Last season, the boys track program graduated four Division I athletes: Syracuse distance runner Joey Eovaldi and Eastern Illinois University high jumper Matt Caines. This year is no different.

     One of the runners looking to fill the void is senior co-captain Max Ebeling who has been putting in the extra work necessary to make it to the Division I level.

    “I am personally coming into this season more prepared than ever,” Ebeling said. “I have laid down a base of 60-70 miles per week for the last few months, interjected with multiple hard and fast speed workouts.”

     In addition, to intensifying his workouts, he has set multiple goals that require a rigorous work ethic: something that Ebeling has had throughout his high school career.

      Ebeling is striving to hit 4:30 minutes or under in the mile, and 9:30 minutes or under in the two mile.

    Ebeling credits his distance coach Donald Michelin Jr. for his drastic improvement from the beginning of his high school career. Michelin Jr., son of head coach Donald Michelin Sr., has been coaching on and off at Evanston for over seven years.

   Much of the depth in the squad comes from the distance runners, but everyone plays a key role when it comes to the postseason.  Last season, three athletes, including now senior Julion Michelin, suffered hamstring injuries during the Sectional race. Despite finishing first, Michelin Sr. hopes to keep his team healthy this season.

   “Evanston boys track and field is explosive,” Michelin Sr. said. “We lost guys trying to qualify for State who were injured in cold weather. As a coaching staff, we will strongly encourage our athletes to warm up well and stay hydrated throughout the season.”

    As well as keeping his team healthy, Michelin Sr. strives to keep hitting personal records in every event.

   Ebeling has already hit a personal record this indoor season with 2:14.40 in an 800 meter run at the USATF Dorothy Dawson Invitational.

    With a first-place finish in the same race, junior Max Peterson has also brought experience to the team.

   “The coaches are always looking to the future and are constantly preparing underclassmen to fill vital spots on the team,” Peterson said. “I’m thankful that last year’s seniors set such a great example, but the upperclassmen this year are more than ready to fill their shoes.”

    As the weather warms, the distance duo looks to continue their record breaking into the spring season.

   Their next meet is the Olivet Nazarene University Invite on Feb. 23.