Storm have an eye on the future

PEORIA — With the cross-country season officially ended after Saturday’s state race, area harriers’ thoughts instinctively turned to — well, what else, running.

Barely having enough time to have the sweat dry on their uniforms, runners at Saturday’s state race were already looking toward the future.

“We have something to look forward to,” Bureau Valley sophomore Derrick Johnson said on the walk up to the awards ceremony to accept his state medal for his 23rd-place finish.

“Next year we should be in title contention ... and that’s exciting,” Johnson said.

With underclassmen comprising five of Bureau Valley’s seven runners, including four of the five scorers at the state race, the future is indeed bright for the Storm squad.

“I made the comment after the awards, walking back to the bus, “‘Boys, we have to get ready for next year,’” said Storm coach Dale Donner, “and Cody Taylor looks right at me and said ‘we’ll start on Monday coach.’

“These guys, they’re hungry,” Donner said. “Hopefully, we can get in that trophy position next year.”

Hall junior Scott Janusick, who placed 14th, had an eye towards next year’s race already as well.

“With the experience I had last year (at state), I wasn’t as nervous or excited today,” Janusick said.

“Hopefully, next year I will be even more comfortable,” said Janusick. “I hope I can come back and place in the top 10 next year.”

“Whatever’s going to happen, he’s going to work his hardest to make it happen,” said Hall coach Tom Keegan. “He’ll put in the time and the effort ... he’s probably enjoying things right now, but he’ll start thinking about next year pretty quick.”

While his cross-country career drew to a close, Hall senior T.J. Mosbach said that he would try to apply lessons learned from the state race towards competing this spring.

“I can take a lot out of it (the state experience), and use the experience for track,” said Mosbach.

Mosbach added that he would not waste much time getting prepared for the spring track campaign, saying he would be looking to start “probably Monday morning.”