Stagg ready for big year

This is the year Chris Stec has been waiting for. And he almostmissed it.

Stec has spent the last four years building the Stagg boys'cross-country program from virtually nothing to a state powerhouse.The Chargers were fourth at last year's state meet and, with six oftheir top seven runners returning, are the pre-season No. 1 team inthe area.

But Stec's goal is to be a college coach and when the headcoaching job at Lewis University opened, he applied and was one ofthe three finalists.

He didn't get the job. So now he's stuck with a potential statechampion.

"I guess I'm glad it didn't come through," said Stec, 26. "Thisis probably a once-in-a-lifetime situation. We're not going to beany better than this season. A team like this one doesn't come alongvery often."

When he arrived as an assistant coach out of Eastern IllinoisUniversity in 1985, the Stagg program had hit rock-bottom. ("A coupleof individuals, but not much of a team," Stec said.) In his firstyear as head coach in 1986, Stec started sophomore Jason Albright andfour freshmen and paid his dues.

The following year, Stagg had the youngest team at the statemeet and finished 15th. With Albright, Doug Nelson, Chris Grant andJoe Simone and Jason Rush, Stagg just missed a trophy last year.All but Albright return this year.

"It seems like it's been a long time coming," Stec said. "Youlook back and you can see the evolution of the team. We built itaround Albright and we've continued it with these seniors."

After last year's near miss, Stagg has a definite goal.

"Now, winning the Argo invitational is no big deal," Stec said."Winning conference is no big deal. The big deal for them is gettinga trophy at state. The kids are excited. Ever since the state meetended last year they've been saying, `Next year's our year,' and Iagree."

1. STAGG: Doug Nelson should emerge as the Chargers' leader.He was 34th last year, but finished second in the 3,200 at the statetrack meet. Junior Dave Eaton has the all-important role of fillingthe No. 5 spot.

2. YORK: Coach Joe Newton has a great shot at state title No.14. Seniors Al Kabat (third last year), Brian Vercruysse (12th) andMark Heintz (26th) will lead the Dukes. Watch for juniors Eric Zaarand Chris Gorski.

3. SCHAUMBURG: The two-time defending champion has a superbtrio with seniors Scott Lilley (ninth last year), Rick Miller (17)and Ron Miller (30).

4. HOFFMAN ESTATES: The Hawks were ninth last year at state andreturn seniors Ty Gorman and Brian Rathman and junior Brett McCoy.

5. NAPERVILLE CENTRAL: Dan Nolan is the favorite to win theindividual state title and could lead the Redskins to a state teamtrophy as well. Dave Lambert had a good track season and could ratewith the best this season.

6. EAST AURORA: Jose Zepada, Ray Aguinaga and Derrick Aquinoled the Tomcats to 14th place at state last year and return for more.Seniors Andrew Allen, Rody Rodriguez and Pedro Perez could make Easta trophy candidate.

7. FENTON: With his top five back, coach John Kurtz could havehis best team in 22 years at Fenton. Seniors Dennis Hearst and ArtSiemers are coming off good track seasons. Dave Clement could makeit a tough trio.

8. GLENBARD SOUTH: One point kept the Raiders from qualifyingfor the state meet, but nine of coach Andy Preuss' top 10 runnersreturn, led by seniors Dan Schacher and Jerry Parkinson. BruceVanZante and Rob McClaren will be keys.

9. ST. CHARLES: After flopping at the 1987 state meet, theSaints are back, led by senior Greg Goodrich and sophomores JonYarusso and Josh Daly.

10. LAKE PARK: Seniors Jamal Fomby and Dave Brocato and a goodgroup of underclassmen lead the Lancers. Sophomore Kent Rader is oneto watch.