Coach Tony Brillon
"I've always seen a lot of talent in the Northbrook area. Yes, there are a lot of challenges. I also see a lot of kids walking the halls here who could be great runners. I just have to get them out on the course."
Brillon has the blue-print on getting the most out of his athletes. Cross-country runners are a different breed and he has the formula for success.
"A lot of kids I get aren't always the fastest, but they are intrinsically tough," he said. "It's not easy, but I look for kids who are determined, committed, mentally- tough and have a vision."
He has a pair of elite runners at Raider- Nation.
Daniel Granda finished ninth overall in the district meet and had a Top 50 finish in regionals.
"I started running in the seventh grade," Granda said. "I liked soccer, but I just had success in running and stayed with it. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming track season."
Saul Cano and Jair Contreras also helped lead the Raiders to a fifth- place district finish.
Sophomore Jamie Rivera carried the torch for the girls' team. She finished 10th in the district meet and advanced to regionals.
"I learned so much, especially not to give up," Rivera said. "You have to keep trying even when you fail. I wasn't expecting a Top 10 finish in district but just kept pushing all season to reach my goal. It paid off."
A little "Brillon Magic" is already emerging at Northbrook.
VYPE Media
Jamie Rivera, Northbrook Cross Country
About The Parisi Speed School
The Parisi Speed School is recognized as the country's premiere athletic performance enhancement organization for youth athletics. Using techniques that have produced over 150 NFL athletes, thousands of collegiate athletes in many sports our specially trained performance coaches deliver a positive training experience that improves speed of movement and strength in character regardless of ability.
