ownership of the offseason, making big strides in his speed. “Gavin has separated himself. He improved more than any runner I can remember having,” Dimizas said. “He outworked everyone, and I’m excited to see how it’ll pay off, which is new territory for him. He has big goals.”

Santiago will be a solid No. 2 runner, having added some new tactics to his offseason training. “He understands the sport more than anyone else,” Dimizas commented. “He’s a student of the game and wants to be a coach.”

Busch and Silva both want to be All-Region runners this season, having put in some good work this summer. Leon and Esparza were the top runners last season, and once the racing season begins, expectations will be higher for them. Macias has struggled with injuries but still aims to be one of the top seven runners and qualify for nationals.

The freshmen include Aiden Maderak (Stagg), Dylan Lovelace (Lyons Township), Miguel Dimaculangan (Philippines) and Shawn Mallo (Richards). Mallo is the fastest incoming freshman while Maderak and Lovelace come from top high school running programs. Dimaculangan ran track in the Philippines but is making his cross country debut and already doing well in preseason training.

“The goal is still to make it to nationals, and the sophomores know the expectations,” Dimizas said. “Now that we are practicing every day, they will really improve collectively.”

The Cyclones open their season on Friday, Aug. 28, at the first-ever Skyway Preview Meet at Waubonsee Community College. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.