AT A GLANCE

Conference Metro Suburban
Home course Fenton High School
2007 results 1st in conference, 5th at Class 3A Proviso West regional, 20th at Schaumburg sectional
Coach John Kurtz (40th year)

Top returners
Nathan Smith    sr.
Justin Smith    sr.
Rob Howe    so.
Eric Hermansen    jr.
Stephen Uhl    jr.
Promising newcomers
M.J. Harkins    so.
Basil Huang    jr.
Tomas Cardenas    jr.
Horacio Gomez    fr.

KEY MEETS
Sept. 27 at Palatine Invite A tremendous test, as the field features defending Class 3A runner-up York and last year’s third-place finisher Palatine

Oct. 4 at Peoria Invite In what is hopefully a prelude to five weeks later, the Bison run at the site of the state meet

OUTLOOK
Good news comes in twos for the Bison. On the course, the combination of twin brothers Nathan and Justin Smith provides a great foundation for success. And then there’s Class 2A, where Fenton will compete this year after being thrust into the state’s best 3A sectional last fall.

“The biggest thing is being in 2A,” Kurtz said. “Now it doesn’t have to be like ‘Hoosiers’ or ‘Miracle on Ice’ in order for us to have success in state competition. Now we have a glimmer, an opportunity, and that means everything to these guys.”

The Smith twins mean a lot to that goal. Both finished in the top 30 at a talent-packed regional last year and have maintained or picked up that pace.

“They’re as good as you can get at 1-2,” Kurtz said.

Having graduated its other top three runners from last year’s squad, the Bison are looking to build depth behind the Smiths. Hermansen (who was in the postseason top seven a year ago) is one strong candidate. Howe, Hermansen, Harkins and Uhl are all candidates to flesh out the rest of the top-7.