Junior Harrier Coaches

John Darrow

Coach Darrow has coached the boys and girls cross-country and track teams at Notre Dame School in Clarendon Hills since 2009.  Ten of his Notre Dame cross-country teams have qualified for the IESA State Championship meet, winning multiple State trophies.  Notre Dame has placed in the top ten teams in State on six occasions, including two IESA State Championships.  He has also coached 17 individual qualifiers for the State meet. His teams have won four IESA Sectional Championships. Notre Dame competes in the Suburban Parochial League (SPL).  During Coach Darrow’s tenure, his teams have won 15 SPL XC Championships and 15 SPL Track Division championships.  On the individual level, he has coached one individual IESA State Champion, 14 All-State runners, 12 SPL XC individual champions, and 8 SPL Track Athletes of the Year.  In 2020, Coach Darrow received the ITCCCA Distinguished Middle School Coach Award, a lifetime achievement recognition awarded by the Illinois Track & Cross Country Coaches Association.

Jeannie Sullivan

Jeannie has been a competitive runner on the track, roads, and cross country for over 30 years. Her love of running began in middle school in southeastern Michigan by default when she got cut from the basketball team but then broke the gym class 8th grade mile school record. In high school, she quickly became one of the top cross country runners in the State and competed in all track distance events. She continued her career at the University of Michigan earning a 2nd team All-Big Ten Conference award in XC and academic All-American awards in indoor/outdoor track and XC, ultimately finishing her collegiate career in 2002 as XC team captain with a team Big Ten Conference Championship, regional team runner-up, and top 15 team placement in the NCAA. She continued sub-elite post-collegiate road racing for the Impala Racing Team in San Francisco and now DW Running in Chicago where a recent highlight was placing 4th in the State of Illinois in the 2018 Chicago Marathon.

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Steve Driscoll 

Coach Driscoll teaches 7th grade ELA and has coached the girls and boys' cross country teams at Gurrie Middle School in La Grange since 2006. Gurrie joined the IESA in 2011 and has since coached nine state qualifying teams, nine All-State finishers, and won four State trophies in the past five years. His approach is to “teach the sport and coach the person”. Culture, teamwork, and progress are the foundation of his philosophy with a focus on fun. He believes that cross country training is the groundwork for all sports and encourages young athletes to embrace stamina, speed, recovery, strength and nutrition training for life-long health.

Josh Vance

Coach Vance teaches Art and coaches the boys cross country / track & field teams at Westview Hills. The boys cross country team has qualified for state 11 years in a row and they won their first state championship in 2024. Coach Vance ran competitively in middle school, high school, and college and feels fortunate that many of his college running teammates are also coaches in the suburbs. His coaching focus is teaching our young runners to set goals and help them work towards achieving them. Mental toughness and sportsmanship are prioritized during our season. We have created a team atmosphere where every runner feels welcome and prepared to succeed while having fun and learning a new sport.

Kate DeProsperis

Kate has been an active figure in the Illinois running community for more than 30 years as both an athlete and coach.  Kate competed for Lyons Township in both cross country and track and field, earning All-State and Junior Olympic All-American honors through the 4 x 800 meter relays.  She ran cross country and track and field at the University of Notre Dame focusing on middle distance.  She sought further running challenges, and after college signed up for a marathon. Over the span of 20 years of post-collegiate road racing, Kate gradually dropped over an hour from her debut marathon and qualified for her first U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials in 2012 in Houston, TX.  Kate was the only Illinois woman to compete at the 2012 Olympic Marathon Team Trials.  After taking a hiatus to have children she came back to run two more Olympic Trials Qualifiers and competed in the 2020 U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials in Atlanta, GA, as a mom and masters runner (over 40 years old).  Kate has retired from competitive running and takes joy in coaching athletes using her experiences to help others achieve their running goals.  Kate has more than 10 years of coaching experiences and carries USATF Level 1 Run Coach and SafeSport Certifications.

Ryan Jaskiewicz

Ryan Jaskiewicz brings a wealth of experience and passion for running to the West Suburban Harriers. His running journey began earnestly in 2007 with the Chicago Marathon, and he has since participated in well over 15 marathons, including a personal best of 2:26 in Berlin in 2022. Ryan’s dedication to the sport is evident in his personal records, with a 5K best of 15:07 and a half marathon time of 69:17. In 2024, he won the USATF Masters Indoor National Championship in the 3000m with a time of 8:56, achieved at age 40. He continues to compete and improve with the DWRunning Elite Team.Ryan focuses on fostering a supportive team environment, emphasizing consistent training, proper technique, and mental strength. His goal is to help each athlete achieve their personal best while developing a lifelong love for running. Outside of his running achievements, Ryan is a devoted father of three and the founder of a finance company. He is eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the West Suburban Harriers, inspiring and guiding young runners on their athletic journeys.​​​

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Jason Wagner

Jason Wagner has been a competitive endurance athlete for 35 years.  A product of Joe Newton’s Long Green Line, the legendary York High School cross-country and track coach and 1988 Olympic middle-distance coach, Jason is a 2x IHSA State cross-country champion (Top-7 member of ’91 and ’92 squads).  Other athletic achievements include: All-American status for cycling at the University of Wisconsin in 1998, rank 11th in the US;  12x American Birkebeiner cross-country ski finisher;  12x Chicago Marathon finisher;  1x Boston Marathon finisher; and 1x Ironman Wisconsin finisher.  Jason is currently the XC Coordinator at St. Francis Xavier and has been part of Coach John Mulholland’s cross-country and track programs for the past 7 years as an Assistant Coach.  ‘Coaching today’s generation of young runners is just a small way to say Thank You to all the great coaches and athletes that were such a positive influence on my endurance activities and successes.’

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Grace Mayer

Grace began running at Lagrange Highlands and continued at Lyons Township High School in both cross country and track. Fun fact: She was one of the first female competitors in the Distance Night Special Olympics in Palatine. She is now coaching cross country at Gurrie, and her work at Peak Running has also given her a wealth of knowledge about the sport. Grace hopes to run a half-marathon in the near future.

Marin Backus

Marin Backus is currently a freshman at Hinsdale Central where she runs both cross country and track. Marin has also competed in several USATF and Footlocker cross country races. Marin has had success on the track as well including the Wisco Mile, Magis Mile, and the Chicago Twilight 5k. As an 8th grader at CHMS, Marin achieved a time of 5:18 for the 1600M. Marin’s love for running has grown so much over the past three years. She ranwith Harriers for two years and is very excited to be returning as a coach!

Alex Bane

Alex ran his first 5k run in the second grade while on vacation. This experience sparked his love of the sport. He has been a member of both the St. Isaac Jogues Cross Country and Track teams throughout his 5th to 8th grades. In 2023 his team qualified for the IESA State Cross Country Championship. This past fall he placed in the top 20 at sectionals. In the fall of 2025, he will run for Benet Academy's cross country team. He has run with the Harriers since 5th grade where he has enjoyed the extended running season, the coaching and the friendships he has made. He's excited and looking forward to continuing on as a Junior Harriers Coach.

Kate Borho

Kate began running track and cross country at St. Pius X in 5th grade and is going to be a freshman at Willowbrook High School. She competed at the IESA State Championship three years in a row. Kate earned 5th place in state for Class A in both 7th and 8th grade. Kate was a member of the St. Pius X cross country team, earning the title of Class A State Champions in 2023 and Class A State Runner-Up in 2024. Kate also plays basketball and volleyball and was awarded All-Conference for volleyball in 8th grade. Kate represented the West Suburban Harriers at CCCNYC two years in a row, earning top 25 her 8th grade year. She also represented West Suburban Harriers at Detweiller at Dark in Peoria, earning top 25 in her division. Kate has always enjoyed her Harriers seasons and she is looking forward to coaching in the summer season! 

Vivian Comes

Vivian is currently a freshman at LT where she participated on the cross country and track teams. Vivian fell in love with running in 6th grade when she joined Gurrie Middle School’s cross country team. After her first season, she joined Harriers to gain extra coaching and experience and continued throughout her 8th grade year. She qualified for state in 7th and 8th grade for her middle school and enjoyed running alongside her Harrier teammates at the national CCCNYC in Kentucky this past fall.

Kevin DeBoni

Kevin will be  a freshman at Benet Academy in the fall of 2025 and plans to compete for both their cross country and track teams. Kevin’s passion for running began in 5th grade at St. Isaac Jogues running both cross country and track.  He was on their 2023 state qualifying team for the IESA State Championship.  Kevin has been a member of the West Suburban Harriers since 2023 and will begin coaching for the Junior Harriers this summer.  

Abby Fijal

Abby started her cross country journey as a 5th grader at St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange.  She has also been a member of the West Suburban Harriers since 2021. She qualified for the IESA State Championship Team in 5th, 7th, and 8th grade.  During her 8th grade year, her team took 9th in State Championship.  Abby looks forward to running cross country at Nazareth Academy this Fall.  She also looks forward to coaching the next generation of Harriers. 

Margie Gilmartin

Margie will graduate from Notre Dame School in May. During all four years of middle school, she ran Cross Country and Track and Field. Her love for running has grown and expanded under Coach Darrow’s teaching. She is planning to attend Saint Ignatius College Prep in the Fall where she hopes to continue in cross-country and track.

Molly Gilmartin

Molly is a junior at Hinsdale Central where she runs on the track team. Molly has qualified for the IHSA State Track championship in multiple events. A graduate of Notre Dame School, Molly participated in cross country and track from 5th-8th grade. In 2022, Molly was voted Suburban Parochial League (SPL) Track Co-Athlete of the Year in recognition of her league championships in the 75M Dash, 100M Dash, and 400M Relay. In addition to running, Molly likes basketball, tumbling, volleyball, and cheerleading. She is looking forward to coaching younger students and hopes to instill a love of healthy competition in the aspiring athlete.

Thomas Haraburda

Thomas is currently a junior at Fenwick High School where he competes on the track team.  He is a graduate of Notre Dame School, where he was active on the Cross Country, Track and Basketball teams.  Thomas also enjoys playing the piano, outdoor adventure, and reading.

Peyton Jucovics

Peyton is currently an 8th grader at Notre Dame School where he ran cross country and track all four years and fell in love with running.  Last fall, Peyton qualified as an individual for the IESA State XC Championship and earned SPL All-Conference honors. He has run for the West Suburban Harriers for four years and helped coach multiple Junior Harriers meets. Peyton will attend Nazareth Academy in the fall. He is thrilled to become a coach and share his love of running with young athletes.

James Kavanagh

James is currently a freshman at Montini Catholic High School.  He is a graduate of Notre Dame School where he ran cross country and played basketball. James loved running with the Harriers and is excited to help support the Junior Harriers as a coach this summer. 

Aidan Lazaro

Aidan, a freshman at Benet Academy (Class of 2028) competes on the cross country and track & field teams.  His passion for running started in sixth grade at St. Joan of Arc, and he's since competed in events like the IESA State Championship and the Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships.  A member of the West Suburban Harriers since 2021, Aidan is excited to coach and mentor the next generation of Harrier runners, continuing the strong tradition and making it a fun experience.

Kate Lowe

Kate began running in 6th grade at CHMS where she participated on both the XC and Track & Field teams.  She has participated in Harriers yearly since 6th grade and is excited to return this summer as a Junior Harriers coach. Kate will be a freshman at Hinsdale Central High School in the Fall where she plans to run both XC and Track & Field.  

Ben Marks

Ben is currently a freshman at Benet where he competes on the cross country & track teams.  He is a graduate of St. Joan of Arc School in Lisle. He qualified for the IESA State XC Championship in 2023, where he finished tied for 50th. In track, Ben runs the 1600m and 800m. Ben will be a sophomore at Benet Academy in the Fall where he intends to continue running both cross country and track. Ben joined the Harriers in the Summer of 2022 and is looking forward to continuing this year as a Junior Harriers coach.

Cait Maguire

Cait is a current 8th grader at Notre Dame School.  She has participated in cross country for the past three years, she has also run track and Harriers and enjoyed every minute.  Cait will be a freshman at Benet Academy in Fall and will continue her journey in Cross Country while at Benet.

Maggie Morrissey

Maggie Morrissey will graduate from St. John of the Cross in 2025 and will be attending Nazareth Academy in the fall.  She plans to join both the cross country and track teams at Nazareth.  Maggie started cross country running in 5th grade, loves running distance, and enjoys being faster than her father.  Maggie has been on the West Suburban Harriers team for 2 years. She placed as the 2nd female runner at the 2024 Love Like Sean 5K race. 

Megan Monteleone

Megan is currently a freshman at Hinsdale Central. She has been running with the West Suburban Harriers since 2021.  Along with the Harriers, she competed on the Hinsdale Middle School cross country and track teams.   She learned great techniques, made great friends, enjoyed the competitions and had successful races.   She is thrilled to pass on her knowledge, to help the younger kids grow and love the sport as much as she does.

James Mowrer

James is currently a freshman at Montini.  He is a graduate of Notre Dame School where he ran cross country and track for four years. He also ran for the West Suburban Harriers since 2021.  James found the Harriers to be a great club that really helped his endurance on the lacrosse field and allowed him to make many friends from other schools. James main sport is lacrosse and he plays for Second City. He is excited to coach the Junior Harriers this summer!

Nick Mowrer

Nick is currently a freshman at Montini . He ran cross country and track for Notre Dame School for four years. While his primary sport is lacrosse, running cross country has provided great preparation for the lacrosse season. Nick has enjoyed making new friends while running for the Harriers.  He looks forward to coaching the Junior Harriers this summer.

Olivia Mowrer

Olivia is a graduate of Notre Dame School and will be a college freshman in the Fall. At Notre Dame, she competed in both cross country and track from 5th to 8th grade. Olivia played lacrosse for Nazareth Academy where she received many accolades and was a captain of the varsity for three years. She plays club lacrosse and will continue to play club lacrosse in college. Olivia is really looking forward to coaching and having the opportunity to share her love of running with the athletes again this summer.

Sarah Read

Sarah will graduate from St. Mary of Gostyn in the spring, and she plans to attend Benet Academy in the fall. She has been participating in track and cross country since fifth grade and she loves to run. While running cross country for St. Mary’s, she competed at the IESA State XC Championship where her team placed fourth in State. Sarah is the defending 800 meter champion in the Suburban Parochial League. Sarah has been participating in Harriers since 2023, and she is excited to help out as a coach!

Sammy Richards

Sammy will be a freshman at IC Catholic Prep (ICCP) in the fall of 2025, where he plans to compete in both cross country and track. A dedicated and passionate athlete, Sammy also plays soccer and basketball, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to sports. He has developed a strong foundation in cross country and track through his years at Visitation Catholic School in Elmhurst, where he was a member of the 8th Grade State Championship Cross Country team. Beyond competing, Sammy is excited to coach with the Harriers, sharing his knowledge and passion for running with younger athletes.

Natalie Sullivan

Natalie is currently a freshman at Hinsdale Central where she competes on the cross country and track teams.  She is a graduate of CHMS where she competed in cross country for 3 seasons as one of the top runners in her grade. She also enjoys running the 100M hurdles and 400M during track season. In addition to running, Natalie is in her 5th year of competitive dance with Impact Dance Studio, enjoys being part of the CHMS musicals, and volunteers with the Junior Board of the Clarendon Hills chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.

Braden Tingler

Braden is a junior at Hinsdale Central High School. He loves to run and his running serves as good training for both soccer and track. Braden plays on the Hinsdale Central varsity soccer team and plays club soccer at OBSC. He runs varsity track and competes primarily in the 200m and 400m events. Braden competed in XC and track at Clarendon Hills Middle School when he initially got involved with Harriers. Braden enjoys continuing his post season training with West Suburban Harriers and coaching the younger athletes.

Savannah Trench

Savannah will graduate from Notre Dame School in May, where she ran cross country the last four years. She plans on attending Benet Academy in the Fall while continuing cross country, soccer, and singing. Savannah has also been participating in the West Suburban Harriers since 2021 and is looking forward to coaching this summer!

Claire Twohy

Claire Twohy will graduate from Immaculate Conception Grade School in May and will attend York High School in the fall. During her time at IC Grade School, Claire competed in both cross country and track for all four years. Claire earned SPL all-conference honors in cross country for three consecutive years (6th-8th grade) and qualified for the IESA state meet in her 7th and 8th grade seasons. She holds the school record in the 1600m run. Claire loved being a West Suburban Harrier and is excited to coach Jr. Harriers this summer!

Elsa Voight

Elsa is currently a freshman at Hinsdale Central.  She is a graduate of Clarendon Hills Middle School where she competed in cross country and track. She has been a part of the West Suburban Harriers club since summer of 2021. In addition to running, Elsa also enjoys dancing competitively and participates in a number of school and community activities, such as the National Charity League. She loves running and is looking forward to helping out with coaching.