Coach Tony Brillon is one of the best in the business.

While at Stratford, Brillon led his cross- country teams to four state titles and was named the UIL Coach of the Year in 2016.

He was also an assistant football coach, a biology teacher and took a break from his coaching career to work for the U.S. Navy Combat Information Control in radar and intercept technology.

Coach Tony Brillon also likes a project.

"I love challenges," Brillon said. "I was at Stratford for 10 years and I loved that community. When the opportunity at Northbrook arose, I decided to jump on it. It's a great school and I have no regrets."

"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

Daniel Granda, Northbrook Cross Country

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