Neighbor News
Young squad has heart and fortitude to end Moraine Valley men's cross country title drought
The Cyclone men's cross country team is packing speed this season and ready to make a statement in conference and regions.
One word describes the 2015 Moraine Valley Community College men’s cross country team—“youthful.” Only two runners have a year on their spikes, but the new kids could be dandies before all is said and done.
Braulio Castellanos (Reavis) and Ryan Dovgin (Andrew) will be relied upon heavily to lead the way, especially in the early going while the “rookies” gain an understanding of how to compete at the collegiate level and the 8K distance.
“They are up to the task. Braulio and Ryan have been through the wars. They know what to expect, and we will need for them to impart that knowledge both through word and deed,” said Coach Mark Horstmeyer, who begins his 16th season at the helm.
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The 10 freshmen will need to be fast learners. “They are experienced high school runners who know how to compete and win, and that’s the important thing no matter the distance or the level of competition. We are confident that as long as they stay healthy and continue to push the way they have been so far, they will become experienced collegiate runners sooner than later,” Horstmeyer said. “The talent certainly is there. Now we have to get them to gain confidence in themselves that they are very capable of excelling.”
The group consists of Alec Altman (Sandburg), Mike Bradley (Mount Carmel), Vicente Carbajal (Eisenhower), Juan Castillos (Argo), Kevin Dusek (Shepard), Andrew Miller (Shepard), Jeremy Morgan (Tinley Park), Tomas Villa (Reavis), Ronaldo Wallace (Thornridge), and Rej Bedini (Albania).
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“What we like so far is that they are already working together, and they will need to continue doing so in order for all of them to rise to the next level. We think they have the commitment and ‘heart’ to do so,” Horstmeyer said. “We have challenged them to end the drought—it’s been way too many years since the men’s team last claimed titles—and make their mark on the program. It will be a lot of fun to see them go for it. They have the potential and work ethic to be really good. We’re excited for them.”
Visit www.morainevalley.edu/athletics or follow the Cyclones on Facebook at morainevalleycyclones and Twitter @MVCyclones.
