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Will the 2017 2A Girls state team race surpass the state race in 2016? We think so!Published by
ILXCTF.com Cross Country Season Previews
By Michael Newman
Vernon Hills scored 95 points, Crystal Lake Central scored 124 points at the last meet last November. In any other year, those two totals would have gotten them first and second. Not in 2016. Try third and fourth. It was one of the best team races in Girls State Meet History regardless of classification. Belvidere North with 61 points for the win, Dunlap with 79 points for second. We enter the 2017 IHSA 2A Girls Cross Country season with the same scenario. Will the team race in November be better than last year? We think so. All three teams return the core of their team ready to go after a state championship. My favorite saying the only rankings that count happen in November. The first three numbers really do not matter in my eyes. Call them 1A, 1B, 1C..then drop down to #4. We may get an idea of how good these teams are on September 9 at Detweiller Park in Peoria when all three teams will face each other in the 2A race at the First to the Finish Invitational. What will it determine? Just that one team was better than the other two on that day. The real race will be in November on the same course. Let’s look at 60 of the teams in the IHSA 2A Girls classification.
2A Girls Top 25
1 Belvidere North 2016 Finish – 2A State Champs Coach – Ken Husser Top Runners – Madison Diercks SO (4, 17:19), Gianna Sagona SO (11, 17:30), Olivia Zaluckyj SO (41, 18:10), Sabrina Elder SR (42, 18:10), Alexandria Reza SO (43, 18:11), Kayla McGuire SO, Sydney Elder FR, Trina Kazluski FR, Natalie Horgan FR, Katie Luna SO, Chelsey Recendez JR. Notes – When you lose your top runner for the next season, it is kind of tough to replace. When you are the state champion, it is even tougher. It is something that Belvidere North will have to face this season with state champion Jenna Lutzow having graduated. “It almost impossible to replace a runner of Jenna’s caliber but the goal is to do so in a collective sense, with a group of runners improving their times and putting in the necessary training,” said Belvidere North Coach Ken Husser. Five runners are back from last year’s state championship team. They will miss Remy Bice who was the seventh runner most of last season. She tore her ACL playing soccer and will miss this fall. Madison Diercks finished fourth last year and will be one of the top 2A runners. Gianna Sagona also earned all-state honors placing 11th and could be a little closer to her teammate. Olivia Zaluckyj and Sabrina Elder ran close to each other last year. You can expect more of the same. Alexandra Reza was one second behind the duo at state. Duplication of that could mean good things for this team. Freshman Sydney Elder could also help in the top seven. With the core group returning this fall, this team would be a lock for the title in any other year. With so many good teams, they will need to have their best race when it counts. They could have three or maybe four runners in the top 25 with a spread of 50 seconds or under. “My perception is that there has not been a change of attitude and the team is eager to defend its state title,” Husser added. “Many of the runners are rather soft spoken and humble so there may not be evidence in their language, but it is evident when they are running and their dedication to summer training. I guess the best way I could sum it up, would be there is a quiet determination amongst them to get the job done.”
2 Dunlap 2016 Finish – 2nd 2A State Coach – Chris Friedman Top Runners – Franny Verville SR (13, 17:36), Abby Johnson JR (23, 17:50), Ayah Aldadah SR (25, 17:52), Kate Piper SR (30, 17:57), Andrea Copeland SR (86, 18:58), Abby Banister SO (95, 19:03), Campbell Petersen FR, Sophie Roberts SO, Sierra Cenek JR, Riley Baker SR, Miranda Krusiwyk SR, Macy Priess FR, Delicia Chen FR, Natalie Morris FR. Notes – Dunlap ended last school year winning the 2A state track title with some of their distance crew supplying the points. The confidence should be growing for this central Illinois school that finished second in the 2A race last November at Detweiller Park. “Track was a wonderful experience for the girls. And frankly, it simply whetted the appetite for more success. It proved to them that yes, a team from Dunlap can dominate on the state level. If anything, the fire has been stronger this summer because of it,” said Dunlap Coach Chris Friedman. “Summer has gone well. The top girls did a little more mileage than in past years, but that was to be expected given the experience we now have. This senior class is the first to really be exposed for four years to the increase in mileage. That experience is paying dividends now and will during the season as well.” The depth that the Eagles have could be understated. I wish that they could run a JC team in the state series. Perhaps they would finish in the top five. Franny Verville will again be the top runner for the team like she has for the past three years. Abby Johnson and Ayah Aldadah both were all-state last fall and will give this team even more experience. Kate Piper was 30th last year in only her first year of competitive running. She could be among the top 25 in November. Seniors Miranda Krusiwyk and Andrea Copeland are among the runners that could push for the top five. What will be a bonus for Dunlap is the addition of a strong freshman class led by Campbell Peterson. She ran 17:48 at Detweiller at Dark at the end of July. That time would have made her the second Dunlap runner at last year’s state meet. That is how deep this team is. This could be the year that Dunlap wins in the fall after finishing third in 2014 and second in 2016. Their depth will be a key. They do need to stay healthy to get to where they want to be in November. “I have voted in the coaches’ poll for years and never voted my own team #1, but that will end this year,” added Friedman. “I believe we are the favorites coming into the season. Health plays a huge factor into the equation, but we have all the other elements needed: talent, competitive fire, leadership, passion for the sport and each other. We have picked up third place (2014) and second place (2016) and now it’s time to fill out the set.”
3 Vernon Hills 2016 Finish – 3rd 2A State Coach – Suzanne Curry Top Runners – Lauren Katz SR (14, 17:37), Kathryn Wilkowski JR (28, 17:56), Leah Wilkowski JR (29, 17:56), Payton Makowskyj JR (31, 17:59), Ryan Schofield JR (47, 18:20), Hannah Ray JR (58, 18:35), Lily Blasé SO (145, 19:36), Vivian Tsai JR, Abby Kempf SO, Ellie Zaczek JR, Piper Bedell JR. Notes – In any other state meet, a score under 100 points would get you a 2A state championship. After the scores were tabulated, Vernon Hills scored 95 points. They finished third. That is how tough the 2A Girls classification was last season. That will not change this fall. The Cougars return all last year’s top seven to the starting line for this season. “We had a great summer of training, logging more miles as a team than ever before,” said Coach Suzanne Curry. “We had a large summer group and most of our top 15 athletes were training together regularly.” Lauren Katz was the team’s top runner last year placing 14th. Payton Makowskyj was one of the top runners most of the season. She did not have her best race at state placing 31st as the team’s fourth runner. She was diagnosed after state with mononucleosis. She is healthy and ready to be one of the team’s top runners. Sisters Kathryn and Leah Wilowski ran side-by-side all season finishing right next to each other. Kathryn finished 28th while Leah was 29th. Expect both to find their way into the top 25 this season. Hannah Ray or Ryan Schoefield, both juniors, will work together for the fifth spot. The team’s five runner spread most of last year hovered between 40 to 45 seconds. It might need to come down especially how both Belvidere North and Vernon Hills have improved. The Cougars will get early tests this year against both Belvidere North and Dunlap at the First to the Finish Invitational on September 9 and then two weeks later against Dunlap at Palatine. “Our season expectations are to have improvement across the board and run our best when it counts the most. We're looking to compete well at all levels in the CSL once again and will try to defend those titles,” said Curry. “Heading into the state series our goal is to remain healthy and try to improve on our back to back 3rd place trophies.”
4 Riverside-Brookfield 2016 Finish – 12th 2A State Coach – Blair Jensen Top Runners – Hailey Jurgens SR (48, 18:21), Tara Janney JR (57, 18:31), Nadia Kaczmarz JR (74, 18:50), Emma Fortman SO (139, 19:32), Melissa Oliveira-Liz JR (168, 20:03), Cora Lutes JR (170, 20:03), Emma Forberg SR (195, 20:35), Neela Callahan JR, Sophie Jebb SO, Gabby Tarrant SR. Notes – The Bulldogs could be the “best of the rest” heading into this fall. All seven runners return from RB’s 12th place finish at state last year. Blair Jensen steps into the role as the Girls new head coach. She does have background in running and cross country but it is her first year as coach. “The team had a really good summer together,” Jensen reported. “The returning top runners were mostly with us and all are in good situations with no injuries to report.” Hailey Jurgens and Tara Janney give their team a strong presence up front. Jurgens finished 48th at state last year and Janney qualified during the spring in the 3200 Meter Run. The improvement is there for this team to challenge for top 25 finishes. There will need to be improvement for the pack behind these two. Nadia Kaczmarz, Cora Lutes, and Emma Fortman lead a group of hungry runners looking to close the gap. They had a good five-runner split at sectionals with only 44 seconds separating the group. It ballooned up to 102 seconds at state. The talent is there for this team to challenge for a top five finish this fall. Last year’s race is not indicative of how this team can run. “They have talked about having a better season than last year,” Jensen added. “As far as the underdog role, we have looked at the season in that way. They are each hoping to improve on their individual performances from last year. The girls have a strong team attitude and want to better last year team outcome, but we have not yet fully explored the competition or the underdog aspect of the upcoming season.”
5 Maple Park Kaneland 2016 Finish – 9th 2A State Coach – Doug Ecker Top Runners – Rachel Richtman SO (18, 17:39), Andrea Wells SR (77, 18:52), Grace Purcell JR (102, 19:06), Tessa Brennan JR 130, 19:27), Emma Ball JR (188, 20:26), Bethaney Duffey SO, Kendall Regnier SO, Olivia Franklin FR, MacKenzie Egert FR, Aubry Broz FR. Notes – It is easy for Kaneland to sneak up on teams at state. They are in the Kaneland Sectional and when you have Belvidere North and Vernon Hills in there. Kaneland finished fourth in the sectional and ninth in state last season. The races during the state series readied them for Detweiller Park. “I think they are prepared for the sectional by their work ethic and their regular season schedule,” said Coach Doug Ecker. “Along with the humble confidence they have gained from the success they have had at the sectional in recent years. Even if they do not qualify they always seem to run their best at the sectional and that breeds confidence.” This team should have confidence with four of their first five back. Rachel Richtman had a good freshman season that ended with an all-state 18th place finish. There is good depth behind her with Andrea Wells, Grace Purcell, and Tessa Brennan close together. The addition of a good group of freshmen led by Olivia Franklin could also push for a top five spot. Ignore the top five spread with Richtman leading the way. She could finish in the top ten. Watch for their split between their second and fifth runners. It was 52 seconds in their sectional race but dipped to 35 seconds at state. That is the kind of split they will need provided the group stays within 60 seconds of Richtman. “Their goals are to improve as individuals to run the best at the end of the year,” stated Ecker. “We need to be competitive in Invites at all levels, finish in the top 2 at conference, and to put the girls in position at the sectional to have a chance to qualify for the State Meet.”
6 Washington 2016 Finish – 6th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach – Troy Walcott Top Runners – Kara Jacobs SR, Taylor Widder SR, Joy English SO, Claire Myers SR, Josephine Hermann SR, Jadyn Jacobs FR, Hannah Bennett JR, Victoria McDougall JR, McKenna Blackarby SR, Erin Earl SO, Callie Danks SO, Brooke Evans SO. Notes – It was a heartbreaking way to end their cross-country season. Washington missed going to the state meet by one-point finishing sixth in the Metamora Sectional. Part of that had to do with one of their top runners Kara Jacobs collapsing with 400-meters to go failing to finish the race. Five runners are back from last year’s team anxious to get this season going. “Our training went well,” said Coach Troy Walcott. “We had our returnees do some workouts that were longer and more challenging than in the past. They're doing training runs faster than the previous year.” Jacobs was the team’s top runner most of last season running 18:26 at Detweiller in her conference race. This team runs a good pack race. We should see the same plan from this year’s squad. Splits from the second through fifth runners were as low as 15 seconds last season with Taylor Widder and Joy English leading the pack. Jadyn Jacobs, who had a good middle-school career, comes in as a freshman who could contribute immediately to their top five. Sometimes bad things can motivate you to greater things when the time is right. The case is true for Washington. They will have a chip on their shoulder with the goal of making it to the state meet. “I want to make sure (and I feel that our team does as well) that our runners work on their training as well as nutrition and lifestyle,” added Walcott. “None of us have forgotten how the Sectional meet didn't work out to our favor and want to make sure that doesn't happen again.”
7 Urbana 2016 Finish – 10th 2A State Coach - Forrest Farokhi Top Runners – Olivia Rosenstein SO (15, 17:37), Chian Scott SO (36, 18:03), Libby Cultra SR (51, 18:23), Sophia Dowling SO (129, 19:27), Miranda Kowalski SO (205, 21:02), Molly Sweeney SO (207, 21:28), Megan Paluska SO (210, 23:52), Charlyne Evans SR, Eliza Abbamonte JR. Notes – The surprise school in 2A Girls last year was Urbana. The team was not on anybody’s radar at the beginning of the year. By the end of the state meet, they had finished 10th. That is what happens when you get a stud freshman group entering your team. Olivia Rosenstein and Chian Scott complemented Libby Cultra up front in most of the races last fall. It was Rosenstein who came in first finishing 15th at state. She could be among the top ten this fall. Scott and Cultra finished in the top 60. During the season, the threesome was as close as 10 seconds to each other. That is the kind of racing that they will need to have during the state series especially at state. Sophia Dowling was 60 seconds behind the three in most of the races. Hopefully, she can close that gap. The next three runners were another 90 seconds back. A fifth runner close to Downing would help get this team into the top five in November.
8 Crystal Lake Central 2016 Finish – 4th 2A State Coach – Brett Wilhoit Top Runners – Katelyn Smith SR (24, 17:52), Stephanie Doerr SR (123, 19:24), Maddie Hollander SR (169, 19:59), Becca Orvis JR, Maria Rios SR, Aislynn Gildea SO, Emma Flemming JR, Alexandra Scarfe SR, Alyssa Tomlinson JR. Notes – It could hurt early in the year that graduated all-state runners Janine Orvis and Kelly Doerr are no longer leading the pack for Crystal Lake Central. The Tigers finished fourth last year and return only three from last year’s team. Even with the heavy losses, expect to see this team towards the front again this season. “We had a good number of girls that put in some good training,” Coach Brett Wilhoit said. “Nothing too fancy, but we had some girls step into new leadership roles, which was nice to see. We stuck to the basics of slowly adding mileage, doing some hills, and a little bit of speed. We'll see how fit the girls end up once the season starts.” Katelynn Smith, the third all-state runner from last year’s team, will be the front runner with the ability of placing 20th or higher. Stephanie Doerr and Maddie Hollander were the team’s sixth and seventh runners. They will need to step into the top five. Becca Orvis and Alex Scarfe could also step into top five spots. There is a good group of freshmen stepping in. The question is will they contribute right away? Wilhoit may have a better idea by the beginning of October. “This season will be interesting in that there will be so many fresh faces to our starting 7. There are some open spots in the top 7 and it will be more of a mix of levels, compared to last season. We plan to contend for a conference title and compete for a spot down state,” Willhoit said. “We have a nice mix of returning veterans and fresh faces that will make this season fun.”
9 Dixon 2016 Finish – 10th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Evan Thorpe Top Runners – Nicquelette Fazekas SO, Kira Goral JR, Hallie Nelson JR, Taylor Renkes SO, Leah Dregenberg SR, Grace Johnson FR, Paige Stees FR, Jade Miller FR. Notes – It could be an interesting year for the Duchesses. They ended last season finishing 10th in the tough Belvidere Sectional. Nicquelette Fazekas was the team’s top runner most of last season. An injury slowed her down in the sectional race as he finished 32 seconds behind Kira Goral. Fazekas was 22 seconds ahead of her teammate at their conference meet. Taylor Renkes and Halle Nelson were in the top five and should contribute again in 2017. The big boost will come from a freshman group that won two IESA state titles and a second-place finish last year. Coach Evan Thorpe believes the Grace Johnson and Paige Stees could be immediate contributors to the top five. Another freshman, Jade Miller, could be part of the top seven. The talent is there for this team but it is a young squad. We could see how good this team is in September. They could be tough to beat when we get to the state series.
10 Lake Villa Lakes Community 2016 Finish – 8th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Keith West Top Runners – Olivia Schmitt SO, Hannah Grant JR, Simone Lippman JR, Rae Dwyer JR, Morgan Gillespie JR, Megan Knuettel, Ashley Whitis SO, Natalie Maguire SR, Isabella Pomon JR. Brooke Stromsland FR, Alex Bryant FR. Notes – It was not their best race of the season at last October’s Belvidere Sectional. Lakes Community, who was ranked in the top ten most of the season, finished 8th in the race failing to make the trip to Peoria. Six of their top seven is back led by Olivia Schmitt. As a freshman last fall, she had a tremendous season up to sectionals including running 17:46 at Detweiller Park at the beginning of October. She finished 15th in the sectional failing to make it to state. She rebounded during track earning 3A all-state honors for finishing sixth at 800-meters at the state meet. “It definitely was a teaching moment,” Coach Keith West said about the sectional race. “It was an outstanding season full of personal records and another regional championship. The focus was on the positive as the team adjusted to their abrupt end to the season at the sectional championship. The race put into perspective the principles that we talk about throughout the season. We often talk about trusting in our process and controlling what we can. Ultimately, we didn't have the race that we wanted and other teams beat us. However, despite the heartbreak we can fall back on these pillars and continue to move forward as a together. We will continue to develop our positive mindset and we will be ready to embrace any challenges.” Rae Dwyer should lead the rest of the pack behind Schmitt. The pack behind Schmitt was 43 seconds on the four runners in the sectional race. It was only 11 seconds at their conference meet with the group 48 seconds behind Schmitt. If that consistency happens during the state series, this could be a team to watch in Peoria. Freshmen Brooke Stromsland and Alex Bryant are runners who could also contribute immediately. “Last year’s 8th place finish was not in line with our top six state ranking during the season,” West said. “The team is motivated to improve at the sectional championships. We are not deterred by last year's result and are embracing the challenge. We return 6 of our top 7 and after a successful track season the girls have regrouped. They are refreshed mentally and enter the season with a renewed hunger for success.
11 Lemont 2016 Finish – 14th 2A State Coach – Tim Plotke Top Runners – Breta Drozda SR (49, 18:21), Jaycee Schickel SR (113, 19:18), Cassandra Hamilton SO (119, 19:21), Julianne McClatchy JR (138, 19:32), Delaney Dewalls SO, Marin Schiffman SO, Anna Borzecki SO. Notes – Lemont returns six runners from last year’s 14th place state meet team. “Our summer training has gone really well we have focused again this year on quality miles as opposed to quantity averaging between 25 and 35 miles per week,” Lemont Coach Tim Plotke said. “As the summer has progressed, we have incorporated our tempo runs as well as some 1200m workouts to assess fitness levels. My main point of emphasis this summer has been that recovery runs are meant to be recovery and run relaxed.” Breta Drozda finished 49th and was the top finisher last year for Lemont. The runner that could be a surprise is Marin Schiffman. She did not run last fall but jumped 5-1 in the High Jump, 48-seconds in the 300 Hurdles, and 62 seconds as a freshman. Her summer training indicates she could be up front with Drozda. Senior Jaycee Schickel will lead a pack that should be 45-50 seconds behind the front two. Closer would be better. “I am looking forward to seeing how this group of seniors progresses through the season,” stated Plotke. “We have had a good run over the last 3 years and they have plenty of state meet experience. We have a few newcomers who will benefit from their leadership. Our goal is always to run as tight of a pack as possible, I feel we have a group of girls that can run fast together which can result in good things come the end of the season.”
12 Grayslake Central 2016 Finish – 5th 2A State Coach – James Centella Top Runners – Lauren Brunk JR (76, 18:51), Mail Chiodi JR (90, 19:02), Vansees Olmons SR (117, 19:20), Amy Moore SR (144, 19:35), Abby Tonkery JR, Maura Fitzgerald JR, Gillian Agnew SO, Megan Morrissey FR, Ruthie Baldwin SO, MK Drevline FR. Notes – It could be a rebuilding year for the Rams after finishing fifth in 2A last year. Four runners return from that team. It would have been five but top returner Leah Minsky decided not to return to the team. “Our summer training has been consistent especially with our upper group of girls,” Coach Jimmy Centella said. “It has been fun to see our core returning group of six girls working out together and putting the miles in.” Lauren Brunk and Mali Chiodi finished within nine seconds of each other at state and should be the top runners for the Rams this fall. Vanessa Olmons and Amy Moore give Centella a strong third and fourth runners. Junior Abby Tonkery could be the team’s fifth runner as the season progresses. It is possible that this team could have a five-runner split of under 65 seconds. The key is moving the pack up. A runner that could help immediately is Ruthie Baldwin who finished second in Grayslake Central’s 1-mile time trial last week. “Sophomore Ruthie Baldwin has made a big jump from last year,” Centella said. “She finished 2nd in our mile time trial and will very much be in the mix for the top 7 this fall. Apparently, Ruthie trained on her own this summer following our highest volume plan.” Baldwin’s addition could help with especially the loss of their top runner Minsky. “We do return 5 girls with state experience and that bodes well for the upcoming season. Between their veteran Moxy and the addition of a few newcomers, I expect us to be a very competitive team on the conference, regional, and state level,” added Centella. “I have a feeling that there will be some girls that step it up this year and make the top 7 who have not in the past. We should once again be a strong pack team with a small gap.”
13 Metamora 2016 Finish – 7th 2A State Coach – Gene Jones Top Runners – Sierrah Seals SR (56, 18:30), Tessa Schwarzentraub JR (62, 18:39), Maddie Bennett SO (135, 19:30), Hailey Tuckett SR (142, 19:34), Ellie Osko SR (150, 19:44), Makenna Youngquist SO (154, 19:49), Makenna Yergler SR, Kara Hodel SO, Emma Kate Stoller SR. Notes – The Redbirds came on strong at the end of the year finishing seventh in the state meet. They do lose all-state finisher Kari Lalumandier to graduation, but return the rest of their top seven. Sierrah Seals should step up as the team’s top runner after finishing 56th last year. Tessa Schwarzentraub was six places back and should challenge for that top position. It could give Coach Gene Jones a strong 1-2 up front. There will be more pack running this season. There is no real front of the pack runner in this group. Watch the pack move more towards the front this season. A split under 60-seconds for their top five will also pay dividends in November.
14 Springfield 2016 Finish – 25th 2A State Coach – Dan Devlin Top Runners – Varsha Iyer SO (98, 19:04), Shat Doty SO (120, 19:22), Ella Kurmann SO (134, 19:30), Ruth Edwards JR (152, 19:46), Abigail Norris JR (200, 20:39), Madison Ridley JR (204, 20:50), Gabby Wood SR, Maggie O’Brien SO, Anna Kropid SO. Notes – Three freshman led the way last fall with some surprising results leading up to the state meet including a third-place finish at the Decatur MacArthur Sectional. Their inexperience showed up at Detweiller Park when they finished 25th at state. Six of the seven runners come back with hopes that the state experience will pay off in 2017. What could help is the return of Gabby Wood. The senior could be the team’s runner this season. She injured her hip before their conference meet forcing her out of the rest of the season. She came back to run 11:53 for 3200-meters. Varsha Iyer, Shay Doty, and Ella Kurmann are now sophomores and should make some extreme strides forward. This is a team that I would keep an eye on when we get to the state series.
15 Morton 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach – Joel Zehr Top Runners – Meagan Moreno JR (61, 18:38), Hannah Johnson SR, Tenley Dowell JR, Aspen Gordon JR, Abigail Dryden JR, Sophia MacLean SR, Lynda Collins SO, Macy Meiss SR, Emily Klopfenstein JR. Notes – The Mid-Illini Conference will again be tough with Dunlap, Washington, and Morton in the top ten. The Potters missed making it to state last year finishing seventh in the Metamora Sectional. Meagan Moreno again will be the top runner for this team. She qualified individually for state finishing 61st. A top 25 finish is not out of the realm of possibility. Five other runners are back from last year’s team led by Hannah Johnson. She led a 19 second two through five spread in the sectional race. The key for this team is getting the pack closer to Moreno. It was close to 100 seconds in their last three meets of the season.
16 West Chicago Wheaton Academy 2016 Finish – 18th 2A State Coach – Chris Felinski Top Runners – Julia Robleski SR (59, 18:36), Stephanie Gregersen JR (101, 19:06), Kayla Lotz SR (132, 19:29), Alie Dominguez FR, Maggie Bailey SR, Mary Frost JR, Lydia Garrett SO, Yesica Brown JR. Notes – Wheaton Academy could be making a trip back to the state meet despite losing four runners to graduations. The Warriors finished 18th in 2A. Julia Robleski was the team’s top runner placing 59th last year. She has gotten stronger over the last year according to her coach Chris Felinski. The team could have a split of 60 seconds on the top five led by Stephanie Gregersen. Alie Dominguez, a freshman, will be a bonus for this team. “Alie Dominguez is an incoming freshman who could be really good,” added Felinski. “She is a very good soccer player who has some quick turnover and just needs to develop the distance base.”
17 Chicago Latin School 2016 Finish – 21st 2A State Coach – Dan Daly Top Runners – Laura Katunas SR (73, 18:50), Claire Hardiman SO (109, 19:13), Paige Hosbain SO (128, 19:26), Olivia Baker JR (180, 20:14), Liza Kaniewski SR (190, 20:21), Marianne Mihas FR, Olivia Syfestad FR, Anika Jagasia SR, Sarah Silverman SR. Notes – Latin School should make it back to state especially since they will be in the weakest 2A sectional in the state at Chicago University. This team could be among the ten best this fall after finishing 21st a year ago. Their top three are back led by 73rd place finisher Laura Katunas. Marianne Mihas was all-state last year in middle school during the track season. At Magis Miles, she finished second in the High School Mile running 5:03.85. “She accomplished quite a lot in Middle school all with a low volume of training,” said Latin School Coach Dan Daly. “She's very driven, competitive, and looking forward to competing at the High school level.” Another freshman, Olivia Syfestad, is just a little bit behind Maras but will be an asset in the top five. I would keep my eyes on this team. The potential to have five runners in the top 100 is possible. That could get Latin into the top five.
18 Chatham-Glenwood 2016 Finish – 15th 2A State Coach – Michael Garber Top Runners – Katie Curry JR (45, 18:16), Ali Wynn JR (53, 18:24), Maggie Toepfer JR (131, 19:29), Jade Anderson SO (169, 20:03), Allison Dollus SO (182, 20:16), Toby Giganti SR (186, 20:22), Donna Hansen SR, Kiersten Patzia FR, Abby Teaman FR, Taylor Sharnhart FR, Reagan Weichold FR, Kate Held JR. Notes – Six runners from the top seven are back from last year’s 15th place state team. One of the thing that hit the team during the track season was iron deficiency which hit some of the members of the team. “Iron deficiency seemed to move around some of the girls like a plague during track, so we didn't hit some marks we would have liked to,” said Coach Mike Garber. “We have discussed diet and nutrition at length and are back on track to have a fantastic season. The girls have focused on full body fitness, not just running, to get themselves into top shape.” They did have a good summer with top runners Ali Wynn and Katie Curry leading the way. The team ran good the first half of the state series winning the Central State Eight Conference then their regional. Then followed a fourth-place sectional finish then state. There could more focus on the final two meets this year. The split on the top five will need to be under 60 seconds. The addition of freshman Kiersten Patzia, who was the top runner at the Springfield Christian Middle School, could also help in the top five. “We would love to retain the CS8 and Regional titles while performing at a much higher level at Sectionals and State,” Garber said. ”The sky is the limit for the girls and we should be deep with talent. Everyone is looking to push to new highs. It will be fun to watch this group in the fall.”
19 Mundelein Carmel Catholic 2016 Finish – 11th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Jim Halford Top Runners – Abigail Kuderna SO, Aileen Hull SR, Zella Stockhausen JR, Molly Machala SR, Ezzie Posner SO, Lauren Laughlin SR, Bella Day JR, Brigid Hull FR, Alyssa Coe FR. Notes – In any other sectional, Carmel would be in the hunt to make it to the state meet. They most likely again will be in the toughest 2A sectional in the state at Kaneland. The Corsairs do return six runners from their 11th place sectional team led by Aileen Hull and Abigail Kudera. The addition of freshman Brigid Hull will be a tremendous help. Summer training has indicated that the younger Hull could be the second runner on the team according to Coach Jim Halford. Finding consistency in their top five split will also be important this fall. In their conference meet where they finished fourth, the spread on five was 64 seconds. It was 28 seconds in their sectional race, but their pack was too far back in the race. A combination of that tight pack moved up front could move the team to a higher finish in their sectional race. “We hope for a healthy year,” Halford said. “We realize our sectional with 4 of the top 5 teams last year will be tough to get through. Our goal is to be somewhere in the top 8 in our sectional with a chance to get out.”
20 Waterloo 2016 Finish – 13th 2A State Coach – Larry Huffmann Top Runners – Jenna Schwartz JR (6, 17:22), Sydney Haddock SO (87, 18:59), Ella King JR (99, 19:04), Colleen Sliment SO (146, 19:38), Mandy Kraus SR (177, 20:08), Rachel Patterson SO, Christina Martin SO, Ashley Hartman JR, Adrianna Niemann JR, Lauren Cooper FR, Lauren Link FR, Emma Rick FR. Notes – The Bulldogs were one of the surprises in 2A last season. They first won the 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional followed by finishing in the top half of the state meet by placing 13th overall. Their top five runners are back from last year’s team along with some newcomers that will take this team to the next level. Jenna Schwartz again will be one of the top 2A runners after finishing 6th at state. Ella King has showed improvement over the summer and could close the gap on Schwartz. Rachel Patterson did not run last fall, but ran 5:39 during track and has been running with Schwartz and King during the summer. She could be a surprise towards the front. Sydney Haddock was the team’s second runner at state and could fit in nicely with King and Patterson. A strong freshman class coming in led by Lauren Cooper could move this team even higher up the rankings. “We want to win conference and get to state to try and compete for at top 10 spot,” Coach Larry Huffman said. “Urbana is going to be tough to beat at sectionals, but I think we are up to the challenge. They are focused and working hard.”
21 Mahomet-Seymour 2016 Finish – 11th 2A State Coach – Bonnie Moxley Top Runners – Megan Churm SO (52, 18:23), Brisa McGrath JR (66, 18:43), Madi Balbach SO (122, 19:22), Jenna Straub SR (147, 19:40), Amy Jassman SO. Notes – Four runners return from last year’s 11th place state team. It will be new beginnings for this team. The Bulldogs enter the Apollo Conference after the Corn Belt Conference disbanded. This team should be the favorites. Megan Churm and Brisa McGrath ran within 20 seconds of each other last fall. That gap needs to shrink. Madi Balbach and Jenna Straub give the team a good three-four runner. That pack could have a split as quick as 60 seconds. It will be finding someone to step up into the fifth position that will be a key for this team.
22 Aurora Rosary 2016 Finish – 20th 2A State Coach – Vic Mead Top Runners – Clare Hengesbaugh SR (50, 18:21), Megan Ronzone JR (103, 19:07), Ally Tippett JR (151, 19:45), Hannah Regan JR (155, 19:50), Brooke Delhanty SR (159, 19:54), Bridget Buckley JR (178, 20:09), Bethany Mladenk FR, Melanie Meyer JR, Katie Lifka FR, Lilian Stich SR. Notes – Rosary will look for another trip to the state meet after finishing 20th in 2016. Six runners are back from that team. Clare Hengebaugh finished 50th in 2016 and could threaten fr the top 25. Brooke Delhanty, the team’s fifth runner last year, has showed improvement over the last year and could be close to Henesbaugh. Bethany Mladenk ran 18:05 at Detweiller at Dark. She is a freshman that should contribute immediately. Megan Ronzone and Hannah Regan will challenge for the top five. The team ran a 93 second split in their top five at the state meet. That split needs to be lowered. With one or two runners near the top 25 and a split of 50 seconds or faster, this team could challenge for a spot in the top ten.
23 Peoria Notre Dame 2016 Finish – 16th 2A State Coach – Dan Gray Top Runners – Grace Breitbach SR (12, 17:35), Lucy Jockisch SR (108, 19:12), Colleen O’Donnell SR (161, 19:56), Allyson Parks SO (187, 20:24), Rachel Ehrhardt JR, Irene Ehrhardt FR, Abby Miller JR, Rebecca Fori JR, Isabela Adams JR. Notes – This could be a team to watch from October on especially with Grace Breitbach their top runner for the Irish at last year’s state meet. She finished 12th last year and could be one of the top runners in the state. A foot injury has lingered since January. Breitbach has been brought along slowly and should be in great shape by October. Three other runners are back from the state along with a few fresh faces. Lucy Jockisch could be in the low 18-minute range this fall after having a good summer of training. Rachel Ehrhardt missed last season due to a hip injury. She is healthy for her junior season and should be in the top five. Her freshman sister Irene had an accomplished middle-school career. She will also be in the mix for the top five. A key of keeping the two through five-runner spread near 35 seconds would get this team back into the top 15. The question will be how close they can get that pack to Breitbach? “
24 River Forest Trinity 2016 Finish – 23rd 2A State Coach – Johann Gonzalez Top Runners – Bridget O’Bryan JR (92, 19:03), Hailey Hanson SR (93, 19:03), Emma Creviston SR (100, 19:05), Alyssa Jimenez SR (176, 20:08), Hannah Roberts JR (193, 20:32), Grace Brown SR (194, 20:33), Catherine Doyle JR (203, 20:47), Alexa Mendoza SR, Fatima Martinez SR Notes – This senior dominated team will look to improve on last year’s 23rd place state team. The team had only a two second split on their top three at Detweiller. The problem was that split started at 92nd place. Watch for the group move forward this fall. Bridget O’Bryan and Hailey Hansen along with Emma Creviston should lead this team. The spread on their top five was between 80 to 85 seconds last fall. That needs to move to near 65 seconds to see Trinity improve on last year’s state finish. With the Blazers most likely in the Chicago U-High Sectional, they are good bet to return to Peoria in November. “The 2016 XC season was the best season Trinity ever had in cross country,” said Coach Johann Gonzalez. “Having all our girls back this season, our approach is obviously to replicate what we experienced last year. We know that it's not going to be easy but the girls are focused on staying committed to their health and training. We have a long season ahead of us so we are focused on taking it all week by week. Long term goal is to get back to state and improve on results from last season.”
25 Woodstock 2016 Finish – 6th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Jay Fuller Top Runners – Kylie Hagmann JR (22, 17:49), Shannon Koscinski SO, Julia Walsdorf JR, Lauren Wietermann JR, Kayla Deegan SR, Abby Primus SR, Madeline Scolio JR, Sydnie Heidtke JR, Theresa Presisto FR. Notes – Woodstock just missed making it to state placing 6th in the ultra-tough Belvidere Sectional. Four of their top five runners are back. A search for someone to step into the fifth spot will be something to watch this fall. Kylie Hagmann had a great sophomore season finishing 22nd at Detweiller and then finishing sixth in the spring at 3200-meters. The possibility is good that she finishes 15th or higher at state. The split last season on the top five off Hagemann was around two minutes. A split of near 90 to 95 seconds would make the chances greater that this team could qualify as a team. Watch for a breakout sophomore season for Shannon Koscinski like the season that Hagemann had.
The Next 20
Chicago Payton Prep 2016 Finish – 17th 2A State Coach – Chris Lassaline Top Runners – Alana Chandler SR (55, 18:27), Ella Marden JR (114, 19:18), Catalina McLaughlin JR (171, 20:04), Lucia Roth SO (184, 20:20), Samantha Helffrich SR (196, 20:35), Dharma Seda-Gonzalez SR, Jamilah Maronde JR. Notes – A good bet to make it back to state especially being in the Chicago University Sectional. Five runners are back from last year’s 17th place finish. Alana Chandler will be the team’s top runner this season just like 2016 when she finished 55th. She should be near the top 30 this fall. Keeping the pack within 50 seconds of Chandler and then 50 seconds between the second through fifth runners could improve on last year’s state finish.
Mascoutah 2016 Finish – 22nd 2A State Coach – Darren Latham Top Runners – Arianna Climaco SO (105, 19:10), Kailee Chau JR (137, 19:30), Julia Kapp SO (179, 20:09), Bella Dixon SO (183, 20:19), Elizabeth Byington JR (199, 20:39), Natalie Hart SO, Camden Alexander SO, Madison Krieg JR, Eve Slago SO, Cameryn Hodges JR. Notes – It might be tough to repeat an appearance after finishing 22nd in 2016. Five of their top seven are back but the loss of #1 runner Melanie Cozzi and #4 runner Mackenzie Dixon could hurt. Sophomore Arianna Climaco looks to be the runner that will step into the top spot with Kailee Chau possibly 10 seconds behind. The split on five is projected to be near 65 seconds. Getting a 10 to 15 second improvement from each of their scorer’s closer to the front could get thein the area of improving on their state meet finish from a year ago.
Troy Triad 2016 Finish – 12th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Andy Brendel Top Runners – Maddie Keller SR, Madi Walter SR, Melissa Kafer JR, Alyssa Postma SO, Katie Chose SR, Emily Cronin SR, Sydney Hartoin FR, Alyssa Kowalski FR, Mya Bain SO, Erika Jestin SR. Notes – We could see some improvement from Triad this year as they try to improve on their 12th place sectional finish. An appearance at the state meet is a possibility. Maddie Keller and Madi Walter look to be the top two runners on this team. Sydney Hartonin was the SIJHSAA Middle-School State cross-country champion and could challenge for the top spot. Fellow freshman Alyssa Kowalski along with Melissa Kafer will challenge for positions in the top five. The potential of having a 55 second split on their first five is good. It is getting that group closer to the front that will be the key.
Normal Community West 2016 Finish – 7th 3A Edwardsville Sectional Coach – Chad Aubin Top Runners – Mara Smith JR (99, 18:20), Mackenzie Piazza JR, Olivia Bloyd SO, Asia Quizon-Colquitt SO, Tess Birlingmair JR, Mackenzie Alsop JR, Isabelle Zhao JR, Elizabeth Betancourt JR, Grace Magnuson SR. Notes – Normal West spent 2016 in 3A and came away with a 7th place finish at the Edwardsville Sectional. Now back in 2A for this year, six runners are back that ran in that sectional race. It is a team that I would keep an eye on this fall. Mara Smith ran 18:20 in last year’s 3A state race. That experience could translate into a top 30 finish in November. What could hurt the Wildcats is that their pack behind Smith may have a split of close to 100 seconds. They will need to cut that gap in half as well as staying within 45 seconds of Smith to have a chance of running in the state meet.
Rock Island 2016 Finish – 10th 3A Edwardsville Sectional Coach – Susanna Williams Top Runners – Jayla Hathorn SO, Dulce Perez JR, Jade Ford SR, Kayla Canning JR, Amber Haskill JR, Franchesca Owens SO, Amy Haskell JR, Aaliyah Smith SO. Notes – Another team that moves down to 2A. The Rocks finished 10th in last year’s 3A Edwardsville Sectional with six runners returning from that team. Dulce Perez ended up the year as the team’s second runner. She did run 18:43 in October at Detweiller Park. Along with Jayla Hathorn, that could give Rock Island a strong 1-2 up front. Their spread on five is projected to be close to three minutes. Getting that time down could get this team closer to qualifying for the state meet.
Normal University 2016 Finish – 8th 2A State Coach – Lester Hampton / John Neisler Top Runners – Tasha Schuckman SO (69, 18:48), Emmy Mussey JR (124, 19:24), Riley Madix SR (153, 19:48), Lauren Brown JR, Olivia Shouse JR, Lyndsey Wolters FR, Mya Kaeb FR, Mackie Madix FR, Ella Bittner FR, Anya Giordano FR, Madison Negele FR. Notes – It could be tough for the Pioneers to equal their 8th place finish from last year. Three runners graduated. They also lost #1 runner Katy Clausen who moved to Arizona with her family. Tasha Schuckman should step into the top spot. A good freshman class enters led by Lyndsey Wolters and Mya Kaeb could give U-High the boost that they need. This team may be in full stride by the time they get to October. There could be growing pains early on. “In our first year, we hope to be competitive in the Central State 8. There will be plenty more team competition than in the Corn Belt, but we hope to be fighting for a CS8 championship,” said John Neisler. “As always, we hope to return to the State meet and we’d like to continue our streak of Bloomington/Normal Intercity championships.”
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin 2016 Finish – 11th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Josh Bluhm Top Runners – Kayla DeCastro SO, Hannah van Houten SR, Grace McDonald SR, Lily Carstens SR, Mikayla Hady SO, Julia Curry JR, Grace Trello SR, Lily Thompson SO, Grace Trello SR, Lily Thompson SO. Notes – Sacred-Heart-Griffin could challenge for a top five finish in their sectional but will have to move their pack closer to the front. Their entire top seven is back from that sectional team led by Kayla DeCastro and Hannah van Houten. Their top five split in their conference meet was 87 seconds in their conference meet. It was 48 seconds at sectionals. Tightening a little on the split and their top seven improving by at least 25 seconds per runner, we could see SHG challenging for a state meet berth.
Crystal Lake South 2016 Finish – 11th 3A Waukegan Sectional Coach – Ken Greenfield Top Runners – McKenzie Aldridge SO, Emma Heuck JR, Megan Lyons SR, Olivia Beckwith JR, Kayla Ehranhaft SR, Chelsea Greene FR, Emma Murphy FR, Emily Jones SO, Laina Driver SO. Notes - The Gators move down to 2A after finishing 11th in the 3A Waukegan Sectional last year. It could be a year of rebuilding as only three runners from their lineup is back. Mackenzie Aldridge and Emma Heuck should be the top runners for South. Freshman Chelsea Greene could give this team a boost. “We worked on formalizing a process for how we want to do things more this summer than any before,” Coach Ken Greenfield said. “I guess my expectation is that we focus only as much as we need to on long-term stuff and really grab onto the day-to-day details of how we want to do things. Also, with Caitlin Bruzzini being gone, I can think of potentially 5-6 different girls who could be in our #1 spot on any given day.”
Rochelle 2016 Finish – 17th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – John Dobbs Top Runners – Katherine Bakken JR, Claire Plapp SR, Hannah Cruz SO, Brittany Baez SO, Anne Hickey JR, Morgan Baker SR, Rhylie Erdmann SR, Ashley Ramos SR, Abigail Wagner JR, Julissa Hernandez SO. Notes – All seven runners come back from last year’s team that will look to improve on their 17th place sectional finish. Katherine Bakken again will be the top runner for this team. She could be close to 90 seconds ahead of the rest of the team. The pack was within 30 seconds of each other. Getting closer to their front runner is a key for improvement.
Grayslake North 2016 Finish – 13th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach - Anthony DeStephano Top Runners – Kelli Tosic SO, Gabriella Coceicao SO, Madison Kulas SO, Kylie Stoneham SO, Leilani Akaleonu SO, Anahid Jerikian JR, Alexza Gallogo SO, Bella Latayan JR. Notes – Five runners are back from last year’s 13th place sectional team. Kelli Tosic could be a runner to watch. The sophomore ran 11:23.43 for 3200-meters last track season. She could help Grayslake North rise to the next level. North could get into the top ten of the Kaneland Sectional, but will need to get the pack behind Tosic to lower their split from 90 to 60 seconds.
Antioch 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Woodstock North Regional Coach – Chris Bailey Top Runners – Natalie Hill JR, Natalie Srarc SO, Jessica Lamberty SR, Tiana Fox SO, Allison Morris SR, Allison Kane SO, Samantha Wanke SO, Alexis Lind SR, Chloe Hampton FR, Izzy Mateja SR. Notes – Antioch missed qualifying for the Belvidere Sectional by one spot last year. Four runners return from that squad led by Natalie Hill. Newcomers Chloe Hampton and Izzy Mateja could help the Sequoits take that step from regionals to sectionals. “Our goal is to get better every day,” said Coach Chris Bailey. “We're going to be young and inexperienced, but we have a group of girls that are buying into running and training.”
LaSalle-Peru 2016 Finish – 9th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach – John Beatty Top Runners – Rachel Hickey SR (20, 17:48), Gabrielle Swain SR, Janelle Bernaridoni JR, Brea Sebastian SO, Jessica Riggs JR, Shelby Bickford JR, Maeya Ellis JR. Notes – Rachel Hickey raised her cross-country level up last fall as she earned all-state honors by finishing 20th. She could also take her team to a new level as four other returnees look to improve their ninth-place sectional finish. It could be tough to improve on that. The four-runner pack behind Hickey could have close to a three-minute spread. Closing the gap could mean grandiose things by the time LaSalle-Peru gets to the state series in mid-October.
Rockford Boylan Catholic 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Belvidere North Sectional Coach – Linda Schmitt Top Runners – Grace McLaughlin SR (3, 17:10), Lily Johnston SR, Lindsey Zimmerman SR, Lauren Kelly JR, Julianne Mace SO, Emily Horgan SR, Jane Ressor SR, Anne Sweeney SO, Abigail Wiegert JR, Kelsey Hughes SR. Notes – Boylan will miss Delaney Appino who finished second in the 2A race at state. It is nice to have the third-place finisher Grace McLaughlin back. McLaughlin had a great track season winning the 3200 and 1600 Meter Runs in the 2A state meet. She followed that up being All-American in two events at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals. The team improved over the summer led by Lily Johnston. They will start with one point in every meet with McLaughlin. It is running a tight pack behind their state champion and get that pack a little bit closer in every race this season. “Our team goal will continue to be to crack the top 5 and qualify for State. The improvements in our off-season training will hopefully help us achieve that goal,” said Coach Linda Schmitt.
Galesburg 2016 Finish – 11th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach – Jody Chapman Top Runners – Kaitlyn Pendergast JR (35, 18:03), Lexi Herr SR, Emma St. George SO, Grace Palmer SO, Emma Hawkinson SO, Chelsea Stevenson SO. Notes – Kaitlyn Pendergast qualified individually for state finishing 35th in Peoria. She could crack the top 25 this fall. It would be better to have teammates around her on the starting line. Five other runners with sectional experience could help the Silver Streaks improve on their 11th place finish. Lexi Herr and Emma St. George give Galesburg a strong 2-3 behind Pendergast. The split on their top five in the sectional race was over four minutes. Improvement on that will be a priority especially if they want to break into the sectional top five.
Mattoon 2016 Finish – 6th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Troy Haacke Top Runners – Caley Lane SR, Quincy Collings SO, Mickenzie Schofield SO, Anna Prior SO, Delaney Kimberlin SR, Chaselyn Humes SO, Alli Feager SR. Notes – The Green Wave just missed making the state meet finishing sixth in their sectional at Decatur. It could be tough to improve or duplicate that with only four of their top seven coming back. Quincy Collings and Caley Lane should be the top runners for Mattoon.
Urbana University 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Doug Mynatt Top Runners – Arielle Summitt SR (39, 18:07), Anika Kimme JR, Angie Shaw SR, Chloe Pollack-Muskin SR, Erin Minor SO, Ella Kirwan SO, Faizah Rauther SO, Emi Loucks SO. Danbi Choi FR, Rani Ramrattan FR. Notes – This will be the final year that U-High is punished by the IHSA “Success-factor” and be in 2A. It will be back to 1A in 2018. The Illineks have five returning led by two-time 1A 800-meters champion Arielle Summitt. She did not have the best cross-country season finishing 39th. She backed off summer track to focus on this fall. That should pay off. Annika Kimme is a strong #2 runner that could be within 45 seconds of Summitt this fall. There is a talented group behind these two that could improve this year with their sights on 2018. “For us to be successful as a team, we’ll need more than ever to have a nice, tight pack to back up Arielle and Anika to keep those team scores low,” Coach Doug Mynatt said. We need team leaders to step forward to help that process. Competing so often with teams like SJO, Unity, Monticello, we’ll see challenges all season long. I expect us to be strong through our regular meet schedule and into the state series, where we’ll spend another year in 2A, and I see us getting through to sectionals again as a team and sending individuals to state.”
Darien Hinsdale South 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Hinsdale South Regional Coach – Gail Huster Top Runners – Neha Chinwalla SR (121, 19:22), Patrice Trzupek SO, Emma Ririe SR, Kiki Twardosz SR, Shaylynn Aver JR, Elizabeth Lowery SR, Rebecca Lowery SR. Notes – All seven runners are back from their 2016 team that just missed making the sectional meet by placing seventh. The experience that they had last year should get the Hornets into the top ten of their sectional. Neha Chinwalla qualified individually for state and will again be the team’s leader.
Carbondale 2016 Finish – 13th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Greg Storm Top Runners – Alexus Green SR, Sage Nelson JR, Rose Kippenbrock SO, Audrey Meador SO, Claire Kippenbrock SR, Kara Holub FR, Madeline Prideaux FR. Notes – The Terriers return five runners from last year’s 13th place sectional team. Getting into the top ten this fall is a good bet. Alextus Green qualified at 1600-meters for state. That could be a stepping stone to a great cross-country season. A good summer of training will give this team a boost. Freshmen Kara Holub and Madeline Prideaux should challenge for top five spots. The numbers are low on their roster so staying healthy is a must. “The expectations for the team is to be conference champs this year (placed 2nd behind Mt. Vernon last year) and hope to crack the top 8 @ sectionals,” said Greg Storm. “We have a solid top 5, but our lack of depth may determine how we do in the post season meets.”
Jacksonville 2016 Finish – 15th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional] Coach - Breck Van Bebber Top Runners – Morgan Suttles SR, Abby Schumacher SO, Sydney Eckstein SR, Jaelyn Whitaker JR, Hannah Pool SO, Bethany Pohlman JR, Ashley Drake SO, Cierra Aherin SO, Jaelin Evans SO. Notes – A top ten finish is possible for Jacksonville with all seven runners back from their 15th place sectional team. Morgan Suttles was their top runner last year and was ahead of the pack by more than a minute for most of Jacksonville’s meet. Her time dropped under 19:30 at the sectional. She could be in the mid- 18:30’s by the time this season ends. A pack of 30 seconds or under behind Suttles could mean good things for Jacksonville this fall.
Deerfield 2016 Finish – 18th 3A Waukegan Sectional Coach – Jeff Beaumont Top Runners – Kelley Osborn SR, Izzy Kantor SR, Gabi Martinez JR, Hailey Abramovitch SO, Rebecca Worth SR, Molly Segall SR, Adrianna Coman JR, Maddi Turner SO, Lauren Goldsmith JR, Audrey Mertes SR. Notes – Deerfield steps down to 2A this season. Last year ended with an 18th place finish at the 3A Waukegan Sectional. This could be a different season for the Warriors. The last time that Deerfield was in 2A, they were placed in the Chicago University Sectional. If they are placed in that sectional, this team could make it to state. Six runners are back from last year’s team led by Kelley Osborn. Keeping their five-runner split near 90 seconds could get them to state if they are at U-High. If they are moved into the Kaneland Sectional, that could be another story.
Teams to Watch (In Alphabetical Order)
Burlington Central 2016 Finish – 9th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Vince Neil Top Runners – Chloe Bilyk SR, Natalia Rodriguez JR, Emily Stark SO, Lauren leegard SO, Annalise Daniels FR, Jocelyn Victoria FR, Brooke Barkocy FR, Elizabeth Mckay FR. Notes – It could be a rebuilding for the Rockets as Burlington Central lost their top two runners to graduation from last year’s ninth-place sectional team. There are no “front-runners” on this team. Watch for some pack running from this squad led by Chloe Bilyk. A good freshman class coming in led by Annalise Daniels will give this team depth. “Pack running this year will be the key to our success. If we can run together as a group we can be very competitive this fall,” Coach Vince Neil said. “We have quality leadership in Chloe Bilyk and the girls joining the team this season are excited to be competitive. I am really looking forward to working with this group of young ladies.”
Chicago Solorio Academy 2016 Finish – 10th 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Jason Beer Top Runners – Kaylan Esteban SO, Mariah Torres SR, Ruth Garcia SR, Teresa Dominguez JR, Ana Garcia JR, Giselle Tena JR, Ivette Comacho JR. Notes – We could see this squad move up the sectional rankings. This program continues to improve year-to-year. Kaylan Esteban leads six runners back from their 10th place sectional team. Their five-runner split was close to two minutes last season. A split of under 90 seconds on the five scorers could get Solorio closer to a state meet berth. “We simply expect to be better than we were last year,” Coach Jason Beer said. “We have been working to close the gap at sectionals between us and the 5th advancing team. In 2015, we were over 100 points behind, last year we were 50 points behind. Obviously, we want to have no regrets at the end of the year. between now and then if we do everything we can do to improve, then we can be content with where we end up.”
Chicago Heights Marian Catholic 2016 Finish – 9th 2A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Tim Sovereign Top Runners – Samantha Barrett SO (54, 18:25), Grace Rado SO, Giselle Smith SR, Lisette Kelly SR, Natalia Pinto JR, Evelyn Santillon JR, Rosali Sorrentino JR. Notes – Samantha Barrett again will be the key runner for Marian Catholic as they try to improve their ninth-place sectional finisher. Barrett could be in the top 30 this fall having finished 54th last year. The pack was two minutes behind Barrett and then another two minutes within the next four. Improvement in cutting both times down could help Marian Catholic improve on their sectional finish from a year ago.
Crete-Monee 2016 Finish – 16th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach – Lisa Werner Top Runners – Amy Mayhill SR, Kaitlyn Bruns JR, Bresis Nathan JR, Zoe Koehl SO, Felicities Arce SO, Julianna Cox JR, Maggie Guerra JR. Notes – The Warriors return all their top seven from last year’s 16th place sectional finish. Amy Mayhill will lead a team that will need to cut their split on five from three minutes down to 90 seconds to finish in the top 12 in the sectional.
Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge 2016 Finish – 16th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Kelly MacDonald Top Runners – Chloe Gale JR, Madeline Carey JR, Kathryn Ferguson SR, McKayla Law SR, Delaney Minutillo JR, Nicole Dorn JR, Michaela Pieroni JR. Notes – Six runners return form the Wolves 16th place finish at their sectional meet. Chloe Gale and Madeline Carey were the only two runners on the team that were under 20 minutes in the sectional race. A top five split under two minutes could move the team up a little in this tough sectional. It was over three minutes last year.
Freeport 2016 Finish – 18th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Alan Greene Top Runners – Gabby Rodriguez JR, Claire Giuffre SO, Cassie Hood SR, Sophia Wilks JR, Jenny Lincoln JR, Farah Tolu-Honory SO, Allie Kundert SR. Notes – This is a team to keep an eye on in 2018. Out of the runners projected in the top seven, five should be underclassmen. Gabby Rodriguez again will lead this team with a chance to qualify for state individually. The group behind Rodriguez needs to be 100-seconds of each other for this team to move up in the sectional rankings.
Geneseo 2016 Finish – 12th 2A Metamora Sectional Coach - Kelley Timmerman Top Runners – Anna Gerten SO, Lauren Belvel SO, Claire Hall SO, Anna Pierce SO, Julia Poel JR, Veronica Eilers SR, Adia Raya JR. Notes – It will be interesting to see how this team improves as the season goes on. The top four runners were freshmen as the Maple Leafs finished 12th at their sectional. Led by Anna Gerten and Lauren Belvel, some tight pack running could move them into the top ten. “My goal for each athlete on our team is that they practice and compete to their fullest ability, whether it be a 9:00 min mile or a 5:00 min mile,” said Coach Kelley Timmerman said. “They give their all in each day. I'm hoping that we can move up the chain higher for conference NIIB 12 (6th last year). We have a lot of power house schools in our conference (Yorkville and Kaneland) but I feel our athletes have what it takes to place higher than 6th this year.”
Glen Ellyn Glenbard South 2016 Finish – 24th 2A State Coach – Mark Tacchi Top Runners – Ava Childs SR (68, 18:47), Julia Clingen JR (197, 20:35), Katie King SR (202, 20:45), Gisella Hagedorn JR (206, 21:21), Ellie Stewart FR, Emma Johnson SR, Allison Salt SO. Notes – Glenbard South lost three of their top five from their state team that finished 24th overall. This team could start out slow and build to be ready to go by the time of the state series. Ava Childs and Katie King will lead the team up front with Julia Clingen. Freshman Ellie Stewart could pop into the top five. “After losing 3 of the Top 5 we’ve had to make some adjustments to our goals,” Mark Tacchi said. “Our expectations for the girls don’t change. We expect to have a team of dedicated athletes who work extremely hard to improve. As a Team, we want to make it to Sectionals to have a shot at the State Meet.”
Highland 2016 Finish – 8th 2A Decatur MacArthur Sectional Coach – Doug Bradley Top Runners – Samantha Hengehold SO, Brittney Nigh SR, Lexy Gilliam JR, Lily Becker JR, Sarah Kompwerth JR, Katie Marti JR, Breann Wernle SR, Jessica Borror FR. Notes – A team to keep an eye on this year, Samantha Hengehold finished 13th at their sectional just missing qualifying individual for state. Katie Marti could be one of their top runners after missing last year due to a torn ACL. Breann Wernle did not run last year but returns. She could be an asset. The key is getting the pack behind Hengehold under 60 seconds. That is a god possibility. “Health will continue to be one of our biggest issues,” said Doug Bradley. “The depth isn’t there to overcome losses like we had last year so if we stay healthy, the returning runners pick up where they left off, and the freshmen develop into challengers for the top seven positions, this team has the ability to compete for the conference, regional, and sectional titles.”
LaGrange Park Nazareth Academy 2016 Finish – 11th 3A Wheaton Academy Sectional Coach – Joe Wejman Top Runners – Julia Olander SO, Mia Longo SR, Melissa Harris SO, Ailee Hogan SO, Sofia Moreno SO, Abby Mackinnon JR, Abby Hasek JR. Notes – The Roadrunners will look to get into the top half of the Wheaton Academy Sectional. They finished 11th last year and return four from that team led by Julia Olander. This team could move up if they get a solid fifth runner from their returnees or their incoming freshman class.
Rock Island Alleman 2016 Finish – 7th 2A Galesburg Regional Coach – Scott Stoll Top Runners – Addie Pulley SR, Anna Darrow JR, Emma Beardsley JR, Annalise Connolly SR, Jazmine Sierra SR, Grace Moore SO, Alyssa Vanezuella SR, Alexandra Cajigal JR Notes – The Pioneers just missed sectionals by three points. That should not happen this season. They have a solid first three with Addie Pulley, Anna Darrow, and Emma Beardsley. Alexandra Caigal is running this fall for the first time after qualifying for state in track at 3200-meters. This team could be a surprise this year. Watch for them in October.
Sterling 2016 Finish – 15th 2A Belvidere Sectional Coach – Tyler Gaumer Top Runners – Madilyn Barnhart SO, Madisyn Nicklaus SO, Erin Long SR, Madison Bland SO, Aaliyah Gaffey SO, Mika Martinez FR. Notes – Four runners are back from Sterling’s 15th place sectional team. Madilyn Barnhart should be a part of the front pack. Mika Martinez, a freshman, could be a surprise in the top five. “We will be placing a premium on "the pack" this year because we will not have true number 1,” said Tyler Gaumer. “Our girls have embraced the challenge and are very determined to pick up where our tradition has left us. Expectations are to all ways compete in all ways.”
2016 Finish – 7th 2A Burlington Central Regional Coach – Jeff Helberg Top Runners – Morgan Thompson SO, Abigail McHugh JR, Dakota Thompson JR, Alma Lily Sanchez JR, Olivia Kuch JR, Kaely Pikel SO. Notes – Four runners are back led by Morgan Thompson. Wauconda finished seventh missing sectionals by one place. Olivia Kuch and Katly Pikel are newcomers to cross-country and could contribute to the top five. “We only graduated one girl from last year so we will have added many talented girls,” Jeff Helberg said. “We still have 4 of our Top 5 runners returning so we are expecting a Top half finish in the Northern Lake County Conference. Along with that qualifying for sectionals as a team is a real possibility and if that does not happen then I would expect at least 3 or 4 sectional individual qualifiers.” More news |
